IV Perfusion Connection Protectors for Contamination Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intravenous perfusion systems are prone to contamination and pressure ulcers due to exposed connections, leading to nosocomial infections and complications, and require excessive handling that increases infection risk and time, especially in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
An intravenous perfusion device with distal and proximal protectors made of elastic material, such as Lycra and Spandex, that securely cover the connections between the bag and catheter, minimizing contamination and reducing handling, while incorporating a regulating valve and being compatible with existing pumps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gauze or transparent film is placed on connections to prevent contamination, then contamination risk is reduced, but the device complexity increases and handling becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the protection function with the connection system itself by integrating a protective cap that covers both the distal and proximal connections. This merging eliminates the need for separate gauze or transparent film applications, reducing procedural complexity while maintaining contamination prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective caps are pre-installed on the connection points before the perfusion system is assembled. This preliminary protection eliminates the need for post-assembly protection steps, simplifying the overall process while ensuring contamination prevention from the outset.
2Reliability
If gauze or transparent film is removed to purge air bubbles, then air bubbles can be removed, but infection risk increases due to excessive handling
Solution Approach 1:
The protective system is segmented into separate distal and proximal caps that can be independently manipulated. This allows air bubble purging to be performed through the extension set without removing protection from the catheter connection, isolating the handling action to a non-critical area and reducing infection risk.
3Reliability
If multiple protection steps are added to prevent contamination, then contamination risk is reduced, but the time required for setup increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple protection functions are merged into a single integrated protective cap assembly that protects both distal and proximal connections simultaneously. This eliminates the need for separate protection steps for each connection point, reducing setup time while maintaining comprehensive contamination prevention.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If transparent film is used to minimize pressure on patient skin, then pressure ulcer risk is reduced, but the device complexity and application difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protective caps are designed as disposable components that are discarded after single use. This eliminates the need for complex application and removal procedures associated with reusable transparent films, simplifying the process while providing adequate pressure distribution during the infusion period.
Data Source
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Figure 3~5
AI summary
The invention relates to an intravenous perfusion device (1) intended to be connected between a connection point (2) of a bag (3) containing a liquid solution (4) and an intravenous catheter (5), wherein the device (1) comprises a drip chamber (7), with a compartment (24) and a punch (8) intended to be inserted into the bag (3) to fill the compartment (24) with the liquid solution (4), an extension set (6) to transport the liquid solution (4), a distal protector (10) with a first extendable pleated tubular body (11), able to be coupled to the compartment (24) and to the connection point (2) of the bag (3), and a proximal protector (14) with a second extendable pleated tubular body (15), able to be coupled to the intravenous catheter (5).