Implantable Vascular Access Port Catheter Exchange Without Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vascular access catheters connected to implanted vascular access ports cannot be removed or replaced without surgical intervention, and maintaining patency is challenging due to in-growth and blood clotting, which limits fluid flow and requires invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
A vascular access catheter and port connection mechanism allowing for removal and replacement without surgery, utilizing friction fit and positive mechanical engagement connections within the vascular access port, facilitated by tools that engage and disengage these connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a male stem fitting with conical barbs is used to connect the catheter to the port, then the connection strength is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because non-surgical removal and replacement becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into two separate components: a female connection member integrated into the port and a male connection member on the catheter. This segmentation allows the catheter to be disconnected and reconnected through the access opening without requiring surgical intervention, while still providing secure connection through the male-female interface with conical barbs
Solution Approach 2:
The access opening serves as an intermediary mechanism that enables catheter exchange. The female connection member remains stationary within the port while the male connection member on the catheter can be inserted and removed through the access opening, facilitating non-surgical catheter replacement while maintaining secure connection during use
2Productivity
If flushing is used to maintain catheter patency, then fluid flow is improved, but harmful factors worsen because material may be deposited into the vasculature and circulatory system
Solution Approach 1:
The occluded catheter is completely removed from the body through the access opening, extracting the source of the problem (clogged catheter) rather than attempting to clear it through flushing. This eliminates the risk of dislodged material entering the vasculature while still restoring fluid flow capability through installation of a fresh catheter
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for replacement of the catheter with a new disposable unit rather than attempting to restore the old catheter through flushing. The new catheter provides clean fluid flow without the risk of introducing material from the old clogged catheter into the circulatory system
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device is provided which comprises an implantable vascular access port including a fluid passage operable to introduce fluid to a host and/or remove fluid from the host, the fluid passage accessible through a fluid passage access opening and at least a portion of the fluid passage defined by a needle configured to penetrate cutaneous tissue of the host; and an implantable vascular access catheter connectable with the vascular access port; wherein the vascular access catheter and the vascular access port are connectable to each other within the vascular access port.