Malleable Tube Securement Device for Surgical Applications
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for securing surgical tubes to patients fail to adequately prevent migration or dislodgement and achieve fluid occlusion, leading to air leaks and ineffective adhesion.
Innovation Solution
A device with a base flange made of malleable material, featuring a first opening for receiving the tube via friction-fit and a second opening for adhesive attachment to the skin, along with surface protrusions for increased rigidity and grip, ensuring secure placement and fluid occlusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If suture is used to secure the tube to the skin, then the tube can be attached to the skin, but the suture fails to adequately secure the tube in place resulting in tube migration or dislodgement
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines multiple securement mechanisms (adhesive, friction-fit, and optional suture) into a single integrated base flange structure, allowing the tube to be secured more reliably without requiring separate attachment steps
Solution Approach 2:
The base flange is made from malleable material that can be deformed to change its shape and fit around the tube, creating a customized securement that adapts to different tube sizes and skin contours
2Reliability
If suture is used to secure the tube, then the tube can be attached, but the suture fails to achieve fluid occlusion resulting in air leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The base flange acts as a flexible seal between the skin and the tube, conforming to the skin surface to create a fluid-tight barrier that prevents air leaks without requiring additional sealing components
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses composite construction with malleable base material combined with adhesive properties, creating a multi-functional component that provides both mechanical securement and fluid occlusion
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple securement device is used, then the device is easy to manufacture and apply, but it lacks adequate adhesion and fluid occlusion
Solution Approach 1:
The base flange is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions simultaneously: mechanical attachment to the tube, adhesion to the skin, and fluid occlusion, eliminating the need for multiple separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The malleable material allows the device to self-adjust and self-seal when applied, automatically conforming to the skin surface and tube dimensions to create an effective seal without requiring complex assembly or additional materials
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 secures surgical tubes, preventing migration and air leaks by providing a strong friction-fit and adhesive attachment, accommodating various tube diameters and ensuring reliable placement.
Implementation Method 1
An adhesive can be disposed on a bottom surface at a second end of at least one of the first portion or the second portion, and the adhesive can be operable to adhere the bottom surface to skin of the patient
Implementation Method 2
an opening at a first end, the opening operable to receive the surgical tube and friction-grip the surgical tube
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical tube placement and securement device and methods of use and manufacture. The device has a base flange formed of malleable material and includes a first opening at a first end and a second opening at a second end. The first opening is defined by an inner surface which grips an outer surface of an insertion tube during use. The second opening is defined by a bottom surface that defines a perimeter of the second opening around a target insertion area. The second opening has a diameter greater than the first opening, and secures to a skin of the patient by using a fastener (e.g., an adhesive) disposed on the bottom surface which contacts and adheres to the skin. The insertion tube passes through the first opening and the second opening, is gripped at the first opening, and is inserted into the skin at the target area.