Low-Profile Subcutaneous Vascular Access Port
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional dialysis access methods, such as tunneled dialysis catheters, cause skin trauma and require frequent maintenance, while existing subcutaneous ports often restrict needle insertion sites, leading to discomfort and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile subcutaneous access port with a concavely shaped receiving cup and a valve/seal assembly that allows for multiple needle insertion sites, enabling easy catheter access and preventing backflow, while being designed for long-term dialysis and minimizing skin trauma.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional tunneled dialysis catheter is positioned external to the body, then immediate dialysis access is achieved, but skin trauma and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The access port is implanted subcutaneously within the patient's body, nesting the port body and receiving cup inside the tissue. This eliminates the need for external catheter positioning while maintaining immediate dialysis access, thereby reducing skin trauma and maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving cup acts as an intermediary structure that facilitates needle access to the implanted port. The concave shape of the receiving cup directs the catheter-bearing needle into the port without requiring external catheter placement, reducing skin trauma while ensuring reliable access
2Object-affected harmful factors
If existing subcutaneous ports are used, then skin trauma is reduced, but needle insertion sites are restricted leading to discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The access port is provided with multiple receiving cups at different orientations and locations on the port body. This segmentation allows clinicians to access the port through multiple different needle insertion sites, providing flexibility and reducing discomfort from repeated insertions at the same location
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving cups are oriented in different spatial dimensions and angles on the port body. This multi-dimensional arrangement allows needle access from various directions and angles, expanding the available insertion sites while maintaining subcutaneous implantation and minimizing skin trauma
3Ease of operation
If a receiving cup is added to direct needle access, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving cup is integrated as an integral part of the port body structure, merging the access facilitation function with the port housing. This combination provides ease of needle access through the concave receiving cup design while avoiding the complexity of separate, additional components
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving cup is formed from the port body material itself, creating a thin-walled concave structure that directs needle access. This flexible shell approach provides the necessary geometric guidance for easy access without requiring complex mechanical mechanisms or multiple discrete parts
4Reliability
If a valve/seal assembly is included to prevent backflow, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve and seal functions are combined into a single integrated valve/seal assembly disposed within the conduit. This merged structure provides reliable fluid flow control and backflow prevention while minimizing the number of separate components and reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The valve/seal assembly is designed to automatically prevent backflow without requiring external control mechanisms. The seal engages with the conduit walls and the valve responds to pressure differentials, providing self-regulating fluid control that enhances reliability without adding complex actuation systems
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 access port facilitates immediate and long-term dialysis with reduced skin trauma and maintenance costs by providing a large subcutaneous target for needle access and ensuring fluid flow without backflow, allowing patients to bathe and shower without complications.
Implementation Method 1
The receiving cup is concavely shaped to direct a catheter-bearing needle into the conduit via the inlet port
Implementation Method 2
A valve/seal assembly disposed in the conduit enables passage of the catheter therethrough while preventing fluid backflow
Data Source
AI summary
A low-profile access port for subcutaneous implantation within a patient. The access port can include a set of receiving cups which can be placed in fluid communication with a catheter. The set of receiving cups can provide a greater skin surface with which to access the port to avoid repeated penetrations at a single locus, such as during consecutive dialysis treatments. The access port can alternatively include needle penetrable arms or elongate chambers that also have a slim, low profile. The access port can include a needle guide to direct subsequent needle access to different insertion points to permit healing at the previous insertion points. The access port can be formed of a modular construction with a first conduit, a second conduit, and an outer shell. The outer shell can include a proximal portion and a distal portion. The access port can include a stem assembly and a locking member.