Infusion Catheter Immobilization via Segmented Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current catheter systems for delivering therapeutic agents to the brain face challenges such as inadequate immobilization, complex removal procedures, and potential for externalized components to be subject to movement and contamination, especially for short-term therapies, which can lead to unsatisfactory results and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
The development of an implantable catheter with a tubular core and tip structure, surrounded by an elastomeric jacket and strengthened with braided members, which provides enhanced stability and minimizes the need for external anchoring and surgical removal, while allowing for efficient delivery of therapeutic agents through a continuous lumen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional catheters are used for short-term therapy, then the catheter can be removed after therapy completion, but the removal requires a surgical procedure which increases cost and patient apprehension
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is divided into two distinct segments: a reusable implanted portion with anchoring features and a disposable external portion. The implanted portion includes an anchor device with arms that engage the skull bone, while the external portion can be detached and discarded after use. This segmentation allows the implanted portion to remain permanently secured while the external portion is easily removed without surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The external portion of the catheter is designed as a disposable component that is discarded after a single use or short-term therapy. This eliminates the need for complex removal procedures for the external portion, as it is simply detached and discarded. The reusable implanted portion retains the anchoring mechanism for long-term security.
2Ease of operation
If the catheter is externalized for short-term therapy, then access is easier, but the externalized components are subject to movement from external forces and potential contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter design nests the external portion within a protective housing or connector assembly that provides strain relief and minimizes movement. The external catheter connects to the implanted portion through a secure interface that is protected from external forces, effectively nesting the vulnerable connection point within a protective structure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional anchoring devices are used to secure the catheter, then the catheter is immobilized, but the anchoring may cause occlusion of small diameter catheters
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring features are localized to specific regions of the catheter rather than affecting the entire catheter structure. The anchor arms are positioned at the distal end of the implanted portion, away from the small diameter lumen area. This local placement provides immobilization without compromising the patency of the catheter lumen.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchoring mechanism operates in a different spatial dimension than the catheter lumen. The anchor arms extend radially outward from the catheter body to engage the skull bone, while the catheter lumen maintains its original diameter and orientation for fluid flow. This dimensional separation allows anchoring without occlusion.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A catheter for use with a medical infusion or other fluid system. The catheter may include a flexible elongate tubular core that is resistant to radial collapse. In some embodiments, a separate tubular tip member may be provided to form the catheter distal tip. The catheter may also further include a flexible, e.g., elastomeric, jacket that surrounds at least a portion of the tubular core and the tip member. The jacket may have a radial compliance that is greater than that of the tubular core. The jacket may further define an outer diameter that is about 4 to about 6 times greater than an outer diameter of the core.