Universal Catheter Securement Device with Locating Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catheter anchoring devices are not universally effective for securing catheters of various shapes and sizes, leading to movement and potential complications, and they often require multiple devices for different types of catheters, increasing cost and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A universal securing device with a base and cover that includes locating elements, restraining elements, and latching mechanisms to securely hold catheters of different shapes and sizes, attached to a patient using an adhesive pad, allowing for easy attachment and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single universal anchoring device is designed to accommodate various catheter types, then device versatility and inventory simplification are improved, but the device complexity and design challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring device incorporates a base with multiple locating elements of different geometries (e.g., circular, rectangular, triangular) that can accommodate various catheter shapes and sizes. The cover with corresponding capture elements works with these locating elements to secure different catheter types within a single device platform, eliminating the need for multiple specialized anchors.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into separable components including a base with locating elements, a cover with capture elements, and optional retention plates. This segmentation allows the same base structure to work with different catheter types by simply changing or reconfiguring the locating elements, rather than designing entirely different anchors for each catheter type.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional taping methods are used to secure catheters, then ease of manufacture and simplicity are maintained, but catheter stability and security are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The locating elements are designed with curved or contoured surfaces that conform to the shape of catheters and catheter fittings. This curvature allows the elements to gently cradle and secure the catheter in place, providing reliable stabilization while maintaining ease of application compared to rigid mechanical systems.
3Reliability
If sutures are used to attach catheters to skin, then catheter stability is improved, but patient comfort and infection risk worsen due to pain, inflammation, and scarring
Solution Approach 1:
The device introduces an intermediary anchoring mechanism that secures the catheter to the skin surface without penetrating it. The base with locating elements and cover with capture elements creates a mechanical anchor system that eliminates the need for sutures or needles, thereby preventing pain, inflammation, and scarring while maintaining catheter stability.
4Ease of operation
If tape is used to secure catheters, then ease of application is maintained, but catheter stability and security are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges the simplicity of adhesive application with the reliability of mechanical anchoring. The base can be attached to the skin using adhesive, while the locating elements and cover provide additional mechanical restraint. This combination achieves both ease of application and high catheter stability, overcoming the limitations of tape alone.
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 effectively secures catheters in place, reducing movement and complications, and can accommodate various catheter types with a single device, simplifying inventory and use while minimizing scarring and infection risk.
Implementation Method 1
The base or support plate may be attached to an adhesive pad for attachment to a patient
Data Source
AI summary
A universal device for securing a catheter on a patient includes a base which optionally has at least one locating element for positioning or securing a catheter or catheter fitting of various shapes or sizes. The base has an opening and one or more restraining elements positioned on a surface of the base and extending over a portion of the opening. A retention plate includes locating elements for positioning or securing a catheter or catheter fitting of various shapes or sizes on the retention plate. Optionally, the retention plate may be movable. A support plate or similar device attached to the base holds the retention plate between the restraining elements and the support plate. A cover is connected to the base and may optionally have at least one capture element for restraining a catheter or catheter fitting of various shapes or sizes on the base or on the retention plate.