Adjustable IV Securement Band with Segmented Elastomeric Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Intravenous (IV) tubing in medical settings often becomes disorganized and tangled, leading to discomfort, confusion, and increased risk of falls for both medical providers and patients, and traditional securing methods like tape leave behind residues that can harbor microorganisms, increasing infection risk.
Innovation Solution
A reusable, adjustable IV securement band made from elastomeric material with teeth along the edge and a slot design that prevents over-tightening, allows for breathability, and does not leave adhesive residue, featuring a monolithic thermoplastic elastomer or silicone construction that securely holds IV tubes without occluding vessels and can be easily cleaned.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional tape is used to secure IV tubing, then the tubing is held in place, but adhesive residue is left behind that can harbor microorganisms and increase infection risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable IV securement device that is used once and then discarded, eliminating the need for adhesive that leaves harmful residues. The device is made from flexible, non-adhesive materials that secure the IV catheter without creating infection risks from residue buildup.
Solution Approach 2:
The securement device incorporates porous or breathable materials that allow skin ventilation while providing secure attachment. These materials prevent moisture and adhesive buildup that could harbor microorganisms, thereby reducing infection risk without requiring traditional adhesive tapes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the IV securement band is made adjustable to fit different patient sizes, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The securement band is divided into multiple discrete segments or links that can be connected in varying numbers to achieve different overall lengths. This segmentation allows the band to be easily adjusted to fit different patient anatomies without requiring complex continuous adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The band incorporates dynamic elements such as flexible connectors or telescoping sections that allow the length to be adjusted by simple manipulation (e.g., sliding, clipping, or interlocking segments). This provides adaptability for different patient sizes while maintaining simplicity in the adjustment mechanism.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The band effectively manages IV tubing by preventing tangling and securing it without causing discomfort, reducing the risk of dislodgement, and eliminating the risk of adhesive residue, thereby enhancing patient safety and reducing infection risks while maintaining ease of use and cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
A reusable, adjustable IV securement band made from elastomeric material with teeth along the edge and a slot design that prevents over-tightening
Implementation Method 2
teeth along the edge and a slot design that prevents over-tightening
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment provides an adjustable intravenous (IV) securement band with non-occlusive retention in case of excessive force (i.e., automatically loosens) and traction for securing an IV to a patient’s arm. Embodiments may further include features such as guides and or channels on the band to hold tubing. Embodiments may be secured to patients to be used as a non-adhesive securement aid for tubing/catheter (e.g., IV’s, enteral tubes, Foley catheters, endotracheal tubes, nasogastric (NG) tubes, chest tubes, and the like) retention on patients. An embodiment includes a series of separable flaps, any of which may be separated from the band to adjust the length of the band