Multi-Catheter Infusion System for Prolonged Localized Drug Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drug delivery methods for wound sites, such as peri-articular injections, have limited duration of action, are difficult to control, and require multiple injections, posing risks and uncertainties regarding infection, toxicity, and long-term side effects, while also restricting patient mobility.
Innovation Solution
A multi-catheter infusion system comprising a flexible cannula with detachable needles and multiple catheters, each with a multi-orifice distal end, allows for targeted and adjustable delivery of drugs under the skin, enabling prolonged and titratable analgesia with minimal mobility impact, by facilitating the placement of catheters during surgery and connecting to a drug delivery system for extended use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple divided injections of local anesthetics are used, then pain control is improved, but the duration of action is limited and patient mobility is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the drug delivery function into multiple catheters (typically 3-5 catheters) that can be positioned at different locations around the wound site. Each catheter delivers anesthetic independently, allowing extended duration of action through continuous or intermittent infusion while maintaining reliable pain control through distributed delivery points
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous or intermittent infusion of local anesthetic through programmable pumps connected to multiple catheters. This continuous delivery mechanism extends the duration of action beyond the limited time of traditional single injections, maintaining therapeutic drug levels at the wound site for extended periods (24-72 hours or longer)
2Ease of operation
If traditional injection methods are used, then the procedure is simple, but the duration and strength of anesthetic cannot be controlled or adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates programmable infusion pumps that allow dynamic adjustment of drug delivery parameters including flow rate, infusion duration, and timing patterns. The controller can be programmed to deliver anesthetic continuously, intermittently, or in response to pain signals, enabling real-time adaptation to patient needs while maintaining operational simplicity through pre-programmed protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables precise control of anesthetic delivery by allowing adjustment of key parameters: concentration of local anesthetic solution, flow rate through each catheter, total volume delivered, and timing of infusion. These parameter changes provide customizable pain management protocols that can be adjusted based on patient response and surgical requirements
3Reliability
If multiple injections are administered, then pain control is enhanced, but infection risk and tissue toxicity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines multiple catheter delivery points into a single integrated infusion system with centralized drug administration. This merging approach maintains the pain control benefits of multi-location delivery while reducing infection risk by minimizing the number of external injection sites and using closed-system infusion technology that prevents contaminant introduction
4Reliability
If extended period drug delivery is implemented, then pain management is improved, but patient mobility is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a portable, battery-operated infusion pump that can be worn by the patient on a belt or in a pocket, allowing mobility while providing continuous pain management. The catheters are positioned to deliver anesthetic at the wound site without restricting movement, and the system can be adjusted to provide adequate analgesia during both rest and activity periods
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 system provides prolonged, controlled, and adjustable drug delivery to wound sites, reducing the need for frequent injections, minimizing infection risk, and allowing for regular monitoring and titration of analgesia, thus enhancing post-operative pain management and patient mobility.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of catheters attached to the second end in fluid communication with the cannula for delivering a drug to a target area of a patient
Implementation Method 2
Each of the plurality of catheters may alternatively be configured to have a cross-sectional diameter sufficient to draw fluid from the cannula by capillary action
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-catheter infusion system and method for the localized delivery of medications while minimally affecting patient mobility for an extended period of time. The multi-catheter infusion system includes a cannula and a plurality of catheters. The cannula includes a first end for connecting to a drug delivery system and a second end for connecting to the plurality of catheters. The plurality of catheters are in fluid communication with the cannula for delivering a drug to a target area of a patient. Each catheter includes a multi-orifice distal end.