Vascular Hub Loading Using Density-Stratified Fluid Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vascular device loading methods face challenges in preventing premature hardening of liquid embolics due to mixing with other fluids, leading to increased risk of catheter rupture and operator strain.
Innovation Solution
A method involving precise orientation and positioning of syringes relative to vascular device hubs based on fluid densities to avoid mixing and channeling, using a sequence of fluid injections with different densities to minimize premature embolic hardening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fluids are delivered through a single catheter and syringe assembly, then the treatment of various medical conditions is improved, but mixing between fluids occurs causing premature hardening of the embolic
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter system is segmented into multiple lumens (first lumen and second lumen) that remain separate throughout the delivery system. This allows multiple fluids to be delivered simultaneously or sequentially without mixing, preventing premature hardening while maintaining the ability to treat various medical conditions with different fluid combinations.
Solution Approach 2:
A hub assembly acts as an intermediary component that receives multiple syringes and directs their contents through separate catheter lumens. The hub maintains fluid separation while enabling coordinated delivery of multiple fluids to the target site, resolving the contradiction between versatile multi-fluid delivery and prevention of premature mixing.
2Device complexity
If fluids are injected sequentially through the same catheter, then the procedure is simplified, but excessive pressure is exerted on the equipment and biological subject
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is divided into multiple lumens that can be used simultaneously or independently. This segmentation allows pressure to be distributed across multiple pathways rather than concentrating force through a single lumen, reducing excessive pressure on equipment and biological tissues while maintaining procedural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple fluid delivery functions are merged into a single catheter assembly with multiple lumens. This combining allows sequential or simultaneous injection through the same catheter structure without requiring multiple separate catheter insertions, simplifying the procedure while distributing pressure loads across multiple lumens.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fluid injections are performed manually, then the procedure is flexible, but operator strain or fatigue increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple syringe injection functions are merged into a single hub assembly that can receive and coordinate multiple syringes. This integration maintains the flexibility to perform multiple fluid injections with different medications while reducing operator strain by providing a unified interface for managing multiple fluid deliveries.
Solution Approach 2:
The hub assembly serves multiple functions: receiving different syringes, directing fluids through separate catheter lumens, and enabling coordinated delivery of multiple fluids. This multi-functionality maintains procedural flexibility while simplifying operator interaction and reducing fatigue associated with managing multiple separate injection systems.
4Quantity of substance
If larger volumes of fluids are injected to ensure adequate delivery, then the target site coverage is improved, but the risk of premature hardening increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid delivery system is segmented into separate lumens that prevent mixing. This allows larger volumes of each individual fluid to be injected without increasing premature hardening risk, as each fluid maintains its separation throughout the delivery pathway. The segmentation enables adequate target site coverage with larger volumes while preserving fluid integrity.
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
Reduces the risk of premature embolic hardening and catheter rupture by up to 50%, while improving delivery efficiency and reducing operator strain.
Implementation Method 1
orienting the first syringe at a first elevation relative to the vascular device hub to place a denser one of the first liquid and the second liquid below a less dense one
Data Source
AI summary
Vascular device loading may be provided by loading a first liquid having a first density into a vascular device hub having an internal volume flowably connected between a syringe port and a cannula port; connecting a first syringe loaded with a second liquid to the syringe port, wherein the second liquid has a second density different than the first density; orienting the first syringe at a first elevation relative to the vascular device hub to place a denser one of the first liquid and the second liquid below a less dense one of the first liquid and the second liquid; and injecting, from the first syringe into the vascular device hub, the second liquid to eject the first liquid from the vascular device hub via the cannula port.