Multi-Lumen Catheter for Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for peritoneal carcinomatosis, such as HIPEC and EPIC, are hindered by the formation of adhesions in the abdominal cavity, which can block chemotherapeutic solutions and complicate subsequent surgical procedures, and lack of medical devices specifically designed for these procedures.
Innovation Solution
Development of medical devices, including catheters and kits, with specific structures and features like heating lumens and passageways to facilitate the delivery and distribution of chemotherapeutic agents within the abdominal cavity, along with abdominal access ports to secure the catheters, and the use of halofuginone to manage adhesions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional medical devices are used for HIPEC/EPIC procedures, then the procedures can be performed, but the devices lack structure and function specifically tailored to the unique needs of these procedures, reducing treatment effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is divided into multiple functional segments: a proximal portion with first and second lumens for heated fluid delivery and withdrawal, and a distal portion with a treatment lumen for chemotherapeutic agent delivery. This segmentation allows each segment to perform its specific function optimally, with the proximal segment handling heating/cooling and the distal segment handling drug delivery, thereby improving treatment effectiveness while maintaining device adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter integrates multiple functions into a single device: it can deliver heated chemotherapeutic agents through the treatment lumen, deliver heated saline through the first lumen, withdraw fluid through the second lumen, and provide cooling. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate devices while improving treatment effectiveness through coordinated action of all functions within the same catheter structure.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If repeat HIPEC and/or EPIC procedures are performed, then survival benefits may be extended, but post-surgical formation of adhesions complicates subsequent procedures by masking abdominal tissue and blocking chemotherapeutic solution
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is designed with multiple openings and lumens that enable thorough distribution of chemotherapeutic solution throughout the abdominal cavity before adhesions can fully form and mask abdominal tissue. The proximal openings allow solution to be introduced at multiple points, ensuring comprehensive coverage of all surfaces before adhesion formation becomes problematic in repeat procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter structure acts as an intermediary device that overcomes the blocking effect of adhesions by delivering chemotherapeutic solution through multiple pathways (proximal and distal openings) that can reach areas masked by adhesions, thereby maintaining treatment effectiveness in repeat procedures despite the presence of adhesion tissue.
3Device complexity
If a single lumen catheter is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot provide both heating and chemotherapeutic agent delivery functions simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is segmented into multiple lumens (first lumen, second lumen, and treatment lumen) that can operate simultaneously or independently. This segmentation allows the first lumen to deliver heated saline for heating the abdominal cavity while the treatment lumen delivers chemotherapeutic agents, providing both functions simultaneously without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter design nests multiple lumens within a single catheter body structure. The first, second, and treatment lumens are integrated within the catheter wall, allowing multiple functions (heating, cooling, drug delivery) to be performed simultaneously through a single catheter insertion, balancing structural simplicity with functional versatility.
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
Enhances the effectiveness of chemotherapeutic treatments by ensuring uniform distribution of the chemotherapeutic agents and reducing the impact of adhesions, thereby improving patient outcomes and simplifying subsequent surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a first heating lumen extending from the first opening toward the elongate member distal end
Implementation Method 2
a second heating lumen extending from the second opening toward the elongate member distal end
Data Source
AI summary
Medical devices useful in the delivery of chemotherapeutic agents, kits and methods are described. An example catheter comprises an elongate member having an elongate member proximal end, an elongate member distal end, and an elongate member main body extending between the elongate member proximal end and the elongate member distal end. The elongate member main body defines an elongate member circumferential wall, first, second, and third openings on the elongate member proximal end, a first heating lumen extending from the first opening toward the elongate member distal end, a second heating lumen extending from the second opening toward the elongate member distal end, and a treatment lumen extending from the third opening toward the elongate member distal end. The treatment lumen comprises a blind passage. The elongate member circumferential wall defines a plurality of passageways providing fluid communication between the treatment lumen and an environment external to the catheter.