Umbilical Cord Stabilization and Arterial Lumen Dilation Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Umbilical arterial catherization is challenging due to the flaccid and unstable nature of the umbilical cord, making it difficult to stabilize and identify the small arterial lumen, resulting in low success rates and increased time consumption.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a brace to stabilize the umbilical cord and a dilator with a hook and catch mechanism to dilate and maintain the arterial lumen, allowing for easier catheter placement without requiring manual assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual stabilization of the umbilical cord is used during catheterization, then the arterial lumen can be accessed, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and requires multiple attempts
Solution Approach 1:
The device pre-stabilizes the umbilical cord and pre-dilates the arterial lumen before catheter insertion, eliminating the need for manual stabilization during the procedure and reducing the time required for successful catheterization
Solution Approach 2:
The dilator with hook and catch mechanism serves as an intermediary device that maintains the arterial lumen in a dilated state, facilitating easier and faster catheter placement while reducing the number of attempts needed
2Ease of operation
If the umbilical cord is stabilized manually during catheterization, then the arterial lumen can be identified, but only one hand is available to perform the catheterization
Solution Approach 1:
The device self-stabilizes the umbilical cord through its brace structure and self-maintains the dilated state through the catch mechanism, freeing both of the operator's hands to perform the catheterization procedure
3Measurement precision
If the arterial lumen is not dilated, then the catheterization procedure is simpler, but the small lumen size (1 mm or less) makes identification and placement difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies dilation locally to the arterial lumen only, maintaining the natural state of the umbilical cord elsewhere, thereby improving lumen identification and access without unnecessarily complicating the overall device structure
Data Source
AI summary
An umbilical arterial catherization device comprising a brace and a dilator. The brace has a body for supporting and stabilizing an umbilical cord end. The body may have resilient foam for grasping the umbilical cord, and may include a strap operable to secure part of the body to itself, after being wrapped around the umbilical cord. The dilator has a hook for engaging an open end of an arterial lumen, and a catch operable to fix the dilator to the brace in a position for dilating the arterial lumen. Both hands may be used to place the dilator while the device serves to stabilize and support the umbilical cord without use of the hands. The device may include a lighting element for illuminating the end of the umbilical cord to aid in visualization of the arterial lumen and facilitate proper placement of the catch within the arterial lumen.