Permeable IV Catheter Probe for Occlusion-Resistant Fluid Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
IV catheter devices often become occluded, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to the need for replacement, as existing solutions like rigid tubing can also become occluded and form separate pathways that are prone to blockages.
Innovation Solution
A probe with a selectively permeable distal end is integrated into the catheter, allowing controlled fluid flow and occlusion bypass or removal, minimizing the likelihood of the probe becoming occluded by manipulating its permeability through a probe actuator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid tubing is inserted through the catheter to bypass occlusion, then fluid flow is restored, but the tubing becomes occluded with thrombus as it is pushed through and beyond the occlusion
Solution Approach 1:
The probe distal end is formed with a porous structure that allows blood and fluids to pass through while filtering out thrombus and occlusive material. This enables the probe to bypass occlusions without becoming blocked, as the porous walls permit selective passage of fluids while retaining solid particulate matter like thrombus.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe incorporates a movable distal end that can transition between extended and retracted positions relative to the catheter tip. This dynamic configuration allows the probe to be positioned beyond the occlusion when needed, then retracted to minimize exposure to thrombus-forming environments, reducing the likelihood of probe occlusion.
2Productivity
If the probe is inserted through the catheter to remove occlusion, then fluid flow is restored, but the single opening of the tubing may become occluded
Solution Approach 1:
The porous distal end provides multiple flow paths through its structure, preventing single-point occlusion. Even if thrombus forms in one area, fluid can pass through other pores, maintaining probe patency and fluid flow capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The porous structure creates multiple miniature flow channels throughout the probe wall, effectively creating redundant pathways that replicate the function of a single large opening while providing resistance to occlusion through distributed flow paths.
3Ease of operation
If the probe remains open to facilitate fluid flow, then infusion and blood withdrawal are enabled, but the probe is more likely to become occluded
Solution Approach 1:
The porous structure allows the probe to maintain an open configuration for fluid flow while the pore architecture naturally filters and resists thrombus formation. Blood can flow through the porous walls while thrombus is excluded, enabling continuous operation without occlusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The porous probe wall acts as an intermediary between the internal probe lumen and the external vasculature, allowing selective exchange of fluids while blocking thrombus. This mediator function enables fluid flow capability while protecting the probe interior from occlusive material.
Data Source
AI summary
An intravenous catheter device can have a probe with a selectively permeable distal end. The probe can be inserted through a catheter while the catheter is positioned intravenously to facilitate fluid flow into or out from the catheter such as by removing an occlusion or repositioning the catheter. Due to its selective permeability, the distal end of the probe can minimize the likelihood of the probe becoming occluded while it is inserted intravenously and may provide control over the rate of fluid flow into or out from the catheter.