Securement Device for Catheter Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current 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 fail to provide stable fixation without unnecessary manipulation or flexure.

Innovation Solution

A securement device comprising anchor pads with adhesive surfaces and a retainer with an inverted channel and footings that securely attach to the patient's skin, preventing motion and maintaining the medical article's position without direct contact, which includes a body member with longitudinal access and offset members for retention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If tape is used to secure the catheter, then the catheter can be attached to the patient, but the tape retains dirt or contaminant particles leading to infection risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfection riskVSAvoidcatheter attachment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a securement device with a retainer and anchor pads as an intermediary between the catheter and the patient's skin. The retainer holds the catheter body while anchor pads with adhesive surfaces attach to the skin at locations away from the insertion site, preventing direct contact between the catheter and skin, thus reducing infection risk while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If tape is used to secure the catheter, then the catheter can be attached to the patient, but the tape fails to limit catheter motion causing motion related complications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecatheter position stabilityVSAvoidcatheter attachment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The securement device is segmented into multiple functional components: a retainer that directly holds the catheter body, multiple anchor pads distributed at different locations on the skin, and footings that connect the retainer to the anchor pads. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the retainer limits catheter motion while the anchor pads provide stable attachment points, collectively preventing motion-related complications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If adhesive tape is frequently removed and reapplied, then the catheter can be repositioned, but the skin becomes excoriated and adhesive residue builds up on the catheter

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecatheter repositioningVSAvoidskin irritation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The anchor pads serve as removable intermediaries between the catheter and the patient's skin. The pads with adhesive surfaces can be removed and reapplied to reposition the catheter, while the retainer maintains the catheter's securement. This allows catheter repositioning without direct manipulation of the catheter itself, reducing skin excoriation and adhesive residue buildup on the catheter.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If sutures are used to secure the catheter, then the catheter can be firmly attached to the patient, but healthcare workers risk needlestick injury and patients risk infection and scarring

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecatheter attachment strengthVSAvoidinjury and infection risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical suture system with an adhesive-based securement system. The anchor pads use adhesive surfaces to attach to the patient's skin, eliminating the need for needles and sutures. This substitution maintains firm catheter attachment while eliminating the risks of needlestick injuries to healthcare workers and infection or scarring for patients.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 securement device effectively restricts movement of medical articles in multiple directions, reduces skin irritation, and minimizes the risk of infection by maintaining the medical article's position without direct skin contact, enhancing patient safety and caregiver handling.

Implementation Method 1

each including an upper foam layer and a lower adhesive surface, the lower adhesive surface being configured to attach to an epidermal layer of a patient

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS20240207580A1Securement Device

Publication Date: 2024.06.27 CR BARD INC

AI summary

A securement device holds a medical article having flexible portions in position upon the body of a patient and inhibits movement of the medical article. The medical article may be insertable into the securement device from above from below or along a longitudinal axis of the device. The securement device may have abutment surfaces which interact with the flexible portions of the medical article to further inhibit rotation of the device. A securement kit can include a securement device and a catheter.