Saline Flush Tube Baffle for Vacuum Blood Draw Protection
Solution Overview
Problem
Vacuum blood collection tubes induce significant negative pressure, leading to hemolysis of blood cells and potential damage during the blood draw process due to high shear forces and catheter fish-mouthing.
Innovation Solution
A blood sample collection system with a housing containing a baffle chamber and a baffle that counters vacuum pressure, using a spring or elastomeric material to reduce shear forces, and a saline flush tube to clear the catheter, employing mechanisms like compressed air, plunger, or spring systems to force saline through the IV.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a needle is used to access a vacuum blood collection tube, then blood can be drawn into the tube, but the needle may become lodged in the stopper creating a stuck needle condition
Solution Approach 1:
A baffle is introduced as an intermediary component between the needle and the vacuum blood collection tube stopper. The baffle receives the needle and prevents direct contact between the needle and stopper, thereby eliminating the stuck needle condition while maintaining blood collection functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The baffle is designed to automatically engage with the needle when it is inserted into the holder. The needle's own movement during insertion triggers the baffle to snap into place, creating a self-activating safety mechanism that requires no additional user action
2Adaptability or versatility
If the needle holder is designed to accept various needle sizes, then versatility is improved, but the risk of needle detachment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The baffle features a V-shaped groove with specific geometric properties that create different engagement characteristics for different needle types. The localized V-shaped geometry provides tailored retention forces that adapt to various needle sizes while maintaining secure attachment through the same basic mechanism
3Device complexity
If no baffle is present in the needle holder, then the device complexity is reduced, but needle control and safety are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The needle holder is segmented into distinct functional zones: an entry region for needle insertion, a baffle region for needle retention and control, and an exit region for needle removal. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The baffle automatically activates upon needle insertion and deactivates upon needle removal. The spring-loaded or elastic baffle snaps into place to retain the needle during use and releases automatically when the needle is pulled out, providing self-regulating control without complex actuation 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
Reduces shear stress on blood cells, preventing hemolysis and catheter collapse, ensuring a usable blood sample while maintaining catheter functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a baffle formed within the baffle chamber to counteract a vacuum within a blood collection tube when pierced by the needle
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A blood sample collection system, may include a housing, the housing including a blood collection port; and a baffle chamber; a needle formed through the housing and into the blood collection port; and a baffle formed within the baffle chamber to counteract a vacuum within a blood collection tube when pierced by the needle.