Multilumen Catheter Distal Slit Structure for Easier Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-lumen catheters experience increased insertion resistance at the opening position of the blood return lumen, leading to poor overall insertability, while maintaining sufficient cross-sectional area for blood removal is crucial.
Innovation Solution
The catheter design includes a flexible portion with a lumen slit at the distal end of the outer wall, allowing the distal end to deform and reduce insertion resistance, and features lumen side pores to disperse suction pressure, ensuring easy insertion and minimizing vessel wall sticking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cross-sectional area at the opening position of the blood return lumen is reduced, then the insertability of the distal end portion is improved, but the cross-sectional area at the opening position of the blood removal lumen remains unchanged, causing insertion resistance to suddenly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter employs a flexible portion with variable hardness along its length, where the distal end has lower hardness to facilitate insertion by deforming during passage, while the proximal end maintains higher hardness to prevent sudden increase in insertion resistance and ensure stable blood removal function after positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter structure differentiates properties between different segments: the distal end portion includes a flexible portion with lower hardness for easy insertion, while the proximal end maintains higher hardness. Additionally, lumen slits are strategically positioned at specific locations to locally reduce cross-sectional area where needed without compromising overall structural integrity
2Ease of operation
If the distal end portion of the outer wall is made flexible to reduce insertion resistance, then insertability is improved, but the structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter employs a flexible portion with variable hardness along its length, where the distal end has lower hardness to facilitate insertion by deforming during passage, while the proximal end maintains higher hardness to prevent sudden increase in insertion resistance and ensure stable blood removal function after positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter is divided into distinct segments with different properties: a flexible portion at the distal end for insertion, and a harder proximal portion for structural support. The lumen slits are also segmented and positioned at specific locations to provide localized flexibility without compromising overall catheter strength
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 design enhances catheter insertability by reducing sudden increases in resistance and preventing vessel wall sticking, while maintaining effective blood flow and reducing the risk of clogging.
Implementation Method 1
the body includes a flexible portion having a lower hardness than other portions of the body, and the flexible portion including a distal end portion of the first outer wall portion where the first lumen slit is provided
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-lumen catheter includes a body 101 that is formed into a cylindrical shape and extends from a proximal end to a distal end and surrounded by an outer wall 113; an inner space of the body 101 being divided with a partition 114 extending in a longitudinal direction, into a plurality of lumens including a first lumen 111 and a second lumen 112. The second lumen 112 has a second opening plane 122 at its distal end, and the first lumen 111 has a first opening plane121 at its distal end, the second opening plane 122 being positioned more distally than the first opening plane 121. The outer wall 113 includes a first outer wall portion 115 defining the first lumen 111 and a second outer wall portion 116 defining the second lumen 112, the first outer wall portion 115 having a first lumen slit 123 notching a portion of a distal end of the first outer wall portion 115. The body 101 includes a flexible portion 141 having a lower hardness, the flexible portion 141 including a distal end portion of the first outer wall portion 115 wherein the first lumen slit 123 is provided.