Vascular Access Device with Locking Mechanisms and Transparent Sheath
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vascular access devices lack ease of use and safety, particularly in indicating when a blood vessel has been punctured during catheter or sheath insertion.
Innovation Solution
An access device with a needle section, dilator portion, and sheath section, featuring locking mechanisms and transparent materials to align side openings, allowing for clear visualization of blood flow to confirm vessel puncture, and a locking mechanism to prevent accidental needle sticks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional vascular access device is used, then the procedure can be performed, but the ease of use and safety are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs transparent and translucent materials in the sheath and dilator components, allowing visual detection of blood flow through the device. This enables the operator to confirm successful vessel puncture and proper catheter positioning by observing blood flow indicators, thereby improving both ease of operation and safety without requiring additional complex detection systems
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates a locking mechanism that provides tactile and visual feedback to the operator during the insertion process. The locking action confirms when the catheter has been properly secured within the sheath, giving real-time feedback on procedure completion status and reducing uncertainty about device placement accuracy
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If no indication system is provided, then the device structure remains simple, but the ability to detect vessel puncture is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes transparent and translucent materials for the sheath and dilator components, creating a visual indication system where blood flow can be directly observed through the device structure. This simple optical indication method allows operators to detect vessel puncture and proper catheter positioning without adding complex electronic sensors or detection mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent sheath and dilator components act as intermediaries that allow visual detection of blood flow and vessel puncture status. These components serve as passive indicators that transmit visual information about the internal state of the device and vessel penetration without requiring active sensing systems
Data Source
AI summary
An access device places a medical article within a body space of a patient. The device has a needle section that includes an elongated body and a needle hub. The device further includes a dilator portion that has a dilator and a dilator hub. The dilator is coaxially disposed and slideable over the elongated body of the needle section. The device further includes a sheath section that has a sheath and a sheath hub. The sheath is coaxially disposed and slideable over the dilator. The device further includes a first locking mechanism operably disposed between the needle hub and the dilator hub to inhibit at least unintentional axial movement between the needle section and the dilator portion and a second locking mechanism operably disposed between the dilator hub and the sheath hub to inhibit at least unintentional axial movement between the dilator portion and the sheath section.