Interfacing Device for Puncturable Flask with Sealed Cannula
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interfacing devices for connecting fluid injection instruments with puncturable flasks are complex, costly, and inefficient in preventing contamination and aerosolization during the preparation of aggressive cancer treatment fluids, posing risks to healthcare personnel and the preparation environment.
Innovation Solution
A simplified interfacing device with a base, attachment means, and a variable-volume reservoir that forms a closed system with the flask, using a cannula and needle to manage air and fluid exchange, reducing the need for filters and valves, and incorporating a protective member to limit contamination risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a needle is used to puncture the elastomeric membrane of the flask, then fluid injection is enabled, but air enters the flask causing aerosolization and contamination risks
Solution Approach 1:
A cannula is introduced as an intermediary component between the needle and the flask membrane. The needle punctures the membrane while the cannula remains outside, creating a sealed interface that prevents air ingress and aerosolization during fluid injection and withdrawal operations
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful function of the needle (creating open pathways for air and aerosols) is separated from the useful function (fluid injection). The needle is used only for initial membrane puncture, while the cannula handles subsequent sealed fluid operations, extracting the contamination risk from the main operational phase
2Object-affected harmful factors
If filters and valves are added to prevent contamination, then safety is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cannula-valve assembly performs self-sealing through its mechanical design. The valve automatically opens to allow fluid flow when the cannula is inserted and closes automatically when removed, eliminating the need for external control mechanisms while maintaining contamination prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The cannula assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as a sealed interface, a valve mechanism, and a protective barrier against aerosolization. This multi-functionality replaces what would otherwise require separate filters, valves, and protective components
3Object-affected harmful factors
If thick gloves and enclosed work areas are used, then personnel safety is improved, but operational ease and accessibility decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses a disposable cannula-valve assembly that is discarded after single use. This eliminates the need for complex cleaning and sterilization procedures, making operations simpler even when personnel wear protective equipment
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns an interfacing device (1) intended to connect a fluid injection instrument and a puncturable flask (2), comprising:a base (10) suitable for connecting the interfacing device (1) to the fluid injection instrument,an attachment means for attaching (20) the base (10) to the puncturable flask (2), arranged at a distal end (1a) of the interfacing device (1),characterized in that the attachment means for attaching (20) has a divergent proximal end (21) forming a shoulder and a convergent distal end (22) suitable for facilitating the penetration of the attachment means for attaching (20) into the puncturable flask (2).