Medical Article Securement Device with Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical article securing devices, such as taping and suturing, are inefficient, labor-intensive, and can cause infections, pain, and scarring, while existing anchors are often difficult to operate and not reliable for securing medical articles like catheters in place.
Innovation Solution
A retainer device with a body member forming a channel to secure medical articles, featuring actuators and a latch mechanism that moves between open and closed positions to securely hold the article in place, using different materials for the body and actuators, and an adhesive base for patient attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If taping is used to secure medical articles, then the medical article can be held in place, but the process is time consuming and labor intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the securing function from manual taping/suturing processes and embeds it into a pre-fabricated anchor device that is inserted through the catheter hub, eliminating the need for time-consuming external taping procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor device is pre-assembled with all securing components (barbs, flanges, securing elements) before insertion, allowing the entire securing action to be completed in a single insertion motion rather than requiring multiple steps of taping or suturing during the procedure
2Reliability
If taping is used to secure medical articles, then the medical article can be held in place, but tape collects bacteria and must be frequently removed and replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the external taping component entirely and replaces it with an internal anchor mechanism that secures the catheter from within the hub structure, eliminating the surface area that would otherwise collect bacteria
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor device utilizes the existing catheter hub structure as a protective enclosure, creating a sealed environment that prevents bacterial contamination while maintaining secure attachment
3Reliability
If sutures are used to attach medical articles, then the medical article can be securely attached to skin, but sutures can be a source of infection and cause pain and inflammation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the attachment function from skin-penetrating sutures and relocates it to the catheter hub structure, eliminating the need to pierce or attach to the patient's skin while maintaining secure positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter hub serves as an intermediary structure that provides attachment points for the anchor device, replacing the need for direct skin attachment and thereby eliminating infection and inflammation risks associated with sutures
4Reliability
If sutures are used to attach medical articles, then the medical article can be securely attached, but sutures require time and skill to apply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex suturing process entirely and replaces it with a simple insertion and release mechanism that can be performed without specialized surgical skills
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor device features self-gripping elements and automatic locking mechanisms that secure the catheter hub in place through the natural insertion motion, eliminating the need for skilled manual manipulation required by suturing
5Reliability
If existing anchors are used to secure medical articles, then some securing function is provided, but they are difficult to operate and manipulate
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor device incorporates movable securing elements that transition between engaged and disengaged states through simple actuation, allowing easy insertion and removal while maintaining secure holding during use
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor device is divided into distinct functional segments (insertion portion, securing elements, release mechanism) that can be independently manipulated, simplifying the operation and manipulation process
Data Source
AI summary
A securement device (10) secures a medical article (12) to the body of a patient and prevents longitudinal movement of the medical article (12) relative to the securement device (10). The securement device (10) includes a base portion (50) that is disposed over at least a part of a securement piece (20). The securement piece (20) forms a channel (19) configured to receive at least a portion of the medical article (12). The device (10) includes at least one actuator (40). The at least one actuator (40) is coupled with the securement piece (20) and configured to move the securement piece (20) between open position and a closed position. When the securement piece (20) is in the open position, it can receive at least a portion of the medical article (12). When the securement piece (20) is in the closed position, it prevents the received medical article (12) from moving in the longitudinal direction relative to the securement device (10). In some embodiments the securement piece (20) has engagement members (23) extending from the inner surface of the securement piece (20). In an embodiment, the securement device (10) includes an opening (28) that receives an outwardly extending member of the medical article (12).