Occlusion Resistant Catheter With Segmented Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Infusion therapy with vascular access devices often experiences occlusions and contamination due to the arching of catheters, which can lead to malfunctions and health risks, as the exposed section is prone to leverage forces and contamination.
Innovation Solution
The occlusion resistance catheters provide additional support to the root region and include features such as a rounded tip, embedded coils, and external markings to prevent over-insertion and occlusions, using materials like silicone and radiopaque materials for strength and visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the catheter is allowed to arch to accommodate the transition from parallel orientation to insertion angle, then the catheter can be properly positioned in the vein, but the root region experiences leverage forces causing occlusion against the catheter adapter
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is segmented into a rigid proximal portion and a flexible distal portion. The rigid proximal portion provides structural support to resist occlusion forces at the root region, while the flexible distal portion allows the necessary arching motion for proper positioning in the vein.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the catheter have different mechanical properties. The proximal portion near the adapter is made rigid to prevent occlusion, while the distal portion is made flexible to accommodate the arching transition and positioning requirements.
2Ease of operation
If a longer exposed section of catheter is left between the patient and catheter adapter to allow transitional arching, then the catheter can be properly positioned, but the exposed section is prone to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is pre-configured with a rigid proximal portion that maintains its position and prevents excessive arching. This preliminary structural arrangement minimizes the exposed flexible section, reducing contamination risk while still allowing sufficient arching for proper positioning.
3Reliability
If the catheter is made more rigid to prevent occlusion at the root region, then occlusion is reduced, but the catheter cannot accommodate the transitional arching motion
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is divided into distinct rigid and flexible segments. The rigid proximal portion prevents occlusion while the flexible distal portion accommodates the arching motion required for proper positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter exhibits spatially varying mechanical properties, with rigidity concentrated at the proximal portion near the adapter and flexibility concentrated at the distal portion for positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for preventing an occlusion of a catheter including a catheter adapter and a catheter where a flexured portion of the catheter is supported by a bending surface of the catheter adapter. The flexured portion of the catheter may also include a maximum insertion length mark and/or a flexible support member to support and strengthen the flexured portion of the catheter against occlusions. A bending surface is provided over which a flexured portion of the catheter may gently bend to accommodate the transition of the catheter from the catheter adapter to the insertion site without occluding the catheter.