Catheter Anchor Sleeve with Subcutaneous Tines and Independent Locking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for securing catheters to patients, such as using adhesive tape or sutures, are inefficient and can cause discomfort or damage to the skin, and there is a need for a more secure and reliable anchoring mechanism.
Innovation Solution
An anchor sleeve with adjustable subcutaneous tines and a locking mechanism that deploys and locks onto a catheter, allowing independent control of tine deployment and locking functions, using superelastic materials like Nitinol for secure anchoring and a polymeric seal for locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive tape or sutures are used to secure catheters, then the catheter can be fixed to the patient, but skin damage and discomfort occur
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor device is segmented into multiple functional components: an anchor body with subcutaneous anchors for tissue engagement, a separate locking mechanism with independently controllable locking elements, and a catheter retention feature. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without compromising skin integrity, as the anchoring occurs subcutaneously rather than on the skin surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor device acts as an intermediary between the catheter and the patient's body. Instead of directly attaching the catheter to the skin using adhesive or sutures, the anchor device provides a subcutaneous anchoring mechanism that secures the catheter indirectly, thereby preventing direct skin damage while maintaining secure fixation.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the catheter, then catheter retention improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the anchor body as an integrated assembly rather than a separate component. The locking elements are positioned within the anchor body structure, and the catheter retention feature is incorporated into the same device. This merging reduces overall system complexity while maintaining the secure retention function.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through a simple actuation feature that allows the locking elements to engage or disengage the catheter retention feature without requiring complex external mechanisms. The device essentially locks itself into place once deployed, reducing the need for additional complex control systems.
3Reliability
If subcutaneous anchors are deployed, then secure anchoring is achieved, but control over deployment force becomes critical
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor device incorporates dynamic characteristics that allow the anchors to flex and adapt as they are deployed into the subcutaneous tissue. The anchors are designed to engage the tissue gradually rather than requiring excessive force, and the device allows for controlled deployment through its mechanical structure. This dynamic behavior simplifies the deployment process while maintaining secure anchoring.
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
Provides secure, minimally invasive anchoring of catheters with reduced skin damage, allowing for controlled deployment and locking forces, ensuring the catheter remains in place without excessive force on the skin.
Implementation Method 1
using superelastic materials like Nitinol for secure anchoring
Implementation Method 2
a polymeric seal for locking
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments of a medical device anchor system include an anchor sleeve that receives a catheter (or other medical instrument) though a working channel of the anchor sleeve. The anchor sleeve may include a first actuator that controls the extension of one or more subcutaneous tines into the subcutaneous region under the skin. The anchor sleeve can also include a second actuator that can cause the anchor sleeve to lock onto an outer portion of the catheter (or other medical instrument) arrange in the working channel.