Modified Y Connector for Sterile Blockage Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drainage systems for postoperative patients, particularly after thoracic surgeries, face challenges with blockages due to blood clots, which require disconnection of Y connectors to clear obstructions, leading to loss of sterile field and increased risk of infection.
Innovation Solution
A modified Y connector apparatus with primary and secondary inlet channels, a convergence channel, and oriented ports allows for access to blockages without disconnecting the Y connector, maintaining a sterile field through the use of tethered caps that can be removed and replaced without compromising sterility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional Y connectors with perpendicular ports are used, then fluid sampling and addition can be performed, but blockage removal requires disconnection of the Y connector causing loss of sterile field
Solution Approach 1:
The Y connector is segmented into multiple ports (first port, second port, third port) with different orientations. The first and second ports are collinear with their respective inlet channels for tool insertion, while the third port is perpendicular for sampling. This segmentation allows different operations to be performed through different ports without compromising the sterile field.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the orientation dimension of the ports. Instead of all ports being perpendicular to the flow direction, the first and second ports are oriented collinearly (0 degrees) with their respective inlet channels, providing a new dimensional approach for tool insertion while maintaining sterile field integrity.
2Productivity
If the Y connector is disconnected to remove blockages, then obstructions can be cleared, but the sterile field is lost increasing infection risk
Solution Approach 1:
The collinear ports serve as intermediaries that allow removal tools to access and clear blockages within the drainage system without requiring disconnection of the Y connector from the patient. This intermediary access point enables blockage removal while maintaining the sterile field connection.
3Reliability
If multiple users or replacement of Y connector is required to maintain sterile field during blockage removal, then sterility is preserved, but complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The Y connector is designed with multi-functionality: the first and second ports enable blockage removal through collinear access, the third port enables fluid sampling and addition through perpendicular access, and all ports can be capped when not in use. This universal design consolidates multiple functions into a single device, reducing operational complexity and eliminating the need for multiple users or device replacements.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to apparatus, systems, methods, and uses relating to drainage or small bore tubing systems that are primarily used to remove waste fluids or gases during postoperative care after surgery. The systems and methods of the present invention are particularly applicable for use in patients who have undergone cardiac or other thoracic surgeries.