Spring-Based Catheter System for Extended Vascular Patency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Catheters used for prolonged vascular access face issues such as vein narrowing, collapse, kinking, blockage by debris, and adherence to the vasculature, leading to difficulties in blood withdrawal and infusion, often requiring additional needle sticks for blood sampling, which is painful and costly.
Innovation Solution
A spring-based extension set and catheter system with a distal connector, proximal connector, housing, and a coil spring within a tube, designed to facilitate vascular access by moving distally and creating a fluid path for blood flow, reducing the risk of obstruction and vein trauma, and allowing for blood collection without additional needle sticks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a catheter is left inserted in the patient for a prolonged period of time, then the catheter can be used for extended fluid infusion, but the catheter or vein becomes more susceptible to narrowing, collapse, kinking, blockage by debris, and adhering of tip to the vasculature
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter system incorporates a movable distal tip that can dynamically change position within the vasculature. The distal tip is configured to move between a first position where it engages the vein wall to prevent catheter migration and adhering, and a second position where it clears the vein wall to prevent blockage by debris and allow proper fluid flow. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by maintaining both extended dwell time and reliable patency.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter system employs self-adjusting mechanisms where the distal tip automatically responds to physiological conditions. When debris accumulates or fluid flow changes, the distal tip self-adjusts its position to maintain patency without requiring external intervention. The biasing mechanism provides continuous self-correction to prevent adhering to the vasculature while maintaining extended usability.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a catheter is left inserted in the patient for a prolonged period of time, then the catheter can be used for extended fluid infusion, but the catheter tip adheres to the vasculature making blood withdrawal difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The distal tip is designed with dynamic positioning capability that allows it to move between engaging and disengaging positions relative to the vein wall. During blood withdrawal, the distal tip can be positioned to clear the vein wall, preventing adhering and ensuring easy access to blood flow. This dynamic adjustment maintains ease of operation throughout the extended dwell period.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter system performs preliminary positioning of the distal tip to optimal locations before blood withdrawal is needed. The distal tip is pre-positioned to clear potential debris accumulation zones and to maintain optimal flow dynamics, making subsequent blood withdrawal operations easier and more reliable throughout the catheter's dwell period.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the catheter is used for prolonged periods, then extended vascular access is achieved, but additional needle sticks are required for blood sampling which is painful and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter system is designed with multi-functionality to perform both fluid infusion and blood sampling through the same vascular access. The movable distal tip configuration enables the catheter to reliably acquire blood samples during the dwell period, eliminating the need for additional needle sticks. This universal functionality addresses both extended access duration and eliminates harmful additional punctures.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter system enables self-sampling capability where blood can be drawn through the existing catheter without requiring additional invasive procedures. The distal tip's ability to clear debris and maintain patency allows the catheter to serve its own blood sampling needs throughout the dwell period, eliminating painful additional needle sticks and associated costs.
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
Enhances blood flow and reduces the risk of catheter obstruction and vein trauma, enabling efficient blood withdrawal and infusion over extended periods without the need for additional needle sticks, thereby improving patient comfort and reducing material costs.
Implementation Method 1
a coil spring bonded to and disposed within the tube, wherein a distal end of the coil spring is distal to the distal end of the tube or the coil spring is configured to extend distally such that the distal end of the coil spring is distal to the distal end of the tube
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 1D~2A
AI summary
A catheter system may include a catheter assembly, which may include a catheter adapter. The catheter adapter may include a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending through the distal end of the catheter adapter and the proximal end of the catheter adapter. The catheter assembly may include a catheter, which may extend distally from the distal end of the catheter adapter. The catheter system may include an instrument extending through a distal opening of the catheter. The instrument may include a coil spring.