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, which complicates the identification of suitable devices for insertion.
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 tube and three-way stopcock portion, allowing easy differentiation between reduced and non-reduced wall thickness sheath tubes, and facilitating the recognition of device size compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the wall thickness of the sheath tube is reduced to make the outer diameter smaller for easier introduction, then the ease of operation 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 variations. Specifically, the sheath tube is colored differently based on its wall thickness category (thin-walled, medium-walled, or thick-walled), enabling visual recognition and differentiation without changing the physical dimensions or structure of the tube itself.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the wall thickness is reduced to increase the inner diameter for larger device insertion, then the adaptability is improved, but the recognizability of the introducer type deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color coding on the sheath tube to indicate wall thickness categories, enabling visual identification of the introducer type. This allows users to quickly recognize whether the sheath tube is thin-walled, medium-walled, or thick-walled, thereby understanding the adaptability and insertable device diameter capabilities without needing to measure or calculate.
3Ease of operation
If the outer diameter is reduced for easier introduction, then the ease of operation is improved, but the ability to recognize the relationship between inner and outer diameters deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color coding to indicate wall thickness categories, which indirectly communicates the relationship between inner and outer diameters. By visually identifying the wall thickness category through color, users can infer the diameter relationship and select appropriate devices for insertion.
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. The introducer includes an introducer sheath and a three-way stopcock portion. The introducer further includes a first information piece on at least one of the introducer sheath and the three-way stopcock portion 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 three-way stopcock portion.