Intravenous tubing securing device for protecting tubing

Abstract

A disposable device which secures tubing to a bedrail is disclosed. A mechanism for attaching and securing the disposable device is also disclosed. In today's hospitals, it is becoming apparent that the number of nosocomial infections or hospital acquired infections is growing. Thus, it is desired in the health care industry to have devices that can be disposable, cost effective, and easily used that can assist in decreasing these infections. Accordingly, an adjustable, disposable device which secures intravenous tubing to the bedrail as to assist in prevention of contamination of the tubing which may ultimately contaminate the insertion site of the catheter is proposed. The device will also assist in prevention of inadvertently pulling the intravenous catheter out of its insertion site. This will ultimately have the effect of decreasing infection by decreasing the number of times the skin is opened up for microorganisms to potentially invade, while at the same time decreasing unnecessary pain to the patient.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation in part of U.S. utility application Ser. No. 10 / 863952 which was filed on Jun. 9, 2004.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates generally to medical devices, and more specifically to an adjustable, disposable device which secures tubing to a bedrail. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] When in the hospital the majority of patients requires intravenous fluids and frequently requires more than one type of fluids or intravenous medications. These intravenous fluids and medications are delivered to the patient via intravenous tubing that is connected to an intravenous catheter of some type. The primary tubing is of significant lengths to allow for patient movement. However, due to the length the tubing frequently ends up lying on the floor or gets tangled underneath the bedrails or patient. [0004] When Intravenous tubing touches the floor it can be inadvertently contaminated leading to an intrav...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, due to the length the tubing frequently ends up lying on the floor or gets tangled underneath the bedrails or patient.

When Intravenous tubing touches the floor it can be inadvertently contaminated leading to an intravenous catheter infection which can lead to a more serious infection and could potentially cause the loss of life.

If intravenous tubing gets tangled under the bedrails or underneath the patient they can also become contaminated or the intravenous catheter can accidentally be pulled out.

In most cases this means that the patient would require being stuck again for another intravenous access site.

This also increases potential for infection as well as causes pain for the patient.

Intravenous tubing hanging loosely from underneath the bedrail or lying on the floor also could be a potential fall hazard to visitors and health care workers.

As well as posing a potential infection risk to the patient.

Also, intravenous access catheters are not always located in the same sites of a patient's body and at times intravenous access sites have to be changed frequently.

When it is removed such tape leaves a sticky residue on the tubing and on the bedrail which collects dirt and germs.

Such tape is usually removed and replaced numerous times in order to move the patient, and / or change the tubing, thus leaving more and more sticky residue.

This sticky residue is not easily removed and makes the bedrails dirty as well as collecting germs.

Also, tape does not allow for adequate movement of patients and could inadvertently cause the loss of an intravenous access site.

This could possibly mean that another access would be obtained putting the patient, again, at risk for infection, while also causing pain during insertion.

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