Catheter Stabilization Device Preventing Kinking via Segmented Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catheter stabilization methods using tape or adhesive film dressings often fail to securely hold catheters in place, leading to kinking issues and difficulties in connecting medical implements, which can reduce fluid flow and complicate administration.
Innovation Solution
A catheter connection and stabilization device featuring a medical valve with a male luer connector and an adherent substrate with multiple film layers forming fluid pathways, including a pressure-activated valve and adhesive layers for secure attachment to the patient, designed to prevent kinking and ensure stable fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tape or adhesive film dressings are used to secure the catheter, then the catheter can be held in place, but the catheter may still become kinked or bent making connection difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional segments: a stabilization member with adhesive for securing the catheter, a valve body for fluid control, and a connector for medical implements. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with others, resolving the contradiction between secure attachment and ease of connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body acts as an intermediary component between the secured catheter and the medical implement connector. It provides a stable interface that maintains catheter positioning while enabling easy connection and disconnection of medical implements, thus resolving the conflict between security and operational ease.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the catheter is secured firmly to prevent movement, then stability is improved, but the catheter may be bent or kinked reducing fluid flow
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive stabilization member is applied locally at the catheter insertion site rather than along the entire catheter length. This localized stabilization secures the critical insertion area while leaving the rest of the catheter flexible and free from restriction, maintaining both stability and fluid flow capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device design allows the catheter to maintain its natural flexibility and movement dynamics while being secured at the insertion point. The stabilization member provides fixed positioning where needed without constraining the catheter's ability to flex and maintain optimal fluid flow pathways elsewhere.
3Ease of operation
If extension tube is added to facilitate connection, then connection ease is improved, but the risk of kinking increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector for medical implements is merged with the valve body into a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate extension tubes while maintaining easy connection capability, thereby improving reliability by reducing the number of potential kinking points in the fluid pathway.
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 secures catheters, prevents kinking, and maintains stable fluid flow, allowing for easy connection and disconnection of medical implements while minimizing the risk of complications like infections and tube kinking.
Implementation Method 1
an adhesive layer located on an underside of the second film layer that is configured to secure the dressing to a patient
Implementation Method 2
a pressure activated valve mechanism located within the internal fluid path of the docking pod and configured to control fluid flow through the docking pod
Data Source
AI summary
A device for stabilizing a patient catheter includes a docking pod with a body, an inlet, an outlet, an internal fluid path between the inlet and the outlet, and a securement surface located on an underside of the docking pod. A docking pod adhesive layer located at least partially on the securement surface of the docking pod may secure the docking pod to the patient such that the securement surface and the docking pod adhesive layer form a generally planar or concave surface when secured to the patient. A valve mechanism located within the internal fluid path of the docking pod may control fluid flow through the docking pod. The device may also have a luer connector that is fluidly connected to the outlet of the docking pod and configured to be connected to the catheter.