Drainage Performance of a Novel Catheter Designed to Reduce Drainage Catheter Failure

Abstract

Objective Efficient flow of fluids through drainage/infusion catheters is affected by surrounding tissue, organ compression, and scar tissue development, limiting or completely obstructing flow through drainage holes. In this work, we introduce a novel three-dimensional (3D) drainage catheter with protected side holes to reduce flow blockages. We then compare its drainage performance to standard straight and pigtail catheters using computer-generated catheter designs and flow analysis software. Methods Drainage performance was computed as flow rate through the catheter for a given pressure differential. Each catheter contained drainage holes on the distal (insertion) end and a single outlet (hub) hole open to atmosphere. Computational fluid dynamics using ANSYS AIM 18.2 was used to simulate flow through the catheter and examine drainage performance based on variations to the following parameters: (1) side hole shape, (2) cross-sectional area of the catheters, (3) number of side holes, and (4) cross-sectional area of the side holes. Results Drainage through the newly introduced catheter in all simulations was nearly identical to standard pigtail and straight catheters. While working to optimize the 3D catheter design, we found that the changes in side hole shape and side hole cross-sectional area had little effect on the total flow rate through the catheters but had a large impact on flow rate through the side hole nearest to the hub (proximal hole). Additionally, the majority of flow in all catheters occurred at the most proximal 1 to 3 side holes closest to hub, with relatively little flow occurring at side holes more distally located (closest to insertion end). The 3D catheter demonstrated no changes in flow characteristics when the coiled segment was occluded, giving it an advantage over other catheter types when the catheter is compressed by surrounding tissue or other external obstruction. Conclusions The majority of fluid flow in catheters with a diameter of 4.67 mm (14 Fr) or smaller occurred at the most proximal 1 to 3 side holes. A novel 3D coiled catheter design can protect these proximal holes from external blockage while maintaining drainage performance compared with standard straight and pigtail catheters.

Clinical Research Article: Comparative Analysis of Pigtail Drainage Catheters: Skived Holes versus Punched Holes and Implications for Fluid Dynamics

“…Traditionally, two types of hole designs are employed in pigtail catheters: punched holes and skived holes. [2] Punched holes are generally circular and are made by punching through the catheter wall. In contrast, skived holes are cut at an angle, resulting in a more oval shape that is smoother around the edges.…”

“…Background and Software Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) has proven to be an effective tool for understanding complex fluid dynamics, especially in medical devices such as catheters. [2] We employed a commercial CFD software package for our numerical simulations, which solves the governing equations for fluid flow.…”

Comparative Analysis of Pigtail Drainage Catheters

“…Hole Designs: Skived vs. Punched Traditionally, two types of hole designs are employed in pigtail catheters: punched holes and skived holes. [2] Punched holes are generally circular and are made by punching through the catheter wall. In contrast, skived holes are cut at an angle, resulting in a more oval shape that is smoother around the edges.…”

“…[4] Studies have shown that irregular flow patterns and high turbulence can lead to clogging, requiring catheter replacement and Potentially complicating patient care. [2] Gap in the Literature Despite the ubiquitous application of pigtail catheters in draining a variety of fluid collections, there is a lack of comprehensive studies comparing the fluid dynamics of skived holes and punched holes. Most of the existing literature is focused on the material properties and overall design of catheters , with little attention given to the specific design of the drainage holes and their implications for clinical efficacy.…”