Variable-Shape Cannula Tip for Secure Small-Vessel Cannulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cannula systems for neonates require complex securement devices and large dilators, leading to vessel occupation and stretching, and lack a secure attachment mechanism, complicating the cannulation process.
Innovation Solution
A cannula system with a variable tip that transitions between a first shape for vessel insertion and a second shape for secure engagement, eliminating the need for a dilator and simplifying the cannulation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex securement device is used to secure the cannula, then the attachment becomes more secure, but the device complexity and space occupation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tip integrates both the cannula insertion function and the securement function into a single component. The tip includes engagement features that directly interact with the vessel wall to secure the cannula, eliminating the need for separate securement devices and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The tip serves multiple functions: it acts as the cannula insertion element, the securement mechanism, and the interface with the vessel wall. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components needed and simplifies the overall cannula system structure.
2Ease of operation
If a large dilator is used to position the cannula, then the cannula positioning becomes easier, but the vessel occupation and stretching increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dilator component is completely removed from the cannula system. The tip itself is designed to be inserted and positioned directly without requiring a separate dilator, thereby eliminating vessel occupation by large dilators while maintaining ease of cannula positioning through the tip's integrated design.
3Ease of operation
If a large opening is made in the cannula side for dilator passage, then the dilator can pass in and out, but the structural integrity and vessel occupation increase
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the dilator component entirely, the need for a large opening in the cannula side wall is eliminated. The cannula maintains its structural integrity with no compromises, while the tip provides the necessary passage functionality for its own insertion and positioning without requiring lateral openings.
4Reliability
If the tip width is increased to engage the vessel wall, then the securement improves, but the insertion difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tip is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to transition between a compressed insertion state and an expanded engagement state. During insertion, the tip maintains a smaller profile to facilitate easy passage through the vessel wall. Once positioned, the tip expands or deforms to increase its width for secure engagement with the vessel wall, thus resolving the contradiction between insertion ease and securement reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The tip can be inserted in a compressed or nested configuration that minimizes its width for easy insertion. After positioning, the tip transitions to an expanded configuration that maximizes its width for secure vessel wall engagement, similar to how a nested doll expands from a compact to a larger form.
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 cannula system facilitates easier and more secure cannulation in smaller vessels, reducing vessel occupation and simplifying the procedure while maintaining a stable attachment.
Implementation Method 1
The tip is variable between a first shape and a second shape. The first shape has a first width sized to fit in a lumen of the blood vessel. The second shape has a second width larger than the first width and sized to engage an inner surface of the blood vessel defining the lumen and secure the tip in the lumen of the blood vessel.
Data Source
AI summary
A cannula system for cannulating a blood vessel includes a cannula having a distal end and a proximal end. The cannula defines a cannula lumen. The cannula system also includes a tip on the distal end of the cannula. The tip defines a tip lumen connected to the cannula lumen. The tip is variable between a first shape and a second shape. The first shape has a first width sized to fit in a lumen of the blood vessel. The second shape has a second width larger than the first width and sized to engage an inner surface of the blood vessel defining the lumen and secure the tip in the lumen of the blood vessel.