Implantable Access Port With Retractable Internal Needle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current indwelling catheter systems pose a risk of infection due to external needle access, require multiple needle sticks for accurate placement, and can be damaged by large gauge needles, leading to discomfort and increased infection risk.
Innovation Solution
An implantable subcutaneous access port with an exposable/concealable internal needle that can extend/retract using mechanical, magnetic, or electro-mechanical mechanisms, allowing for fluid infusion/extraction while minimizing skin penetration and reducing the risk of infection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an external hypodermic needle is inserted through the skin to access the implanted port, then fluid infusion and extraction can be performed, but the risk of infection increases and patient discomfort increases due to multiple needle sticks
Solution Approach 1:
The needle is extracted from the external environment and repositioned internally within the access port body. The internal needle resides permanently within the port, eliminating the need for repeated external needle insertions through the skin, thereby reducing infection risk and patient discomfort while maintaining fluid access capability
Solution Approach 2:
The internal needle acts as an intermediary between the external environment and the implanted port chamber. It provides a controlled interface for fluid transfer without requiring external hypodermic needles to penetrate the skin and port septum, thus mediating the interaction while minimizing harmful effects
2Productivity
If a large gauge needle is used to facilitate suitable flow rates for fluids, then fluid infusion and extraction efficiency improves, but the septum of the implanted port is damaged and leaking occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The internal needle is designed with specific local properties including appropriate gauge size, length, and tip configuration optimized for the port chamber geometry. These localized quality adjustments enable sufficient fluid flow rates while preventing septum damage that would occur with larger external needles
Solution Approach 2:
The needle gauge, length, and tip angle parameters are specifically changed and optimized for internal port access rather than external skin penetration. These parameter modifications allow achieving required fluid flow rates without the excessive diameter that would damage the port septum
3Ease of operation
If the needle is permanently exposed outside the access port body, then fluid access is simplified, but the risk of contamination increases and patient comfort decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The internal needle is designed to be dynamically positionable within the port chamber, capable of extending to facilitate fluid access and retracting to minimize exposure to contaminants. This dynamic positioning maintains ease of operation while reducing contamination risk compared to permanent external exposure
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 a secure, comfortable, and infection-reduced method for fluid access, allowing for repeated use without damaging the septum, thus enhancing patient comfort and reducing the risk of complications.
Implementation Method 1
The internal needle may be extendable or retractable and, in certain embodiments, the internal needle may be concealed within the access port body or exposed outside the access port body. In certain embodiments, the internal needle may be extendable or retractable using a magnetic, mechanical or electro-mechanical mechanism.
Data Source
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AI summary
A medical system, comprising an implantable access port including an implantable access port body and at least one implantable access port needle; wherein the at least one needle is concealable inside the access port body in a concealed position and is exposable outside the access port body in an exposed position; wherein the at least one needle is arranged within the access port body to penetrate outwardly through skin of a subject from within the subject when the access port is implanted in the subject; a transfer device coupled to the at least one needle of the access port, the transfer device configured to transfer a fluid to and/or from the access port; and wherein the transfer device is configured to form a closed system with the access port, wherein the transfer device includes a fluid flow passage configured to transfer the fluid to and/or from the access port.