Hydrocephalus is a condition where excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) accumulates in the brain's ventricles, leading to increased pressure. To manage this, a shunt system is surgically implanted to drain excess fluid and regulate pressure. The shunt consists of a catheter placed in the brain’s ventricles, which connects to a longer catheter running down to the abdomen (typically the peritoneal cavity) to allow CSF drainage and absorption.
To secure this connection, a barbed fitting is often used between the ventricular and abdominal catheters. This fitting has small ridges or barbs that grip the inner walls of the catheter tubing, preventing disconnection while maintaining a secure and leak-free passage for the fluid. However, issues such as dislodgment, leakage, or blockage can still occur, which is why designing a reliable securing mechanism is critical.
This design is inspired by a traditional zip tie, utilizing an interlocking pawl and notch system along the tail for secure fastening. The proposed improvement involves a single notch system that sets a preset tension, reducing complexity and minimizing potential biocompatibility issues. By simplifying the locking mechanism, the design ensures a secure and adjustable connection while maintaining compatibility with biomedical materials.
This concept employs a free-moving metal ball that, when threaded, becomes jammed against a lock head, securing the catheter in place. This strong and mechanically reliable system offers a low risk of failure. However, challenges include the biocompatibility of the metal ball, potential adsorption issues, and manufacturing difficulties associated with materials like titanium or stainless steel. Despite these challenges, this approach provides a highly secure and robust fastening method.
This technical drawing showcases the final design of a biocompatible securing device inspired by a modified zip-tie mechanism for catheter-to-shunt connections. The design features a preset tension notch system, ensuring a secure, reliable, and adjustable fastening while minimizing biocompatibility concerns. **By reducing variability in operation and creating a secure connection between the catheter and shunt, this design helps make an extremely risky procedure a little safer.
The CathSecure team receives the $5,000 Best in Business Award at the 2024 Bench to Bedside competition. This funding will support the next steps in design and prototyping, including filing for a non-provisional patent, establishing an LLC, and seeking future funding opportunities to bring the innovation closer to real-world implementation.