Integrated Slitting Tool for Hemostasis Valve Catheter Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing catheter and sheath removal processes are complicated due to the need for separate slitting tools that require alignment and securing, leading to unnecessary complexity.

Innovation Solution

A hemostasis valve with an integrated or coupled slitting tool featuring a conical barrel and radially extending blades, which automatically aligns with the medical device and facilitates the splitting of the tubular body, reducing the complexity of the removal process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If separate dedicated slitting/splitting tools are used, then the tubular body can be split effectively, but the procedure becomes unnecessarily complicated requiring alignment and securing steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of tubular body removalVSAvoidcomplexity of slitting procedure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The slitting/splitting tool is merged with the hemostasis valve into a single integrated assembly. The tool is coupled to the hemostasis valve via chemical, sonic, laser, or heat welding, or through a mechanical coupling arrangement, eliminating the need for separate tools and reducing procedural steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hemostasis valve assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides hemostasis control and simultaneously performs the slitting/splitting function through the integrated tool with radially outward extending blades, making the system multi-functional and reducing the number of separate devices needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If separate slitting/splitting tools are used, then the tubular body can be split, but additional tools and alignment steps are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of tubular body removalVSAvoidtime for alignment and securing

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The slitting/splitting function is combined with the hemostasis valve into a single integrated assembly, eliminating the need for separate tools and reducing procedural steps including alignment and securing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The slitting/splitting tool is pre-integrated with the hemostasis valve before the procedure begins. The blades are positioned in advance to automatically engage and split the tubular body as it is withdrawn, eliminating the need for time-consuming alignment steps during the procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If separate slitting/splitting tools are used, then the tubular body can be split, but the procedure requires multiple separate devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of removal processVSAvoidnumber of separate tools

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS7632254B1Device for splitting the tubular body of a catheter or sheath

Publication Date: 2009.12.15 PACESETTER INC

AI summary

The present invention is a tool coupled to a hemostasis valve and adapted to slit/split a tubular body of a catheter or sheath to facilitate the removal of the tubular body from about a medical device extending through the hemostasis valve and tubular body. The tool comprises a conical barrel portion supporting one or more radially outward extending blades. The tool also comprises a stabilizing component for preventing displacement between the tool and medical device when the tubular body is being removed from about the medical device.