Integrated Catheter Assembly Single-Entry Dialysis Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dialysis procedures for patients with kidney or renal system failure are uncomfortable and painful due to the need for multiple needle insertions and prolonged treatment times, leading to increased discomfort and potential infection risks.
Innovation Solution
An integrated catheter assembly with a retractable needle and improved tubing management features, allowing for a single point of entry and reduced needle insertions, which decreases procedure time and discomfort while enhancing safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple needle insertions are performed for dialysis access, then blood flow can be established for dialysis treatment, but patient discomfort and pain increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple needle functions into a single integrated catheter assembly. The device integrates a needle, outer lumen, and inner lumen into one unit that can be inserted through a single puncture site, eliminating the need for separate needle insertions for each dialysis access point while maintaining reliable blood flow establishment.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated catheter assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: the needle provides initial access, the outer lumen establishes the primary blood flow pathway, and the inner lumen provides a secondary pathway or support structure. This multi-functional design achieves reliable dialysis access through a single insertion event.
2Reliability
If multiple needle insertions and tape applications are performed, then dialysis access is secured, but procedure time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines catheter insertion and securing functions into a single integrated device. The catheter assembly includes built-in features for both access establishment and securing, eliminating the need for separate tape application steps and multiple manipulation actions, thereby reducing overall procedure time while maintaining secure catheter placement.
3Reliability
If multiple needle insertions are performed, then dialysis access is established, but infection risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple access-establishment functions into a single sterile catheter assembly that is inserted through one puncture site. This reduces the number of times the skin barrier is breached and minimizes exposure to potential contaminants, thereby lowering infection risk while maintaining reliable dialysis access.
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional catheter devices are used with separate components, then flexibility in configuration is achieved, but device complexity and confusion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate catheter components (needle, outer lumen, inner lumen) into a single pre-assembled integrated unit. This integration maintains the functional flexibility and adaptability of traditional multi-component systems while eliminating the complexity of assembly and configuration, reducing confusion during insertion and use.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated catheter assembly includes a housing member, an outer lumen member extending from the housing member, and a needle member having a needle slidably or movably coupled to the housing member, wherein the needle can be extended beyond the outer lumen. Once a flash of blood is confirmed the needle member is uncoupled from the housing member and removed from within the patient's vein or artery. A non-removable inner lumen member is connected to the housing member. The distal end of the outer lumen is sealed against the distal end of the inner lumen and includes at having at least one aperture to transfer blood out of the patient to the dialysis machine. The integrated catheter assembly therefore receives and delivers blood through a single injection site.