Design and development of a novel double-chamber syringe concept for venous catheterization

This paper presents the optimization process for the development of an innovative double chamber syringe. Several aspects are involved such as design, functionality, fluid-structure interaction and friction between solids. To assist in the development of this medical device, a numerical based methodology was developed and validated in order to predict the syringe´s functionality, as well as its production by injection molding. The mechanical and flow behavior, during the filling and administration of medicine and washing solutions, were numerically modelled using the commercial software ABAQUS and FLUENT, respectively. The injection molding process was analyzed using the software MOLDFLOW. The aim was to evaluate the feasibility of the proposed concept in terms of mechanical design, fluid flow and production process behavior. By highlighting critical design issues in this way, it was possible to identify promising geometric changes and, consequently, optimize iteratively the syringe's design, until all the defined requirements are fulfilled. This iterative process based on numerical simulations proved to be a powerful tool for product development that generated fast and accurate results without the need to produce multiple prototypes.