Segmented Medical Device Anchor System for Single-Puncture Tissue Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for securing medical instruments like catheters to the skin require additional penetration points or cause trauma to surrounding tissue, and they often rely on sutures or adhesives which can be cumbersome and damaging.
Innovation Solution
A medical device anchor system with a retainer body and deployable subcutaneous anchors that can be inserted through an existing skin penetration point, allowing for secure anchoring without additional skin penetration and facilitating easy removal by separating into multiple components to minimize tissue trauma.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional methods (sutures or adhesives) are used to secure medical instruments to the skin, then the instrument can be secured in place, but additional penetration points are required or tissue trauma is caused
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor device is divided into multiple segments: a retainer body portion that interfaces with the medical instrument and anchor portions that engage the tissue. This segmentation allows the device to be inserted through a single penetration point while distributing the anchoring function across separate components, eliminating the need for additional penetration points and reducing tissue trauma compared to conventional sutures or adhesives.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a single penetration point is used for both the medical instrument and anchor device, then tissue trauma is reduced, but the anchor device cannot be independently manipulated during removal
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor device is segmented into a retainer body and separate anchor portions connected by flexible elements. During removal, the anchor portions can be independently manipulated and collapsed back through the single penetration point while the retainer body remains accessible outside the body. This segmentation enables easy removal while maintaining the benefit of a single penetration point that minimizes tissue trauma.
3Ease of manufacture
If the anchor device is designed as a single integrated component, then manufacturing is simplified, but post-operative removal causes trauma to surrounding tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor device comprises a retainer body portion and separate anchor portions connected by flexible elements or tines. This segmented design allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining relative simplicity in manufacturing. During removal, the anchor portions can be independently collapsed and withdrawn through the penetration point without dragging the retainer body through tissue, significantly reducing tissue trauma compared to a single integrated component.
4Reliability
If additional penetration points are created for anchor insertion, then secure anchoring is achieved, but tissue damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor device is designed with separate anchor portions that can be independently deployed from the retainer body through a single penetration point. The flexible elements connecting these portions allow them to be positioned and secured in tissue without requiring additional penetration points. This segmentation achieves reliable anchoring security while minimizing tissue damage by consolidating all anchor insertion through one penetration point.
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments of a medical device anchor system include an anchor device that receives a catheter (or other medical instrument) and secures the catheter in place relative to a skin penetration point. In some embodiments, the anchor device can secure the catheter in an operative position relative to the skin penetration point without use of sutures or skin tapes.