Subcutaneous Port Locking Member for Secure Catheter Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Connecting a catheter to a subcutaneous port can be challenging due to anatomical and surgical equipment interference, and ensuring a secure connection is crucial for proper medication delivery.
Innovation Solution
A subcutaneous port assembly featuring a base, connector, stem, sealing element, and locking member, where the connector includes a socket with a sealing element and a plunger that compresses the sealing element to secure the catheter, and a collar that radially compresses the sealing element to secure the catheter between the stem and the connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional catheter connection method is used, then the connection process is simple, but the connection security and reliability are insufficient due to anatomical and surgical equipment interference
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is pre-installed within the socket before catheter insertion. The locking member is pre-positioned to engage with the catheter. These preliminary actions ensure that when the catheter is inserted, the sealing element is already in place to prevent leakage, and the locking member is ready to secure the connection, thereby improving connection security without requiring complex real-time adjustments during insertion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical threading or clamping mechanisms with a sealing element compression system. Instead of using complex mechanical fasteners that may be difficult to operate in constrained anatomical spaces, the system uses a plunger to compress a compliant sealing element against the catheter, creating a secure seal through radial compression forces that are easier to apply in difficult-to-reach locations
2Reliability
If the sealing element is compressed to secure the catheter, then the connection reliability improves, but the difficulty of operation increases due to precise positioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is designed to automatically engage with the catheter and advance the plunger to compress the sealing element without requiring precise manual positioning. As the locking member is inserted into the socket, it self-aligns with the catheter and the plunger automatically moves forward to apply compression force, eliminating the need for the operator to precisely position components and reducing operational difficulty
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member incorporates a dynamic engagement mechanism that allows it to adapt to slight variations in catheter positioning. The plunger can move axially to compress the sealing element to the appropriate degree, and the locking member can rotate or adjust its position to ensure proper engagement, providing a degree of freedom that simplifies operation while maintaining secure connection
3Reliability
If the plunger compresses the sealing element axially and radially, then the catheter is securely locked, but the device complexity increases due to the dual-directional compression mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member combines the axial plunger movement and radial sealing compression into a single integrated component. As the locking member is inserted and rotated, it simultaneously advances the plunger axially to compress the sealing element and applies radial force through the same plunger structure. This merging of functions into one component achieves secure catheter locking without requiring separate axial and radial compression mechanisms, thereby reducing overall device 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
The solution provides a secure and reliable connection between the catheter and the subcutaneous port, ensuring consistent medication delivery by compressing the sealing element to prevent disconnection and secure the catheter effectively.
Implementation Method 1
The plunger is axially movable between a first position and a second position to selectively compress the sealing element within the socket
Data Source
AI summary
A subcutaneous port assembly includes a base, a connector, a stem, a sealing element, and a locking member. The connector extends from a first end attached to the base to a distal end and includes an inner surface defining a socket having an inside diameter. The stem extends from the base and into the socket. The stem includes an outer surface having an outside diameter that is less than the inside diameter of the socket. The sealing element is disposed within the socket between the stem and the inner surface of the socket. The locking member has a plunger received within the socket from the distal end and having a terminal end facing the sealing element. The plunger is axially movable between a first position and a second position to selectively compress the sealing element within the socket.