Catheter Securement Device With Elastomeric Anchoring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catheter securement methods, such as surgical tape, are ineffective in securely anchoring catheters to the skin, leading to catheter movement, irritation, and complications like decreased circulation and skin irritation, and are difficult to remove without disturbing the insertion site.
Innovation Solution
A catheter securement device featuring a flexible base member with an adhesive side and a non-adhesive side, including a single piece elastomeric anchoring member with pull tabs and a T-shaped strap, which securely anchors bifurcated or trifurcated catheters without adhesive contact, providing cushioning and easy removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If surgical tape is used to hold the catheter to the patient's skin, then the catheter can be secured, but the catheter movement is not prevented and complications such as decreased circulation and skin irritation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cushioning member as an intermediary between the catheter and the skin. This cushioning member distributes the securing force over a larger area, preventing direct pressure points that cause skin irritation and decreased circulation, while still effectively anchoring the catheter to prevent movement
Solution Approach 2:
The securement device uses a flexible base member that can conform to the patient's skin contours while providing a cushioning effect. The flexible nature allows the device to adapt to different body shapes and movements without causing compression injuries, while maintaining secure catheter attachment
2Reliability
If surgical tape is used to secure the catheter, then the catheter can be held in place, but the tape is difficult to remove without disturbing the catheter insertion site
Solution Approach 1:
The securement device is designed as a modular assembly with separable components including the cushioning member, strap, and base member. This segmentation allows the cushioning member and strap to be removed independently from the base member, enabling easy removal without disturbing the catheter insertion site while maintaining secure anchoring during use
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates a dynamic strap system with adjustable tension and release mechanisms. The strap can be quickly released and removed from the cushioning member, allowing for easy device removal without adhesive disturbance to the insertion site, while providing secure anchoring when fastened
3Strength
If adhesive is used to attach the securement device to the skin, then the device can be firmly secured, but the adhesive may cause skin irritation and make removal difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cushioning member serves as a mediator between the adhesive base member and the skin. It distributes the adhesive bond over a larger surface area, reducing pressure points that cause skin irritation, while the base member provides sufficient attachment strength through the adhesive layer
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible base member with adhesive layer provides secure attachment to the skin while the flexible cushioning member on top distributes the bonding force. This flexible film structure prevents adhesive concentration at single points, reducing skin irritation while maintaining overall attachment strength
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 device effectively prevents catheter migration and insertion site irritation while allowing easy removal without disturbing the catheter, reducing unwanted tugging and skin irritation, and providing comfort by cushioning the catheter.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible base member having an adhesive side and an opposite non-adhesive side
Data Source
AI summary
A catheter securement device includes a flexible base member having an adhesive side and an opposite non-adhesive side. A elastomeric anchoring member is mounted on the nonadhesive side of the base member. The anchoring member integrally includes a body attached to the base member, a pair of opposing pull tabs freely extending outwardly from the body, a keeper disposed in each of the pull tabs, and a T-shaped strap freely extending from the body.] The T-shaped strap terminates in a pair of opposing heads that are disposed generally parallel to the pull tabs. Pulling the opposing pull tabs opens the keepers for receiving the heads of the T-shaped strap, and the heads of the T-strap are selectively insertable into the keepers for securing a catheter between the anchoring member body and the strap.