Multifunction Adaptor for Open-Ended Catheter Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical valves for catheters are inadequate as they restrict flow, allow blood accumulation, are difficult to clean, and cannot be reused with guidewires, leading to risks of contamination and air embolism during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A multifunction adaptor with a valved tubing system that includes a slit valve hub connector, allowing sealing of the catheter tube except when accessed by a syringe or guidewire, enabling flushing with saline, and facilitating 'over the guidewire' placement, while being reusable and reducing contamination risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a valve is used to seal the catheter tube, then blood loss and air embolism are prevented, but the flow path is restricted and blood accumulates in dead space
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is divided into multiple functional segments: a sealing element for preventing blood loss, a flow path for fluid passage, and a dead space minimization chamber. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while reducing harmful effects.
Solution Approach 2:
A flush channel acts as an intermediary mechanism to continuously clear blood from the dead space above the valve, preventing accumulation while maintaining the sealing function. This intermediary flow path resolves the contradiction between sealing and blood accumulation.
2Reliability
If a valve is used to seal the catheter tube, then air embolism is prevented, but the valve becomes difficult to clean and cannot be reused with guidewires
Solution Approach 1:
The valve incorporates a movable sealing element that can dynamically open and close. This dynamic mechanism allows the valve to be opened for cleaning and guidewire insertion, then closed for sealing, enabling reuse while maintaining prevention of air embolism.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve design allows for easy cleaning and maintenance, enabling recovery and reuse of the component. The streamlined structure without complex internal passages facilitates cleaning while maintaining the sealing function, eliminating the need for disposal after single use.
3Reliability
If the proximal end of the catheter is clamped to prevent air entry, then air embolism is prevented, but the catheter cannot be reverse tunneled
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter system is segmented into the catheter tube and a separate adaptor assembly. The adaptor contains the valve mechanism, allowing the catheter itself to remain open for reverse tunneling while the adaptor provides the sealing function when needed, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and air embolism prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor serves as an intermediary component between the open catheter end and the external environment. It provides the sealing function that would otherwise require clamping the catheter, enabling reverse tunneling while preventing air embolism through the adaptor's valve mechanism.
4Reliability
If current valves are used, then sealing is provided, but the flow path is restricted due to reduced cross-sectional area
Solution Approach 1:
The valve design utilizes a multi-dimensional sealing mechanism that maintains a wide open flow path cross-section. The sealing element operates in a different dimensional plane, allowing full cross-sectional flow while providing effective sealing, thus resolving the contradiction between sealing and flow rate.
Data Source
AI summary
A multifunction adaptor for an open-ended catheter that allows placement of the catheter without risk of air embolism or blood loss through the open (proximal) end of the catheter body. The present design allows passage of a standard guidewire for “over the guidewire” placement techniques and a connection for catheter flushing using a standard syringe.