Slitting Tool Tail Portion Stabilizes Indwelling Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing slitting tools face difficulties in safely removing elongate sheaths or catheters from indwelling medical devices without dislodging the devices, posing challenges in handling and maintaining the integrity of the sheath during removal.

Innovation Solution

A slitting tool design featuring a metallic blade member with a nose portion, handle portion, and a tail portion that stabilizes the cutting process, allowing the sheath to be slit without collapsing, and accommodating the elongate member to prevent dislodgment, with the tail portion fitting within the sheath lumen to maintain stability and prevent retraction of the medical device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a slitting tool is used to remove sheaths from indwelling medical devices, then the sheath can be removed from the patient, but the indwelling device may be dislodged during the removal process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesheath removal capabilityVSAvoidindwelling device stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The slitting tool is divided into distinct functional segments: a nose portion for engaging the indwelling device, a slitting edge for cutting the sheath, and a tail portion for stabilizing the indwelling device during removal. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently, preventing dislodgement while enabling sheath removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tail portion acts as an intermediary element between the slitting edge and the indwelling device. It provides a stable engagement point that prevents the indwelling device from being dislodged during the cutting and removal process, serving as a mediator that protects the device while allowing sheath removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the sheath wall is cut during removal, then the sheath can be removed from the patient, but the cut sheath wall may collapse and dislodge the indwelling device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesheath removal efficiencyVSAvoidsheath wall collapse

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The tail portion is designed to engage with the indwelling device before the sheath is fully removed, providing preliminary stabilization. This preliminary anti-action prevents the sheath wall collapse from dislodging the indwelling device by securing the device in place during the cutting process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The nose portion engages with the indwelling device and the tail portion stabilizes it before the slitting edge cuts the sheath. This preliminary action ensures the indwelling device is secured in place before the cutting operation, preventing collapse-related dislodgement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If existing slitting tools are used for sheath removal, then sheaths can be removed from indwelling devices, but the tools present handling difficulties

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesheath removal functionVSAvoidtool handling

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The tool is segmented into distinct portions (nose, handle, tail) with clear functional differentiation. The handle portion is optimized for ergonomic gripping and control, while the nose and tail portions are specialized for engagement and stabilization. This segmentation improves handling by providing intuitive control over each functional element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of having the cutting edge engage the sheath first and then securing the device, the design inverts the sequence by having the tail portion stabilize the indwelling device before the slitting edge cuts the sheath. This inverted approach improves handling by ensuring device security is established before the cutting action begins.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

Enables safe and effective removal of sheaths from indwelling medical devices, preventing the sheath from collapsing and dislodging the medical device, thus ensuring secure extraction without compromising the device's position.

Implementation Method 1

A slitting tool with a metallic blade member and a tail portion designed to stabilize the cutting process, ensuring the sheath wall is cut without collapsing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical cutting: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS7950155B2Slitting tool

Publication Date: 2011.05.31 MEDTRONIC INC

AI summary

A tool for slitting an elongate sheath from about an elongate member that is disposed within a longitudinally extending lumen of the sheath includes a longitudinally extending tail portion projecting rearward of a slitting edge and a nose portion of the tool; a lower surface of the nose portion is disposed beneath the slitting edge for engaging a portion of the elongate member. The tail portion of the tool, approximately aligned with the sheath lumen when the lower surface engages the elongate member and a leading edge of the nose portion is within the sheath lumen, is sized to fit within the sheath lumen after the sheath is slit by the slitting edge. A passageway between the nose portion and the tail portion allows a proximal segment of the elongate member to bend away from the tail portion when the elongate member is engaged by the nose portion.