External Catheter Stabilizer With Pivotable Retainer for Body Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catheter stabilization methods, such as taping and Foley catheters with balloons, lead to dislodgment, skin irritation, and discomfort, and fail to securely maintain catheters during patient movement, posing risks of infection and pain.
Innovation Solution
An external catheter stabilizer device with a skin adhesive patch, semi-flexible base, and pivotable retainer that securely attaches to the patient's skin, allowing flexible attachment and limited rotation of the catheter, accommodating various diameters and types, and reducing strain on the urethra.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a Foley catheter with an inflated balloon is used to stabilize the catheter inside the bladder, then the catheter is retained in place, but the patient experiences extreme pain and discomfort due to bladder spasms when the balloon moves or contacts the bladder wall
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the balloon entirely from the catheter system. Instead of using a balloon inside the bladder for retention, the catheter is secured externally at the stoma site on the patient's abdomen, eliminating the source of pain and discomfort while maintaining catheter stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an external stabilization device with adhesive base and retainer as an intermediary mechanism. This device mediates between the need for catheter retention and patient comfort by providing secure attachment outside the bladder, eliminating the need for balloon-induced retention.
2Reliability
If the catheter is taped down directly to the skin surface for stabilization, then the catheter is secured in place, but this is not an adequate long-term solution for patients needing extended drainage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a flexible retainer component that can accommodate patient movement and maintain catheter security over extended periods. The retainer's flexible design allows it to adapt to body movements while keeping the catheter properly positioned, providing a durable long-term solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilization device incorporates dynamic elements including a flexible retainer and pivotable connection that allow movement with the patient's body. This dynamic design enables the device to maintain effective catheter stabilization during patient activities over extended periods, unlike static taping solutions.
3Reliability
If the catheter is not closely monitored or carefully guarded, then the catheter may easily become mechanically pulled or get caught, but continuous monitoring increases patient burden and risk of accidental dislodgment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention provides preliminary protection by securing the catheter externally with the retainer device before any accidental pulling or catching can occur. The retainer is pre-configured to hold the catheter securely, eliminating the need for continuous patient monitoring or intervention to prevent dislodgment.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilization device provides self-service protection by automatically maintaining catheter security through its adhesive base and retainer mechanism. The device works autonomously to protect the catheter from mechanical damage without requiring patient attention or intervention, improving convenience while maintaining reliability.
4Reliability
If a rigid catheter stabilizer is used to prevent dislodgment, then the catheter is securely retained, but the device does not allow for patient movement without pulling at the catheter tube
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs dynamic design elements including a flexible retainer and pivotable connection between the base and retainer. These dynamic components allow the device to move with the patient's body while maintaining secure catheter retention, resolving the contradiction between stability and movement accommodation.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer is constructed from flexible material that can deform and adapt to patient movement. This flexibility allows the retainer to maintain catheter security while accommodating various body positions and movements, providing both retention reliability and movement adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
An external catheter stabilizer device for stabilizing and retaining a catheter tube includes a base portion configured to adhesively attach at a patient, a retaining element configured to retain a catheter tube thereat, and a pivot element that pivotally attaches the retaining element to the base portion so as to allow for pivotal movement of the retaining element about a pivot axis generally normal to the patient where the base portion is attached. The retaining element includes a guide pin protruding therefrom and spaced from the pivot element. Pivotal movement of the retaining element relative to the base portion is limited to a selected range via engagement of the guide pin of the retaining element with an arcuate slot at the base portion.