Multi-lumen Coupler Segments Catheter to Reduce Entanglement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical catheters, especially multi-lumen percutaneous catheters, face challenges such as entanglement, skin abrasions, and infection risks due to their design and external components, which complicate patient care and increase the risk of clinical adverse events during non-use periods.
Innovation Solution
A multi-lumen coupler system with a primary assembly and an attachable secondary assembly that includes a clamping mechanism and valve system to securely connect and disconnect medical articles from the catheter, reducing external load and preventing fluid movement when not in use, while minimizing entanglement and infection risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional multi-lumen catheters with extension tubes and Luer connectors are used, then fluid transfer functionality is achieved, but the external portion becomes complex and prone to entanglement, skin abrasions, and infection
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the catheter system into two separate components: an internal catheter portion and an external connector portion. The internal catheter remains simple and flushable, while the external connector provides the necessary connection interfaces. This segmentation eliminates the complexity of having multiple extension tubes and Luer connectors attached to the catheter itself, thereby reducing entanglement and skin abrasion risks while maintaining fluid transfer functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple single lumen extension tubes with clamps and Luer fittings are used for each lumen, then each lumen can be accessed independently, but the overall size and design create challenges in patient care including entanglement and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces an external connector as an intermediary component that houses multiple connection interfaces for accessing different lumens. Instead of having extension tubes and Luer connectors directly attached to the catheter, the external connector serves as a mediator that provides organized access points. This eliminates the entanglement and skin abrasion problems caused by multiple tubes while maintaining the ability to access each lumen independently through the external connector's multiple ports.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the catheter remains indwelling for extended periods, then vascular access is maintained, but the risk of infection increases due to difficulty in thorough disinfection of connector surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the complex connector surfaces that are difficult to disinfect from the indwelling catheter portion. The external connector, which contains all the connection interfaces and surfaces that require frequent handling and disinfection, is separated from the internal catheter. This allows for easier and more thorough disinfection of the external connector surfaces, reducing infection risk while maintaining long-term vascular access through the simple, flushable internal catheter.
4Ease of operation
If extension tubes are used to provide range of motion, then connection flexibility is improved, but the tubes can become entangled in clothing leading to tugging and possible displacement of the catheter tip
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the system so that the internal catheter remains short and stable without long extension tubes attached. The external connector provides the necessary connection interfaces and flexibility away from the patient's body. This separation eliminates the entanglement and tugging problems caused by long extension tubes while maintaining connection flexibility through the external connector's design, thereby preserving catheter tip position stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-lumen coupler for fluid transfer with a plurality of attachable members is provided. The multi-lumen coupler allows the attachment and detachment of various members used for fluid transfer to an elongated percutaneous medical article such as a catheter or cannula, during use with a patient.