Implantable Vascular Port Visualization for Pocketless Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vascular access devices require large incisions and palpation for location, leading to complications such as scarring, infection, and discomfort, especially in pediatric patients, and existing visual aids have caused side effects and infections.

Innovation Solution

A self-dissecting vascular access device with a visualization system and sensors that allows for implantation without a pocket and enables remote location through a visualization system, reducing the need for palpation and enhancing patient comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a large incision is made to create a subcutaneous pocket for implanting the port, then the port can be securely implanted, but it results in large scars and increased risk of surgical wound infection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure implantationVSAvoidscarring and infection risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into two separate components: a small implantable port and a separate delivery system with needle and hub. This segmentation allows the port to be implanted through a minimal incision without requiring a large subcutaneous pocket, thereby reducing scarring and infection risk while maintaining secure implantation through the separate delivery mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The port is designed to be nested within the delivery system during implantation. The delivery system contains the port, allowing it to be delivered through a small incision and then deployed into position. This nesting approach eliminates the need for a large dissection pocket while ensuring secure placement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If the port is made visible or palpable to aid in location, then needle insertion can be guided, but it increases the risk of infection and causes discomfort during activities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation for needle insertionVSAvoidinfection risk and discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the mechanical palpation system with an optical visualization system. The port includes an optical element that can be illuminated to visually indicate its location on the skin surface, allowing medical professionals to locate and access the port without needing to palpate or have it protrude, thereby reducing infection risk and discomfort during activities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the port is made smaller to reduce visibility and discomfort, then patient comfort improves, but it becomes more difficult to locate and access

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility and discomfortVSAvoidlocation and access

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces an optical intermediary system consisting of an optical element in the port and a light source in the delivery system. This intermediary allows the small port to be visually located and accessed by illuminating it, making the invisible small port visible without requiring it to be larger or more protruding, thus maintaining both small size and ease of access

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20260069846A1Vascular access devices and methods

Publication Date: 2026.03.12 KRAUEL MEDICAL INNOVATIONS SL

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to implantable vascular access devices. The present disclosure further relates to methods and kits including such vascular access devices and delivery systems for delivering such devices to a suitable implantation site. The present disclosure also relates to methods for implanting such devices and methods for locating such devices once implanted.