Umbilical Catheterization Device with Adjustable Retraction Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Umbilical catheterization procedures in neonates have a low success rate due to difficulties in introducing catheters into the umbilical cord, often requiring additional assistants for cord retraction, which complicates the process and increases the risk of complications.
Innovation Solution
A device with adjustable arms and independent retraction elements that can be placed on the abdomen to securely hold and retract the umbilical cord, allowing for single-physician operation and improved catheter placement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional assistants are used for cord retraction, then catheter placement success rate improves, but device complexity and procedure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables the primary physician to perform cord retraction independently without requiring additional assistants. The adjustable arms and securing elements allow the physician to self-retract the umbilical cord while maintaining sterile technique, thus improving reliability while reducing procedure complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device divides the cord retraction function into separate adjustable arms that can be independently positioned and secured. This segmentation allows precise control of retraction forces and angles, enabling successful catheter placement without requiring multiple assistants to manually manipulate the cord.
2Ease of operation
If manual cord retraction by assistants is used, then catheter introduction is facilitated, but risk of contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device acts as a sterile intermediary between the physician and the umbilical cord. The base plate secures to the maternal abdomen outside the sterile field, while sterile arms and securing elements manipulate the cord within the sterile field, eliminating the need for additional sterile assistants and reducing contamination risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The device replaces the mechanical manual retraction performed by assistants with a mechanical system of adjustable arms and securing elements. This automated mechanical system maintains sterile technique while providing the necessary cord retraction forces for successful catheter introduction.
3Loss of time
If cord retraction is performed without a device, then procedure time is reduced, but catheter placement precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The device allows preliminary positioning and securing of the umbilical cord with adjustable arms before catheter insertion. This preliminary action optimizes cord positioning and maintains it throughout the procedure, improving placement precision without significantly extending procedure time as the setup is rapid and reusable.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable arms and securing elements provide dynamic control of cord retraction during the procedure. The physician can adjust arm positions and retraction forces in real-time based on procedural needs, maintaining optimal precision throughout the catheterization process without time loss.
Data Source
AI summary
An umbilical catheterization device that allows a physician to prepare an umbilical cord and apply appropriate retraction to widen vessels to introduce a catheter. The device comprises a base and a plurality of arms. The arms may include retraction devices or may be compatible with independent retraction devices, including but not limited to sutures. The retraction devices are attached to the umbilical cord, and used to provide retraction.