Modular Catheter Adapter Compression Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical device adapters lack the flexibility and modular design to efficiently expand, augment, or modify the configuration of catheters and other medical devices, limiting their versatility and functionality during procedures.

Innovation Solution

A modular medical device system featuring an adapter module with a proximal and distal portion, an attachment mechanism, and an interfacing element that compresses to engage the inner lumen of a parent module, allowing for secure attachment and modification of medical devices, such as catheters, to enhance their functionality and adaptability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a one-piece unitary catheter construction is used, then structural integrity is maintained, but adaptability and versatility are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The catheter system is divided into separate modular components including a catheter body, adapter, and various attachments that can be selectively combined. This segmentation allows different functional elements to be attached to the catheter body as needed, providing versatility while maintaining structural integrity of each individual component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter serves multiple functions by providing a standardized interface that can connect various attachments (e.g., balloons, stents, delivery devices) to the catheter body. This universal interface design allows a single catheter body to perform multiple therapeutic and diagnostic functions through different attachments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple specialized catheters are maintained in inventory, then procedural needs are met, but inventory complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidinventory items

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

A single catheter body with a standardized adapter interface can support multiple different attachments, allowing one catheter to replace several specialized catheters. The adapter provides a universal connection mechanism that accommodates various functional elements, reducing the number of catheter variants needed in inventory.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Attachments can be selectively attached and detached from the catheter body based on procedural needs. This allows the same catheter body to be reused with different attachments for different procedures, reducing inventory requirements while maintaining functional versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Reliability

If an adapter is inserted into the inner lumen of a catheter, then secure attachment is achieved, but insertion difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidinsertion ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter is designed to be inserted into the inner lumen of the catheter body, with the adapter's outer surface engaging the catheter's inner lumen. This nested configuration provides secure attachment through internal engagement while maintaining a compact, integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter and catheter components utilize flexible materials and thin-walled constructions that allow the adapter to be compressed or deformed during insertion into the catheter lumen, then expand to engage securely. This flexibility facilitates easy insertion while maintaining reliable attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The modular system provides a flexible and secure attachment mechanism that allows for the creation of various medical device variants from fewer inventory items, enhancing procedural needs and inventory management by enabling structural, therapeutic, and diagnostic elements to be combined as required, thus improving the adaptability and efficiency of medical procedures.

Implementation Method 1

an interfacing element and an elongated element, wherein at least a portion of the interfacing element compresses to engage the inner lumen of the parent module

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS11660439B2Modular medical device system

Publication Date: 2023.05.30 COVELLUS LLC

AI summary

A modular medical device system comprises a parent module with a proximal end configured to remain outside the body of a patient and a distal end configured to go inside the body of a patient, the distal end comprising an inner lumen; and an adapter module comprising a proximal portion and a distal portion, an attachment mechanism positioned at the proximal portion and comprising an interfacing element and an elongated element, wherein at least a portion of the interfacing element compresses to engage the inner lumen of the parent module, and wherein the elongated element connects the attachment mechanism to the distal portion of the adapter module.