Integrated Catheter Insertion With Locking Needle-Tip Safety Cap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catheter insertion devices lack a unified mechanism for needle insertion, guidewire advancement, and catheter deployment, often requiring separate tools and posing safety risks due to exposed needle tips.
Innovation Solution
A single catheter insertion tool integrating needle insertion, guidewire advancement, and catheter deployment, featuring a safety cap that locks over the needle tip to prevent exposure, and a sliding mechanism for safe handling and efficient catheter advancement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If separate tools are used for needle insertion, guidewire advancement, and catheter deployment, then each function can be performed with specialized equipment, but the overall procedure becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines needle insertion, guidewire advancement, and catheter deployment functions into a single integrated catheter insertion device. The housing contains all three components (needle, guidewire, catheter) and their respective actuation mechanisms, allowing the operator to perform the entire procedure with one device rather than multiple separate tools, thereby improving productivity while managing complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter insertion device is designed as a multi-functional tool that can perform needle insertion, guidewire advancement, and catheter deployment within a single housing. This universal design allows one device to replace multiple specialized tools, reducing the number of tool changes and procedural steps required during the medical procedure.
2Ease of operation
If the needle tip remains exposed for guidewire advancement, then guidewire insertion can be performed, but the risk of needle stick injuries increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a safety shield as an intermediary component between the needle and the operator's hand. The shield can be positioned to cover the needle tip during guidewire advancement, allowing the procedure to continue while protecting against accidental needle sticks. This intermediary structure enables both guidewire insertion and safety without requiring the needle to remain permanently exposed.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety shield is designed to be dynamically adjustable during the procedure. It can be repositioned or removed temporarily when guidewire advancement is needed, then repositioned to protect the needle tip afterward. This dynamic behavior allows the system to adapt between different operational states (exposed for advancement, covered for safety) without compromising either function.
3Strength
If the housing structure is made rigid for stability, then structural integrity is maintained, but the ability to release components for catheter deployment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into multiple portions (first housing portion and second housing portion) that can be selectively separated. The first portion contains the needle and remains attached to the handle, while the second portion containing the catheter can be released and removed. This segmentation allows the housing to maintain structural integrity during insertion while enabling controlled disassembly for catheter deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing portions are pre-configured with engagement features (protrusions and recesses) that allow for controlled separation at predetermined points. This preliminary design of the release mechanism ensures that the housing maintains its strength during the insertion phase while automatically enabling component release when deployment is required, without requiring complex additional mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool for inserting a catheter into a body of a patient is provided. The tool comprises: a housing in which at least a portion of the catheter is initially disposed; a needle distally extending from the housing, at least a portion of the catheter disposed over the needle; a guidewire initially disposed within the needle partially; and an advancement assembly for distally advancing the catheter. The housing comprises: a first portion comprising a distal part and a proximal part; and a second portion engaged with the first portion, wherein the distal part of the first portion is configured to be able to distally slide with respect to the second portion to release the engagement between the first portion and the second portion. The advancement assembly includes a safety cap which is initially disposed over the needle and is configured to be locked to the housing when distally sliding to a position of isolating the tip of the needle within the safety cap.