Intravenous Securement Device with Permeable Adhesive Strip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional intravenous catheter securement devices pose risks of bloodstream infections due to non-sterile tape, inadequate prevention of catheter movement, discomfort, and skin issues like rashes and fungus growth, and are difficult to use on contoured surfaces.
Innovation Solution
An intravenous catheter anchoring device featuring a flexible, permeable adhesive strip with a hot-melt adhesive layer that adheres to a platform, allowing secure attachment to the patient without adhering to a release liner, providing a comfortable and secure solution for various infusion sites.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional tape is used for catheter securement, then the catheter can be attached to the patient, but the risk of bloodstream infections increases and catheter movement cannot be sufficiently prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the harmful non-sterile tape from the securement system and replaces it with a sterile adhesive strip. The adhesive strip is applied directly to the skin in a sterile manner, eliminating the need for separate tape application that introduces contamination risk. This extraction of the harmful element (non-sterile tape) while retaining the essential function (catheter attachment) resolves the contradiction between securement reliability and infection risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The securement device uses a composite structure combining a sterile adhesive strip with a catheter retention structure. The adhesive strip provides sterile skin attachment, while the retention structure (including platform and securing elements) prevents catheter movement. This composite approach allows both sterile attachment and mechanical restraint functions to be performed simultaneously, addressing both aspects of the contradiction.
2Reliability
If conventional securement devices are used, then catheter attachment is achieved, but patient comfort deteriorates and skin issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive strip is made from a porous material that allows moisture vapor transmission. This porosity enables the skin to breathe and prevents moisture accumulation that would otherwise lead to maceration, rashes, and fungal growth. The porous structure maintains adhesive functionality while providing breathability, thus resolving the contradiction between secure attachment and skin health.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameters of the adhesive strip to include breathable, moisture-wicking properties. By selecting materials with appropriate permeability and elasticity parameters, the device maintains secure adhesion while allowing skin respiration and moisture management, preventing the skin issues mentioned in the contradiction.
3Strength
If foam-based substrates are used in securement devices, then structural support is provided, but flexibility and comfort are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces rigid foam-based substrates with a flexible thin-film adhesive strip. This thin film provides sufficient structural support for catheter attachment while conforming to body contours and allowing patient movement. The flexible nature of the thin film eliminates the discomfort and rigidity issues associated with foam substrates, resolving the contradiction between structural support and flexibility.
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 device effectively prevents catheter movement, reduces the risk of infections, and maintains skin health by using a flexible adhesive that conforms to body contours, ensuring secure and comfortable catheter placement.
Implementation Method 1
The attachment layer comprises an adhesive material that is flowable prior to being solidified
Implementation Method 2
The prior art substrates also are uncomfortable because they prevent moisture from evaporating from the skin surface
Implementation Method 3
The securement device must be able to adhere itself and conform to contoured surfaces including the patient's torso
Data Source
AI summary
A catheter anchoring assembly includes a permeable adhesive strip, a platform for securing the catheter, and a flowable adhesive layer. The flowable adhesive layer adhesively secures the platform to the adhesive strip. The flowable adhesive is applied to one side of the strip with a skin-contacting adhesive on the opposite side of the strip. The flowable adhesive layer and strip are configured so that the flowable adhesive is spaced from the skin-contacting adhesive or, at the very least, is prevented from penetrating the skin-contacting adhesive. The flowable adhesive layer and strip also permit the assembly to be very flexible and, thus, comfortable for a patient to wear.