Elastomeric Catheter Holder with Domed Platform
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catheter securement devices fail to prevent in-and-out motion of catheters, leading to infections and tissue damage due to inadequate gripping and susceptibility to physical forces, and do not accommodate varying catheter sizes effectively.
Innovation Solution
A tube holder with elastic skin attachment and adjustable straps, featuring a base with a domed platform and flexible locking members, provides standardized, positive gripping of catheters of various sizes, reducing 'tug trauma' and preventing catheter movement, while maintaining occlusive seals to prevent infections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional polymeric materials are used for catheter construction, then the catheters are pliable and resist stretch, but they are susceptible to crushing at rigid pinch points and kinking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible strap made of elastomeric material that can conform to the catheter's shape and accommodate its movement without causing crushing or kinking. The flexible nature of the strap allows it to bend and deform elastically, providing a soft gripping surface that adapts to the catheter's contours while maintaining secure holding.
Solution Approach 2:
The securement device combines multiple materials with complementary properties: an elastomeric strap for flexible gripping, a rigid domed platform for structural support and angle control, and an adhesive layer for skin attachment. This composite construction allows the device to simultaneously provide pliability to the catheter while preventing crushing through the rigid platform's geometric constraints.
2Reliability
If prior art catheter securement devices are used, then catheters can be held in place, but in-and-out motion or pistoning occurs which causes infections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a domed platform with a curved surface that contacts the catheter and prevents longitudinal movement. The curved geometry of the dome creates a mechanical barrier against pistoning by distributing contact forces circumferentially, effectively eliminating the in-and-out motion that leads to infections.
Solution Approach 2:
The securement device is divided into functionally independent segments: a domed platform for preventing pistoning, flexible straps for lateral securing, and an adhesive layer for skin attachment. Each segment addresses a specific movement direction, with the dome specifically targeting longitudinal motion prevention.
3Strength
If rigid securement devices are used, then catheters are held firmly, but tug trauma occurs when skin moves naturally
Solution Approach 1:
The strap component is made of elastomeric material that can stretch and deform elastically in response to skin movement. This flexible material allows the securement device to accommodate natural skin expansion and contraction without creating rigid attachment points that would cause tug trauma or skin damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric strap's mechanical properties are designed to change dynamically with applied forces. When skin moves, the strap's elastic modulus allows it to deform and absorb the movement energy, preventing force transmission to the skin. The material's viscoelastic properties enable it to return to its original shape after deformation.
4Ease of operation
If catheters enter at near 90° angle, then leverage forces are transmitted through the catheter causing crushing and tearing
Solution Approach 1:
The domed platform provides a curved contact surface that naturally guides the catheter into an optimal entry angle. The geometry of the dome creates a mechanical stop that prevents near-90° insertion angles, thereby eliminating the leverage forces that cause crushing and tearing at the catheter-skin interface.
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 tube holder securely grips catheters of all sizes, reduces the risk of infections and tissue damage, ensures stable catheter placement, and accommodates skin movement, providing a controlled angle of entry and preventing catheter dislodgement.
Implementation Method 1
The base and gripping members are unitarily, integrally formed of a one-piece soft, low durometer elastomer having a hardness less than or equal to 30 Shore A
Implementation Method 2
The tube holder includes an adhesive layer such as hydrocolloid bonded to an elastomeric film carrier
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~6A
AI summary
A tube holder includes a base mounted on a support surface, and male and female gripping members extending substantially transversely from the base with the base and gripping members unitarily, integrally formed of a one-piece, soft, low durometer elastomer and one of the gripping members having a plurality of apertures therein for receiving the other of the gripping members to positively grip a tube therebetween. A method of securing a catheter to a patient utilizing the tube holder.