Catheter Securement System with Retainer and Clamp

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional methods for securing catheters to patients using tape lead to complications such as infection, phlebitis, catheter migration, and skin excoriation due to adhesive residue buildup, as well as difficulties in handling the catheter.

Innovation Solution

A securement system comprising a retainer with a channel and a clamp, supported by anchor pads with adhesive, which securely holds the catheter in place by inhibiting longitudinal and transverse movement through abutment surfaces and interengaging structures, allowing for adjustment to accommodate different catheter lengths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If adhesive tape is used to secure the catheter to the patient, then the catheter can be held in place, but the adhesive residue builds up on the catheter surface making it stickier and more difficult to handle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecatheter position stabilityVSAvoidcatheter handling ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The securement system divides the catheter into segments: a distal portion that remains exposed and handleable, and a proximal portion that is secured within the retainer body. This segmentation allows the catheter to be both secured and easily handled without adhesive residue affecting the distal portion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the catheter from the adhesive tape environment by securing it within a retainer body that does not require adhesive application to the catheter surface. The catheter is held in place by mechanical retention in a channel rather than adhesive bonding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Stability of the object's composition

If adhesive tape is applied frequently to maintain catheter position, then the catheter remains secured, but the skin around the dressing becomes excoriated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecatheter position stabilityVSAvoidskin excoriation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The retainer system is designed as a disposable device that is applied once and remains in place for the duration of catheterization. This eliminates the need for repeated applications and removals of adhesive tape, preventing skin excoriation while maintaining catheter stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The retainer body acts as an intermediary between the catheter and the patient's skin. Instead of adhesive tape directly contacting and repeatedly adhering to the skin, the retainer provides mechanical retention through anchor pads and internal structures, reducing skin trauma.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If adhesive tape is used to secure the catheter, then the catheter can be held in place, but contaminants can adhere to the catheter surface increasing infection risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecatheter position stabilityVSAvoidcontaminant adhesion

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the catheter surface from the adhesive environment, eliminating the sticky surface that attracts contaminants. The catheter is secured internally within the retainer body where it does not contact adhesive tape, maintaining a clean surface that resists contaminant adhesion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Stability of the object's composition

If a securement system with channel and clamp is used to hold the catheter, then the catheter is stabilized close to the insertion site, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecatheter position stabilityVSAvoidsecurement device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retainer body integrates multiple functions into a single structure: it contains the channel for catheter retention, incorporates anchor pads for skin attachment, and includes abutment surfaces for positioning. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed while achieving stable catheter fixation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 system effectively stabilizes the catheter, reduces the risk of infection and skin damage, and simplifies handling by securely fastening the catheter close to the insertion site, minimizing motion-related complications and adhesive issues.

Implementation Method 1

Each anchor pad is spaced apart from the other and has a lower surface at least partially covered by an adhesive for contacting the patient's skin

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesive: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS11633573B2Medical device securement system

Publication Date: 2023.04.25 CR BARD INC

AI summary

A catheter securement device holds a medical article such as a catheter in position upon the body of a patient and at least inhibits longitudinal movement of the medical article. The securement device includes a retainer and a clamp. The retainer and clamp can include interengaging structure that can include a ratchet mechanism that allows a single securement system to be used with medical articles that have different longitudinal lengths as well as medical articles that have distally located contact surfaces.