Retractable Needle Catheter Insertion for Safer Needle Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing through-the-needle catheter insertion tools require splitting or disassembly of the needle, posing safety risks and contamination risks, and necessitate a separate needle/handle removal step during deployment.
Innovation Solution
A catheter insertion system with a retractable needle design, where the needle is retracted into a housing after the catheter is advanced, allowing secure disposal and eliminating the need for needle splitting, with features like a slider for manual retraction and a spring mechanism for automatic retraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the needle is made splittable or disassembled at the point of use, then the needle can be removed from the catheter, but the portions of the needle present a safety/disposal risk and require separate removal steps
Solution Approach 1:
The needle is divided into two longitudinally aligned halves that can be separated from each other, allowing the needle to be removed from the catheter without requiring complex disassembly steps while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of removing the catheter from the needle, the invention inverts the approach by having the needle split into halves that can be independently removed, reversing the traditional removal sequence to simplify the process
2Ease of operation
If the needle is used in the through-the-needle technique, then the catheter can be inserted into the vessel, but the catheter is often contaminated by bacteria from the skin or due to manipulation by the operator
Solution Approach 1:
The needle is pre-split into two halves before use, allowing the catheter to be threaded through the needle lumen without requiring manipulation that could cause contamination, thereby maintaining sterility during the insertion process
Solution Approach 2:
The split needle halves act as intermediaries that can be separated and disposed of, allowing the catheter to pass through without direct contact with contaminated surfaces, thus preventing bacterial contamination
3Ease of operation
If a splittable needle is used, then the needle can be removed from the catheter, but the portions of the needle present a safety risk and require separate disposal
Solution Approach 1:
The needle halves are extracted and separated from the catheter assembly, allowing for safe disposal of the sharp portions while leaving the catheter in place, thereby maintaining patient safety and reducing needle stick risks
Solution Approach 2:
The split needle halves are designed to be easily discarded after use, with the catheter remaining in place for continued use, thereby separating the disposable needle portion from the reusable catheter portion to improve safety
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 ensures safe, non-traumatic catheter insertion with reduced risk of needle sticks and contamination, facilitating easy disposal and integration with conventional medical systems.
Implementation Method 1
a spring mechanism for automatic retraction
Data Source
AI summary
A catheter insertion system includes a housing extending along a longitudinal axis. A needle extends distally from a distal end of the housing. The needle has a longitudinal passage coaxially aligned with the housing. A catheter has a length and is sized and shaped to be advanced from a retracted position within the longitudinal passage of the needle to an extended position with at least a portion of the catheter length extending beyond a distal tip of the needle. The needle is typically configured to be retracted back into the housing after the catheter has been advanced thus providing an integrated catheter and catheter insertion apparatus. After needle retraction, the housing may be taped to the patient's skin while the needle remains protected within the housing. A luer on the catheter may then be connected to a fluid or other source in an otherwise conventional manner.