Segmented Tube Securement Device for Patient Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for securing tubes to patients, such as nasogastric and endotracheal tubes, result in rigid and inflexible connections, causing discomfort and irritation due to the lack of movement allowance.
Innovation Solution
A tube securement device with a backing that has adhesive sections on either end and a midsection free of adhesive, allowing for secure attachment to the body and tube while permitting a small amount of tube movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive coated tapes are used to secure a tube to the body, then the tube is securely attached to the patient's skin, but all movement of the tube translates to movement of the tube, causing pain and irritation
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive securement device is divided into three distinct sections: a first adhesive section for attachment to the body, a second adhesive section for attachment to the tube, and a midsection connecting them. This segmentation allows the body-attached portion to remain stationary while the tube-attached portion can move independently, preventing tube movement from translating to the patient's skin and reducing pain and irritation.
Solution Approach 2:
The midsection acts as an intermediary element between the body-attached first adhesive section and the tube-attached second adhesive section. This intermediate portion allows for relative movement and flexibility, decoupling the motion of the tube from the stationary body attachment point, thereby eliminating the harmful effect of tube movement on the patient's skin.
2Reliability
If the tube is securely fixed to prevent movement, then the tube maintains correct position internally, but the connection becomes rigid and causes discomfort to the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive securement device transitions from a rigid fixed connection to a dynamic system where the midsection allows controlled movement. The first adhesive section maintains the body attachment point stationary to ensure correct tube positioning, while the second adhesive section and midsection allow the tube to move independently, creating a dynamic connection that maintains positional accuracy while reducing discomfort.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the adhesive device into distinct functional sections (body attachment section, midsection, tube attachment section), the invention allows different parts to serve different functions: the body section ensures correct positioning while the tube section allows movement, resolving the contradiction between maintaining position and preventing discomfort.
3Reliability
If adhesive is applied to the entire backing surface, then maximum securement is achieved, but the tube cannot be detached from the securement device
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive is applied selectively to specific regions of the backing rather than the entire surface. The first adhesive section has adhesive for body attachment, the second adhesive section has adhesive for tube attachment, while the midsection is free of adhesive or has reduced adhesive. This local quality distribution provides maximum securement at the attachment points while allowing easy detachment at the midsection.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive distribution is segmented into distinct zones with different adhesive properties. The body-attached first adhesive section and tube-attached second adhesive section maintain strong bonding, while the adhesive-free or low-adhesive midsection creates a natural detachment point, enabling easy tube removal without compromising securement strength at the attachment points.
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 more comfortable and secure attachment of tubes to patients by allowing for slight movement of the tube, reducing irritation and discomfort associated with rigid connections.
Implementation Method 1
The tube securement device comprises a backing with adhesive coated sections. The first end section is wider than the midsection in a lateral direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The tube securement device further comprises a first adhesive on at least a portion of the first major surface of the first end section, a second adhesive on at least a portion of the first major surface of the second end section
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed tube securement device attaches to the patient's body and to the tube, while allowing for a section of the tube to be detached from the tube securement device. The tube securement device comprises a backing with adhesive coated sections. The backing comprises a first end section, a second end section, and a midsection, separating the first end section from the second end section. The tube securement device further comprises a first adhesive on at least a portion of the first major surface of the first end section, a second adhesive on at least a portion of the first major surface of the second end section, and wherein the first major surface of the midsection is free of tacky adhesive.