Infusion Switching Device with Internal Valve Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current in-home infusion therapies face challenges with poor sterility, adulteration, and incorrect sequence of drug delivery due to manual switching of tubes and connectors, which can be cumbersome and risky, especially for patients with limited dexterity.
Innovation Solution
A single infusion switching device with an internal valve assembly allows for simple hand operation, enabling selective manipulation to initiate infusions from multiple fluid reservoirs to a delivery site, reducing the risk of error and contamination by allowing a single connection and sequential administration of medications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual switching of tubes and connectors is used for each infused product, then flexibility in administering different medications is achieved, but sterility is compromised and risk of adulteration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple medication administration functions into a single sterile hub device. Multiple ports allow different medications to be connected simultaneously, and a single valve assembly controls all infusions, eliminating the need for repeated connection/disconnection of tubes and connectors. This maintains sterility while providing flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The sterile hub acts as an intermediary device between the medications and the patient's IV line. It provides a centralized connection point where multiple medications can be prepared and connected in a controlled manner, then switched using a valve assembly, reducing the need for direct manual manipulation of connectors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual switching of tubes and connectors is used for each infused product, then different medications can be administered, but the procedure becomes tedious and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple medication delivery pathways into a single integrated hub with a centralized valve assembly. Instead of requiring separate connection procedures for each medication, all medications are connected to the hub once, and switching is accomplished through a single valve mechanism, greatly simplifying the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sterile hub serves multiple functions: it acts as a connection point for multiple medications, a sterilization barrier, and a control station for the valve assembly. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate devices or procedures for each medication administration step.
3Reliability
If connection devices must be sterilized and connected between each product, then contamination risk is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hub is pre-sterilized and prepared before use, establishing a sterile barrier in advance. Medications are connected to the hub in a controlled setup phase, and then the valve assembly handles all subsequent switching without requiring additional sterilization steps, making operation easier while maintaining contamination prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The sterile hub serves as an intermediary that maintains the sterile field. Once medications are connected to the hub under sterile conditions, the hub itself acts as the sterile barrier for all subsequent operations, eliminating the need for repeated sterilization while keeping the procedure simple.
4Reliability
If multiple connection steps are required for each medication, then sterility can be maintained, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
All medication connections are established in advance to the sterile hub during an initial setup phase. The valve assembly is pre-configured to control flow from each port. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for time-consuming connection and disconnection steps during medication administration, while the hub maintains sterility throughout.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly enables continuous control of medication flow without interruption. Once medications are connected to the hub, the valve can switch between them seamlessly without requiring disconnection or reconnection, maintaining both sterility and continuity of infusion, thereby saving time.
Data Source
AI summary
An infusion assembly is provided having a first outlet conduit adapted to be in fluid communication with a delivery site of a patient. The assembly further includes at least first and second fluid inlet conduits adapted to be in fluid communication with at least a first and second fluid reservoir, and an infusion switching device, including a housing and an internal valve assembly. The internal valve assembly is adapted for selective manipulation by a patient or caregiver. The valve assembly includes an off-setting, and first infusion setting, for initiating an infusion of a first fluid from a first fluid reservoir to a delivery site, and a second infusion setting for initiating an infusion of a second fluid from a second fluid reservoir to a delivery site.