Multi-Port Subcutaneous Access Hub for Cannula Site Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current clinical practices require frequent changes of flexible catheters and associated needles due to potential complications, which are burdensome for patients, especially those with chronic conditions like diabetes, despite advancements in adhesive technology that allow longer wear times.
Innovation Solution
A subcutaneous access hub with a housing and multiple cannula ports, featuring an adhesive layer and septums, allows for the deployment of cannulas at different subcutaneous positions without removing the hub, enabling flexible cannula placement and fluid delivery to various sites on the patient's skin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If adhesive wear time is extended to 14 days or more, then adhesive duration is improved, but cannula site complications increase requiring frequent position changes
Solution Approach 1:
The access hub divides the subcutaneous access into multiple separate ports, each capable of accepting a cannula. This segmentation allows the system to maintain one adhesive site while providing multiple cannula insertion points, enabling position changes without removing the hub or adhesive.
Solution Approach 2:
The access hub serves multiple functions: it provides a stable adhesive mounting platform, contains multiple cannula ports for flexible cannula placement, and includes fluid delivery pathways. This multi-functionality allows a single adhesive application to support various cannula configurations and position changes.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If cannula position is changed frequently to prevent complications, then cannula site complications are reduced, but patient burden increases due to repeated adhesive removal and reapplication
Solution Approach 1:
The access hub is pre-configured with multiple cannula ports and fluid delivery pathways before being applied to the patient. This preliminary configuration allows clinicians to plan and execute cannula position changes by simply swapping cannulas between pre-positioned ports, eliminating the need for repeated adhesive removal and reapplication.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cannula ports are provided on a single hub, then cannula placement flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The access hub merges multiple cannula ports and fluid delivery pathways into a single integrated structure. By combining these functions into one hub unit with internal fluid communication pathways, the design achieves multiple cannula access points without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
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 solution reduces the frequency of catheter changes, enhances patient compliance, and minimizes complications by allowing cannulas to be moved to new positions while the hub remains attached, thus reducing the burden on patients and clinicians.
Implementation Method 1
an adhesive layer which is secured to the inner surface of the housing. The adhesive layer includes a contact surface that is configured to be releasably secured to an outside surface of a patient's skin
Implementation Method 2
a septum which is disposed within and sealed across an outer portion of the bore
Data Source
AI summary
Subcutaneous access hub embodiments are discussed herein that include housing embodiments having a plurality of cannula ports and a fluid passageway network that allows fluid communication between a fluid source and the plurality of cannula access ports. Such a configuration may allow a user such as a patient or clinician to releasably secure the housing to an outside surface of the patient's skin. Multiple locations on the patient's skin may then be accessed for deployment of one or more delivery cannulas via a plurality of cannula ports for delivery of fluid and from the fluid source to multiple subcutaneous locations below the patient's skin and timely movement of cannula access in the patient's skin without the need for relocating the housing.