Intravascular Port Cleaning Device Segmentation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Intravascular device colonization and infection risks due to microorganism introduction through contaminated equipment and surfaces, along with issues of clot formation and lipid accumulation in intravascular lines and ports, are not adequately addressed by existing methods.

Innovation Solution

A method and device comprising a two-component system where one component with a disinfecting agent and an applicator material is used to clean external surfaces of intravascular ports, and another component with a cleansing agent is injected into the port, optionally containing anticoagulants or lipolytic agents to prevent clotting and lipid buildup, with a third component for capping to maintain sterility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional single-component cleaning devices are used, then the device structure is simple, but the cleaning effectiveness and sterility assurance are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesterility assuranceVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning device is divided into three separate components: a first component for external surface cleaning, a second component for internal port cleaning, and a third component for capping. Each component has a specific function, allowing comprehensive cleaning while maintaining ease of use through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning system addresses multiple cleaning needs simultaneously - external surface disinfection, internal port cleansing, and sterility maintenance through capping. This multi-functional approach ensures thorough cleaning effectiveness while managing complexity through integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If no internal port cleaning is performed, then the device operation is simpler, but the risk of microorganism introduction and infection increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinfection riskVSAvoidcleaning procedure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The internal port cleaning is performed before any medical procedure or blood draw. The second component delivers cleaning solution into the port lumen in advance to remove microorganisms and prevent infection during subsequent operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A dedicated cleaning solution delivered through a specific component serves as an intermediary agent between the external environment and the internal port. This intermediary cleaning action isolates and removes pathogens without requiring direct exposure of the port to contaminants.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-generated harmful factors

If no anticoagulant or lipolytic agents are administered, then the device is simpler, but clot formation and lipid accumulation occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclot formationVSAvoidagent composition
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning solution is combined with anticoagulant and/or lipolytic agents in a single delivery system. This merging of functions allows simultaneous cleaning, clot prevention, and lipid removal through one integrated component, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The second component serves multiple functions: delivering cleaning solution, administering anticoagulants to prevent clotting, and delivering lipolytic agents to remove lipid accumulation. This multi-functionality addresses multiple harmful effects through a single device component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2023975B1Intravascular line and port cleaning methods
Publication Date: 2019.04.17 HYPROTECH INC
  • EP2023975B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2023975B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2023975B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

An intravascular port access device includes a first component having a chamber configured to attach reversibly to an intravenous line port. A second component reversibly attaches to the first component and contains a disinfecting agent and an applicator material. The second component is configured to be reversibly received over external surfaces of the intravenous line port. A method of cleansing an intravenous line port includes providing a port cleaning device having a first component with a chamber containing a first cleaning agent. A second component includes a second cleaning agent. A third component has a microbiocidal agent and is reversibly attached to the first component. The second component is removed from the device, the external surfaces of the port are contacted with the second cleaning agent, the first cleaning agent is ejected from the chamber into the port, and the third component is used to cap the port.