Angled Support Blocks for Stable Medical Device Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical devices extending outward from a patient can cause discomfort and harm due to the lifting or tenting of vasculature under subcutaneous tissue, as existing solutions fail to maintain a stable support angle and prevent compression of the device against the skin, especially during extended periods in clinical settings.
Innovation Solution
A support system comprising adjustable support blocks and arms that can be configured to maintain a desired support angle between the medical device and the patient, allowing for customization to accommodate varying patient anatomy, using connectors such as magnets, slots, and adhesive layers to secure the blocks in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the medical device is secured to the patient using existing fixation methods, then the device remains in place during extended periods, but the device compresses against the skin causing vasculature lifting and tenting
Solution Approach 1:
A support block is introduced as an intermediary element between the medical device and the patient's body. This support block maintains the device at a desired angle relative to the body surface, preventing direct compression against the skin while ensuring stable fixation during extended clinical use
2Reliability
If the support angle is fixed, then the device maintains a stable position, but it cannot accommodate varying patient anatomy
Solution Approach 1:
The support block incorporates an adjustable mechanism that allows the support angle to be dynamically modified. This enables the device to adapt to different patient anatomies while maintaining stable positioning during use, combining both adaptability and reliability
3Ease of operation
If the device extends outward from the body, then it functions properly during medical procedures, but it causes discomfort and harm during extended support periods
Solution Approach 1:
The support block is positioned in advance to prevent the harmful effect of device compression against the skin. By maintaining the device at an appropriate angle from the beginning, it prevents vasculature lifting and tenting that would otherwise occur during extended support periods, thereby eliminating patient discomfort and bleeding risks
Data Source
AI summary
Support devices and/or support blocks are provided that support medical devices, such as access devices, at an desired orientation relative to a patient's body. Support blocks may include a bottom surface and a top surface, where the top surface may be configured to be substantially at an angle (such as 5-30 degrees) relative to the bottom surface. The top and/or bottom surface may have a connection mechanism configured to allow the support block to connect with at least one additional support block. The connection mechanism may be, e.g., a protruding element that may be configured to interface with a receiving slot on the at least one additional support block, a receiving slot that may be configured to receive a protruding element from the at least one additional support block, a magnet that may be configured to interface with a magnet or ferromagnetic material on the at least one additional support block, and/or one or more protrusions or depressions that may be configured to form an interference fit with one or more protrusions or depressions on the at least one additional support block.