Plug Delivery Device with Frustoconical Fluid Wetting Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices lack an efficient method for delivering plugs, such as pledgets, into voids within a patient's body to fill wounds, occlude fluid flow, induce coagulation, or promote tissue growth.
Innovation Solution
The development of a medical device comprising a plunger, syringe body, and plug holder, which facilitates the wetting and delivery of a plug through a lumen to a void within the patient. The plug holder includes a plug cartridge with a frustoconical surface to direct fluid flow and a shoulder to prevent proximal displacement of the plug.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a plug is delivered to fill a void in a patient's body, then wound closure and tissue growth are improved, but the risk of complications and failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary actions by wetting the plug with fluid before delivery to improve lubrication and reduce friction. The plug is prepared in advance with a coating or treatment that facilitates smooth passage through the delivery catheter and into the void, preventing sticking and reducing the risk of delivery failure
Solution Approach 2:
A delivery catheter serves as an intermediary tool to transport the plug from the external environment through the tissue to the target void. The catheter provides a protected pathway that reduces friction and prevents premature release, while a stylet or push mechanism within the catheter delivers the plug with controlled force
2Reliability
If a plug is delivered to occlude fluid flow, then fluid occlusion is improved, but the risk of incomplete occlusion or leakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plug is wetted and lubricated in advance to ensure smooth delivery and proper positioning within the void. This preliminary preparation ensures the plug reaches the target location fully formed and positioned correctly, preventing incomplete occlusion and leakage
Solution Approach 2:
Fluid dynamics are utilized by delivering the plug through a fluid-filled delivery catheter. The fluid pressure and flow characteristics help propel the plug through the tissue and into the void, while the fluid itself may contribute to the occlusion process by filling gaps and ensuring complete sealing
3Reliability
If a plug is delivered to induce coagulation, then coagulation is improved, but the risk of inadequate coagulation or tissue damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plug is prepared with coagulation-inducing properties in advance, such as being coated with a material that promotes clot formation. This preliminary treatment ensures the plug is ready to induce coagulation upon contact with blood or body fluids, while controlled delivery prevents excessive or uncontrolled coagulation that could cause tissue damage
4Reliability
If a plug is delivered to promote tissue growth, then tissue growth is improved, but the risk of poor integration or rejection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plug is preliminarily treated with materials or coatings that promote tissue integration and reduce rejection. This may include biocompatible coatings, growth factor applications, or surface modifications that encourage favorable host response. The plug is prepared in advance to ensure proper integration upon implantation
Solution Approach 2:
The physical or chemical parameters of the plug are modified to optimize tissue compatibility and growth promotion. This may involve changing surface properties, material composition, or structural characteristics to enhance biocompatibility and reduce the risk of rejection while promoting successful tissue integration
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 device effectively delivers a plug to a void within the patient, enhancing wound closure, fluid occlusion, coagulation, and tissue growth, while ensuring the plug is properly positioned and hydrated for optimal performance.
Implementation Method 1
The plug holder includes a plug cartridge with a frustoconical surface to direct fluid flow
Implementation Method 2
The device effectively delivers a plug to a void within the patient, enhancing wound closure, fluid occlusion, coagulation, and tissue growth, while ensuring the plug is properly positioned and hydrated
Data Source
AI summary
Medical devices for delivering a plug to a void within a patient. The medical device can include a fluid delivery device and a plug holder (e.g., a plug delivery device) coupled to a distal end of the fluid delivery device. The medical device may be configured such that the delivery of fluid from the fluid delivery device wets the plug, ejects the plug from the plug holder, and pushes the plug through a lumen of an elongate tube to a void within a patient.