Catheter Interface Protection Device for Neonatal Umbilical Stump

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current technologies lack a device specifically designed for the unique anatomy of the umbilical area and the demands of neonates, leading to a higher risk of central-line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) due to the absence of a protective solution for umbilical stumps and catheters in neonatal intensive care units.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a shield with a cavity to accommodate the umbilical stump and an opening for the catheter, featuring clips, vents, and an adhesive base to secure and protect the umbilical stump-catheter interface, reducing bacterial migration and physical contact risks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If umbilical catheters are placed in neonates to provide reliable venous access, then medication and nutritional support can be delivered effectively, but the risk of central-line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevenous access reliabilityVSAvoidbacterial contamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a catheter bridge as an intermediary component that connects the umbilical catheter to the external environment while maintaining a sealed interface. This bridge acts as a mediator that allows necessary access while preventing direct bacterial contamination of the umbilical stump, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining reliable venous access and preventing bloodstream infections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The catheter bridge incorporates a flexible membrane or film structure that allows for selective permeability and sealing. This flexible shell structure maintains the integrity of the umbilical catheter interface while preventing bacterial penetration, thus enabling reliable medication delivery without increasing infection risk

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Stability of the object's composition

If the umbilical catheter is secured tightly to prevent displacement, then catheter placement stability is improved, but the risk of skin irritation and infection at the insertion site increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecatheter placement stabilityVSAvoidskin irritation and infection risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The catheter securing system is divided into multiple segmented components including the catheter bridge, adhesive elements, and securing straps. This segmentation allows the system to distribute the securing force across multiple points rather than concentrating it at a single insertion site, thereby maintaining catheter stability while reducing localized skin irritation and infection risk

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different local qualities to different parts of the securing system - the catheter bridge provides a sealed interface at the insertion site, while flexible straps and adhesives provide distributed securing force away from the sensitive umbilical stump area. This localized differentiation of functional properties maintains stability without increasing irritation risk

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If the umbilical stump is exposed to allow for monitoring and care, then ease of nursing care is improved, but the risk of bacterial contamination and physical contact increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenursing care accessibilityVSAvoidbacterial contamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The catheter bridge incorporates dynamic elements such as flexible membranes and adjustable securing mechanisms that allow the system to adapt between different states of accessibility and protection. The flexible film can be temporarily displaced or opened to allow nursing care while automatically returning to its protective sealing position, thus enabling ease of operation without permanently increasing contamination risk

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20220313956A1Catheter interface protection device manipulation tools

Publication Date: 2022.10.06 NOVONATE INC

AI summary

A tool for manipulating a catheter interface protection device includes a base, a first arm extending from the base, and a second arm extending from the base. The first arm includes an outwardly projecting first hook configured to engage a first vent of a catheter interface protection device. The second arm includes an outwardly projecting second hook configured to engage a second vent of the catheter interface protection device. A method of manipulating a catheter interface protection device includes positioning the base around the catheter interface protection device so that the first arm is on a first side of a slot of the catheter interface protection device and the second arm on a second side of the slot of the catheter interface protection device opposite the first side, and bending the catheter interface protection device from the slot towards and around the first hook to create an opening.