Design & Technical Drawings

CAD designs 

To develop and refine our adapter concept, we used SolidWorks and Fusion 360 for computer-aided design (CAD). These platforms allowed us to iteratively model the internal geometry, locking features, and o-ring integration with precision. CAD tools were essential for visualizing the fit between the 5 Fr TVP catheter and 9 Fr Cordis introducer, enabling detailed evaluation of component tolerances before 3D printing. Design evolution was guided by experimental feedback, allowing rapid revisions to improve sealing performance and ease of use.

Adapter mechanisms 

Our adapter incorporates several key mechanisms to ensure a secure, leak-free connection between a 5 Fr TVP catheter and a 9 Fr Cordis introducer:

• Threaded Locking Mechanism: The two-part adapter is joined with a threaded twist-lock system, allowing for a quick and secure fit that prevents accidental disconnection.

• O-Ring Seal: A medical-grade o-ring sits inside the adapter to provide a tight, leak-proof seal around the catheter shaft, preventing back-bleeding during use.

• Tapered Entry Channel: The internal channel is tapered to guide the catheter into the adapter smoothly and minimize resistance during insertion.

• Reinforced Outer Walls: The outer geometry of the adapter is designed to withstand venous pressures up to 30 mmHg without deformation or failure.

• Snap-Fit or Friction-Fit: Some prototypes explored additional retention features such as snap-fit rings and friction-fit tolerances to improve stability, though these were refined out in later versions.

Together, these mechanisms address key challenges like back-bleeding, catheter instability, and rapid emergency setup, making the adapter safe and efficient for clinical use.