Multi-lumen Catheter with Vena Cava Filter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current vena cava filters do not combine the functions of central access catheters and removable filters, limiting their application in patients with contraindications to anticoagulation therapy and requiring separate devices for venous thromboembolism management.

Innovation Solution

A multi-lumen catheter integrated with a vena cava filter that serves as both a central venous access catheter for fluid administration and thrombus capture, featuring a filter geometry with larger proximal openings for emboli capture and smaller distal openings for retention, allowing for both intravenous therapy and thrombus management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate devices are used for central venous access and vena cava filtration, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall device complexity and number of procedures required increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional optimizationVSAvoidnumber of devices

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a central venous access catheter and a vena cava filter into a single integrated device. The filter is positioned at the distal end of the catheter, allowing both central venous access and embolic material capture functions to be performed by one device, thereby reducing the number of separate procedures and devices needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated device performs multiple functions: it provides central venous access for fluid administration and simultaneously acts as a filter to capture embolic material. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate catheter placement and filter insertion procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a multi-lumen catheter is used for both access and filtration, then device versatility improves, but the manufacturing complexity and geometric precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidfilter geometry

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The filter portion of the device features non-uniform geometry with larger proximal openings for emboli capture and smaller distal openings for retention. This localized variation in opening size optimizes the filtering function while being integrated into the multi-lumen catheter structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The device is segmented into distinct functional zones: the multi-lumen catheter body for fluid administration and the filter section with varying opening sizes for embolic material capture. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining manufacturability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9427300B2Multi-lumen central access vena cava filter apparatus for clot management and method of using same

Publication Date: 2016.08.30 BIO2MEDICAL

AI summary

A combined multi-lumen central access catheter and an embolic filter including ports proximal and distal the filter for fluid infusion and/or pressure sensing and infusion ports in the catheter to permit infusion of bioactive agents, flushing agents and/or contrast agents and managing the capture of the clot thereafter.