Transitionable Subcutaneous Port Collapsing Profile
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional subcutaneous access ports require larger incision sites and more extensive scarring due to their fixed size, which can lead to prolonged patient recovery times and compromised aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A subcutaneous access port design that transitions between an expanded and collapsed configuration, utilizing a lower and upper housing that slidably engage to define a reservoir, allowing for a reduced overall size and profile, with a needle-penetrable septum and port stem in fluid communication, and featuring a biasing member and latching mechanism for controlled configuration changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional subcutaneous access ports are used with fixed size, then the port can maintain structural integrity and functionality, but the incision site size increases and scarring worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The port body is designed with telescoping housing sections that allow dynamic size adjustment. The port transitions from an expanded configuration during access procedures to a collapsed low-profile configuration during intervals, reducing incision site requirements and minimizing scarring while maintaining structural integrity and functionality throughout.
Solution Approach 2:
The port employs nested housing sections where the upper housing telescopes within the lower housing. This nesting arrangement allows the port to collapse into a compact configuration that fits through smaller incisions while expanding to full size when access is needed, thereby reducing scarring without compromising functionality.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the port size is reduced for smaller incisions, then scarring improves, but the reservoir volume decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The port maintains a large reservoir volume when in the expanded configuration for full functionality, then collapses to a small profile for implantation and intervals between accesses. This dynamic size change allows the reservoir to provide adequate volume when needed while minimizing the incision site size and resulting scarring.
3Length of stationary object
If the port transitions between expanded and collapsed configurations, then the incision site size reduces, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The port body is segmented into multiple telescoping housing sections that can move independently. This segmentation allows the port to collapse and expand through relative movement of sections, reducing incision site requirements while managing complexity through modular design of the transition mechanism.
4Ease of operation
If the port uses a low-profile collapsed configuration, then patient comfort improves, but the access procedure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The port includes an actuator mechanism that allows the port to be transitioned between expanded and collapsed configurations through simple user input. This self-service feature enables the port to adapt its size for patient comfort during intervals while maintaining ease of access during procedures, managing complexity through automated or semi-automated transition capabilities.
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 port's ability to collapse into a smaller size reduces the incision site requirement, minimizes scarring, enhances patient comfort, and improves aesthetics by allowing for fewer or no stitches, while maintaining functionality and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
the subcutaneous access port further includes a biasing member configured to bias the port towards the expanded configuration
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a port system including a body defining a reservoir and a stem. One of the body can include a lower housing and an upper housing slidably engaged therewith and be transitionable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration. The port body in the collapsed configuration can define a smaller volume or outer profile than the port body in the expanded configuration. The reservoir in the collapsed configuration can define a smaller volume than the reservoir in the expanded configuration. A biasing member can bias the port to the expanded configuration. A latching mechanism can retain the port in one of the expanded configuration or the collapsed configuration. An actuator can transition latching mechanism between a locked position and an unlocked position. Subcutaneous placement of the port in the collapsed configuration can require a smaller incision site, fewer stitches and improved patient recovery times.