Pressure-Regulating Infusion Connector for Controlled Flushing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vascular access devices are prone to occlusion due to rapid infusion pressure, leading to vein damage, rupture, or collapse, and infusate infiltration/extravasation, necessitating the development of a device that regulates flushing injection pressure below a predetermined threshold.
Innovation Solution
A pressure-regulating connector with a slider mechanism that moves between open and closed positions based on fluid pressure, integrating a threaded profile and vanes to induce turbulence, ensuring safe infusion pressures are maintained.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fast injection of flush fluid is used, then flushing efficacy is improved, but transient pressure build-up causes vein damage and infusate infiltration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pressure parameter by introducing a pressure-regulating mechanism that maintains infusion pressure below a predetermined threshold (e.g., 300 mmHg), converting the harmful high-pressure fast injection into a controlled low-pressure infusion while preserving flushing efficacy through optimized fluid delivery
2Object-affected harmful factors
If pressure regulation mechanism is added, then vein damage is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pressure-regulating connector as an intermediary device between the syringe and vascular access device that passively regulates pressure through its mechanical structure, preventing vein damage without requiring active control systems or complex electronics
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure-regulating connector automatically maintains safe infusion pressure through its inherent mechanical design features, such as the slider mechanism and internal chamber geometry, without requiring external control systems, power sources, or complex regulation mechanisms
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 connector effectively regulates infusion pressure within a safe range, preventing vein damage and reducing the need for additional components, while inducing turbulence to enhance flushing efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid channel may include an inner surface having a threaded profile extending at least partially along the inner surface
Data Source
AI summary
A connector for connecting a container containing a medical fluid to a vascular access device may include an upper housing defining a first internal chamber, and a lower housing coupled to the upper housing and defining a second internal chamber for circulation of the medical fluid into the outlet. The connector may further include a slider disposed at least partially in the first and second internal chambers, and a plug coupled to a distal end of the slider. The slider may be reciprocally movable between (i) an open position, where the plug is spaced apart from a floor of the internal chamber to allow the medical fluid to flow through the outlet, and (ii) a closed position where the plug abuts the floor of the second internal chamber to block the medical fluid from flowing through the outlet.