Releasable Tubular Medical Device for Trauma-Free Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices for accessing bodily passages, such as salivary glands, lack effective mechanisms for providing reliable access and trauma reduction during insertion and use.
Innovation Solution
A medical device comprising an elongate member, an intermediate member, and a tubular member, where the intermediate and tubular members are releasably disposed on the elongate member, with specific structural features allowing for controlled advancement and withdrawal to minimize trauma and facilitate treatment, including a tapered design and passageways for support posts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a medical device is introduced into a bodily passage to provide access during treatment, then access to the bodily passage is achieved, but trauma to the bodily passage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple segments: an introducer member with a leading end for initial insertion, a tubular member for maintaining access, and a support post for structural stability. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function in sequence, reducing overall trauma while achieving reliable access to the bodily passage
Solution Approach 2:
The introducer member with its beveled blunted surface performs preliminary action by gently penetrating and leading the cannula through the incision between the ribs before the main tubular member is fully inserted. This preliminary action prepares the pathway and reduces resistance during subsequent insertion of larger components
2Ease of operation
If an elongated hollow tube is used for insertion between the ribs, then access to the bodily passage is provided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow tube is nested within the introducer member during insertion, with the tubular member having an inside diameter less than the outside diameter of the introducer's shaft. This nesting arrangement allows compact delivery of the device system and simplifies the insertion process by having one component guide another, reducing the perceived complexity despite the multi-component design
Data Source
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AI summary
Medical devices that have a releasable intermediate member and tubular member are described. Methods of using medical devices that have a releasable intermediate member and tubular member are also described. An example of a medical device comprises an elongate member, an intermediate member, and a tubular member. Each of the intermediate member and tubular member is releasably disposed on the elongate member.