Umbilical Catheter Stabilization Shield

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current technologies lack a device specifically designed for the unique anatomy of the umbilical area and the demands of neonates, leading to a higher risk of central-line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) due to inadequate protection and stabilization of umbilical catheters.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a shield with a cavity for accommodating the umbilical stump, an adhesive base for attachment to the patient, and a mechanism to secure and seal the umbilical catheter, reducing bacterial migration and physical contact risks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If umbilical catheters are placed in premature infants to provide necessary medical access, then reliable venous system access is achieved, but the risk of central-line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevenous system accessVSAvoidbacterial infection risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an umbilical catheter stabilization device as an intermediary component between the catheter and the umbilical stump. This device includes a stabilization member with a cavity that receives and secures the catheter, creating a protective barrier that prevents bacterial contamination while maintaining venous access. The stabilization device acts as a mediator that resolves the contradiction by enabling reliable access without increasing infection risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The stabilization device incorporates flexible components including an adhesive base that conforms to the infant's skin and a stabilization member with a cavity that accommodates the catheter. These flexible structures provide secure attachment and protection while allowing movement and maintaining skin integrity, thus preventing bacterial entry pathways while preserving necessary catheter function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Object-affected harmful factors

If umbilical catheters are removed after 6-8 days due to CLABSI risk, then infection risk is reduced, but the need for central access is interrupted requiring additional catheterization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfection risk reductionVSAvoidcentral access interruption

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The stabilization device is applied immediately upon catheter insertion and remains in place throughout the catheterization period. This preliminary protective action continues to shield the umbilical stump and catheter interface from bacterial contamination, allowing the catheter to remain in place longer than the traditional 6-8 days without increasing infection risk, thus avoiding the need for premature removal and subsequent re-catheterization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If standard catheterization procedures are used without specialized umbilical protection, then the procedure is simpler, but the umbilical stump and catheter interface remain vulnerable to bacterial contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocedure simplicityVSAvoidstump vulnerability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The stabilization device combines multiple functions into a single component: it provides mechanical stabilization of the catheter, creates a protective barrier against bacterial contamination, adheres to the infant's skin, and accommodates the catheter within its cavity. This multi-functional design protects the vulnerable umbilical interface without significantly complicating the catheterization procedure, as the device is applied as a single unit immediately after catheter insertion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3288628B1Systems and methods for protecting umbilical stumps

Publication Date: 2023.06.07 THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE LELAND STANFORD JUNIOR UNIV

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Figure 3A~5

AI summary

A device for protecting an umbilical stump-catheter interface, includes: a shield having a wall that defines a cavity for accommodating an umbilical stump, wherein the shield further includes a base for attachment to a patient; and an opening at the shield for allowing an umbilical catheter to extend therethrough. A method for protecting an umbilical stump-catheter interface, includes: providing a device having a shield with a wall that defines a cavity for accommodating an umbilical stump, wherein the shield further includes a base for attachment to a patient, and wherein the device further includes an opening at the shield; shielding the umbilical stump from an environment using the shield; and accommodating an umbilical catheter using the opening at the shield.