Medical tube securing device
Inventors
Beely, Brendan M. • Wright, Gabriel R.
Assignees
United States Department of the Army • US Army Medical Research and Development Command
Publication Number
US-8302597-B2
Publication Date
2012-11-06
Expiration Date
2029-10-05
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Abstract
A medical tube securing device for a patient is disclosed, comprising at least one bite block and a support frame integral with said bite block, said support frame comprising a protruding extension with at least one inwardly recessed portion so as to avoid contact with the patient's mouth, said protruding extension operable to receive an adjustable medical tube retaining device without contacting the face of the patient.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a medical tube securing device for a patient comprising at least one bite block and a support frame integral with the bite block. The support frame has a protruding extension with at least one inwardly recessed portion designed to avoid contact with the patient's mouth. This protruding extension is operable to receive an adjustable medical tube retaining device without contacting the patient's face.
The device incorporates semi-rigid bite blocks positioned to utilize the molars, which provide a greater surface area to distribute force, preventing tooth damage and occlusion of the catheter lumen caused by biting. The support frame includes a strong, flexible wire that forms loops and a semi-circular portion protruding from the patient's mouth, with a saw-toothed track for a clamping device to secure tubes. The loops are situated to move securing straps away from the corners of the mouth, preventing tissue damage and migration of the bite blocks into the airway.
The problem being solved is that current bite blocks and securing devices either cause dental disruption, concentrate bite forces on incisors, are prone to loosening and airway obstruction, or cause irritation and damage to the corners of the mouth and patient face. Adhesives and straps used presently are ineffective or cause infections especially for burn victims or patients with delicate skin. The invention addresses these issues by repositioning the bite blocks to the molars, providing a rigid and safe support frame, and allowing adjustable, strap-based securing of medical tubes without contacting or irritating sensitive facial areas.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes one independent claim defining the inventive features of a medical tube securing device comprising structural and functional elements for securing medical tubes in a patient.
Bite block with frictional flanges
The bite block has front and rear ends, left and right lateral sides extending generally upwards and downwards to form flanges, and top and bottom surfaces constructed to present a frictional plane, facilitating stable engagement with the patient's molars.
Arcuate support frame with inwardly recessed portions and integral apertures
The support frame is generally arcuate, integral with the bite block, characterized by at least one inwardly recessed portion and at least one integral aperture adjacent to the recessed portion, operable to receive a securing strap for fastening the device to the patient.
Adjustable medical tube mounting with slidable tube holder on a track
The device has a track capable of receiving a tube holder that is slidably connected and movable laterally along the track. The tube holder has an arm perpendicular to the track, a shuttle attaching it to the track, an elongated flexible strap attached to the arm extending transversely, and a clamping member hingedly attached to the tube holder with releasable latching means to secure the strap around a medical tube.
The inventive features collectively provide a secure, adjustable medical tube securing device using molar-engaging bite blocks with frictional surfaces, a support frame designed to avoid facial contact and irritation, and a track-mounted adjustable clamping system to hold medical tubes securely and flexibly.
Stated Advantages
Prevention of dental disruption by limiting bite block contact to molars providing greater force distribution.
Avoidance of mouth and facial damage via a support frame design that curves inward at mouth corners and strategically positions securing straps away from sensitive areas.
Provision of a securing means suitable for burn patients or those with sensitive skin where conventional adhesives and straps are impractical.
Allowing proper oral care of the intubated patient while maintaining secure positioning of medical tubes.
Documented Applications
Use in securing endotracheal tubes inserted orally into a patient's trachea for airway management.
Securing gastric tubes such as nasogastric tubes during patient care.
Use with patients requiring intubation, including unconscious patients, those emerging from anesthesia, acute resuscitation victims, and patients needing chronic or intensive care.
Particularly useful for burn patients or patients with delicate facial skin where adhesive or strap-based securing is inadequate.
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