Self-suturing Anchor Device for Catheter Securement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional catheter securement devices obstruct the catheter insertion site, making it difficult to identify infections or complications, and require significant time and effort to secure the catheter, which can be uncomfortable for patients and increase surgical costs.
Innovation Solution
A self-suturing anchor device with a rotatable ring and embedded sutures that automatically secures the catheter without manual suturing, allowing quick and efficient securement by pulling and rotating the ring to deploy and tighten sutures, enabling securement by non-physician personnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional adhesive anchor devices are used to secure the catheter, then the catheter is secured and movement is minimized, but the device obstructs the catheter insertion site making it difficult to identify infections or complications
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor device is divided into separate components: a base portion with adhesive that secures to the patient's skin, and a separate securement portion with sutures that attaches to the catheter. This segmentation allows the base to be transparent or have an open window design, enabling visualization of the insertion site while the securement portion provides reliable catheter attachment.
2Reliability
If manual suturing is used to secure the catheter, then securement is achieved, but significant time and effort are required which increases surgical costs and patient discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The sutures are pre-threaded through the anchor device and pre-configured in a ready-to-use state before the procedure. The securement portion is designed with pre-positioned sutures that can be quickly deployed by simply pulling tabs or releasing a mechanism, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual needle threading and knot tying during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The securement mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through a simple tab-pulling or release-action that automatically deploys and tensions the pre-threaded sutures. This self-service design allows non-physician personnel to perform the securement after minimal training, significantly reducing the time and skill level required compared to traditional manual suturing.
3Reliability
If rigid securement members like clips are used, then the catheter is secured, but the device becomes uncomfortable when pressed against the patient by chairs, beds, or other objects
Solution Approach 1:
The securement portion of the anchor device incorporates flexible, low-profile materials that conform to the patient's body contours. The suture-based securement mechanism creates a soft, adaptable attachment that distributes pressure evenly and can flex with patient movement, eliminating the discomfort associated with rigid clips while maintaining reliable catheter securement.
Data Source
AI summary
A self-suturing anchor device includes a base having a securement mechanism. The securement mechanism includes one or more resilient pockets in which are placed a plurality of looped sutures. The securement mechanism and looped sutures facilitate automatic securement of a catheter relative to the self-suturing anchor device. In at least one embodiment, the looped sutures are also threaded through loops in another corresponding looped suture, such that each looped sutures slidably tighten in concert with one another. When at least a portion of the securement mechanism is moved, at least one of the plurality of looped sutures is tensioned and closes against a securement point on the catheter. A catheter can be secured in a self-suturing anchor device in a quick and efficient manner with minimal effort.