Vascular Access Stabilization Device with Recessed Vein Portion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vascular access devices (VADs) face challenges with stabilization, as they can bend, flex, or kink due to movement, leading to potential contamination and increased infection risk.

Innovation Solution

A stabilization device with a coupling surface, a proximal surface forming at least one angle, and a base surface with a contoured portion and a recessed portion is used to secure the VAD. The device is positioned such that the recessed portion aligns with the vein, reducing force on the vein and preventing movement of the VAD.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a stabilization device is used to secure the VAD, then movement and bending of the catheter is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of VADVSAvoidcomplexity of stabilization device

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stabilization device is divided into distinct functional components: a base surface for skin contact, a contoured portion that interfaces with the catheter hub, and a recessed portion that aligns with the vein. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, providing effective stabilization without requiring a complex monolithic structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of adding complex mechanical constraints to prevent catheter movement, the invention inverts the approach by creating a recessed portion that removes material or space directly over the vein. This negative space allows the vein to maintain its natural curvature and flow path while the surrounding structure provides stabilization, achieving the opposite of what a traditional additive approach would do.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Stability of the object's composition

If a stabilization device is placed over the vein to secure the VAD, then the VAD is stabilized, but the flow rate through the vein may be negatively impacted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of VADVSAvoidflow rate through vein

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The stabilization device exhibits local quality by having different surface characteristics in different regions. The recessed portion creates a localized area with reduced material presence directly over the vein, allowing optimal blood flow in that specific location, while the surrounding base surface and contoured portion provide stabilization. This spatial variation in structure quality ensures both flow maintenance and catheter stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The contoured portion of the stabilization device is designed with curved surfaces that can conform to the natural curvature of the catheter hub and underlying anatomy. This curvature allows the device to stabilize the catheter without creating sharp angles or rigid constraints that would kink or compress the vein, thereby maintaining natural blood flow patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Reliability

If the VAD is secured to prevent movement, then contamination risk is reduced, but the securement process becomes more time consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereduction of contamination riskVSAvoidtime for securement process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The stabilization device is pre-formed with the recessed portion and contoured geometry already in place before application to the patient. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for complex intra-procedural adjustments or multiple components during securement. The device is simply positioned over the insertion site and secured, reducing the time required while ensuring proper alignment with the vein and catheter hub for contamination prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250195842A1Stabilization Devices for Vascular Access and Methods of Using the Same

Publication Date: 2025.06.19 VELANO VASCULAR INC

AI summary

A stabilization device configured to stabilize an access device when a distal end portion of the access device is inserted through a target location of a patient. The stabilization device includes a coupling surface, a proximal surface, and a base surface. The coupling surface is configured to be placed in contact with an adapter coupled to a proximal end portion of the access device. The proximal surface forms at least one angle and is configured to facilitate securement of the stabilization device to the target location. The base surface forms a contoured portion configured to be placed in contact with the target location and a recessed portion configured to be spaced apart from the target location. The stabilization device is configured to be secured to the target location such that the adapter is retained in a fixed position relative to the coupling surface and the access device is stabilized.