Segmented Drainage Tube Structure to Prevent Dependent Loops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drainage tubes are prone to fluid pooling and retrograde flow, leading to complications such as catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) due to the formation of dependent loops.
Innovation Solution
Drainage tubes with varying mechanical properties along their axial length, including rigid, malleable, and elastic sections, are designed to maintain a consistent negative incline and prevent loop formation, using materials like plastics, polymers, metals, and elastomers for integration or modular assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single large drainage tube is used, then the drainage capacity is sufficient, but the tube is difficult to introduce into the body cavity and cannot be easily removed
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage tube is divided into multiple segments that can be collapsed into a compact configuration for introduction and removal, yet expand to provide sufficient drainage capacity when in position. The segmented structure allows the tube to be introduced in a collapsed state and then expanded to its functional configuration.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a drainage tube with rigid structure is used, then the tube maintains its shape and drainage function, but the tube cannot be easily compressed for introduction
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage tube employs a dynamic structure that can transition between compressed and expanded states. The tube includes expandable elements such as balloons or self-expanding frames that provide structural stability when deployed but allow compression for introduction and removal.
3Ease of operation
If the drainage tube is made flexible for easy introduction, then the tube can be easily introduced, but the tube cannot maintain its shape for effective drainage
Solution Approach 1:
The tube is segmented into multiple sections that can flex independently during introduction but maintain overall structural integrity when assembled. The segmented design allows flexibility for navigation while preserving shape for drainage function.
Solution Approach 2:
The tube transitions from a flexible, compressible state during introduction to a rigid, shape-maintaining state during drainage. Expandable elements provide structural support only when needed for drainage while allowing flexibility during insertion and removal.
4Productivity
If a large diameter tube is used for adequate drainage, then the drainage capacity is sufficient, but the tube causes more trauma during introduction
Solution Approach 1:
The tube is divided into segments that collapse to a small profile for introduction, minimizing trauma, and then expand to provide adequate drainage capacity when in position. The segmented structure enables the tube to be smaller during insertion than during functional use.
Solution Approach 2:
The tube dynamically changes its diameter from a small compressed state during introduction to a large expanded state during drainage. This dynamic size change allows adequate drainage capacity while minimizing trauma during introduction and removal.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to systems and methods of drainage tubes displaying differing mechanical properties along an axial length. These drainage tubes can be provided as integrally formed tubes or as modular systems and can be provided as part of a kit. The differing mechanical properties allows a user to position the tube and to prevent the formation of dependent loops, which allow fluid to pool therein. Proximal portions of the tube can display rigid or malleable properties to maintain a negative incline, or be positioned and remain in position until repositioned. Modular tube kits allow a user to select different mechanical properties along an axial length and modify an overall length of the tube to suit the user's needs.