Catheter Securing Device with Retention Strap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catheter securing devices are not universally compatible with various catheter sizes and shapes, leading to increased complexity and cost in hospital settings, as they often require multiple anchors and can cause infections, pain, and scarring.
Innovation Solution
A securing device comprising a retainer with receiving areas and retention arms, along with a removable retention strap featuring latching elements, which can be attached to a base with an adhesive pad, allowing for secure attachment of catheters of different designs, shapes, and sizes to a patient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single securing device is designed to accommodate multiple catheter sizes and shapes, then the number of devices needed in inventory is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The securing device incorporates a retainer with multiple receiving areas of different sizes and configurations, allowing a single device to securely hold catheters of various diameters and shapes. The retention strap system with adjustable latching elements provides universal applicability across different catheter types, eliminating the need for multiple specialized anchors.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing device is divided into modular components: a base with adhesive pad, a retainer with multiple receiving areas, and a separate retention strap assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for specific functions while maintaining overall versatility, and enables easy assembly and customization for different catheter types.
2Device complexity
If traditional tape is used to secure catheters, then the device complexity is low, but the effectiveness of securing the catheter is insufficient and it requires frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer features curved and contoured receiving areas that conform to the cylindrical shape of catheters, providing superior contact and securement compared to flat tape surfaces. The retention strap wraps around the catheter in a circular manner, distributing securing force evenly around the catheter circumference for enhanced reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing device combines multiple materials with different properties: an adhesive pad for initial attachment to skin, a rigid or semi-rigid retainer for structural support and positioning, and a flexible retention strap for adjustable securing. This composite approach leverages the strengths of each material to achieve reliable catheter securement.
3Reliability
If sutures are used to attach catheters to patient skin, then the catheter is securely fixed, but it causes pain, inflammation, and scarring
Solution Approach 1:
The securing device acts as an intermediary between the catheter and the patient's skin, using an adhesive pad for non-invasive attachment. The retainer and retention strap system provides mechanical securing without penetrating or damaging the skin, eliminating the harmful effects of sutures while maintaining secure fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the invasive mechanical system of sutures with a non-invasive adhesive and mechanical retention system. The adhesive pad provides initial bonding without penetration, while the retention strap uses friction and latching mechanisms to secure the catheter, substituting the needle-and-thread mechanical intrusion with a surface-level adhesive and clamp-like retention mechanism.
4Reliability
If multiple specialized anchors are maintained in inventory for different catheter types, then each catheter type can be optimally secured, but the inventory complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single securing device design with multiple receiving areas and adjustable retention straps can accommodate various catheter types, diameters, and shapes, replacing the need for multiple specialized anchors in inventory. The modular design allows the same base unit to serve multiple functions across different catheter applications.
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 solution enables quick and secure attachment of catheters, reducing the need for multiple anchors, minimizing the risk of infection and scarring, and simplifying inventory management by accommodating a range of catheter types with a single device.
Implementation Method 1
The base may be attached to an adhesive pad for easy attachment of the securing device to a patient
Data Source
AI summary
A system for securing a medical device such as a catheter or other medical article having various shapes or sizes in place on a patient includes a securing device. The securing device may optionally include a retainer having one or more receiving areas and one or more retention arms adjacent to the receiving areas. The securing device may also include a retention strap having a latching element that is removably connectable to a retention arm to securely hold a catheter in place. The retainer may optionally be connected to a base which may optionally be connected to an adhesive pad for easy attachment of the securing device to a patient.