Catheter Securement via Hook and Loop Fastener System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for securing catheters to patients using tape are prone to contamination, skin irritation, and motion-related complications, and are cumbersome and time-consuming, often failing to effectively limit catheter movement.
Innovation Solution
A medical article assembly featuring a flexible anchor pad with a biocompatible adhesive layer and a hook and loop fastener system that allows the catheter to be securely attached and repositioned at various orientations without removing the anchor pad from the patient's skin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tape is used to secure the catheter to the patient, then the catheter can be restricted from moving, but the tape collects contaminants and dirt leading to infection risk
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the harmful adhesive tape component from the securement system and replaces it with a mechanical fastening system. The catheter is secured using a support structure with engagement features that mechanically interlock with the catheter, eliminating the need for adhesive tape that collects contaminants and leads to infection.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary support structure between the catheter and the patient's skin. This support structure includes engagement features that mechanically secure the catheter without direct skin contact through adhesive, thereby reducing contamination and infection risk while maintaining catheter stability.
2Reliability
If adhesive tape is applied repeatedly to secure the catheter, then the catheter remains positioned, but the adhesive residue builds up on the catheter making it stickier and more difficult to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the adhesive component from the securement system entirely. The mechanical engagement features provide securement without adhesive residue buildup, maintaining catheter positioning while preventing the catheter from becoming sticky and difficult to handle.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure with engagement features is designed as a disposable or easily replaceable component that does not require repeated adhesive applications. This eliminates the cumulative effect of adhesive residue buildup that occurs with repeated tape applications.
3Reliability
If tape is removed and reapplied frequently to maintain securement, then the catheter remains secured, but valuable time is spent applying and reapplying the tape
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the time-consuming adhesive application process and replaces it with a mechanical fastening system that requires minimal intervention. The engagement features provide securement that does not require frequent tape changes, significantly reducing the time spent on securement maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical engagement features are designed to maintain securement automatically without requiring frequent manual intervention. The support structure self-maintains the catheter position through its mechanical interlocking features, eliminating the need for repeated tape application and reapplication.
4Reliability
If tape is used to secure the catheter, then the catheter is restricted from moving, but tape often fails to limit catheter motion and contributes to motion related complications
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the inadequate adhesive tape securement system and replaces it with a mechanical engagement system that actively prevents catheter motion. The support structure with engagement features provides reliable motion restriction without the failures and motion-related complications associated with tape securement.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement features of the support structure are designed with curved or conforming surfaces that match the catheter geometry, providing secure mechanical engagement that effectively limits catheter motion in multiple directions, thereby preventing motion-related complications.
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 solution provides a secure, easy-to-use, and efficient method for attaching and repositioning catheters, reducing the risk of contamination, skin irritation, and motion-related complications while minimizing the need for frequent tape changes and maintaining catheter stability.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible anchor pad with a biocompatible adhesive layer
Implementation Method 2
a hook and loop fastener system that allows the catheter to be securely attached
Data Source
AI summary
A medical article, such as a catheter, is secured to a patient with a support structure and a plurality of attachment/receiving surfaces that permit the catheter to be reoriented in multiple positions relative to the support structure including rotating the catheter about a longitudinal axis. The support structure may be an anchor pad, strap, or other structure. The plurality of attachment/receiving surfaces may be hook and loop type fasteners that are adhered to the catheter body and to the support structure. The placement of the support structure on the patient is not critical as the catheter position is not fixed relative to the support structure.