Implanted Port Lock Box and Needle Key Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current therapies for brain tumors face challenges due to the blood-brain-barrier, and existing delivery systems for direct brain delivery are limited, particularly for prolonged and intermittent administration, which is complicated by the risk of needle dislodgement during extended infusion periods.
Innovation Solution
A fully implanted system that includes a port with a reservoir and a lock box, coupled with a needle featuring a key that can be moved from a first to a second position to securely lock into the lock box, preventing inadvertent dislodgement and allowing for extended periods of access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional reservoir with manual needle access is used, then the device can be accessed for infusion, but the risk of needle dislodgement during extended infusion periods is very high
Solution Approach 1:
The lock box and key mechanism are pre-configured within the reservoir system before infusion begins. The key is already attached to the needle, and the lock box is positioned within the reservoir, so that when the needle is inserted, locking can occur immediately without requiring separate preparation steps during the infusion process.
Solution Approach 2:
The key acts as an intermediary element between the needle and the lock box. This intermediate component enables the needle to engage with the locking mechanism, providing a reliable connection that prevents dislodgement during extended infusion periods while allowing for secure removal when needed.
2Reliability
If external fixation devices are used to hold the access needle in place, then needle stability is improved, but adherence to scalp is more challenging due to secretions and hair
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted from external fixation devices and integrated directly into the reservoir system itself. The lock box and key mechanism are built into the implanted reservoir, eliminating the need for separate external fixation components that would need to adhere to the scalp.
Solution Approach 2:
The reservoir system provides its own locking and retention functionality through the integrated lock box and key mechanism. The system serves itself by containing all necessary components for secure needle retention within the implanted device, without requiring external assistance or additional fixation devices.
3Reliability
If a fully implanted system with locking mechanism is used, then needle dislodgement risk is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The key is nested within the lumen of the needle, and the lock box is nested within the reservoir cavity. This nested arrangement allows multiple functional components to be integrated within the existing port structure without significantly increasing external dimensions or overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism components (lock box and key) are merged with the existing reservoir and needle structures. The lock box is disposed within the reservoir cavity and the key is disposed within the needle lumen, combining multiple functions into integrated components rather than separate attached elements.
Data Source
AI summary
Various implementations include a system for coupling a needle to a port. The system includes a port and a needle. The port includes a reservoir and a lock box disposed within the cavity and defining a lock opening. The reservoir includes a membrane and a base coupled to the membrane, which together define a cavity. The reservoir is configured to be implanted under the skin of a person. The needle defines a lumen extending along a needle longitudinal axis. The needle includes a key disposed within the lumen. The key is movable from a first position to a second position. A portion of the key extends further in a radially outward direction in the second position than in the first position. A distal end of the needle is disposable within the lock opening such that the key is couplable to the lock box when in the second position.