Universal Catheter Anchor With Locating Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for securing catheters in place, such as taping and suturing, are inefficient, labor-intensive, and can lead to complications like infection and scarring, while existing catheter anchors are costly and complex due to the need for multiple designs to accommodate different types of catheters.
Innovation Solution
A universal catheter securing device with a base and cover that includes locating elements and latching mechanisms to securely hold catheters of various shapes and sizes, featuring an adhesive pad for attachment to the patient, allowing for easy installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple catheter anchors with different designs are used to accommodate different types of catheters, then the reliability of catheter securing is improved, but the device complexity and inventory management cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter anchor is designed with a universal base structure that can accommodate multiple catheter types through adjustable and reconfigurable components. The base includes a receiving area with positioning elements that can be adjusted to fit different catheter shapes and sizes, eliminating the need for multiple specialized anchor designs while maintaining securing reliability for various catheter types.
2Ease of operation
If traditional taping methods are used to secure catheters, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability and hygiene standards deteriorate due to bacterial collection and ineffective securing
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical taping system with a dedicated catheter anchor device that uses a base structure with positioning elements and a cover with capturing elements. This mechanical replacement provides more reliable catheter securing through precise geometric constraints while maintaining ease of operation through a simple attachment and securing process, and eliminates the hygiene issues associated with tape.
3Reliability
If sutures are used to attach catheters to skin, then the reliability of catheter securing is improved, but the object-generated harmful factors increase due to infection risk, pain, and scarring
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the invasive suture system with a non-invasive catheter anchor that attaches to the skin surface through a base structure. The anchor uses positioning elements and capturing elements to secure the catheter mechanically without penetrating the skin, thereby eliminating the harmful effects of sutures such as infection risk, pain, and scarring while maintaining reliable catheter securing through geometric constraints and physical attachment.
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 reliable, efficient, and cost-effective solution for securing catheters, reducing the risk of complications and simplifying inventory management by accommodating multiple catheter types with a single device.
Implementation Method 1
A universal device for securing a catheter on a patient includes a base which optionally has one or more locating elements for positioning or securing a catheter or catheter fitting of various shapes or sizes
Data Source
AI summary
A universal device for securing a catheter on a patient includes a base which optionally has one or more locating elements for positioning or securing a catheter or catheter fitting of various shapes or sizes. The base optionally includes a recessed or flat receiving area defined by locating elements arranged to hold or receive a catheter or catheter fitting. Additional locating elements may be positioned elsewhere for receiving or holding a flange or wing of a catheter fitting. A cover is removably or permanently connected to the base and may optionally have one or more top openings for receiving tabs or extensions of a catheter fitting. The cover may optionally include one or more capture ridges for restraining a catheter or catheter fitting of various shapes or sizes on the base or on the retention plate. The cover may also include one or more tabs or contact bars.