Detachable Percutaneous Connector Cover for MCSD Infection Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical circulatory support devices (MCSDs) require constant external power, leading to a physical burden on patients and vulnerability to infections due to skin breaches from percutaneous connectors, which also face mechanical stress and microbial exposure during repeated connection and disconnection.
Innovation Solution
A cover system for percutaneous connectors that includes a dome-shaped housing with a flexible base and adhesive skin-engaging surface, featuring a first separable connector for secure engagement with the connector and a second separable connector for external device connection, providing a secure, detachable, and sealed electrical connection that minimizes mechanical and microbial risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a percutaneous connector is used to provide constant external power to the implant, then the pump operation is ensured, but the patient experiences physical burden from bulky external electronics and vulnerability to infections from skin breaches
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the power source into internal (battery) and external (power pack) components, allowing the implant to operate independently when needed while reducing infection risk by minimizing percutaneous connections during critical periods
Solution Approach 2:
A percutaneous power transfer system acts as an intermediary, enabling wireless-like power transfer through the skin without requiring open electrical connections, thus maintaining reliability while reducing infection vulnerability
2Ease of operation
If the external device is repeatedly connected and disconnected for activities like bathing or dressing, then patient comfort and hygiene are improved, but mechanical stress on the percutaneous connector and cable increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows dynamic switching between connected and disconnected states, enabling patients to adjust the connection status based on activity requirements while the connector design accommodates repeated mechanical cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The connector and cable are designed with protective features that anticipate and cushion against mechanical stress from repeated connections, preventing premature failure before disconnection occurs
3Ease of operation
If the percutaneous cable is made detachable to allow removal during activities, then patient comfort is improved, but the risk of accidental pulling and mechanical damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces traditional mechanical detachable connectors with a percutaneous power transfer mechanism that maintains secure connection through skin penetration while allowing easy removal when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design includes features that prevent accidental disconnection by applying preliminary counter-forces against unintended pulling or removal attempts
4Ease of operation
If the skin breach is exposed during connection and disconnection processes, then access to the connector is improved, but microbial exposure and infection risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible adhesive base with skin-engaging surface creates a seal around the percutaneous connector, forming a protective barrier that prevents microbial exposure while maintaining access to the external connector for connection and disconnection operations
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 cover system ensures a secure, detachable, and sealed electrical connection, reducing mechanical stress and microbial exposure, promoting patient comfort and preventing infections by maintaining a continuous seal around the skin breach area.
Implementation Method 1
The base is configured to adhere to the skin of the patient
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A cover for a percutaneous connector extending through the skin of a patient. The cover includes a structure having an inner side and an outer side. A first separable connector is mounted to the structure and disposed entirely within the structure, the first separable connector being configured to detachably engage and electrically connect with the percutaneous connector. A second separable connector is mounted to the structure and electrically connected to the first separable connector, the second separable connector being exposed at the outer side of the structure and being configured to detachably engage and electrically connect with an external device. The inner side of the structure defines a skin-engaging surface at least partially surrounding the first separable connector and the percutaneous connector, when the first separable connector is engaged with the percutaneous connector.