Medical Line Securement Armband for Pull Force Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical line securement methods fail to reliably prevent line pulls and dislodgement during patient mobilization, leading to discomfort, pain, and potential life-threatening situations, as they lack the strength to withstand significant pull forces and often cause skin irritation and infections.
Innovation Solution
A medical line tension mitigation device comprising an armband with a securement body and strap that securely holds lines, tubes, or cords, using a tacky elastomer material and Velcro fasteners to distribute tension evenly, preventing displacement and pullout by channeling forces away from patient insertion sites.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If tapes or adhesives are used to secure lines at patient insertion sites, then lines can be secured to patient skin, but the adhesive strength is insufficient (only 4-9 lbs pull force) and causes skin irritation, skin tears, and skin infections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a securement device as an intermediary component between the medical line and the patient's skin. This device includes a securement body with a securement surface that contacts the line, and a strap that wraps around the patient's limb to provide securement. By placing this intermediary device between the line and skin, the patent eliminates direct adhesive contact with skin while providing sufficient securement strength through mechanical fastening, thereby resolving the contradiction between securement strength and skin safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical adhesive bonding system with a mechanical fastening system. Instead of relying on adhesive chemistry to secure lines, the invention uses a strap with fastening mechanisms (such as Velcro or buckles) that provide mechanical securement. This mechanical system can withstand higher pull forces (exceeding 9 lbs) without causing skin damage, thus resolving the contradiction between achieving sufficient securement strength and avoiding skin harm
2Reliability
If current securement methods are used during patient mobilization, then lines remain attached to patient, but line pulls and dislodgement occur frequently due to insufficient pull force resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic securement mechanisms that can adapt to patient movement and varying force conditions. The strap system allows for adjustment of tension and can accommodate different positions and activities. The securement device is designed to maintain reliable line attachment during dynamic patient activities such as mobilization, transfer, and therapy by providing adjustable mechanical fastening that responds to applied forces, thereby improving both reliability and pull force resistance
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lines and cords are secured using traditional methods, then lines can be grouped and attached, but the solutions are complex and provide only minimal securement with limited success
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal securement device that can accommodate multiple types of lines and cords (IV lines, catheters, monitoring wires, etc.) through a single platform. The securement body includes multiple securement surfaces or compartments that can hold different lines simultaneously, and the strap system provides unified fastening for all lines. This multi-functional design allows clinicians to secure various lines together without needing multiple different securement methods, thereby improving adaptability while reducing overall system complexity
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 mitigates pull forces up to 20 lbs. or more, reducing the risk of line dislodgement and patient discomfort, while being biocompatible and reusable for extended periods, thus enhancing patient safety and mobility during therapy and transport.
Implementation Method 1
a securement body configured to securely hold at least one line, tube, or cord
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus, system and method to mitigate lines, tubes, and cords that are attached to a secure structure, such as a patient, from being displaced or pulled out from the insertion site of each line, tube, and cord on the patient when each line, tube and cord is pulled or yanked unexpectedly, as can routinely occur during patient movement, treatment, or therapy in a hospital, medical, or other environment.