Polymeric Gel Pad for Catheter Securement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for securing medical articles, such as catheters, to patients using tape lead to complications like infection, phlebitis, and skin irritation due to adhesive residue and moisture buildup, and require frequent changes which can cause catheter movement and contamination.
Innovation Solution
A securement system comprising a gel pad made from a soft, tacky elastomer and a retainer with a longitudinal channel, secured to the patient using a strap, which limits catheter movement and prevents skin maceration by allowing water vapor transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive tape is used to secure the catheter to the patient, then the catheter is held in place, but the skin becomes excoriated and macerated due to repeated applications and moisture buildup
Solution Approach 1:
The gel pad serves as an intermediary layer between the catheter securement system and the patient's skin. It provides a non-adhesive interface that prevents direct contact between adhesive tape and skin, thereby eliminating skin maceration while maintaining catheter securement. The gel pad absorbs moisture and allows vapor transmission, further protecting the skin from harmful effects.
2Reliability
If adhesive tape is applied frequently to maintain catheter position, then catheter migration is prevented, but adhesive residue builds up on the catheter surface
Solution Approach 1:
The gel pad acts as a mediator between the catheter and adhesive tape, preventing adhesive residue from transferring to the catheter surface. The catheter contacts only the non-adhesive gel pad, while the adhesive tape adheres to the gel pad, thus eliminating residue buildup on the catheter while maintaining securement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the interface properties by introducing a gel pad with different adhesive characteristics. The gel pad has high friction and tackiness on one surface for securement while having no adhesive properties on the other surface contacting the catheter, thus preventing residue buildup while maintaining positioning stability.
3Reliability
If adhesive tape is used to secure the catheter, then the catheter is fixed, but contaminants can adhere to the catheter surface increasing infection risk
Solution Approach 1:
The gel pad serves as a protective intermediary barrier between the catheter and the external environment. It prevents contaminants from adhering to the catheter surface while allowing the catheter to remain securely positioned. The gel pad's material properties create a non-contaminating interface that reduces infection risk.
4Reliability
If adhesive tape is applied to secure the catheter, then motion is limited, but moisture builds up under the dressing
Solution Approach 1:
The gel pad utilizes porous or permeable material properties that allow moisture vapor to transmit through while maintaining the securement function. This prevents moisture buildup under the dressing by enabling evaporation and vapor transmission, while the gel structure maintains catheter stability through friction and adhesion to the skin.
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 system effectively secures medical articles without inducing skin maceration, reducing the risk of infection and skin irritation, while allowing for easy removal and reapplication without causing catheter movement or contamination.
Implementation Method 1
allowing water vapor transport
Implementation Method 2
a gel pad formed from a soft, tacky elastomer, the gel pad having a first surface for placing upon the skin of a patient and the second surface for supporting the retainer thereupon
Data Source
AI summary
A gel pad for use with a retainer for securing a medical article. The gel pad is formed from a soft, tacky elastomer. A first surface of the gel pad is placed in contact with a patient's skin. A second surface that faces in an opposite direction away from the first surface receives the retainer. The retainer has a channel configured to retain at least a portion of the medical article. In some embodiments, a securement member is employed to affix the retainer relative to the patient. A securement system including the gel pad and retainer is further disclosed along with a method of securing a medical article to a patient.