Catheter Anchoring Device with Mechanical Failsafe Interlock

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional catheter anchoring methods, such as suturing, pose risks of needlestick injuries to healthcare professionals and patients due to exposed sharps, and are inefficient and invasive, requiring skilled personnel and causing discomfort and infection risks.

Innovation Solution

A self-contained catheter anchoring device with a mechanical failsafe interlock mechanism that deploys sharps only when properly positioned on the skin, securely nesting them beneath the skin to prevent exposure and automatic retraction upon removal, eliminating needlestick risks and simplifying the anchoring process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional suturing methods are used to anchor catheters, then the catheter can be securely attached to the skin, but the process exposes healthcare professionals and patients to needlestick injuries and causes discomfort and infection risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecatheter anchoring securityVSAvoidneedlestick injury risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the harmful exposed sharp elements from the anchoring system by enclosing them within a housing structure. The sharps are contained inside the housing and only deployed underneath the skin when the device is properly positioned, eliminating the risk of needlestick injuries to both healthcare professionals and patients during the anchoring process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a nested structure where the sharps are housed within the housing, and the entire device is positioned on the skin surface. The sharps are nested within the housing until deployment, and the housing itself is nested on the skin surface. This nested arrangement protects the sharp elements while maintaining anchoring functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If suturing is used to anchor catheters, then secure attachment is achieved, but the process is invasive, requires skilled personnel, and takes considerable time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecatheter anchoring securityVSAvoidoperational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service anchoring mechanism where the device anchors itself to the skin through the deployment of sharps when positioned correctly. The mechanical failsafe interlock mechanism automatically engages and disengages the sharps without requiring skilled suturing techniques, making the procedure accessible to less skilled personnel while maintaining secure anchoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the complex mechanical suturing system with a simpler mechanical deployment system. Instead of requiring manual needle insertion and suturing, the device uses a button-actuated mechanism that deploys pre-positioned sharps through the housing, significantly simplifying the operational process while maintaining anchoring reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the catheter anchor is sutured to the patient's skin, then the catheter position is fixed, but repositioning requires removing and reattaching the anchor, causing additional wounds and infection risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecatheter position stabilityVSAvoidinfection risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic anchoring system where the mechanical interlock mechanism can be easily engaged and disengaged. This allows the catheter position to be stabilized when needed, but also enables quick repositioning by simply releasing the interlock, without requiring removal and reattachment of the entire anchor device. The dynamic nature of the connection maintains stability while allowing flexible adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If exposed sharps are used in catheter anchoring, then the anchoring process is simple, but needlestick injuries can occur to healthcare professionals and patients

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanchoring process simplicityVSAvoidsafety from needlestick injuries

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces the housing as an intermediary structure between the sharps and the external environment. The housing acts as a mediator that contains the sharp elements, allowing them to be deployed for anchoring while preventing direct exposure to healthcare professionals and patients. The housing serves as a protective barrier that maintains the simplicity of the anchoring process while eliminating needlestick injury risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20230293855A1Catheter anchoring device and method

Publication Date: 2023.09.21 SAFESHARP TECHNOLOGIES CORP

AI summary

Methods and apparatus for anchoring a catheter to a patient's skin using a catheter anchoring device are described. The catheter anchoring device includes one or more pairs of sharps with a sharpened end configured to pierce the surface of the skin. A locking mechanism for the sharps is used as a failsafe mechanism. The catheter anchoring device further includes a catheter clamp for securing a catheter to the catheter anchoring device. Releasing the clamp allows an operator to reposition and secure the catheter at the new position without moving the catheter anchoring device.