DEVICE FOR SECURING A PERIPHERAL VENOUS CATHETER

Abstract

A device for securing a peripheral venous catheter, including a body comprising first and second fastening extremities and a connecting section that interconnects said fastening extremities, the latter feature a tubular shape and comprising corresponding first and second longitudinal grooves; a portion of the catheter may be inserted through said grooves to grasp the same in a folded manner, the connecting section comprises first and second portions extending between the longitudinal grooves, in such a way that the fastening extremities and the portions of the connecting section form a closed perimeter outline defining a hollow internal space adapted to be set between an open position and a closed position, where, the hollow internal space being open, the portion of the catheter may be inserted for the attachment thereof to the fastening extremities, and then secured to the latter when the hollow internal space is closed.

Claims

1. Device for securing a peripheral venous catheter, which includes a body (1) comprising a first fastening extremity (1.1), a second fastening extremity (1.2) and a connecting section (1.3) that interconnects the first fastening extremity (1.1) and the second fastening extremity (1.2), the first and second fastening extremities (1.1, 1.2) are tubular-shaped and comprise a first longitudinal groove (1.11) and a second longitudinal groove (1.21) respectively, such that through said longitudinal grooves (1.11, 1.21) a portion of the catheter (2) may be inserted to be fastened in a folded manner as a safety loop (2.1) between the first and second fastening extremities (1.1, 1.2), characterised in that the connecting section (1.3) comprises a first portion (1.31) and a second portion (1.32) extending between the first and second longitudinal grooves (1.11, 1.21), in such a way that the first fastening extremity (1.1), the first portion (1.31) of the connecting section (1.3), the second fastening extremity (1.2) and the second portion (1.32) of the connecting section (1.3) form the body (1) with a closed perimeter outline that defines a hollow internal space (1.4) adapted to be set between a first open position and a second closed position, where, through the hollow internal space (1.4), in its first open position, the portion of the catheter (2) may be inserted for attachment thereof to the first and second fastening extremities (1.1, 1.2), and said portion of the catheter (2) being fastened at said fastening extremities (1.1, 1.2) by arranging the hollow internal space (1.4) in its second closed position.

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the first portion (1.31) of the connecting section (1.3) has a greater length than its second portion (1.32).

3. Device according to claim 2, wherein the first portion (1.31) is formed by two sub-portions (1.311, 1.312), which with the second portion (1.32), form the triangular-shaped closed perimeter outline.

4. Device according to claim 3, comprising anchoring means (1.5) from the first portion (1.31) to the second portion (1.32) of the connecting section (1.3), adapted to maintain the hollow internal space (1.4) of the body (1) in its second closed position.

5. Device according to claim 4, wherein the anchoring means (1.5) are a tongue-and-groove joint.

6. Device according to claim 5, wherein the tongue-and-groove joint (1.5) comprises a first recess-shaped part (1.51) arranged flush between the sub-portions (1.311, 1.312) of the first portion (1.31) of the connecting section (1.3), and a second projection-shaped part (1.52) arranged raised from a centre of the second portion (1.32).

7. Device according to claim 6, wherein the first recess-shaped part (1.51) of the tongue-and-groove joint (1.5) has a tubular geometry and its second projection-shaped part (1.52) has a cylindrical geometry.

8. Device according to claim 1, wherein the body (1) comprises a constant cross section throughout its length.

9. Device according to claim 1, wherein, in the second closed position of the hollow internal space (1.4), the first fastening extremity (1.1) and the second fastening extremity (1.2) comprise respective internal diameters equal to or less than an external diameter of the catheter (2), where the internal diameters of said fastening extremities (1.1, 1.2) generate a compression value on the catheter (2) that guarantees the immobilisation of said catheter (2) without strangling it.

10. Device according to claim 1, wherein the first fastening extremity (1.1) and the second fastening extremity (1.2) are arranged raised on the second portion (1.32) of the connecting section (1.3).

11. Device according to claim 1, wherein the body (1) comprises a strap portion (1.6) adapted to secure the body (1) to a user.

12. Device according to claim 11, wherein the strap portion (1.6) is integrated into the body (1) as respective first and second side prolongations (1.61, 1.62) of the second portion (1.32) of the connecting section (1.3).

13. Device according to claim 12, wherein the first and second side prolongations (1.61, 1.62) extend below the second portion (1.32) of the connecting section (1.3).

14. Device according to claim 11, wherein the strap portion (1.6) comprises adjustment means (1.63) to adjust the body (1) to the user.

15. Device according to claim 14, wherein the adjustment means (1.63) are a second tongue-and-groove joint comprising at least one first projection-shaped portion (1.631) arranged raised on a first free end (1.611) of the first side prolongation (1.61) of the strap portion (1.6), and a plurality of second recess-shaped portions (1.632) arranged in a row flush with a second free end (1.621) of the second side prolongation (1.62) of the strap portion (1.6).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0025] This specification is supplemented with a set of drawings illustrating the preferred embodiment, which are never intended to limit the invention.

[0026] FIG. 1 represents a perspective view of the device with the hollow internal space set in its open position.

[0027] FIG. 2 represents a perspective view of the device with the hollow internal space set in its closed position.

[0028] FIG. 3 represents a perspective view of a second embodiment of the device of FIGS. 1 and 2, with a strap for securing it to the user.

[0029] FIG. 4 represents a perspective view of a third embodiment of the device of FIGS. 1 and 2, with a strap for securing it to the user.

[0030] FIG. 5 represents an enlarged view of the securing strap of the device of any of FIG. 3 or 4, showing how the fastening strap can be closed around the perimeter to facilitate its manufacture, and then can be cut for installation on the user.

[0031] DETAILED EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] The present invention is a device for securing a peripheral venous catheter, of the type usually fastened in a curved or folded arrangement, forming a safety loop.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the device includes a body (1) comprising: [0034] a first fastening extremity (1.1), [0035] a second fastening extremity (1.2) and [0036] a connecting section (1.3) that interconnects the first fastening extremity (1.1) and the second fastening extremity (1.2).

[0037] Preferably, the body (1) comprises a constant cross section throughout its length and, further, it can advantageously be manufactured with a flexible material, for example, polypropylene or nylon.

[0038] The first and second fastening extremities (1.1, 1.2) are tubular-shaped and comprise a first longitudinal groove (1.11) and a second longitudinal groove (1.21) respectively, in such a way that through said longitudinal grooves (1.11, 1.21) a portion of the catheter (2) may be inserted to be fastened in a folded manner, as a safety loop (2.1), between said first and second fastening extremities (1.1, 1.2).

[0039] For its part, the connecting section (1.3) comprises a first portion (1.31) and a second portion (1.32) extending between the first and second longitudinal grooves (1.11, 1.21), such that the first fastening extremity (1.1), the first portion (1.31) of the connecting section (1.3), the second fastening extremity (1.2) and the second portion (1.32) of the connecting section (1.3) form the body (1) with a closed perimeter outline, which guarantees the safety of the portion of the catheter (2) against possible vertical and/or cross loads to which it may be subjected during use.

[0040] Additionally, it is preferred that the first portion (1.31) of the connecting section (1.3) has a greater length than its second portion (1.32). For example, the first portion (1.31) could be formed by two sub-portions (1.311, 1.312) which, with the second portion (1.32), form the triangular-shaped closed perimeter outline. Where, between the sub-portions (1.311, 1.312) an obtuse angle is formed, and between said sub-portions (1.311, 1.312) and the second portion (1.32) respective acute angles are formed, in such a way that a progressive and smooth transition of the portion of the catheter (2) to the inside of the respective fastening extremities (1.1, 1.2) is facilitated.

[0041] In any case, the closed perimeter outline defines a hollow internal space (1.4) adapted to be set between a first open position (seen in FIG. 1) and a second closed position (seen in FIG. 2).

[0042] Thus, through the hollow internal space (1.4), in its first open position, the portion of the catheter (2) may be inserted for attachment thereof to the first and second fastening extremities (1.1, 1.2). To do this, in this first position, the internal diameters of the fastening extremities (1.1, 1.2) turn out to be greater than or equal to the external diameter of the catheter (2), facilitating the insertion and attachment of the latter to said fastening extremities (1.1, 1.2).

[0043] Then, by arranging the hollow internal space (1.4) in its second closed position, said portion of the catheter (2) is fastened in the first and second fastening extremities (1.1, 1.2). To do this, said fastening extremities (1.1, 1.2) close reducing their dimensions until they comprise respective internal diameters that correspond to the external diameter of the catheter (2), or even better, smaller dimensions; in any case, they achieve a compression value on said catheter (2) that guarantees its immobilisation without strangling it.

[0044] Thus, in the second closed position, the fastening extremities (1.1, 1.2) are completely closed, compressing the catheter (2) in its entire perimeter, achieving 100% immobilisation thereof against any type of tensile loads, either longitudinal, vertical or crosswise. In other words, the inadvertent extraction or decoupling of the catheter (2) is prevented, as well as its sliding inside the fastening extremities (1.1, 1.2).

[0045] Likewise, it is preferred that the device comprises anchoring means (1.5) from the first portion (1.31) to the second portion (1.32) of the connecting section (1.3), which, as shown in FIG. 2, are adapted to maintain the hollow internal space (1.4) of the body (1) in its second closed position.

[0046] For example, the anchoring means (1.5) could be a tongue-and-groove joint. Preferably, the tongue-and-groove joint (1.5) comprises a first recess-shaped part (1.51), arranged flush between the sub-portions (1.311, 1.312) of the first portion (1.31) of the connecting section (1.3), and a second projection-shaped part (1.52) arranged raised from a centre of the second portion (1.32).

[0047] For example, the first recess-shaped part (1.51) of the tongue-and-groove joint (1.5) could have a tubular geometry, and its second projection-shaped part (1.52) could have a cylindrical geometry, and engage together in an adjusted manner.

[0048] Thus, with the anchoring of the tongue-and-groove joint (1.5), maintaining the closure of the hollow internal space (1.4) of the body (1) is achieved, i.e., set in its second position, and thereby locking the fastening extremities (1.1, 1.2) that retain the portion of the catheter (2), which, being locked, cannot open against the occurrence of a load, whether longitudinal, vertical or crosswise, and accordingly, the portion of the catheter (2) cannot move in any direction inside the fastening extremities (1.1, 1.2). In addition, thanks to this locking, said fastening extremities (1.1, 1.2) can be kept with an internal diameter that guarantees an accurate compression value on the catheter (2) that allows its retention and that does not vary with the possible loads to which may it be subjected during use.

[0049] In the same way, it is preferred that the first fastening extremity (1.1) and the second fastening extremity (1.2) are arranged raised on the second portion (1.32) of the connecting section (1.3). Thus, once the tongue-and-groove joint that forms the anchoring means (1.5) has been coupled, as shown in FIG. 2, the second portion (1.32) becomes concavely arched, being an ergonomic shape for the user, for example, a patient, to whom the device is coupled.

[0050] Thus, the anchoring means (1.5) achieve: [0051] -compressing the portion of the catheter (2), with a view to guaranteeing its safety against any type of load, and [0052] -providing the lower part (second portion (1.32) of the connecting section (1.3)) of the body (1) with an ergonomic shape for its installation, for example, on a patient's arm.

[0053] On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, advantageously, the body (1) can comprise a strap portion (1.6) adapted to secure the body (1) to the user.

[0054] Preferably, the strap portion (1.6) is integrated into the body (1) as respective first and second side prolongations (1.61, 1.62) of the second portion (1.32) of the connecting section (1.3). Either, as shown in FIG. 3, the first and second side prolongations (1.61, 1.62) extending in an integrated manner from the respective fastening extremities (1.1, 1.2); or, as shown in FIG. 4, the first and second side prolongations (1.61, 1.62) can extend below the second portion (1.32) of the connecting section (1.3). With this last embodiment, greater ergonomics is achieved in securing the device to the user, since the body (1) is arranged above the strap portion (1.6), without direct contact with the user.

[0055] Likewise, it is preferred that the strap portion (1.6) comprises adjustment means (1.63) to adjust the body (1) to the user.

[0056] Preferably, the adjustment means (1.63) could be a second tongue-and-groove joint comprising: [0057] at least one first projection-shaped portion (1.631) arranged raised on a first free end (1.611) of the first side prolongation (1.61) of the strap portion (1.6), and [0058] a plurality of second recess-shaped portions (1.632) arranged in a row flush with a second free end (1.621) of the second side prolongation (1.62) of the strap portion (1.6).

[0059] In such a way that, by engaging a single first projection-shaped portion (1.631), see the embodiment of FIG. 3, or several first projection-shaped portions (1.631), see the embodiment of FIG. 4, in respective second recess-shaped portions (1.632) the adjustment and fastening of the body (1) onto the user is achieved. Obviously, the more first projection-shaped portions (1.631) are configured in the first side prolongation (1.61) to engage in respective second recess-shaped portions (1.632) of the second side prolongation (1.62), the more robust and secure will be the securing of the strap portion (1.6) to the user.

[0060] In any case, the degree of compression of the device, for example on the patient's arm, can be very easily and quickly regulated.

[0061] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 3, the strap portion (1.6) could comprise a puller projection (1.64), arranged at the second free end (1.621), whose function is to facilitate handling of the second side prolongation (1.62) at the time of assembling or disassembling the adjustment means (1.63); and a protective projection (1.65), arranged at the first free end (1.611) of the first side prolongation (1.62), whose function is to prevent said first free end (1.611) from causing any damage to the patient's skin.

[0062] Advantageously, as shown in FIG. 5, the strap portion (1.6) could be formed in a closed perimeter manner, with a view to facilitating its manufacture. For example, with the first free end (1.611) of the first side prolongation (1.61) integral with the second free end (1.621) of the second side prolongation (1.62) of the strap portion (1.6). Subsequently, when it is to be installed on the user, the first and second free ends (1.611, 1.621) are separated by making a cut, for example, in a slit (1.67) formed between said first and second free ends (1.611, 1.621).