Nested Catheter Sheath Assembly for Sterile Low-Trauma Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheath assemblies for inserting catheters into patients fail to adequately prevent bacterial penetration and bodily fluid leakage while minimizing trauma and ensuring sterility during the insertion process.
Innovation Solution
A sheath assembly comprising an introducer sheath and an auxiliary sheath with detachable fastening means, featuring flushing devices and precise diameter alignment to maintain sterility and minimize trauma.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an auxiliary sheath is used together with an introducer sheath for catheter insertion, then the catheter can be properly protected and guided during insertion, but the outer diameter of the sheath assembly increases causing greater trauma to the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary sheath is inserted into the introducer sheath, creating a nested configuration where the smaller auxiliary sheath containing the catheter is positioned within the larger introducer sheath. This nesting allows both sheaths to provide their protective and guiding functions while minimizing the overall outer diameter profile at the insertion site, thereby reducing patient trauma.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheath system is divided into two separate functional components: the introducer sheath that provides initial guidance and protection during insertion, and the auxiliary sheath that provides additional protection and guidance. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to achieve the overall goal of safe catheter insertion with minimal trauma.
2Ease of operation
If detachable fastening means are used to connect the auxiliary sheath to the introducer sheath, then the assembly can be easily assembled and disassembled, but the connection reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
A detachable fastening means acts as an intermediary connection mechanism between the auxiliary sheath and the introduces sheath. This fastening component provides a reliable mechanical connection that can be easily engaged and disengaged, serving as a mediator that ensures both ease of operation and connection reliability through its designed mechanical interlocking features.
3Reliability
If flushing devices are provided in both sheaths to prevent bacterial penetration, then sterility is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flushing devices provided in both the auxiliary sheath and the introduces sheath serve multiple functions: they maintain sterility by flushing out potential contaminants, they provide a barrier against bacterial penetration, and they ensure proper lubrication during insertion. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain high sterility reliability without requiring additional complex components, as the flushing devices perform multiple protective roles simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
Sheath assembly for the insertion of a cord-shaped element, comprising an introducer sheath, and an auxiliary sheath for insertion into the introducer sheath together with the cord-shaped element. In some examples, the auxiliary sheath has a housing configured to detachably couple to the introducer sheath housing, and to detachably fasten the cord-shaped element with respect to the auxiliary sheath housing.