Smart Obturator Assembly with Movable Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional obturators for IV catheters are ineffective in preventing occlusions and can introduce infection risks, as they require removal and replacement, and lack sensing capabilities for environmental characteristics in the patient's bloodstream.
Innovation Solution
A smart obturator assembly with a movable obturator and integrated sensor assembly that can selectively control fluid flow and sense environmental characteristics, such as markers, proteins, and chemicals, within the patient's bloodstream, allowing for continuous catheter use and real-time monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional obturator is inserted from the proximal end to seal the distal opening, then the catheter is protected from occlusion, but the risk of patient infection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The obturator is inverted by inserting from the distal end rather than the proximal end, allowing the obturator to be introduced through the needle hub and position the distal opening outwardly of the catheter, thereby preventing occlusion without compromising the proximal seal and reducing infection risk
2Ease of operation
If the IV catheter remains open after use, then access is maintained, but blood reflux causes coagulation and obstructs flow
Solution Approach 1:
The obturator is designed to be movable within the catheter lumen, allowing it to be repositioned between a first position where the distal opening is outwardly positioned to prevent occlusion, and a second position where the distal opening is in communication with the lumen to allow fluid flow, enabling dynamic control of catheter patency
3Reliability
If conventional obturators are used to prevent occlusion, then flow obstruction is avoided, but the obturator must be removed and replaced, increasing infection risk
Solution Approach 1:
The obturator is designed to remain in place within the catheter for the duration of use, with the distal opening selectively positionable between outwardly positioned and in-communication positions, eliminating the need for removal and replacement while maintaining continuous occlusion prevention capability
4Reliability
If the distal opening is sealed to prevent occlusion, then flow obstruction is avoided, but fluid flow through the catheter is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The obturator provides dynamic control by allowing the distal opening to be selectively positioned between outwardly positioned to prevent occlusion and in communication with the lumen to allow fluid flow, enabling the system to switch between protection and functionality modes as needed
Data Source
AI summary
A smart obturator assembly includes a hub forming a central passage. The hub is configured to couple to a proximal end of a device that forms a lumen such that the central passage is in fluid communication with the lumen. A collar on the hub includes electronic circuitry in signal communication with remote reception circuitry. An obturator is movably positionable within the lumen. The obturator is movable within the lumen between a first position and a second position. The obturator includes a distal end and a sensor at the distal end. The sensor is configured to sense an environmental characteristic within a patient’s blood stream, generate a signal representative of the environmental characteristic, and transmit the signal to the electronic circuitry. The electronic circuitry is configured to receive the signal and transmit the signal to the remote reception circuitry.