In-line Dual Reservoir Access Port for Minimizing Incision Length
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dual reservoir vascular access ports require longer incisions for implantation due to their side-by-side reservoir arrangement, leading to increased healing time and potential complications, and often cannot perform dual functions like medication infusion and blood withdrawal simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A dual prong outlet stem design with in-line fluid reservoirs and a puncture shield, allowing for a smaller incision size and improved aesthetics, enabling efficient fluid pathways and preventing needle puncture through the shield, facilitating simultaneous infusion and withdrawal functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional dual reservoir access ports use side-by-side reservoir arrangement, then both reservoirs can be accommodated, but the incision size must be longer and healing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a side-by-side horizontal arrangement to an in-line vertical arrangement of reservoirs along the outlet stem. This dimensional reconfiguration allows both reservoirs to be positioned sequentially along the length of the outlet stem rather than requiring simultaneous horizontal space, thereby reducing the required incision length while maintaining dual reservoir functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions one reservoir within or adjacent to the outlet stem structure itself, effectively nesting the reservoir within the existing device architecture. This eliminates the need for separate side-by-side placement and reduces the overall footprint requiring incision access.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional dual reservoir access ports use side-by-side arrangement, then dual functions can be provided, but the overall device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges reservoirs in-line along the longitudinal axis of the outlet stem, utilizing the length dimension rather than expanding the width or height. This maintains dual function capability while minimizing the lateral footprint of the device.
3Device complexity
If conventional access ports use single reservoir design, then device complexity is reduced, but dual functions like infusion and blood withdrawal cannot be performed simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fluid storage function into two separate reservoirs, each dedicated to specific functions (e.g., one for infusion, one for blood withdrawal). This segmentation allows simultaneous independent access to both functions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the dual reservoir system where each reservoir can serve specific functions, and the system as a whole provides multiple capabilities (infusion, blood withdrawal, flushing) that a single reservoir cannot simultaneously perform.
4Quantity of substance
If conventional dual reservoir ports place outlet stem between reservoirs, then fluid pathways are established, but the reservoirs must be spaced far apart increasing size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions reservoirs in-line along the outlet stem, utilizing the longitudinal dimension for fluid pathways rather than requiring lateral spacing. This allows efficient fluid communication while minimizing the distance between reservoirs and the outlet stem.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4A~9B
AI summary
A dual reservoir access port includes a base having proximal and distal fluid reservoirs. The fluid reservoirs each comprise a bottom and a side wall. A dual prong outlet stem projects from a distal end of the base and comprises a first prong and a second prong. A first fluid channel extends through the first prong to the distal reservoir, and a second fluid channel extends through the second prong to the proximal fluid reservoir. A puncture shield is disposed between at least a portion of the second fluid channel and the bottom of the distal fluid reservoir. A needle-penetrable septum is disposed atop of each of the fluid reservoirs. A cap is placed over and around the port base compressing and sealing the septa against the base. A locking collar may be placed over a dual lumen catheter to lock the catheter to the dual prong outlet stem.