Stepped Catheter Flow Restrictors for Balanced Infusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable infusion systems for delivering therapeutic agents to multiple target tissue locations within the body are complex and invasive, requiring multiple pumps and catheters, which increase costs and invasiveness, and face challenges with backflow and unequal flow distribution.
Innovation Solution
The use of catheter systems with flow restrictors to balance and equalize fluid delivery to multiple target tissue locations from a single infusion source, incorporating a tubular needle with a flow aperture and a flow restrictor within the needle lumen to reduce backflow and ensure consistent delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate infusion systems are used to deliver therapeutic agents to multiple target tissue locations, then each target location receives dedicated therapy delivery, but the system complexity, cost, and patient invasiveness increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple infusion catheters into a single integrated catheter assembly with multiple lumens and flow apertures. Each lumen delivers therapeutic agent to a different target tissue location, eliminating the need for multiple separate infusion systems while maintaining reliable therapy delivery to multiple sites simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The single catheter assembly performs multiple functions by incorporating multiple lumens and flow apertures that can deliver therapeutic agents to different target tissue locations. The flow restrictors within each lumen provide independent flow control, enabling the universal catheter to function as multiple dedicated catheters would
2Reliability
If multiple separate infusion systems are used to deliver therapeutic agents to multiple target tissue locations, then each target location receives dedicated therapy delivery, but the cost and patient invasiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple catheter functions into a single catheter assembly that can be implanted through a single insertion site. The assembly includes multiple lumens with flow apertures at different positions, allowing therapy delivery to multiple target locations while reducing the number of surgical interventions required
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter assembly is segmented into multiple functional lumens, each with its own flow restrictor and flow aperture configuration. This segmentation allows independent control of flow to different target tissue locations while maintaining a single integrated implantable device
3Manufacturing precision
If flow restrictors are added to balance flow to multiple target tissue locations, then flow distribution becomes equalized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing flow restrictors at specific locations within individual lumens near the flow apertures. Each lumen can have differently sized flow restrictors tailored to its specific flow requirements, achieving balanced flow distribution to multiple target locations while keeping the overall device design relatively simple
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
This approach allows for efficient and balanced delivery of therapeutic agents to multiple locations, reducing backflow and complexity, while minimizing tissue trauma and maintaining consistent flow rates through each catheter leg, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of treatments like those for neurological diseases.
Implementation Method 1
a flow restrictor located within the needle lumen and fixed in position relative to the needle, the flow restrictor having a distal end positioned at or near the flow aperture
Implementation Method 2
An embodiment of the catheter assembly may also include a filter element
Data Source
AI summary
A stepped catheter comprising a distal portion of smaller diameter than a proximal portion, wherein the distal portion defines a flow aperture configured to deliver fluid passing through the catheter from the proximal portion to the flow aperture. The catheter may include a flow restrictor located within a lumen of the catheter at or near the flow aperture. A filter element may also be included and located within the lumen of the catheter at a location upstream of the flow restrictor.