Septum-Based Indicators for Implantable Medical Access Ports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical access ports implanted subcutaneously in patients lack effective palpable identification features, making it difficult for clinicians to determine attributes such as compatibility for power injection without visual inspection, especially as port sizes decrease.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a septum with radially extending palpation features that are spaced farther apart than the septum's outer periphery, allowing for tactile identification of the port's attributes, such as power injectability, after subcutaneous implantation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the port size is decreased, then the implantation profile is reduced, but the palpability of identification features deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The palpation features extend in a radial direction beyond the outer periphery of the septum, utilizing the radial dimension to improve palpability without increasing the axial profile of the port. This dimensional approach allows identification features to be felt through tissue while maintaining a compact implant size.
Solution Approach 2:
The identification features are localized to specific regions of the septum with varying heights and radial extensions. This local differentiation creates distinct tactile characteristics at specific locations, enabling clinicians to identify port attributes through palpation of these localized features rather than requiring overall port size increase.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If palpation features are extended radially beyond the septum periphery, then tactile identification is improved, but the complexity of the septum structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The septum is segmented into multiple distinct palpation features rather than using a single complex structure. Each feature can be independently formed with specific radial extensions, allowing for modular complexity that improves tactile identification while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized feature formation processes.
3Loss of information
If multiple palpation features are added to indicate port attributes, then information conveyance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses tactile analogs of color coding through varying heights, shapes, and radial extensions of palpation features. Different feature configurations serve as tactile indicators for different port attributes (e.g., power injectability, catheter type), allowing multiple pieces of information to be conveyed through systematic variation of feature characteristics rather than requiring numerous distinct features.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of making an access port, includes providing a port body defining a fluid cavity, positioning a septum over the fluid cavity, and securing the septum to the port body. The septum includes a lower portion having a first diameter, an upper portion joined to the lower portion at a juncture, the upper portion having a second diameter less than the first diameter at the juncture, and a plurality of palpation features joined to the upper portion. Each of the palpation features includes a first end adjacent a central axis of the septum, and a second end extending radially outward, overlapping the juncture.