Self-Cleaning Catheter Split Tip Pulsatile Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shunt systems for fluid drainage, such as those used in hydrocephalus treatment, often become clogged due to foreign materials in the narrow passageways, necessitating costly and risky follow-up procedures for maintenance or replacement.
Innovation Solution
The development of self-cleaning catheters with split tips that utilize pulsatile flow to clear obstructions and built-in flow indicators visible under MRI, along with flushing systems and auxiliary pathway opening mechanisms to prevent clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If narrow tubular passageways are used in shunt systems, then device size is reduced, but clogging occurs due to foreign materials collecting in the narrow passageways
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter tip is divided into multiple segments or struts (first strut, second strut, third strut) that create multiple fluid passageways. This segmentation prevents foreign materials from blocking the entire fluid path while maintaining a compact device size, as the segmented structure distributes flow through multiple channels rather than a single narrow passage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-dimensional narrow tubular passageway to a multi-dimensional fluid distribution system with struts extending in different directions. The first, second, and third struts create fluid passageways that extend in multiple dimensions, allowing fluid to flow through various paths and reducing the likelihood of complete blockage while maintaining compact dimensions.
2Productivity
If traditional shunt systems are used, then initial fluid flow is established, but follow-on procedures are required for maintenance and clog removal
Solution Approach 1:
The shunt system incorporates self-cleaning capabilities through its unique catheter tip design with multiple struts and passageways. The structure allows fluid to flow through multiple paths, creating self-cleaning action that prevents clog formation and eliminates the need for follow-on maintenance procedures, enabling the system to maintain itself over extended periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter tip is designed with a specific multi-strut configuration during manufacturing that pre-establishes multiple fluid passageways. This preliminary structural arrangement ensures that foreign materials cannot easily accumulate and block fluid flow, preventing the need for future maintenance interventions.
3Device complexity
If single catheter design is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but clogging risk increases in narrow passageways
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter tip is segmented into multiple struts (first strut, second strut, third strut) that define separate fluid passageways. This segmentation creates multiple independent flow paths, reducing the risk that a single clog will block the entire system while adding only moderate structural complexity compared to a traditional single-lumen catheter.
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 self-cleaning catheters effectively prevent clogging, reducing the need for frequent maintenance and complications, while the flow indicators and flushing systems ensure reliable fluid flow and easy detection of blockages.
Implementation Method 1
Pulsatile flow of fluid in which the first and second tips are disposed can be effective to cause the first and second tips to strike one another, thereby dislodging obstructions from the first and second tips
Implementation Method 2
Exemplary flow indicators include projections that extend radially inward from the interior surface of the catheter and which include imageable portions (e.g., portions which are visible under magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)). Movement of the flow indicators caused by fluid flowing through the catheter can be detected using MRI
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided herein that generally involve shunting fluid, e.g., shunting cerebrospinal fluid in the treatment of hydrocephalus. Self-cleaning catheters are provided which include split tips configured such that pulsatile flow of fluid in a cavity in which the catheter is inserted can cause the tips to strike one another and thereby clear obstructions. Catheters with built-in flow indicators are also provided. Exemplary flow indicators include projections that extend radially inward from the interior surface of the catheter and which include imageable portions (e.g., portions which are visible under magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)). Movement of the flow indicators caused by fluid flowing through the catheter can be detected using MRI, thereby providing a reliable indication as to whether the catheter is partially or completely blocked. Systems and methods for flushing a shunt system are also disclosed herein, as are various systems and methods for opening auxiliary fluid pathways through a shunt system.