Subcutaneous Catheter Anchor with Segmented Flexible Retainers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for securing medical instruments like catheters to the skin require sutures or adhesives, which can cause trauma and are not easily removable without damaging surrounding tissue.

Innovation Solution

A medical device anchor system with a retainer body and deployable flexible anchors that extend into the subcutaneous region, allowing securement of the catheter without skin penetration by the anchor device itself, and featuring a separable design for reduced trauma during removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional methods (sutures or adhesives) are used to secure catheters to skin, then the catheter is secured in place, but tissue trauma occurs and removal damages surrounding tissue

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecatheter secementVSAvoidtissue trauma

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The anchor device is divided into multiple independent anchors that can be deployed separately through the catheter. Each anchor is a discrete element that can be individually controlled, allowing some anchors to remain engaged while others are released during removal, thereby reducing trauma to surrounding tissue

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The anchors are nested within the catheter structure during delivery, with the anchors contained inside the catheter lumen or along its exterior. This nested configuration allows the anchors to be delivered through the same penetration point as the catheter without requiring separate skin punctures, reducing additional tissue trauma

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If anchors are deployed through the same skin penetration point as the catheter, then no second penetration point is needed, but the anchor device structure becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuse of existing penetration pointVSAvoidanchor device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The catheter serves multiple functions: it acts as both the medical instrument for patient treatment and as the delivery mechanism for the anchors. The catheter structure is designed to accommodate anchor deployment while maintaining its primary medical function, eliminating the need for a separate anchor delivery device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The anchor delivery system is merged with the catheter structure itself. The anchors are integrated into the catheter design, allowing them to be delivered through the catheter's existing lumen or along its exterior surface, combining two functions into one device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the anchor device is designed as separable portions, then removal trauma is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremoval traumaVSAvoidmulti-piece design

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The anchor device incorporates dynamic release mechanisms that allow the anchors to transition from a fixed, integrated state during delivery to a separable, independent state during removal. This dynamic capability enables the device to adapt its configuration based on the operational phase, reducing removal trauma while maintaining delivery simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20240082545A1Subcutaneous Anchor Device for Securing a Catheter

Publication Date: 2024.03.14 INTERRAD MEDICAL

AI summary

Some embodiments of a medical device anchor system include an anchor device that receives a medical instrument (such as a catheter or the like) and secures the instrument in place relative to a skin penetration point. In some circumstances, the anchor device may allow the anchor device to be used after medical instrument is already in place without the need for a second penetration point for the anchor device.