Multi-Lumen Mixing Chamber for Accurate Gel Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for mixing filler materials in vitro for prostate cancer radiotherapy are complex, prone to errors, and increase patient risk, procedure time, and costs due to their complexity and assembly issues.
Innovation Solution
A mixing system with a multi-lumen chamber and plungers that allows for the controlled mixing and delivery of constituents directly to the treatment site, using a connector with adjustable flow settings and a link to securely engage plungers, enabling precise mixing and delivery of a gel composition to protect surrounding tissues from radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a complex multi-component mixing system is used to deliver filler material, then the radiation dose to rectum can be decreased, but the system complexity and risk of mixing errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple mixing functions into a single integrated catheter assembly. The mixing chamber, multiple lumens for different constituents, and delivery mechanism are merged into one device that can be inserted through a single access point, eliminating the need for separate mixing components and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to deliver filler material for radiation dose reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter assembly serves multiple functions within a single device: it stores multiple constituents, mixes them in controlled ratios, and delivers the mixture to the treatment site. The mixing chamber can accommodate different constituent combinations, and the delivery system can adapt to various filler material types, providing universal functionality across different treatment scenarios
2Quantity of substance
If a complex mixing system with multiple subcomponents is used, then filler material can be delivered to treatment sites, but the procedure time and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The constituents are pre-loaded into separate chambers within the catheter assembly before the procedure begins. The mixing chamber is pre-configured with the necessary lumens and pathways. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex assembly steps during the procedure, allowing the operator to simply activate mixing and delivery without time-consuming setup
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional components (storage chambers, mixing chamber, delivery lumen) are combined into a single integrated catheter assembly that requires only one insertion step. The constituents are pre-positioned in their respective chambers, and the mixing mechanism is pre-configured, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps and reducing procedure time
3Quantity of substance
If traditional mixing systems are used, then filler material can be provided to treatment sites, but mixing errors and patient risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter assembly incorporates a mixing chamber designed to ensure complete and accurate mixing of constituents before delivery. The chamber geometry and lumen configuration provide inherent feedback mechanisms that ensure proper mixing ratios and complete constituent combination, preventing mixing errors and ensuring reliable delivery of the intended filler material composition
Solution Approach 2:
The storage chambers and mixing chamber are integrated into a single sealed system, eliminating the risk of contamination or mixing errors that could occur with separate external mixing components. The constituents remain isolated in their respective chambers until mixing is initiated, ensuring accuracy and reliability throughout the delivery process
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 reduces radiation dose to critical tissues by effectively mixing and delivering a gel filler, minimizing errors, reducing procedure time, and lowering costs while enhancing patient safety.
Implementation Method 1
A first plunger can be internally positioned within the first lumen to control flow of the first constituent from the first cavity into the mixing lumen
Implementation Method 2
Distally moving the second plunger can cause the first constituent and the second constituent to be delivered through the first and second ports and mixed together within the mixing lumen
Data Source
AI summary
The system can include a multi-lumen chamber can removably connected to and in fluid communication with a proximal end of a mixing lumen and include a first lumen aligned with a second lumen. The first lumen can be configured to include a first constituent in a first cavity. A first plunger can be internally positioned within the first lumen to control flow of the first constituent from the first cavity into the mixing lumen. The first cavity can terminate in a first port in fluid communication with the proximal end of the mixing lumen. The second lumen can be configured to include a second constituent. A second plunger can be internally positioned within the second lumen. The second lumen can terminate in a second port adjacent the first port and in fluid communication with the proximal end of the mixing lumen.