Extremity Stabilization Apparatus for Venous Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical settings lack adequate devices to properly stabilize a patient's limb during venous blood collection outside of dedicated facilities, leading to hazardous situations due to unintentional patient movement during procedures.
Innovation Solution
Development of adjustable extremity stabilization devices that can be attached to various medical equipment, providing rigid support and adjustable positioning to immobilize a patient's arm or leg, ensuring stability and safety during venipuncture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If foldable crossbar or arm rests are used to support patient's limb, then patient can rest their limb, but patient can freely move their arms causing instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a stabilization device that provides counteracting support to the patient's limb. The device includes a support surface and positioning mechanisms that counterbalance the patient's natural tendency to move their limb, maintaining stability while allowing comfort. The adjustable straps and support structures create a counteracting force system that prevents unwanted movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilization device acts as an intermediary between the patient's limb and the medical chair. It includes intermediate support elements such as positioning blocks, adjustable straps, and support surfaces that mediate between the patient's need for comfort and the requirement for stability during venipuncture procedures.
2Stability of the object's composition
If surrounding objects like desk, bed, chair or table are used to stabilize limb, then some stability is provided, but they are inadequate to properly stabilize patient's limb
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilization device incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities with movable support surfaces, adjustable positioning mechanisms, and flexible strapping systems. These dynamic elements allow the device to adapt to different patient sizes, limb positions, and procedural requirements, providing proper stabilization that rigid surrounding objects cannot achieve.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows for parameter changes in support angle, positioning height, and restraint tightness through adjustable mechanisms. This enables the stabilization capability to be optimized for each specific patient and procedure, transforming a fixed surrounding object into an adaptable stabilization system.
3Stability of the object's composition
If dedicated medical chair with crossbar is used, then proper limb support is provided, but device is not available outside central blood collection facility
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilization device is designed as a universal solution that can be attached to various types of chairs and medical equipment beyond dedicated blood collection chairs. It functions in multiple settings including mobile clinics, patient residences, nursing homes, and emergency situations, providing dedicated-level stabilization wherever venipuncture procedures are performed.
Solution Approach 2:
The device serves as an intermediary stabilization system that can be attached to existing furniture and medical equipment in various locations. It mediates between the limited resources available in non-dedicated facilities and the requirement for proper limb stabilization, making professional-grade support available outside central blood collection facilities.
4Ease of manufacture
If no dedicated stabilization device is available, then healthcare provider must rely on surrounding objects, but this creates hazardous environment for accidental needle sticks
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilization device is configured to secure the patient's limb in a stable, controlled position before the venipuncture procedure begins. This preliminary stabilization prevents sudden movements during needle insertion, eliminating the hazardous environment created by inadequate support and reducing the risk of accidental needle sticks.
Solution Approach 2:
The device provides beforehand cushioning in the form of stable support and positioning that prevents harmful movements before they can occur. By securing the limb in advance with adjustable restraints and support surfaces, it cushions against the potential harm of accidental needle sticks that would result from using inadequate surrounding objects.
Data Source
AI summary
An extremity stabilization apparatus and methods for supporting and immobilizing an extremity during venous access. One example of an apparatus includes a cuff having a top surface structured for receiving a limb of a patient, the cuff having a front end and a back end. The surface of the cuff may be c-shaped such that the cuff partially surrounds the extremity received in the cuff. The apparatus further includes a handle having a grip for receiving the hand of a patient, the grip arranged offset from the front end of the cuff, and an assembly coupled to the cuff, the assembly movable between at least a first position and a second position to change the position of the top surface of the cuff, each of the first position and second positions corresponding to a different angle of the top surface of the cuff.