Movable Cuff Assembly for Catheter Repositioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catheters with permanently glued cuffs limit their usage flexibility, as the required catheter length for tunneling cannot be accurately predicted, and repositioning or replacing the cuff is cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A movable cuff assembly on the catheter with a sleeve, tissue ingrowth cuff, and a clamp system that allows the cuff to be slidably positioned along the catheter, enabling post-insertion cuff placement based on patient anatomy and allowing for adjustable cuff positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the cuff is permanently glued to the catheter during manufacture, then the catheter structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the catheter cannot be repositioned and requires accurate prediction of tunneling length
Solution Approach 1:
The cuff assembly transitions from a static fixed position to a dynamic repositionable position through the sliding mechanism. The clamp allows the cuff to be held at any position along the catheter shaft, enabling adjustment after insertion while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The cuff assembly is divided into separable components (cuff, sleeve, clamp) that can be independently positioned and assembled. This segmentation allows the cuff to be detached and repositioned along the catheter without replacing the entire catheter device.
2Device complexity
If the cuff is permanently glued in place, then device complexity is reduced, but the catheter cannot accommodate varying patient anatomy requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter system serves multiple functions: the cuff can be positioned at different locations along the catheter shaft to accommodate various tunneling lengths and patient anatomies, while the clamp provides both temporary holding and permanent fixation capabilities.
3Manufacturing precision
If the cuff position is fixed during manufacture, then manufacturing precision requirements are simplified, but post-insertion repositioning is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The cuff is pre-assembled with the clamp mechanism during manufacture, allowing it to be easily attached and repositioned after insertion. The preliminary assembly includes the clamp in an open state, enabling later positioning without requiring complex surgical procedures.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a clamp mechanism is added to allow cuff movement, then cuff repositioning capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve acts as an intermediary component between the clamp and the catheter shaft, providing a smooth surface that facilitates sliding while being gripped by the clamp. This intermediary element enables the repositioning function without requiring complex direct attachment mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosed positioning systems can include a catheter assembly having a catheter with an external surface and an outer diameter, and a movable cuff assembly engaged around the circumference of the catheter. An exemplary movable cuff assembly includes a sleeve, a tissue ingrowth cuff affixed to the sleeve, and a clamp affixed to the sleeve, where when the first clamp is engaged, the movable cuff assembly is substantially fixed in position on the external surface of the catheter and wherein when the first clamp is disengaged, the movable cuff assembly is slidably movable over the external surface of the catheter.