Multi-orifice Insulin Catheter with Vibration for Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) catheters experience slow, variable, and unreliable insulin absorption due to tissue damage, inflammation, and heterogeneous subcutaneous tissue composition, leading to inefficient insulin delivery and frequent site changes.
Innovation Solution
A CSII catheter with an elongate flexible cannula featuring multiple holes along its length, atraumatic needle tip, and vibration mechanism to enhance insulin distribution and absorption, minimizing tissue trauma and promoting prolonged, precise insulin delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single distal orifice catheter is used, then the device is simple to manufacture, but insulin absorption becomes slow and variable after 2-3 days due to tissue damage and inflammation
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is divided into multiple segments along its length, with multiple orifices distributed axially and circumferentially. This segmentation allows insulin to be delivered to multiple locations simultaneously, increasing the effective surface area for absorption and reducing dependence on a single distal tip location that becomes compromised by inflammation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-point (0D) orifice at the distal tip to a distributed array of orifices across multiple dimensions (1D axial distribution and 2D circumferential distribution). This multi-dimensional distribution of insulin delivery points ensures that even if some orifices are affected by tissue inflammation, others remain functional for reliable absorption.
2Stress or pressure
If rapid insulin bolus infusion is used, then the pressure differential increases to overcome tissue resistance, but the surrounding inflammatory tissue distends and creates back-pressure reducing absorption efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The total insulin bolus volume is distributed across multiple orifices along the catheter length. Each orifice delivers a portion of the bolus to a different location in the subcutaneous tissue, preventing excessive distension of any single tissue compartment and reducing localized back-pressure that would impede absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
By distributing insulin delivery across multiple spatial dimensions (axial and circumferential), the invention expands the volume of tissue exposed to insulin without concentrating pressure in one location. This multi-dimensional distribution allows rapid bolus infusion to overcome tissue resistance while avoiding the formation of a single large insulin pool that would distend tissue and create back-pressure.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the cannula remains in subcutaneous tissue for extended periods, then site changes are reduced, but the layer of inflammatory tissue becomes thicker and denser creating a mechanical barrier to insulin absorption
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple orifices distributed along the catheter length ensure that insulin can be delivered through multiple pathways. Even as inflammatory tissue forms around the catheter, some orifices remain accessible to functional capillary and lymphatic vessels, maintaining absorption capability throughout the catheter's retention period.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed orifice arrangement in multiple dimensions allows insulin to reach absorptive vessels at various distances and orientations from the catheter. This multi-dimensional delivery strategy ensures that as inflammatory tissue thickens, insulin can still reach functional vessels through multiple pathways, maintaining reliable absorption for extended periods.
4Device complexity
If insulin is delivered into a single location, then the catheter structure is simple, but the surface area of insulin in contact with capillaries and lymph vessels is limited reducing absorption rate
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is segmented into multiple orifices distributed along its length, creating multiple insulin delivery locations. This segmentation increases the total surface area of insulin contact with absorptive vessels without requiring complex external delivery mechanisms, achieving enhanced absorption through distributed multi-point delivery.
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 catheter design increases the rate and precision of insulin absorption into the circulation for an extended period, reducing the need for frequent site changes and improving blood glucose control.
Implementation Method 1
The insulin pump produces a hydrostatic pressure differential between the inside of the CSII catheter and the outside of the CSII catheter and the surrounding tissue
Implementation Method 2
A CSII catheter with an elongate flexible cannula featuring multiple holes along its length, atraumatic needle tip, and vibration mechanism to enhance insulin distribution and absorption
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A~5C
AI summary
A continuous subcutaneous infusion catheter includes an elongate flexible cannula and a plurality of holes through the cannula wall that are positioned both along the axial length of the cannula and radially around the cannula. The proximal end of the cannula is configured to be attached to a pump, and the distal end of the flexible cannula is atraumatic. The catheter can be used to deliver insulin to a patient.