Catheter Housing Stabilization and Anti-microbial Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for securing and stabilizing IV catheters are inadequate, leading to issues such as contamination, skin irritation, mechanical failures, and reduced catheter dwell time due to improper angulation and movement, which can result in infections and costly replacements.
Innovation Solution
A catheter housing device that provides stabilization, securement, disinfection, and antiseptic functions, using anti-microbial coatings, UV LEDs for sterilization, and sensors for monitoring, while avoiding direct skin contact and adhesive use, to maintain proper catheter angulation and reduce contamination risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional adhesive film dressings are applied directly to the catheter insertion site, then the catheter is secured and stabilized, but the skin respiration and ventilation are inhibited, humidity and temperature increase, promoting microorganism growth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary structure (the housing with opening 132) that allows the catheter to be secured without completely enclosing the insertion site. The housing acts as a mediator that provides stabilization while maintaining skin breathability and moisture vapor transmission, thus preventing microorganism growth without compromising catheter securement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible housing structure with specific material properties that allow moisture vapor transmission. The housing walls are designed to be permeable to water vapor, enabling the skin to breathe while still providing a protective barrier and catheter stabilization, thereby preventing the accumulation of humidity that promotes microbial growth
2Reliability
If tapes are applied directly to the catheter device at the insertion site to stabilize it, then the catheter is fixed in position, but the catheter angle becomes improper causing erosion or damage to the vein and vein wall
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the stabilization function from the catheter itself by introducing a separate housing structure. The housing contains the catheter device and provides the stabilization mechanism, allowing the catheter angle to be maintained properly without direct tape application. This segmentation prevents the catheter tip from being improperly angled while still achieving stable fixation
Solution Approach 2:
The housing serves as an intermediary structure between the catheter device and the skin. It provides the necessary stabilization and positioning while protecting the catheter tip from direct contact with adhesive materials that could cause improper angulation. The housing wall acts as a mediator that maintains proper catheter angle while securing the device to the patient
3Reliability
If adhesive tapes are used to secure the catheter, then the catheter is firmly fixed, but skin trauma and irritation occur particularly in geriatric patients
Solution Approach 1:
The housing acts as an intermediary that provides catheter fixation without requiring direct adhesive contact with the patient's skin. The housing can be secured to the skin through methods that are less traumatic, such as mechanical fastening or minimal adhesive application, thereby preventing skin trauma and irritation while maintaining reliable catheter fixation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the adhesive application area from direct contact with the skin by placing it within the housing structure. The housing walls are positioned between the adhesive and the skin, allowing fixation to be achieved without the adhesive directly contacting the skin, thus eliminating skin trauma and irritation associated with traditional tape application
4Reliability
If tapes are applied to the insertion site to stabilize the catheter, then the catheter is secured, but the insertion site becomes obscured preventing assessment of IV catheter complications
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed with transparent or translucent portions that allow visual assessment of the insertion site while maintaining the protective and stabilizing functions. This flexible shell design provides catheter securement without obscuring the insertion site, enabling continuous monitoring for complications such as infection, phlebitis, or catheter displacement
5Reliability
If traditional adhesive dressings are used to secure the catheter, then the catheter is stabilized, but mechanical failures occur and catheter dwell time is reduced due to improper angulation and movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the stabilization function into a separate housing structure that independently supports the catheter device. This segmentation allows for proper catheter angulation and positioning that prevents mechanical failures and extends dwell time, while the housing itself provides the stabilization mechanism without compromising catheter integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure provides beforehand protection and cushioning for the catheter device, preventing mechanical stress and improper angulation before they can cause damage. This protective enclosure maintains proper catheter positioning throughout the dwell period, reducing the risk of mechanical failures and extending the usable life of the catheter
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 catheter housing device extends catheter dwell time, reduces contamination and skin irritation, and enhances patient comfort by maintaining proper catheter positioning and visibility, thereby minimizing infections and mechanical failures.
Implementation Method 1
The catheter housing can include one or more UV LEDs that can provide active sterilization and/or disinfection of areas within the catheter housing
Implementation Method 2
one or more UV LEDs that can provide active sterilization and/or disinfection of areas within the catheter housing
Data Source
AI summary
A catheter housing for securing a catheter device coupled to a catheter. The catheter housing can include a cover and a hub. The catheter housing can additionally include a lock in an interior portion of the cover that secures a portion of the catheter device coupled to the catheter. The catheter housing can additionally include a bridge configured to contact and/or secure a portion of the catheter device and align the catheter device so that the catheter remains inserted at a natural or proper insertion angle relative to a patient's vein. The catheter housing can include one or more wings extending outward from a cover of the housing that can help secure tubing coupled to the catheter device.