Adhesive-Free Catheter Securement via Filament and Compressive Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for securing medical articles, such as catheters, using tape or sutures are prone to complications like infection, motion-related issues, and skin irritation, and pose risks to healthcare workers and patients.
Innovation Solution
A securement device featuring an adhesive layer, a structural layer with apertures, and a filament that secures the medical article without adhesives, providing a tear-resistant and compressible material to retain the article in place while minimizing skin contact and risk of infection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tape is used to secure the catheter, then the catheter can be held in place, but the tape retains dirt or contaminant particles leading to infection risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful adhesive function from the securement device by eliminating tape entirely. Instead, it uses a non-adhesive securement mechanism with a filament that passes through the catheter and is anchored to the skin, removing the source of contaminant retention while maintaining positioning stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a filament as an intermediary element between the catheter and the skin. This filament acts as a mediator that secures the catheter without requiring direct skin-adhesive contact, thereby preventing contaminant accumulation while maintaining secure positioning.
2Reliability
If tape is used to secure the catheter, then the catheter can be held in place, but the tape fails to limit catheter motion causing motion-related complications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the inadequate tape securement and replaces it with a filament-based system that provides superior motion control. The filament, when tied securely, limits catheter movement more effectively than tape, preventing phlebitis and infiltration while maintaining positioning stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adhesive tape is frequently applied and removed, then the catheter can be repositioned or changed, but the repeated application excoriates the skin
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates adhesive tape entirely and replaces it with a filament securement system. This allows for catheter changes without repeated adhesive application to the skin, thereby preventing excoriation while maintaining the ability to reposition or change the catheter as needed.
4Reliability
If adhesive tape is used to secure the catheter, then the catheter can be held in place, but adhesive residue builds up on the catheter surface making it difficult to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the adhesive component entirely and uses a mechanical filament securement system. This eliminates adhesive residue accumulation on the catheter surface, maintaining ease of handling and manipulation while providing reliable securement through the filament tying mechanism.
5Reliability
If sutures are used to secure the catheter, then the catheter can be firmly anchored, but healthcare workers are at risk of needlestick injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the suture needle component and replaces it with a filament that can be secured using alternative methods such as friction, clips, or knot-tying techniques that do not require needle insertion. This maintains firm anchoring while eliminating the needlestick injury risk to healthcare workers.
6Reliability
If sutures are used to secure the catheter, then the catheter can be firmly anchored, but patients are at risk of infection and scarring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the suture material that penetrates the skin and replaces it with a filament securement system that does not require skin puncture. This maintains firm catheter anchoring while eliminating the pathways for infection and the cause of scarring, thereby improving patient safety.
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 device effectively secures medical articles, reducing the risk of infection and skin irritation, and preventing motion-related complications while ensuring easy handling and prolonged securement without adhesive residue or needlestick injuries.
Implementation Method 1
an adhesive layer configured to contact the skin of a patient
Implementation Method 2
A portion of the structural layer located between the at least two apertures includes a compressible material
Data Source
AI summary
A securement device includes a filament which passes underneath at least a portion of the securement device and can be secured about a medical article to be retained. The filament may be secured about the medical article without the use of adhesive. At least a portion of the securement device underlying the medical article may comprise a compressible material which may be used to exert a restoring force upon the medical article to hold the medical article tightly in place.