IV Holder with Segmented Aperture for Luer Fitting Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IV holders fail to securely attach IV needles and Luer fittings to the skin, leading to dislodgment and infection risks, while also preventing visual inspection and easy servicing of the Luer fitting.
Innovation Solution
A contoured IV holder with a flexible frame and transparent window that secures the needle insertion site and positions the Luer fitting in an open aperture, allowing for visual inspection and easy access without removing the holder, using adhesive strips for securement and optional writable surfaces for patient information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive tape is used to secure the Luer fitting, then the Luer fitting is secured to the skin, but the opaque tape prevents visual inspection of the Luer fitting
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture is divided into two distinct portions: a first portion that is covered by a transparent window to allow visual inspection of the needle insertion site, and a second portion that is left open to accommodate the Luer fitting. This segmentation allows both functions (inspection and securement) to be achieved simultaneously without interference from each other.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If transparent film is used to secure the catheter, then the insertion site can be visually inspected, but the film eventually loosens from casual contact and permits catheter migration
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent window is designed to be removable and repositionable, allowing it to be dynamically adjusted to maintain proper sealing while continuing to allow visual inspection. The window can be removed when the Luer fitting needs to be serviced and repositioned to maintain the seal, providing dynamic adaptability to different operational requirements.
3Reliability
If the Luer fitting is secured under a transparent film or adhesive tape, then the Luer fitting is secured to the skin, but the larger diameter of the Luer fitting creates a gap between the film or tape and the patient's skin
Solution Approach 1:
The Luer fitting is extracted from the area covered by the transparent window and positioned in the open second portion of the aperture. This extraction allows the transparent window to conform closely to the needle insertion site without being interfered with by the larger diameter Luer fitting, thereby eliminating the gap problem while maintaining both securement and visual inspection capabilities.
4Reliability
If the Luer fitting is secured by and under the base strip, then the Luer fitting is secured to the skin, but it is not readily inspected for blockage and difficult to disconnect or replace
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture is segmented into a first portion covered by a transparent window for needle insertion site inspection and a second portion left open for Luer fitting access. This segmentation allows the Luer fitting to be easily inspected for blockage and serviced without removing the entire dressing, while still maintaining securement through the base strip.
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 IV holder provides a secure, sealed barrier against infection, allows for easy inspection and servicing of the Luer fitting, and minimizes gaps between the holder and skin, ensuring effective securement and preventing fluid and contaminant entry.
Implementation Method 1
using adhesive strips for securement
Data Source
AI summary
An IV holder for securing an IV needle and Luer fitting assembly. The IV holder includes a frame defining an aperture with a first portion and a second portion, the first portion of the aperture further being covered by a transparent window for protecting and securing the IV needle insertion site. The second portion of the aperture is disposed to fit a cylindrical Luer fitting. The holder is adhesively applied to a patient's skin and situated so that the needle insertion site is under the window and the first portion of the aperture while the Luer fitting is disposed within the second portion of the aperture.