Interchangeable Lockable Catheter Cap Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current PICC lines are fixed in design, leading to complications such as infections, thrombotic occlusions, and accidental removal, with a bulky structure that increases the risk of bacterial colonization and requires repeated procedures due to inflexible lumen configurations, which is inconvenient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile, tamper-resistant and tamper-evident interchangeable lockable catheter system that allows for modulation of lumen numbers and secure closure, reducing accessibility and infection risk, featuring a two-piece design with a cap that locks onto a junction hub, providing a compact and antiseptic solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional PICC lines use a fixed one-piece design with multiple lumens, then the device provides continuous IV access, but the bulky structure increases the risk of bacterial colonization and device-related infections
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter system is divided into separate components: a base unit with the catheter insertion site and removable caps that can be detached and replaced. This segmentation allows the bulky portion to be minimized at the insertion site while maintaining access functionality through interchangeable caps.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap component is extracted as a separate removable element from the main catheter body. This allows the cap to be removed for access and replaced when contaminated or compromised, separating the protective function from the access function and reducing the permanent bulk at the insertion site.
2Device complexity
If traditional PICC lines use fixed lumen configurations, then the device structure is simplified, but repeated catheter placement procedures are required when lumen needs change, increasing cost and patient risk
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter system transitions from a fixed lumen configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable system where caps can be removed and replaced to add or remove lumens as needed. This allows the functional configuration to change without requiring surgical reinsertion of the catheter itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The base catheter unit is designed with universal compatibility to accept different cap configurations. A single catheter insertion can support multiple lumen arrangements by simply changing the caps, making the system adaptable to different clinical needs without requiring multiple catheter placements.
3Reliability
If traditional PICC lines use large caps to seal lumens, then the lumens are effectively closed, but the large surface area increases the probability of contact with harmful bacteria and accidental removal
Solution Approach 1:
The caps are designed as disposable or replaceable components with a limited service life. When caps show signs of contamination, damage, or wear, they are discarded and replaced with new ones, ensuring continuous protection without accumulating high-risk components at the insertion site.
Solution Approach 2:
Used or compromised caps are discarded and replaced with fresh ones. The base catheter unit is retained and reused, while only the external cap components are periodically replaced to maintain hygiene and functionality, reducing the persistent presence of potentially contaminated materials.
4Ease of operation
If traditional PICC lines use bulky junction hubs with multiple lumens, then all lumens are accessible, but the device is more accessible to patients for intentional or accidental removal
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the secure base unit (sutured to patient) from the accessible cap components. The base remains firmly attached while the caps can be easily removed and replaced by authorized personnel, providing controlled accessibility without compromising the security of the catheter insertion itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The caps serve as an intermediary layer between the patient and the lumens. They provide the necessary access control mechanism, allowing lumens to be opened or closed as needed while preventing direct patient access to the catheter system, thus maintaining security while enabling operational flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a novel interchangeable lockable catheter having a cap, the cap locking onto a junction hub or base, and encasing at least one lumen proximally to the junction hub of a multi-lumen catheter, PICC line and the like. The interchangeable lockable catheter's cap and base may be made of more than one piece, and provide a locking mechanism sufficient to deter tampering, while providing a low profile, comfortable, sanitary, and efficient means of closing off lumens for patients leaving the treatment area.