Medical Line Securement Armband for Pull Force Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical line securement methods, such as tapes and adhesives, fail to reliably prevent line pulls and dislodgement during patient mobilization, posing discomfort, pain, and risk of injury or death, especially as they offer minimal strength against pull forces exceeding 9 lbs (4.1 kg).
Innovation Solution
A medical line tension mitigation device comprising an armband with a securement body and strap that securely holds lines, tubes, or cords, capable of withstanding pull forces up to 70 lbs (31.8 kg) by using a tacky elastomer material and a securement strap to distribute tension, preventing displacement during patient movement or therapy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If tapes or adhesives are used to secure lines at patient insertion sites, then the lines can be secured to patient skin, but the pull force resistance is minimal (only 4-9 lbs) and causes skin irritation, tears, and infections
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the securement function into separate components: an armband that secures to the patient's arm, a securement body that holds the line, and a securement strap that provides tension. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function optimally without causing skin damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The device introduces an intermediary securement system between the line and the patient's body. Instead of adhesives directly contacting the skin at the insertion site, the line is secured through the securement body, which is attached to the armband via the securement strap, distributing forces away from the skin.
2Reliability
If current securement methods are used, then lines can be attached to patient skin, but line pulls and dislodgement occur during patient mobilization and therapy activities
Solution Approach 1:
The securement strap provides a counteracting force to balance the pull forces on the line. When a line experiences tension, the securement strap generates an opposing force through the securement body, preventing dislodgement while allowing patient movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from static adhesive securement to dynamic securement using the securement strap that can adjust and respond to movement. The strap and securement body work together to maintain securement during patient mobilization and therapy activities.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If adhesive securement is used, then lines can be secured to skin, but discomfort and pain occur during therapy, causing patients to avoid needed therapy
Solution Approach 1:
The device extracts the source of discomfort by removing adhesives from the insertion site area. The line is secured through the securement body attached to the armband, eliminating adhesive-related skin irritation and discomfort that would prevent therapy completion.
4Strength
If minimal securement methods are used (tape, medicine cups, tongue depressors), then some securement can be provided, but pull force resistance remains insufficient and line pulls still occur
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges multiple securement elements into an integrated system: the armband, securement body, and securement strap work together as a unified structure. This combination provides enhanced pull force resistance (up to 70 lbs) while maintaining reasonable structural simplicity.
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 line pulls and dislodgement, ensuring patient safety by maintaining line integrity during therapy and mobilization, reducing discomfort and the risk of life-threatening events, while being biocompatible and reusable for extended periods.
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.