Variable-Diameter Blood Pump Catheter for Single-Site Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of multiple medical devices in a patient requires multiple access points, which can lead to complications such as limited anatomical availability, increased procedural time, and higher costs due to the need for multiple vascular access sites.
Innovation Solution
A blood pump system with a catheter having varying outer diameters, including a larger diameter for stability and a smaller diameter for passage through an introducer sheath, allowing multiple devices to be inserted through a single access site.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a catheter with constant outer diameter is used, then the device provides stable structural support, but it cannot pass through a single access site when multiple devices are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is divided into multiple segments with different outer diameters: a first portion with a first outer diameter for stability and a second portion with a second outer diameter for passing through the access site. This segmentation allows each portion to fulfill its specific function independently.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the catheter have different outer diameters tailored to their specific functions. The first portion has a larger diameter for structural stability and support, while the second portion has a smaller diameter to enable passage through a single access site. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
2Productivity
If multiple access sites are used for multiple devices, then each device can be inserted independently, but procedural complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter with varying outer diameter serves multiple functions: it provides structural support where needed, enables passage through a single access site, and allows insertion of multiple devices sequentially. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple access sites and reduces procedural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The second portion of the catheter with smaller outer diameter is positioned within or alongside the first portion with larger outer diameter, creating a nested configuration that allows the catheter to pass through a single access site while maintaining structural integrity. This nesting enables multiple devices to share a single access point.
3Strength
If a larger diameter catheter is used for stability, then device support is improved, but it cannot pass through the introducer sheath
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is segmented into a first portion with larger outer diameter for strength and support, and a second portion with smaller outer diameter for easy insertion through the introducer sheath. Each segment is optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between strength and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter exhibits local quality variations where the first portion has larger diameter for structural support and the second portion has smaller diameter for insertion. This local differentiation allows the catheter to achieve both strength and ease of operation at different locations along its length.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein is a catheter having a varying outer diameter to be used with a percutaneous blood pump and method of use. The system may comprise a catheter having at least two portions, each portion having a different outer diameter. The system may further comprise an introducer sheath. The portion of the catheter having the smaller outer diameter may pass through the introducer sheath. Further, a plurality of catheters having varying outer diameters may pass through a singular introducer sheath. The method may comprise advancing a catheter until the portion having the smaller outer diameter is through the introducer sheath and then inserting a second catheter through the same introducer sheath.