Segmented Drug Eluting Catheter for Variable Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current catheters for administering drugs lack the ability to adjust dosages based on patient weight and body mass index, leading to logistical and financial challenges due to the need for a wide range of pre-set dosages.
Innovation Solution
A drug eluting catheter with a dosing region and graduated markings or a measurement device, allowing users to vary the dosage by removing or masking undesired sections, enabling tailored administration to individual patient needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple catheters with different pre-set dosages are maintained, then patient-specific dosage requirements can be met, but inventory complexity and financial costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dosing region is segmented into multiple sections with different active agent concentrations, allowing selective removal or masking of specific segments to achieve desired dosages. This segmentation enables a single catheter to serve multiple dosage requirements without maintaining separate catheters for each dosage level.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter transitions from a static pre-set dosage configuration to a dynamic adjustable dosage system. Users can modify the active dosing region by removing or masking specific segments, allowing the catheter to adapt to different patient requirements dynamically rather than being fixed at manufacturing.
2Device complexity
If a single fixed dosage catheter is used, then inventory is simplified, but dosage adjustment for varying patient needs is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The dosing region is divided into multiple segments with different active agent concentrations. This segmentation allows a single catheter design to accommodate multiple dosages by selectively activating different segments, eliminating the need for multiple fixed-dosage catheter types while maintaining dosage flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple dosage requirements through a single device. The dosing region's segmented structure enables one catheter to function at different dosages by removing or masking specific segments, making it a universal solution for various patient needs.
3Quantity of substance
If the entire dosing region is used, then maximum dosage is delivered, but precision for patient-specific dosing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The dosing region is segmented into multiple sections with different active agent concentrations. This segmentation enables precise dosage control by allowing users to select, remove, or mask specific segments corresponding to the desired dosage level, thereby achieving both high active agent quantity when needed and precise dosage control when required.
Solution Approach 2:
Different segments of the dosing region have different local qualities in terms of active agent concentration. This local quality variation allows precise dosage adjustment by targeting specific segments for removal or masking, enabling exact dosage control matched to individual patient requirements while maintaining the option for higher doses when necessary.
Data Source
AI summary
A drug eluting catheter includes an active agent, such as a drug or chemical substance, which is integrated with the catheter and allows variable dosing of the agent for elution to the patient's body. The catheter includes a dosing region and graduated markings or is associated with a measurement device that includes graduated markings that correspond to a range of dose of the active agent associated with the catheter. By removing or masking an undesired dosing region prior to administration, a user may vary the dosage to suit a patient's needs.