Catheter Securement Device with Universal Attachable Members

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current securement devices for catheters lack the ability to easily and quickly attach various active and passive technologies, such as sterilization and disinfection methods, which increases the risk of contamination and infection due to bacterial adsorption on the catheter surface.

Innovation Solution

A securement device with a semi-flexible polymeric base and a securement assembly featuring a cap and locking ring that allows for the attachment of interchangeable caps with active and passive technologies, providing three-axis stability and minimizing contamination risks through a universal fitting system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional securement devices are used without attachable members, then the device structure remains simple, but the ability to attach active and passive technologies (such as sterilization and disinfection methods) is limited, increasing contamination risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to attach various technologiesVSAvoidstructure of securement device

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The securement device is divided into a base portion and an attachable member portion. The attachable member can be detached and replaced with different members having different functions (e.g., sterilization, disinfection, monitoring). This segmentation allows the base to remain simple while the attachable members provide specialized functionalities, resolving the contradiction between versatility and structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base portion of the securement device is designed with a universal attachment interface that can accommodate multiple types of attachable members. This universal design allows a single base to work with various members for different purposes (sterilization, disinfection, monitoring, etc.), providing adaptability without requiring multiple specialized devices, thus maintaining structural simplicity while enhancing versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If frequent access to luer fittings is performed for fluid line connection and blood sampling, then diagnostic and therapeutic functions are improved, but the risk of bacterial contamination and biofilm formation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency of diagnostic and therapeutic proceduresVSAvoidbacterial contamination and biofilm formation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The attachable members serve as intermediary components between the catheter hub and external equipment. Instead of repeatedly disconnecting and reconnecting to the catheter hub itself, the attachable member acts as a replaceable interface that can be sterilized or disposed of, reducing direct contamination of the catheter while maintaining frequent access for procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The attachable members can be designed as disposable components that are replaced frequently. This allows the catheter hub to remain protected while the disposable members absorb the contamination risk from frequent connections and disconnections. The low cost of these disposable members makes frequent replacement practical, thus maintaining high productivity while reducing contamination risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If catheters are secured using traditional methods (suturing, taping, or semi-flexible devices), then axial displacement is prevented, but the ability to resist snagging or tugging and maintain hygiene is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of axial displacementVSAvoidsnagging, tugging, and contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The securement device incorporates a locking mechanism that can dynamically adjust between a locked state (preventing axial displacement) and an unlocked state (allowing easy removal for cleaning). The attachable members can also be dynamically replaced based on contamination risk, providing both securement reliability and hygiene maintenance without compromising either function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10632289B2Securement device with attachable members for use with a catheter

Publication Date: 2020.04.28 JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY

AI summary

The present invention describes a securement device that maintains proper placement of a percutaneous catheter and incorporates a universal fitting for the attachment of various, interchangeable, active and passive technologies. The securement device includes a unique catheter hub that enables attachment of active technology to provide diagnostic, therapeutic, and monitoring applications of physiologic, anatomic, and other clinically relevant properties or conditions. The securement device also includes a primary semi-flexible polymeric retention member (the “base”) positioned atop, or integrated with, a thin flexible adhesive pad. The adhesive pad has a first surface with an adhesive substrate and a second surface configured to receive the base. The hub is received within the base and a cap is used to secure the hub to the base.