Multi-Lumen IV Extension for Patency Checks Without Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

IV devices can experience patency issues while in use, leading to blockages that require replacement and cause patient discomfort and medical complications.

Innovation Solution

A multi-lumen extension system with a fluidic and non-fluidic channel, incorporating a patency instrument housed within the non-fluidic channel, allows for periodic patency checks and maintenance without disturbing the IV device, enabling continuous fluid access and reducing trauma.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the IV device is removed to check or maintain patency, then the patency can be assessed, but patient trauma increases and fluid access is interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatency assessmentVSAvoidpatient trauma

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the IV access into two separate components: the IV device remaining in the patient's blood vessel and the multi-lumen extension system with patency instrument accessible externally. This segmentation allows patency assessment without removing the IV device, eliminating patient trauma while maintaining reliable fluid access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The multi-lumen extension system acts as an intermediary between the clinician and the IV device. It provides a separate access pathway through which a patency instrument can be introduced to assess patency without disturbing the IV device already positioned in the patient's blood vessel, thus avoiding additional trauma.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the IV device is removed for patency checks, then blockages can be addressed, but fluid access is interrupted and trauma increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatency maintenanceVSAvoidcontinuous fluid access

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the IV device from the patency assessment mechanism, the system enables continuous fluid access through the IV device while allowing periodic patency checks through the extension system. The IV device remains stationary in the blood vessel, maintaining uninterrupted fluid access, while the patency instrument can be introduced through the extension system to address blockages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The multi-lumen extension system is pre-configured with a patency instrument that can be introduced at any time to prevent or address blockages before they completely compromise fluid access. This preliminary action allows patency maintenance without requiring removal of the IV device, ensuring continuous fluid access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If a separate access system is introduced for patency checks, then the IV device can remain in place, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveIV device stabilityVSAvoidmulti-lumen extension system

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The multi-lumen extension system serves multiple functions: it provides a pathway for fluid administration, allows introduction of a patency instrument for patency assessment, and enables blood sampling. By consolidating these functions into a single system that interfaces with the existing IV device, the complexity is justified by the operational benefits of maintaining IV device stability while enabling multiple clinical tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If the IV device is manipulated to clear blockages, then patency is restored, but trauma to the patient increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatency restorationVSAvoidpatient trauma

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patency instrument introduced through the multi-lumen extension system acts as an intermediary to clear blockages. Instead of manipulating the IV device itself, the instrument can be advanced through the extension system to reach and clear blockages in the blood vessel, thereby restoring patency while minimizing trauma to the patient by avoiding repeated IV device insertion and manipulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20260069826A1Multi-Lumen Extension System

Publication Date: 2026.03.12 BECTON DICKINSON & CO

AI summary

A multi-lumen extension system may include a first lumen forming a fluidic channel within the multi-lumen extension system; a second lumen forming a non-fluidic channel within the multi-lumen extension system; a patency instrument housed within the second lumen; a seal between the first lumen and the second lumen to prevent fluid from entering the second lumen from the first lumen; and a grip formed along the second lumen and operatively coupled to the patency instrument housed within the second lumen to selectively advance the patency instrument along the second lumen.