Multiply Sealed Access Port for Fluid Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical access devices, such as venous catheters and access ports, face issues with cleanliness, comfort, and mobility due to bulkiness and invasive installation methods, which can lead to discomfort and reduced patient participation in therapy.
Innovation Solution
A vascular access device called 'Button' with a flanged base and a narrow cannula, secured by adhesives or bandages, featuring a receptacle with multiple seals for non-invasive installation, and an external storage device 'Band' with a programmable component for substance delivery and monitoring, allowing for secure, comfortable, and mobile access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If conventional venous catheters are used for extended period access, then long-term substance delivery is achieved, but patient comfort deteriorates and mobility is reduced due to bulkiness and invasive installation
Solution Approach 1:
The access system is divided into separate components: a small implanted access port and an external delivery device that connects when needed. This segmentation allows the access port to be minimally invasive while the external device provides the necessary bulk for substance delivery, resolving the contradiction between duration of access and patient comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The bulky components (external storage device, pump, control system) are extracted from the implanted portion and placed outside the patient's body. Only the essential access port remains implanted, minimizing invasiveness while maintaining long-term access capability when the external device is connected.
2Reliability
If catheters are frequently installed and removed for cleaning, then infection risk is reduced, but patient discomfort increases and vein condition deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The external storage device can be disconnected and cleaned independently of the implanted access port. The access port remains in place with its protective seal, while the external device that requires frequent cleaning is easily removable and serviceable, eliminating the need to repeatedly install and remove catheters.
Solution Approach 2:
The access port serves as an intermediary between the patient's body and the external delivery system. It provides a permanent, sealed access point that doesn't require frequent manipulation, while the external device handles the cleaning and maintenance requirements.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If access ports are installed using invasive surgery with bolts and screws, then secure long-term access is achieved, but patient comfort and mobility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical fastening system (bolts and screws) is replaced with a minimally invasive percutaneous access method. The access port is implanted through a small surgical procedure and secured with adhesives or minimal anchoring, eliminating the need for extensive surgical fixation while maintaining long-term stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The access port uses a flexible flanged base that can be secured to the skin surface with adhesives, providing a comfortable, low-profile installation that doesn't require rigid mechanical fixation. This flexible approach reduces surgical trauma and improves patient comfort while maintaining secure long-term access.
4Ease of operation
If metal needles are embedded in patients' bodies for catheter insertion, then vascular access is achieved, but patient comfort and mobility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The metal needle is extracted from the final implanted configuration and used only temporarily during the installation process. After the access port is in place, the needle is removed and replaced with a flexible catheter or sealed access point, eliminating the discomfort of having a rigid metal needle embedded in the body while maintaining vascular access capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An access port for transporting fluids into a patient's body utilizing a multiple seals in parallel is disclosed. The access port 100 includes a flanged base 102, a receptacle 106 with multiple seals 108 and 110, and a cannula 104. The access port may also include a guide needle for installation purposes, and a sanitary adaptor that seals the receptacle for long term usage. Adhesives or bandaging may utilize the flanged base to secure the access port to the patient. The flanged base may also be installed beneath the patient's skin so secure the access port. The receptacle utilizes a multitude of sealing mechanism, including but not limited to O-ring seals and screw-lock seals. The receptacle additionally contains and outlet flow path leading to the cannula. The cannula connects from the receptacle into the patient's body. The cannula is installed perpendicular to the plane of the flanged base and protrudes on the side of the access port facing into the patient's body while the receptacle faces outward. A number of devices may work in conjunction to access port 100 that interface with the multiple parallel seal mechanism. Guide needle 200 may be utilized during installation, sanitary seal 300 may be used for long term use, and band 500 in conjunction with bag 600 may be worn on a patient to deliver substances into their body. Programmable components 512, 606, and 712 may be implemented with these devices that enables a system that automatically identifies the substance being administered and dosing information, then relays that information to a doctor or caregiver.