Catheter Stabilizer Grip Assembly for Rotation and Translation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for maintaining catheter positioning during medical procedures are inadequate, as they often cause damage, fail to provide sufficient torque or tension, and require complex equipment or procedures like suturing for long-term stabilization.
Innovation Solution
A catheter stabilization system comprising an anchor pad and a grip assembly with a fastener, such as a hook and loop system or mechanical fasteners, that allows for easy attachment and detachment to securely hold the catheter in place without rotation or translation, and can be quickly transitioned between stable and movable states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hemostat or tape is used to maintain torque on the catheter, then the catheter positioning is maintained, but the catheter may be damaged or the holding strength diminishes over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dedicated catheter stabilization device that acts as an intermediary between the catheter and the patient's body. This device includes a stabilization element with engagement features that interface with the catheter, and a fixation element that anchors to the patient's skin or underlying tissue. This intermediary structure eliminates direct damage from hemostats or tape while providing reliable positioning stability through its specialized engagement and fixation mechanisms.
2Reliability
If sutures are placed to hold the catheter against rotation or translation, then the catheter is stabilized, but the procedure takes time and catheters are not well configured to be coupled to sutures
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter stabilization device incorporates pre-configured engagement features directly on the catheter or attached to it, such as engagement protrusions, slots, or attachment points. These preliminary structural preparations allow the stabilization element to be quickly coupled to the catheter without requiring time-consuming suturing procedures. The device is designed in advance with these coupling mechanisms, enabling rapid deployment while achieving reliable catheter stabilization.
3Reliability
If the catheter is held firmly to resist translation and rotation, then positioning is maintained, but the catheter cannot be easily repositioned when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter stabilization device incorporates dynamic coupling mechanisms that allow for easy adjustment and repositioning. The engagement features between the stabilization element and the catheter, as well as the fixation element and the patient's body, are designed to be temporarily secure yet easily reversible. This dynamic design enables the catheter to be firmly held during procedures while allowing quick release and repositioning when clinical needs change, without requiring complex removal procedures.
4Reliability
If adhesive tape is used to resist translation and rotation, then the catheter is held in place, but adhesive strength diminishes over time due to skin shedding, sweating, and flexing
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilization device uses a fixation element as an intermediary that anchors to the patient's skin or underlying tissue through mechanisms more reliable than adhesive tape alone. This may include mechanical anchoring features, sutures, or other secure attachment methods that are not subject to the same degradation from skin shedding, sweating, and flexing. The fixation element transfers the stabilization force away from the catheter-adhesive interface to a more durable attachment point, maintaining holding strength over extended periods.
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 maintains catheter position and orientation during procedures and post-procedure, reducing the need for complex equipment and simplifying fixation, while allowing for easy repositioning as needed.
Implementation Method 1
A fastener, such as a hook and loop system or mechanical fasteners, that allows for easy attachment and detachment
Data Source
AI summary
A grip assembly and pad are removably attachable to each other for immobilization of a catheter attached to the grip assembly. Removable attachability is provided between the catheter and pad through interaction of complementary portions of a hook and loop, fastener, and optionally utilizing an additional mechanical fastener associated with the pad. In some embodiments, the mechanical fastener can be the only catheter engagement, and the catheter can either be engaged, directly or through the grip assembly. The pad can be replaced with other catheter anchors which firmly grip the catheter and hold it against rotation, and/or translation. The catheter is thus readily and easily transitioned between a stabilized state where translation and rotation are resisted, and a freely movable state where the catheter can be readily rotated and translated by a surgeon, or other medical professional.