Multi-Use Blood Control Catheter Assembly With Spring-Reset Septum
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catheter systems face challenges in ensuring secure and multiple uses due to the need for repeated assembly and disassembly, which can lead to inefficiencies and potential complications during fluid infusion and blood withdrawal procedures.
Innovation Solution
A catheter assembly featuring a septum with a spring mechanism that allows for multiple uses by moving between proximal and distal positions in response to medical device insertion and removal, facilitated by a septum actuator and annular lip configuration, enabling secure attachment and detachment without compromising sterility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional catheter system is used requiring repeated assembly and disassembly for multiple infusions and withdrawals, then the catheter can be used multiple times, but the assembly and disassembly process increases complexity and risk of contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The septum is designed to be dynamically movable between a retracted position (allowing device insertion) and a sealed position (maintaining sterility). This dynamic movement eliminates the need for repeated assembly and disassembly, allowing multiple infusions and withdrawals while maintaining a simple, sealed catheter structure throughout use.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable septum acts as an intermediary mechanism between the catheter lumen and external medical devices. It provides a controlled interface that allows selective access for infusions and withdrawals while maintaining the overall sealed structure, thus enabling multiple uses without repeated assembly/disassembly.
2Productivity
If a movable septum mechanism is added to enable multiple uses without repeated assembly, then the need for assembly and disassembly is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism provides self-service by automatically returning the septum to its sealed position after device removal without requiring manual intervention. This self-actuating feature improves procedural efficiency while keeping the mechanism simple, as the spring automatically performs the reset function that would otherwise require user action.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex multi-component actuation systems with a simple spring mechanism that uses elastic potential energy storage and release. This mechanical substitution achieves the desired septum movement with minimal components, improving efficiency while limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the septum is moved to allow device insertion, then access to the catheter lumen is enabled, but sterility may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The septum is preliminarily positioned in a sealed state before any device insertion occurs. This preliminary sealing action maintains sterility during catheter insertion and setup, and the septum is only moved to allow access when intentionally required for infusions or withdrawals, thus maintaining sterility throughout the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism provides beforehand cushioning by ensuring the septum automatically returns to its sealed position after each device removal. This pre-programmed return action compensates for the temporary opening during device insertion, ensuring sterility is restored and maintained for subsequent procedures.
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 solution enhances the catheter's usability by allowing multiple infusions and withdrawals while maintaining sterility and ease of use, reducing the need for repeated assembly and disassembly, thus improving procedural efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a spring disposed within the lumen distal to the septum, wherein the spring is configured to return the septum from the distal position to the proximal position in response to removal of the medical device from the proximal end of the catheter adapter
Data Source
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AI summary
A catheter assembly may include a catheter adapter, which may include a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending through the distal end and the proximal end of the catheter adapter. The catheter assembly may include a septum disposed within the lumen, a septum actuator fixed within the lumen, and a spring disposed within the lumen distal to the septum. The septum may include a distal end, a proximal end, and a barrier that may divide an interior of the septum into a distal cavity and a proximal cavity. In response to insertion of a medical device into the proximal end of the catheter adapter, the septum may move from a proximal position to a distal position, and the septum actuator may penetrate the septum. The spring may return the septum from the distal position to the proximal position in response to removal of the medical device.