Self-Inserting Catheter Infusion Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for inserting catheters into blood vessels are cumbersome, often require guidewires or stylets, and pose challenges in achieving accurate placement while maintaining sterility and avoiding vessel damage.
Innovation Solution
A self-inserting catheter system utilizing the natural flow of an infusion solution within an infusion set, where the catheter is carried by blood flow through a larger introducer catheter and secured by a reverse taper or collar, eliminating the need for guidewires and maintaining sterility within the infusion set.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If guidewires and stylets are used to insert catheters, then catheter placement can be achieved, but the procedure becomes cumbersome and sterility may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes guidewires and stylets from the catheter insertion process entirely. The catheter is designed to be self-inserting through the use of a larger introducer catheter and controlled flow dynamics, eliminating the need for separate guidewire components and simplifying the overall procedure while maintaining sterility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the catheter insertion function with the infusion delivery system. The catheter is inserted through the infusion set itself, merging the insertion mechanism with the delivery mechanism, thereby eliminating the need for separate guidewires and reducing procedural complexity.
2Reliability
If guidewires are used for catheter insertion, then placement is achieved, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates guidewires from the procedure, removing the potential source of contamination they represent. The self-inserting catheter design allows placement without introducing external components that could carry contaminants into the sterile field or bloodstream.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the infusion solution flow as an intermediary to propel the catheter into position. This fluid-mediated insertion method replaces the mechanical guidewire approach, reducing contamination risk while maintaining placement accuracy through controlled flow dynamics.
3Ease of operation
If traditional catheter insertion methods are used, then catheters can be placed, but vessel damage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes guidewires and stylets that can cause vessel damage through their rigid structures and manipulation requirements. The soft, self-inserting catheter design reduces mechanical trauma to blood vessels during the insertion process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses hydraulic principles by utilizing the infusion solution flow to propel the catheter through the vessel. This fluid-driven insertion method is gentler on vessel walls compared to mechanical pushing or wire-based methods, reducing the risk of vessel damage.
4Ease of operation
If catheters are handled in the operating room environment, then insertion is possible, but maintaining sterility becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the catheter with the infusion set, which remains within the sterile field throughout the procedure. This integration ensures the catheter stays sterile during insertion without requiring separate sterile draping or handling protocols for the catheter itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the infusion set as an intermediary barrier that maintains sterility. The catheter is inserted through the sterile infusion set, which acts as a protective interface between the non-sterile operating room environment and the sterile catheter, eliminating the need for complex sterile draping.
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
Facilitates accurate, sterile, and controlled catheter placement without the need for guidewires, reducing vessel damage and simplifying the insertion process, while maintaining catheter sterility throughout.
Implementation Method 1
When the infusion is continued, the flow of the fluid will carry the long infusion catheter into and through the introducer and into the vessel
Data Source
AI summary
A long catheter can be inserted into a patient while eliminating a need for a sterile field by incorporating the long catheter into an infusion tubing and carrying it in with an infusion. The long catheter has a structure that prevents it from leaving the infusion tubing when fully extended and therefore becomes a connector for fluids to transfer down the long catheter by infusion through the infusion tubing. Use of an adjustable seal connector allows the long catheter to be stopped at varying points during insertion and even to allow the long catheter to be reversed by pulling suction on the infusion tubing and retracting the long catheter back into the infusion tubing. The long catheter also remains within sterile confines of the infusion tubing and therefore is prevented from becoming contaminated.