Introducer Sheath Color Coding for Wall Thickness Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing introducer systems face challenges in distinguishing between sheath tubes with reduced wall thickness and those without, and in recognizing the relationship between inner and outer diameters, leading to potential misidentification of device sizes during medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
The introducer system incorporates a first information piece indicating the inner diameter and a second information piece indicating the outer diameter, displayed on the sheath and dilator components, allowing for easy differentiation between reduced and non-reduced wall thickness sheath tubes, and facilitating the recognition of the correct device size for insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the wall thickness of the sheath tube is reduced to decrease the outer diameter, then the ease of introduction to the puncture site is improved, but the ability to recognize the difference from previous sheath tubes and to identify the relationship between inner and outer diameters deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color coding to the sheath tube to indicate wall thickness specifications. Different colors represent different wall thickness categories, allowing medical personnel to quickly identify the sheath tube type without needing to measure or calculate dimensions. This visual information system resolves the contradiction by providing immediate recognition of sheath tube specifications while maintaining the reduced outer diameter design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a visual dimension (color) to the sheath tube identification system, transforming the problem from a dimensional measurement issue to a visual recognition issue. By encoding wall thickness information in the color domain rather than requiring dimensional analysis, the system enables quick identification while maintaining the space-efficient reduced-wall-thickness design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the inner diameter of the sheath tube is increased to accommodate larger devices, then the adaptability of the introducer system is improved, but the outer diameter increases making introduction more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wall thickness parameter of the sheath tube to enable larger inner diameter while maintaining or reducing outer diameter. By reducing wall thickness, the system achieves both goals: the inner diameter can be increased to accommodate larger medical devices while the outer diameter remains small enough for easy introduction through puncture sites.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a tapered curvature design where the sheath tube has a larger outer diameter at the proximal end and a smaller outer diameter at the distal end. This curved dimensional transition allows the sheath to accommodate larger devices at the insertion point while maintaining a smaller profile for introduction through the puncture site, resolving the contradiction between device adaptability and ease of introduction.
3Ease of operation
If the sheath tube is designed with reduced wall thickness to minimize outer diameter, then the ease of introduction is improved, but the reliability of identifying the correct sheath tube type deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a color-coded identification system where different colors represent different wall thickness specifications. This visual encoding provides reliable and unambiguous identification of sheath tube types, eliminating confusion that would otherwise arise from similar appearances of reduced-wall-thickness sheaths. The color marker ensures medical personnel select the correct sheath tube type with high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies identification markers (colors) to the sheath tube before introduction, allowing medical personnel to verify the correct sheath tube type is selected prior to the procedure. This preliminary identification action prevents errors in sheath tube selection and ensures the correct specifications are used for the intended medical device and procedure.
Data Source
AI summary
An introducer is configured to distinguish an introducer provided with a sheath tube whose wall thickness is reduced, from an introducer provided with a sheath tube whose wall thickness is not reduced, and to recognize the relationship between the inner diameter and the outer diameter for the sheath tube in which the wall thickness is reduced. An introducer includes an introducer sheath and a dilator. The introducer further includes a first information piece on at least one of the introducer sheath and the dilator and has an inner diameter dimension of the sheath tube as an index. Furthermore, a second information piece having an outer diameter dimension of the sheath tube as an index is on at least one of the introducer sheath and the dilator.