Medical Device Management Unit with Segmented Trenches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical device management solutions are inadequate for organizing and controlling multiple medical devices like cables, sutures, catheters, and guidewires during procedures, often leading to tangling and misplacement, and existing devices are either too large for handheld use or limited in functionality.
Innovation Solution
A medical device management unit comprising a base piece with trenches for medical devices and a slide piece that securely holds and releases cables, sutures, catheters, and guidewires, allowing for organized storage and easy access, with a locking mechanism and anchoring system for secure handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional spool or circular coil container is used for medical devices, then devices can be dispensed during procedure, but devices become tangled and misplaced when similar gauge, type, and length are used
Solution Approach 1:
The management unit divides the storage space into multiple compartments, each dedicated to a specific medical device type. This segmentation prevents different devices from mixing and becoming tangled, while still allowing easy access to any device type needed during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a management unit as an intermediary system between the medical devices and the surgical team. This unit organizes and presents devices in a structured manner, eliminating the need for staff to manually sort and identify similar devices from a mixed container.
2Productivity
If precut sutures are placed in folded or pleated towel contours, then sutures are ready for use, but inadvertent tugs or jolts ruffle or displace the towel portions leading to wasted time and frustration
Solution Approach 1:
Each suture type is stored in its own dedicated compartment within the management unit, preventing mixing and displacement. The compartments are designed to hold sutures in a fixed, organized manner that resists disturbance during surgical procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
Sutures are pre-cut to desired lengths and pre-arranged in the management unit compartments before the procedure begins. This preliminary organization eliminates the need for on-the-spot cutting and arranging, reducing time and frustration during the actual surgical work.
3Ease of operation
If existing device management clips are used, then medical devices can be organized, but clips do not allow sequential capture and release of accessories leading to tangled mess
Solution Approach 1:
The management unit features movable partitions and adjustable compartments that can be dynamically reconfigured during procedures. This dynamic design allows the system to adapt to different device arrangements and provide sequential capture and release control, preventing tangling while maintaining organization.
4Reliability
If existing clips and organizers are designed, then devices can be secured, but devices are too large to be easily manipulated in handheld fashion
Solution Approach 1:
The management unit employs a nested design where smaller compartments fit within a compact outer housing. This nesting arrangement allows multiple device types to be stored in a space-efficient manner, creating a handheld-sized unit that maintains comprehensive device securing capability without excessive bulk.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to medical device management units and methods of their use. The medical device management units comprise two main pieces, a base piece, and a slide piece, as well as at least one medical device pathway defined by a surface means and a plurality of trenches. The invention may be used to keep two or more medical devices organized or it may be used to maintain control over the capture and release of a single medical device.