Integrated Vascular Delivery Frame for Catheter Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional intravenous therapy systems face issues with catheter stabilization, leading to complications such as vein irritation, catheter dislodgement, infiltration, and phlebitis due to ineffective securing methods that allow the catheter to move within the vein.
Innovation Solution
An integrated vascular delivery system with a frame comprising hubs and flexible lateral members that stabilize the catheter on opposite sides of the insertion site, incorporating a fluidic channel with a turnabout portion to reduce snagging and enhance stability, using anchoring points to secure the catheter effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If tape or adhesive stabilizing pads are used to secure the catheter, then the catheter is restrained on one side of the insertion site, but the catheter can still pivot and move within the vein causing complications
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter securement device is divided into multiple separate components: a first securing element positioned on one side of the insertion site, a second securing element positioned on the opposite side, and a connector linking them. This segmentation allows independent positioning and adjustment of each element to optimally restrain the catheter from multiple directions, preventing pivoting motions that single-sided taping cannot address.
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines multiple securing elements and a connector into an integrated system that works together to provide comprehensive catheter stabilization. The first and second securing elements, when combined with the connector, create a distributed anchoring system that distributes restraining forces across multiple points, significantly enhancing catheter security compared to single-point taping.
2Ease of operation
If extension tubing is used to connect the catheter to fluid supply, then fluid delivery is enabled, but the tubing may catch on obstacles during patient movement causing painful vein irritation
Solution Approach 1:
The device extracts and eliminates the problematic extension tubing from the system by integrating the fluid delivery connection directly at the catheter hub. The fluid supply connects to the hub without requiring external tubing that extends away from the patient's body, removing the source of snagging and pulling forces that cause vein irritation during patient movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter hub serves as an intermediary component that directly receives fluid supply connections and distributes fluid to the catheter. This intermediary structure eliminates the need for external extension tubing, providing a stable, fixed connection point that cannot catch on obstacles while maintaining full fluid delivery functionality.
3Manufacturing precision
If the catheter is inserted with the distal end pointing toward the midline, then proper positioning is achieved, but the catheter and tubing create bulk that is difficult to secure against the skin
Solution Approach 1:
The securing device transitions from two-dimensional planar taping to a three-dimensional distributed anchoring system. The first and second securing elements are positioned on opposite sides of the insertion site, creating a spatial configuration that wraps around the catheter hub. This dimensional approach provides comprehensive stabilization that accommodates the bulk of the catheter and hub while maintaining proper catheter positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
Each securing element is designed with specific local properties optimized for its position: the first securing element is configured for optimal attachment on one side of the hub, while the second securing element is configured for the opposite side. The connector provides localized linkage between these elements, creating a customized securing pattern that adapts to the specific geometry and bulk of the catheter assembly at the insertion site.
4Stability of the object's composition
If adhesive stabilizing pads are used for prolonged catheter securement, then catheter stability is maintained, but skin irritation and breakdown occur due to concentrated adhesion
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive load is segmented and distributed across multiple separate securing elements positioned at different locations around the catheter hub, rather than concentrated in a single large adhesive pad. Each securing element applies adhesive force at a distinct site, spreading the mechanical stress and preventing the concentrated adhesion that causes skin irritation and breakdown during prolonged use.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated vascular delivery system having a frame configured to receive a catheter insertable in a patient to deliver fluid at an insertion site. The frame includes a first hub, a second hub, and a pair of flexible lateral members extending between the hubs and including a tubular lateral member. The system also includes a fluidic channel that fluidically communicates with the catheter, wherein the fluidic channel passes through the tubular lateral member and at least one of the hubs, and includes a fixed turnabout portion in which fluid flows in a direction different from that within the catheter. The first and second hubs provide anchoring points on the patient distributed around the insertion site and on opposite ends of the catheter, thereby anchoring the frame to the patient and stabilizing the catheter. A method is provided for using an integrated vascular delivery system.