Port Cannula Hinged Support for Skin Leveling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing port cannula systems pose risks of injury and infection during and after use due to non-sterile conditions when removed from patients, and there is a need for a more cost-effective and easier production method.

Innovation Solution

A port cannula system with a cannula holder, cannula tip that converts between puncture and safety positions, a safety section for needlestick protection, and a support with a hinge for secure skin attachment, allowing for height adjustment and improved observation of the puncture site.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a large integrated adhesive patch with leveling element is used to secure the port cannula system, then safety requirements and stability are well met, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety requirementsVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support is divided into multiple segments (first support segment, second support segment) that can be separately attached to the patient's skin. This segmentation allows the system to meet safety and stability requirements while reducing the complexity of a single large integrated patch, as each segment can be independently manufactured and positioned.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the cannula tip is exposed for puncture, then puncture function is achieved, but the risk of injury and infection increases during and after removal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepuncture functionVSAvoidrisk of injury and infection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cannula tip can dynamically change its position between an exposed state during puncture and a retracted state during removal and after use. This dynamic positioning allows the system to maintain ease of operation for puncture while minimizing the risk of injury and infection during removal, as the tip is withdrawn into the cannula holder where it is protected.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If the support is rigidly fixed to the cannula holder, then manufacturing is simpler, but height adjustment for uneven skin or patient movement is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidheight adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The support segments are connected to the cannula holder via hinges, allowing dynamic adjustment of the support height and angle. This enables the system to adapt to uneven skin surfaces and patient movement while maintaining relative manufacturing simplicity, as the hinge mechanism is a straightforward mechanical connection that can be easily integrated during manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 system provides enhanced safety against needlestick injuries, cost advantages, improved observation and care of the puncture site, and increased patient comfort through secure and adjustable attachment, while being easier to produce.

Implementation Method 1

at least one support (2) connected to the cannula holder (10) by means of a hinge (3)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHinge mechanism: Hinge

Data Source

PatentEP2861277B1Port cannula system with foldable support for puncturing port catheters
Publication Date: 2021.05.12 FRESENIUS KABI DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
  • EP2861277B1 patent drawingFigure 1.a
  • EP2861277B1 patent drawingFigure 1.b
  • EP2861277B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present invention relates to port cannula systems for puncturing implantable and implanted port catheters. The invention describes a port cannula system comprising a cannula holder, a cannula affixed to the cannula holder with a cannula tip which can be moved into at least a puncture position and a secured position, a feeder connected to the cannula and at least one wing connected with the cannula holder for fastening the port cannula system to the patient's skin, wherein the at least one wing is connected to the cannula holder by means of a hinge. The hinge permits height compensation, if for example the patients skin is not even in the area of application or if the patient is moving. In this way, the wing, in conjunction with the hinge, represents a kind of levelling element.