Multi-lumen Catheter with Removable Vena Cava Filter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vascular filter technologies do not combine the functions of a central access catheter and a removable vena cava filter, limiting their application in patients with contraindications to anticoagulation therapy or those requiring temporary emboli capture, especially in cases of upper extremity deep vein thrombosis where filter placement is challenging.
Innovation Solution
A multi-lumen central access catheter integrated with a vena cava filter that includes proximal and distal ports for pressure and flow velocity measurement, and infusion ports for bioactive agents and thrombolytic agents, featuring a filter geometry with larger openings at the proximal end for embolic material capture and smaller openings at the distal end for retention, allowing for both central venous access and emboli capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate central access catheter and filter device are used, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall device complexity and number of procedures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a central access catheter and a vena cava filter into a single integrated device. The filter is positioned at the distal end of the catheter body, allowing simultaneous central venous access and emboli capture functions through one device rather than requiring separate catheter and filter procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device performs multiple functions: it provides central venous access for fluid administration, enables pressure monitoring through proximal and distal ports, allows flow velocity measurement, and captures embolic material through the filter. The multiple lumens also enable infusion of bioactive agents and thrombolytic therapy
2Reliability
If permanent filters are used, then emboli capture is effective, but the ability to remove the filter when no longer needed is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is designed with a retrieval mechanism that allows it to be collapsed and removed from the vena cava when no longer needed. The filter can be held in an expanded functional state for emboli capture and then transitioned to a collapsed state for removal through the catheter, providing dynamic adaptability between deployment and retrieval states
3Reliability
If anticoagulation therapy is used, then emboli prevention is effective, but bleeding risk increases in high-risk patients
Solution Approach 1:
The device extracts the need for systemic anticoagulation therapy by providing mechanical emboli capture through the filter. By physically intercepting embolic material in the vena cava, the filter allows patients with contraindications to anticoagulation (such as high bleeding risk) to receive emboli protection without the associated bleeding hazards of anticoagulant medications
4Reliability
If filter openings are made smaller to improve retention, then emboli capture is enhanced, but flow velocity measurement and thrombolytic agent delivery is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the filter structure into distinct regions with different opening sizes. The proximal portion has larger openings that allow passage for flow velocity measurement and thrombolytic agent delivery, while the distal portion has smaller openings optimized for emboli retention. This segmentation allows both functions to coexist without interference
Data Source
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AI summary
A combined multi-lumen central access catheter and an embolic filter including ports proximal and distal the filter for fluid infusion and/or pressure sensing and infusion ports in the catheter to permit infusion of bioactive agents, flushing agents and/or contrast agents. The embolic filter may be removably coupled to the multi-lumen catheter for temporary placement and retrieval under recommended indications.