Multi-lumen Catheter Elliptical Profile Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional catheters face challenges in maximizing fluid flow rate while maintaining a minimal average diameter, particularly for thick-walled catheters made from weak materials like silicone, which often compromise on flow characteristics and kink resistance.
Innovation Solution
A multi-lumen catheter with an elliptical cross-sectional profile, featuring a specific aspect ratio between 1.3 and 1.4, enhances fluid flow by increasing lumen area and reducing hydraulic resistance, while also improving biocompatibility and kink resistance through a stiffer septum configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional catheters use thick walls for structural integrity, then kink resistance improves, but fluid flow rate deteriorates due to reduced lumen area
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter employs an elliptical cross-sectional profile instead of a conventional circular shape. This asymmetric geometry allows the lumen area to be increased for better fluid flow while the outer dimensions remain compact, effectively decoupling the relationship between structural strength and flow capacity that constrains circular designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the aspect ratio of the elliptical profile (major axis to minor axis ratio between 1.3 and 1.4) to achieve the optimal balance between lumen area for fluid flow and outer diameter for structural integrity. This parameter optimization enables thick-walled construction for kink resistance without proportionally sacrificing flow rate.
2Ease of operation
If catheter diameter is minimized for patient comfort and ease of insertion, then ease of operation improves, but fluid flow rate deteriorates due to reduced lumen area
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional circular cross-section to a three-dimensional elliptical configuration. This dimensional change allows the lumen area to be expanded along the major axis while keeping the minor axis (and thus the overall catheter profile) compact, enabling high flow rates within a small average diameter suitable for patient comfort and ease of insertion.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional circular profile is used for manufacturing simplicity, then ease of manufacture improves, but fluid flow characteristics deteriorate due to fixed geometric constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The elliptical profile introduces controlled asymmetry that optimizes fluid flow characteristics by increasing lumen area and reducing hydraulic resistance. Despite the asymmetric shape, the manufacturing process remains relatively simple using standard extrusion techniques, demonstrating that flow performance can be improved without prohibitively complicating production.
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 elliptical profile significantly enhances fluid flow rates and minimizes blood flow obstruction, maintaining stability and preventing undesired septum deflection, even under pressure differentials, thus optimizing catheter performance in various medical applications.
Implementation Method 1
enhances fluid flow by increasing lumen area and reducing hydraulic resistance
Data Source
AI summary
A catheter assembly including a reinforcement structure and a catheter disposed over the reinforcement structure. The reinforcement structure includes a first outer wall reinforcement portion, a second outer wall reinforcement portion, and a septum reinforcement portion connecting the first outer wall reinforcement portion to the second outer wall reinforcement portion. The catheter includes a catheter outer wall and a catheter septum. The first outer wall reinforcement portion and the second outer wall reinforcement portion can be positioned at least partially in the catheter outer wall, and the septum reinforcement portion can be enveloped by the catheter septum. The catheter assembly can also include an outer tube disposed over the catheter and the reinforcement structure.