Portacatheter Extensions for Stable Small-Incision Implantation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portacatheters require long incisions and surgical skill for implantation, often leading to noticeable scars and instability in the subcutaneous pocket, with potential flipping issues if not sutured.
Innovation Solution
Designs incorporating rounded and/or planar sides, wings, and self-expanding or mechanically expanding anchoring mechanisms that fit within a smaller incision, enhancing stability and ease of implantation without a broad flat base.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a broad flat base is used to prevent flipping, then port stability is improved, but incision length increases and scar visibility worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The port base is designed with a rounded contour instead of a flat base, allowing it to conform to the curved subcutaneous pocket and resist flipping through geometric interlocking. The rounded shape engages with the curved pocket walls to prevent rotation while fitting through a smaller incision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional flat base to a three-dimensional rounded structure that engages with the pocket in multiple dimensions. The rounded base creates geometric interlocking with the curved pocket walls, providing stability through spatial engagement rather than relying solely on base width.
2Ease of manufacture
If surgical blunt dissection is used to create subcutaneous pocket, then port implantation is achieved, but surgical time increases and surgical skill requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
A dilator is used to pre-create the subcutaneous pocket and tract before port insertion. This preliminary action prepares the pathway and pocket in advance, eliminating the need for time-consuming blunt dissection during the actual port implantation procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The dilator serves as an intermediary tool that creates the pocket and tract, facilitating subsequent port insertion. This intermediary device performs the tissue displacement and pocket formation that would otherwise require direct surgical manipulation.
3Productivity
If port is inserted without suturing, then implantation time is reduced, but port stability deteriorates due to flipping
Solution Approach 1:
The rounded port base design provides self-stabilizing geometry that resists flipping through its own shape characteristics. The geometric interlocking between the rounded base and curved pocket creates inherent stability without requiring additional stabilizing elements like sutures or flanges.
4Ease of manufacture
If a long incision is made for port insertion, then port implantation is achieved, but scar visibility increases and cosmetic appearance worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The rounded port base geometry enables insertion through a smaller, more cosmetically acceptable incision while maintaining stability through its curved shape's engagement with the subcutaneous pocket.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments comprise novel portacatheter structural extensions, wherein a core port with extensions more fully utilizes the port incision, is more stable in the pocket, and fits through the same incision versus the core port without extensions. Extensions resist port flipping by limiting rotation around the port long axis, which enhances the stability of a port with a broad base and permits the design of a stable port with a narrow or absent base. A narrow or absent base enables the port to fit through a small incision. Implantation is further enhanced by expanding the use of the Seldinger technique including the use of dilators and/or balloons in place of blunt dissection to fashion a subcutaneous pocket for a port. In embodiments, the back of the port comprises a closeable aperture, so that the entire portacatheter, with the port and catheter attached, can be inserted over a guidewire.