I.V. T-Connector Securement Device Using Intersecting Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for securing indwelling catheters, such as surgical tape and dressings, fail to prevent catheter migration and dislodgment, leading to complications like contamination and increased healthcare provider risk during dressing changes.
Innovation Solution
A securement device with a retainer and anchor pad system that uses channels and abutment surfaces to securely anchor both the catheter and fluid supply tube, eliminating the need for tape and providing a sterile, tape-free anchoring solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If surgical tape and dressings are used to secure the catheter, then the catheter can be anchored to the patient's skin, but the catheter migration and dislodgment cannot be effectively prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The securement device is divided into distinct functional segments: a retainer component that anchors the catheter hub, an anchor pad that adheres to the skin, and a barrier component that protects the insertion site. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while working together as an integrated system, preventing catheter migration without requiring frequent dressing changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer is positioned within the anchor pad, and the barrier component is integrated with the retainer structure. This nested arrangement creates a compact, stable assembly where the catheter hub is secured within the retainer, which is itself anchored to the skin through the pad, providing multi-layered securement that prevents migration while simplifying the overall dressing structure.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If frequent dressing changes are performed to maintain sterility, then contamination risk is reduced, but healthcare provider exposure to needle sticks and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier component is pre-positioned over the catheter insertion site during the initial catheter placement, creating an immediate protective barrier. This preliminary action eliminates the need for separate dressing changes to maintain sterility, as the barrier remains in place and protects the site throughout the catheterization period, reducing both contamination risk and healthcare provider exposure time.
3Reliability
If tape is used to secure the catheter, then the catheter can be anchored, but the insertion site cannot be inspected without removing the tape
Solution Approach 1:
The securement system separates the anchoring function (retainer and anchor pad) from the protective function (barrier component). The barrier can be independently removed or transparent, allowing healthcare providers to inspect the insertion site through the barrier or by briefly removing it without compromising catheter anchoring, as the retainer maintains securement throughout.
4Reliability
If traditional tape securement is used, then the catheter can be anchored to the skin, but patient comfort is reduced due to discomfort and anxiety about dislodgment
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor pad utilizes flexible, conformable materials that adapt to the patient's skin contours, providing comfortable securement. The retainer and barrier components are designed with smooth, patient-friendly surfaces that do not irritate the skin or restrict movement, reducing patient anxiety about dislodgment while maintaining reliable catheter anchoring throughout the wear period.
Data Source
AI summary
An anchoring system includes a simply-structured device which permits a portion of a catheter or similar medical article to be easily anchored to a patient, desirably without the use of tape or needles and suture. The anchoring system comprises an anchor pad and a retainer mounted upon the anchor pad. The retainer includes a plurality of intersecting channels into which the medical article to be retained is placed. The medical article is secured within the intersecting channels by retaining at least one axially extending member on the medical article.