Medical Securement Device with Living Hinges and Gear Rack
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical securement devices for catheters and intravascular access devices are often complex, bulky, or not compatible with various medical implements, leading to issues with proper securement, ease of application, patient comfort, and minimizing movement and micro-pistoning, which can cause contamination and infection.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a base with a locking mechanism and an articulation strap connected to a cover with a gear rack, featuring a sloped design, living hinges, and adhesive surfaces for secure attachment to the patient, allowing for easy application and adjustment to accommodate different medical implements while minimizing movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional securement devices are used to secure catheters, then securement is achieved, but the devices become overly complex and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The securement device is divided into distinct functional segments: a base portion with adhesive for skin attachment, a catheter receiving chamber with living hinges for flexibility, and a separate locking mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall device simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The securement device is designed to accommodate various types of catheters and medical implements through its universal receiving chamber and adjustable locking mechanism. The living hinges provide multi-directional flexibility, and the locking device can secure different sized catheters, making the device versatile for multiple applications.
2Reliability
If traditional securement devices are used, then catheter attachment is achieved, but ease of application is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The base is pre-adhered to the patient's skin before catheter insertion, and the receiving chamber is pre-formed with living hinges that automatically adjust to accommodate the catheter. This preliminary preparation simplifies the application process by eliminating the need for complex assembly steps during catheter insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The living hinges in the receiving chamber provide dynamic flexibility, allowing the chamber to automatically adjust and conform to the catheter as it is inserted. This dynamic adaptation simplifies the securing process by eliminating the need for precise manual positioning and complex fastening procedures.
3Reliability
If traditional securement methods like tape are used, then catheter fixation is achieved, but patient comfort is compromised due to contamination and infection risk
Solution Approach 1:
The device extracts the catheter from direct contact with the external environment by placing it within an enclosed receiving chamber that is sealed against the skin. This isolation prevents contamination and infection by keeping the catheter insertion site protected from external contaminants while maintaining secure fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving chamber acts as an intermediary barrier between the catheter insertion site and the external environment. It provides a protected interface that secures the catheter while preventing direct exposure to contaminants, thereby reducing infection risk while maintaining fixation reliability.
4Reliability
If traditional securement devices are used, then catheter attachment is achieved, but adaptability to various medical implements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The securement device features a universal receiving chamber with living hinges that can accommodate various types and sizes of catheters and medical implements. The locking mechanism is designed to secure different configurations, making the device adaptable to multiple medical applications beyond just catheters.
Solution Approach 2:
The living hinges provide dynamic adaptability, allowing the receiving chamber to adjust its shape and size to fit different medical implements. This flexibility enables the device to accommodate various catheter types, sizes, and configurations while maintaining secure attachment.
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 provides a simpler, more versatile securement solution that ensures better securement, ease of application, and enhanced patient comfort with reduced micro-pistoning, thereby minimizing the risk of contamination and infection.
Implementation Method 1
The base further comprises a top surface with an adhesive film and release paper
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention pertains to a device for securing a medical implement to the body of a patient. The device preferably comprises a base having a locking device and an articulation strap connected to a cover. The cover further comprises a gear rack, where the gear rack is insertable into the locking device. The base further comprises a top surface with an adhesive film and release paper and a bottom surface attached to a patient attachment member. The base also has a cutout section. The base is preferably sloped at an angle between five and ten degrees. The cover preferably has at least two living hinges and the articulation strap has at least two living hinges. The locking device further comprises a sliding surface.