Septum Identification Features for Subcutaneous Access Ports

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing subcutaneous access ports face challenges such as material compatibility issues, manufacturing defects leading to fluid turbulence and clotting, and difficulties in diagnostic imaging due to metallic components, as well as complications in catheter connection and fluid flow management.

Innovation Solution

The access port features a biocompatible housing with a self-sealing septum and an integrated RFID tag for identification, along with topographical features for tactile localization, and a design that minimizes turbulence and clotting risks, using materials like titanium or stainless steel for durability and ceramic for reduced MRI artifacts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an all-metal construction is used for the access port, then the port maintains a self-sealing septum after repeated percutaneous injections and provides biocompatibility, but the port becomes heavy, difficult to fabricate, expensive, and produces large MRI artifacts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveself-sealing capabilityVSAvoidport weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The access port uses a composite construction combining metal components (for the septum and cup that require self-sealing and biocompatibility) with plastic components (for the housing that provides structural support). This hybrid approach allows the port to maintain self-sealing capability while reducing overall weight and manufacturing complexity compared to all-metal constructions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If an all-metal construction is used for the access port, then the port maintains a self-sealing septum after repeated percutaneous injections, but the port becomes difficult to fabricate and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveself-sealing capabilityVSAvoidfabrication difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of manufacture

If an all-plastic construction is used for the access port, then the port is inexpensive and light in weight, but the port cannot maintain a sealing engagement with the septum after repeated percutaneous injections and is susceptible to nicks and scratches

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidsealing engagement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Reliability

If a metal reservoir jacketed by a single piece of elastomer is used, then the advantages of all-metal ports are combined with all-plastic ports, but quality control problems during manufacturing and expensive molding processes occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing engagementVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The access port is divided into separate components: a metal cup, a metal septum, and a plastic housing. These components are manufactured separately and then assembled together. This segmentation simplifies manufacturing by allowing each component to be optimized and produced using appropriate processes, then joined through standard assembly techniques rather than requiring complex integrated molding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

5Reliability

If a multiple piece all-plastic housing with an open metal cup is used to sealingly engage a septum, then the advantages of all-metal ports are combined with all-plastic ports, but defects in the plastic housing may cause an improperly sealed septum requiring discarding of the entire port

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing engagementVSAvoidhousing structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3718594B1Septum including at least one identifiable feature, access ports including same, and related methods

Publication Date: 2021.10.13 CR BARD INC

Figure 1A~1D
Figure 2A~2E
Figure 3A~3D

AI summary

An access port has a body with a cavity closed by a needle-puncturable septum. For identification of the port, the septum boasts three protrusions, no more and no less. Conveniently, the port features a generally triangular form.