Integrated Vascular Delivery Frame for Catheter Stabilization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional IV therapy methods face issues with catheter stabilization, leading to vein irritation, catheter dislodgement, infiltration, phlebitis, and skin irritation due to ineffective tape and catheter stabilization devices (CSDs), which fail to prevent catheter movement and pivoting during patient movement or caregiver manipulation.
Innovation Solution
An integrated vascular delivery system with a frame that includes a catheter hub, stabilization hub, and lateral members, providing dual anchoring points for secure fixation, along with a septum to prevent fluid leakage and a needle shield to protect against needle sticks, enhancing catheter stability and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tape and catheter stabilization devices are used to secure the catheter, then the catheter can be fixed to the skin, but the catheter can still move and pivot within the vein causing dislodgement and phlebitis
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilization device is divided into multiple functional segments: a catheter hub for receiving the catheter, a stabilization hub with anchor points for securing to the skin, and a lateral member connecting them. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, preventing catheter movement through distributed anchoring rather than a single tape application.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from two-dimensional tape application on the skin surface to a three-dimensional stabilization structure that extends laterally from the catheter hub. The lateral member creates a spatial framework that distributes stabilization forces across multiple anchor points, preventing pivoting and dislodgement by engaging the skin in multiple dimensions rather than relying on flat tape adhesion.
2Adaptability or versatility
If extension tubing is used to connect the catheter to the fluid source, then the IV line can accommodate patient movement, but the tubing may catch on obstacles causing vein irritation and compromising the IV
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter hub and stabilization hub are merged into an integrated assembly with the lateral member, creating a unified stabilization structure. This integration eliminates the need for separate extension tubing that could catch on obstacles, as the stabilization device itself provides the necessary flexibility and positioning capabilities while maintaining a streamlined profile that reduces snagging risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilization hub serves multiple functions: it anchors the catheter to the skin, provides structural support, and accommodates patient movement through its design. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate extension tubing, as the stabilization device itself handles both securing and movement accommodation, reducing the overall tubing length and obstacle-catching potential.
3Reliability
If adhesive stabilizing pads are used to restrain the catheter hub, then the catheter can be secured against the skin, but skin irritation and breakdown occur due to prolonged concentrated adhesion
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilization function is segmented across multiple anchor points distributed on the stabilization hub rather than concentrated in a single adhesive pad. This distribution spreads the adhesion load across larger skin areas, reducing concentrated stress and irritation while maintaining securement reliability through the combined effect of multiple attachment points.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention moves from a single-point adhesive securement to a distributed multi-point anchoring system in three-dimensional space. The lateral member and multiple anchor points create a spatial distribution of attachment forces, reducing the concentration of adhesive stress on any single skin location and thereby minimizing irritation and breakdown risks.
4Reliability
If conventional catheter securement methods are used, then the catheter can be attached to the skin, but the round rigid catheter hub is difficult to secure effectively against flat skin
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter hub is segmented from the stabilization hub, with the lateral member providing a transition interface. This segmentation allows the stabilization hub to have a configuration optimized for skin contact and adhesion, while the catheter hub maintains its functional design for catheter reception. The separation enables each component to be optimized for its specific purpose without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral member acts as an intermediary element between the catheter hub and stabilization hub. It provides a mechanical connection that translates and distributes forces, facilitating the attachment process by bridging the geometric differences between the round catheter hub and the flat skin surface, thereby simplifying the securing operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated vascular delivery system and method of use, the system including: a frame having a catheter hub that provides a first anchoring point on the patient and receives a catheter insertable in the patient to transfer fluid at an insertion site, a stabilization hub that provides a second anchoring point on the patient, at least one lateral member extending between the catheter and stabilization hubs, and a fluidic channel. The frame operates in a folded configuration in which the hubs are coupleable and an unfolded configuration in which the anchoring points are distributed around the insertion site to anchor the frame to the patient, thereby stabilizing the catheter. In some embodiments, the system further includes a septum that helps prevent fluid leakage from the catheter hub, or a needle shield that covers the distal end of a needle used during catheter insertion.