Catheter connection and stabilization device and methods of using same

Inventors

Maseda, Luis • Chelak, Todd M. • Dennis, Nicholas • Kimball, Ian

Assignees

NP Medical Inc

Abstract

A device for stabilizing a patient catheter includes a docking pod with a body, an inlet, an outlet, an internal fluid path between the inlet and the outlet, and a securement surface located on an underside of the docking pod. A docking pod adhesive layer located at least partially on the securement surface of the docking pod may secure the docking pod to the patient such that the securement surface and the docking pod adhesive layer form a generally planar or concave surface when secured to the patient. A valve mechanism located within the internal fluid path of the docking pod may control fluid flow through the docking pod. The device may also have a luer connector that is fluidly connected to the outlet of the docking pod and configured to be connected to the catheter.

Core Innovation

The invention provides a device for stabilizing a patient catheter. The device includes a docking pod having a body, an inlet, an outlet, and an internal fluid path between the inlet and the outlet, where the inlet is configured to connect to a medical implement directly or via a section of tubing. The device also includes a substrate having at least one film layer configured to at least partially secure the device to a patient.

The device further includes an analyzing element located at least partially within the substrate, the analyzing element configured to analyze at least one characteristic of the patient. In disclosed configurations, the analyzing element is located within a reservoir within the substrate, and the analyzed fluid is blood. The catheter stabilization device thus integrates patient analysis within the patient-adhered substrate while maintaining a docking pod fluid path.

Additional disclosed features relate to the docking pod and connection interface. The valve mechanism includes a diaphragm with a slit that opens to allow fluid flow only above a cracking pressure, including proximal/backward cracking pressure and distal cracking pressure. The device further includes a luer connector that connects to the patient catheter, placing the docking pod outlet in fluid communication with the catheter.

The substrate and docking pod securement structures are also part of the disclosed device. The device further comprises a docking pod adhesive layer located at least partially beneath at least a portion of the docking pod to secure the docking pod to the patient. Disclosed configurations also describe transparent viewing and/or an antimicrobial adhesive window, as well as securing and strain relief features associated with the catheter stabilization device and its fluid pathway.

Claims Coverage

Independent claim clm-00001 requires a catheter stabilizing device with a docking pod defining an inlet/outlet internal fluid path, a patient-adhered substrate with at least one film layer, and an analyzing element located within the substrate configured to analyze at least one patient characteristic. Dependent claim refinements add main inventive features concerning the valve mechanism, the luer connector catheter connection, analyzing details, reservoir placement, and docking pod adhesive securement.

The claim set centers on stabilizing a patient catheter using a docking pod with an internal fluid path and a patient-adhered substrate, while embedding an analyzing element within the substrate to analyze a patient characteristic. Dependent refinements further specify a diaphragm slit valve governed by cracking pressure, a luer connector providing fluid communication with the catheter, analyzing blood via a reservoir-located analyzing element, and a docking pod adhesive layer beneath the docking pod for securement.

Stated Advantages

Documented Applications