Abstract: A universal gripping surface is provided on an intravenous catheter assembly. The universal gripping surface provides a plurality of surfaces whereby a user may grip the catheter assembly in a desired gripping configuration for improved balance and control of the catheter assembly during insertion of the catheter. Additionally, the universal gripping surface includes a guard feature to prevent a user's unintended contact with various components of the catheter assembly whereby the contact may result in an undesirable “over the bevel” condition.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medical tube fixing device, and more particularly a medical tube fixing device, which may ensure rapid coupling with a medical tube with minimal movement of the medical tube, and which includes a fixing member attached to a human body, the fixing member being flexibly operated in response to movement of the medical tube, thereby preventing deterioration in adhesive strength thereof. With provision of the medical tube fixing device, it is possible to rapidly fix or separate the medical tube to or from a desired portion of the human body, and to minimize movement of the fixing member caused during movement of the medical tube, thereby preventing deterioration in adhesive strength of the fixing member.

Abstract: The present invention includes a line manager to hold and removably secure within an aperture one or more lines or tubes adjacent to a patient on or near a bed rail, body, or other device. In some embodiments, the line manager is attached to a bed rail of a hospital, or medical bed and may be used to position and label the various tubes or lines going to the patient. The line manager may be made of a flexible material and can be a single use device or a multiple use device.

Abstract: A method of securing a medical article to the body of a patient is disclosed in which an anchoring device comprising an anchor and a retainer is used. The retainer is attached to an upper surface of the anchor and comprises a base, a cover and a post. The base is disposed on the upper surface of the anchor and the cover is connected to the base so as to move between an open and a closed position. When the cover is in the closed position, it lies above at least part of the base. The post is attached movably to either the base or the cover and is arranged so as to lie at least partially between the cover and the base when the cover is in the closed position. When securing a medical article, the cover is placed in the open position and the medical article placed onto the retainer. The cover may then be closed over the medical article and the anchoring device attached to the patient.

Abstract: A body line management system, including methods and apparatuses for a patient dressing which includes retention wheels, about which IV, catheter, monitoring lines, biofeedback lines, or similar lines can be wrapped to secure the lines from unintentional disruption or dislodgment while permitting a practitioner to check the line as necessary.

Abstract: An assembly structured to secure a catheter, such as an IV tube to a predetermined portion of a patient's body such that the IV tube is anchored adjacent an entry site. A base is structured and configured to engage the predetermined body portion and includes an opening for exposure of and access to the entry site. A support member is selectively positionable at variable locations relative to the opening in adjacent relation to the entry site such that the IV tube is mounted on an exterior or exposed portion of the support member so as to access the entry site through the opening and eliminate any type of adhesive strip or like connector contacting or being secured to the patient's skin.

Abstract: A portable, flexible peritoneal dialysis system is disclosed. The system includes a flexible harness, such as canvas or cloth, to mount a stiff housing with a heater for holding and heating fresh dialysis fluid. The harness includes straps or other suspending devices for holding a second, flexible housing for a drain bag for holding sent dialysis fluid. The upper portion of the system includes a hook and a load cell for suspending the remaining portions. The load cell is used to measure the weight of the apparatus. By keeping track of the weight and the changes, the quantity of fluid removed from the patient, spent dialysate, is tracked, as is fresh dialysate infused into the patient. An electronics or control portion controls heating of the fresh dialysate, and operation of pumps and valves for moving the dialysate. This portion also includes alarms and communications equipment.

Abstract: An improved biological fluid filtration system is shown having, seriatim, a blood container, a biological fluid filtration device downstream of the blood container, and a blood receiving container downstream of the biological fluid filtration device; a bypass line is provided to allow fluid communication between the blood container and the blood receiving container, the bypass line includes a loop, the loop of the bypass line being configured to be disposed above the blood container at a sufficient height to prevent the passage of fluid around the leukocyte depletion device; the loop of the bypass line being disposed in a tube support device, the tube support device being configured to support substantially the entire weight of the biological fluid filtration system without substantially crimping said bypass line.

Abstract: A medical article, such as a catheter, is secured to a patient with a support structure and a plurality of attachment/receiving surfaces that permit the catheter to be reoriented in multiple positions relative to the support structure including rotating the catheter about a longitudinal axis. The support structure may be an anchor pad, strap, or other structure. The plurality of attachment/receiving surfaces may be hook and loop type fasteners that are adhered to the catheter body and to the support structure. The placement of the support structure on the patient is not critical as the catheter position is not fixed relative to the support structure.

Abstract: An access port for enabling passage of a conduit through a partition wall, said port comprising three portions, a sleeve portion surrounding an aperture for receiving a conduit there through, a flange portion for attachment to the partition wall, said flange portion encircles the sleeve portion and has a greater diameter than the sleeve portion, and a membrane portion connecting the flange portion and the sleeve portion. The port may be suitable for, in a leak-proof manner, passing a catheter or drain tube through the wall of a medical device such as a wound care device or a drainage bag.

Abstract: A garment adapted for monitoring a user's heart rate includes material, a transmitter, one or more electrodes, and a power source. The transmitter, electrodes, and power source are integrated with the material. The electrodes and power source are operatively coupled to the transmitter, and the electrodes are responsive to the user's heart rate. The garment is adapted for being worn, washed, and discarded with the electrodes, transmitter, and power source integrated therewith. A method of monitoring heart rate includes integrating a transmitter, electrodes, and power source with a garment, coupling the electrodes operatively to the transmitter, coupling the power source operatively to the transmitter, and adapting the garment for being worn, washed, and discarded with the transmitter, electrodes, and power source integrated therewith.

Abstract: A catheter securement device includes a planar base having an adhesive side for attaching the base to a patient and a mounting side. A receptacle adapted to nest a catheter hub therein is mounted on the mounting side of the base. The receptacle is generally U-shaped in cross-section and is open along a top surface to receive a catheter hub. The receptacle has opposite side walls and front and rear ends. An endless elastic member is retained by one side wall of the receptacle. The endless elastic member is capable of manipulation and stretching over the opening in the top surface and beyond the opposite side wall of the receptacle to retain a catheter hub nested in the receptacle. A flange extends outwardly at the top surface of the opposite side wall to keep the elastic member in place when nesting a catheter hub in the receptacle.

Abstract: An anchoring system includes a device which permits a portion of a catheter or similar medical article to be easily anchored to a patient, desirably without the use of tape or needles and suture. The anchoring system comprises an anchor pad and a retainer mounted upon the anchor pad. The retainer includes at least one clip forming at least a portion of a central channel and that moves generally in a lateral direction to capture the medical article to be retained. In certain embodiments, the clip moves in lateral and transverse directions between closed and open positions. The medical article is secured within the central channel. The channel may have a straight or tapering shape depending on the medical article to be retained.

Abstract: Devices and methods for maintaining an aseptic catheter environment. In at least one exemplary embodiment of a device for maintaining an aseptic catheter environment of the present disclosure, the device comprises a first housing and a second housing, the first housing and the second housing coupled to one another by way of at least one coupler, the first housing and the second housing configured to engage one another when in a closed configuration and to define an interior space when in the closed configuration, and at least one aperture and/or notch defined within at least one of the first housing and the second housing, the at least one aperture and/or notch sized and shaped to allow at least part of a catheter to be positioned therethrough.

Abstract: A venipuncture site protector that includes a securement and a cover mounted to said securement. The cover includes a proximal end having a front wall with a tube receiving slot. The cover also includes a distal end having an arch that forms an opening that lies on a vertical plane that is substantially perpendicular to the securement.

Abstract: A catheter securement device in accordance with the present invention includes a sheet-like anchoring member having a top surface, an opposite bottom surface, a base portion, and a pair of strap portions extending from the base portion. The anchoring member includes an adhesive on the bottom surface in the base portion and is generally adhesive free on the top surface in the base portion. The anchoring member also includes an adhesive on the top surface in the strap portions and is generally adhesive free on the bottom surface in the strap portions. The base portion is mountable on a patient's skin intermediate a catheter hub having wings, and each strap portion is foldable over the base portion and one catheter hub wing to secure the catheter hub.

Abstract: A venipuncture base plate assembly includes an adapter and a patient interface platform. The adapter has a substantially flat retention clip and a platform coupled to the retention clip with two or more posts mounted on it. The patient interface platform includes a base pad having a bottom surface coated with an adhesive substance and a base unit coupled to the base pad. The base unit includes a base plate and a retainer mounted on the base plate that supports the adapter at two or more variable angles relative to the base plate.

Abstract: A an arm band or strap is provided adapted to be adjustably and comfortably worn about the wrist or forearm of a patient receiving dialysis treatment. Located on the exterior of the band or strap is a pair of oppositely and axially extending tabs having an underside of hook or loop fastener material complimentary to hook or loop fastener material provided on the band or strap exterior. A pair of infusion tubes are adapted to be removably secured respectively between the tabs and the exterior surface of the strap by the interengaging action of the complimentary hook or loop fastener on the surface of the worn band or strap and the underside of each tab, respectively. The worn strap or arm band and the tabs combine to stabilize the infusion tubes during such treatment all of the while permitting safe use of the patient's hands.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus, systems, and related methods of intravenous (I.V.) catheter and tubing stabilization that are particularly adapted for use in infant I.V. therapy.

Abstract: An intravenous catheter anchoring assembly is disclosed and includes a patient-contacting membrane, a platform, and a retaining strap for securing a catheter or tubing of an administration set to a patient. The strap is attached to the platform with adjustable pull-tabs that permit a variety of catheter shapes and sizes to be secured. The strap is also elastomeric so that the strap is stretchable and thereby grabs the secured catheter. The strap and platform further define a plurality of passageways that permit the catheter to be secured in a plurality of non-aligned directions.

Abstract: A system for strain relieving intravenous (IV) assembly includes a dressing and an anchor portion for use with the dressing. In various embodiments, the dressing may cover an injection site into a portion of a patient's body for an intravenous (IV) assembly that provides fluid communication between the injection site and a fluid reservoir remote from the injection site through a flexible tube. In an illustrative example, the anchor portion may include a first member and a second member. The first member may be secured, for example, to the dressing and may, in some examples, wrap around the tubing so as to resist axial movement of the tubing relative to the dressing. The second member may be secured to the dressing and may wrap around the tubing and a portion of the patient's body so as to resist radial movement of the tubing relative to the body.

Abstract: An anchoring system provides secure attachment between a portion of a medical article and a body of a patient. The anchoring system comprises a securement device and a first fitting attached to the medical article, the first fitting having a first configuration. Embodiments of the anchoring system also comprise a second fitting attached to the medical article. The second fitting has a second configuration that differs from the first. The securement device includes a mounting surface for attaching the securement device to the patient's body and a receiving area. The receiving area is oriented so as to face away from the patient's body, and includes retainer mechanisms that are capable of engaging one or both of the first and second fittings, which have different configurations.

Abstract: An external anchoring device for a nasogastric or orogastric tube comprising a cross shaped facial attachment base comprising a middle section, a top section, a bottom section, a left section and a right section; a first elongated fastening strap; and a second elongated fastening strap which are attached to and extend downwardly from the bottom section of the cross shaped facial attachment base; a first fastener, and a second fastener. The cross shaped facial attachment base, the first elongated fastening strap, and the second elongated fastening strap form a unitary piece which comprises an outside layer, an adhesive layer and a covering layer. The cross shaped facial attachment base is affixed to a user's nose and the first elongated fastening strap and the second elongated fastening strap may be wrapped around and adhered to a nasogastric tube and secured to each other via the first fastener and the second fastener.

Abstract: A tube holder assembly is provided for securing a medical tube such as an endotracheal tube to a patient. In one illustrative embodiment, the holder assembly comprises a support strap for placement around the patient's head or neck region, a bracket for holding the endotracheal tube in position relative to the patient's mouth, and a face anchoring portion for securing the support strap to the patient's face region. The support strap includes a front surface and an opposed, back surface. The bracket may be attached to the front surface of the support strap. The bracket may include an upper bar and an arm extending from the upper bar. The face anchoring device may comprise a first surface configured to adhere to the patient's face region, and a second, opposed surface having a strap-engaging portion configured to mechanically engage the back surface of the support strap. The support strap may be configured to be repeatedly releasable and adjustable to the face anchoring device.

Abstract: A patient-wearable system includes a drainage/supply mechanism having a proximal and distal tube, and a twist isolation mechanism defining a twisting force diffusion path for limiting transmitting twisting force between the proximal and distal tubes during passing fluids between an intraluminal device and a fluid reservoir. The twist isolation mechanism includes a mounting component, a control component, and a conduit component, the control component including first and second load reacting outboard body edges and the conduit component defining a middle lumen configured to fluidly connect with each of the proximal and distal tubes via proximal and distal couplings, and being mounted to the control component.

Abstract: Unfortunately, the medical profession may have given little thought to resolving the discomfort, irritation; infection and emotional stress that exists for patients that must have feeding tubes to stay alive. The feeding tube pouch appears to be a welcomed medical aid, which will provide both comfort and peace of mind to those without much hope for a better quality of life.

Abstract: A percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) holder for use by a patient subjected to a PEG surgery is provided. The holder is normally worn on the waist of the patient and forms an overall appearance of a waist belt, and is capable of fixing and receiving a feeding tube exposed out of the abdomen (close to stomach) of the patient after the surgery, so as to prevent the feeding tube from detaching when the patient drags the feeding tube due to carelessness.

Abstract: A planar assembly for use as a tubular intravenous line support sleeve comprising a trapezoidal-shaped center portion, an insertion tab extending outwardly from a first side of said center portion, and an insertion slot assembly extending outwardly from a second and opposing side of said center portion.

Abstract: The present invention is a Miniature Vein Enhancer that includes a Miniature Projection Head. The Miniature Projection Head may be operated in one of three modes, AFM, DBM, and RTM. The Miniature Projection Head of the present invention projects an image of the veins of a patient, which aids the practitioner in pinpointing a vein for an intravenous drip, blood test, and the like. The Miniature projection head may have a cavity for a power source or it may have a power source located in a body portion of the Miniature Vein Enhancer. The Miniature Vein Enhancer may be attached to one of several improved needle protectors, or the Miniature Vein Enhancer may be attached to a body similar to a flashlight for hand held use. The Miniature Vein Enhancer of the present invention may also be attached to a magnifying glass, a flat panel display, and the like.

Abstract: A support system for supporting a feeding tube of a person is disclosed. The support system comprises an elongated flexible band, a disc and a sling mechanism. The elongated flexible band is adapted to circumscribe the person's body, at least partially covering abdomen region of the person. The disc is disposed on the elongated flexible band and is capable of securing the feeding tube. The sling mechanism is functionally coupled to the elongated flexible band and provides support to the feeding tube, for example, while the tube is not being used to feed a user.

Abstract: A medical stabilization device that directs medical tubing onto a compressible foam block where it is attached and stabilized to the patient's body allowing it to be secured against excessive movement, tube dislodgement and positioned in a time efficient manner to prevent obstruction of patient treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a design for securing tubes, catheters, drains, or other tubular medical devices within the body of a mammal, for example a human, and methods of securing same. The invention includes a first tubular body and at least one second tubular body. The first tubular body includes an outer surface, an inner surface defining a lumen extending longitudinally at least partially through a length of the tubular body, a wall at least partially defined by the outer surface and the inner surface, and a longitudinal axis. The at least one second tubular body includes an outer surface, an inner surface defining a lumen extending longitudinally through the second tubular body, and a wall at least partially defined by the outer surface and the inner surface. The second tubular body is disposed through the wall of the first tubular body transversely to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An intravenous bandage having a first component defining an adhesive area for attaching the intravenous bandage to a patient and a second component secured to the first component so as to define a port pocket therebetween for providing stability and sterility to a catheter lumen.

Abstract: A multipurpose site guard for use at all peripheral and central venipuncture infusion sites, sensitive areas, and for pediatric and adult patients. The guard is a hollow plastic member with a base and a sidewall curved upwardly and inwardly to form a cover which is form fitted to the infusion site under finger pressure and which can be taped in place. Improvements to this invention include holding the guard in place with a fabric connector having closure means and cushioning the guard's base with a soft material.

Abstract: A strap that is both easy to use and safe for both the patient and healthcare provider. A slip-on circular elastic strap is provided in various sizes in order to accommodate the different arm circumferences of patients. The circular strap has an additional small elastic strap affixed via stitching. The small elastic strap utilizes a hook and loop system such that the ends of the small strap can criss-cross over the I.V. tubing and hold the tubing in place to the circular elastic strap thus securing the I.V. tubing with tension preventing dislocation of the tubing and/or I.V. site.

Abstract: A dressing having a flexible sleeve shaped to accommodate a substantially cylindrical body or plant portion, the sleeve having a lining which is substantially non-adherent to the body or plant part being bandaged and having a peripheral securement means which attaches two peripheral portions to each other without those portions being circumferentially adhered to the sleeve portion.

Abstract: A method of securing a medical article to the body of a patient is disclosed in which an anchoring device comprising an anchor and a retainer is used. The retainer is attached to an upper surface of the anchor and comprises a base, a cover and a post. The base is disposed on the upper surface of the anchor and the cover is connected to the base so as to move between an open and a closed position. When the cover is in the closed position, it lies above at least part of the base. The post is attached movably to either the base or the cover and is arranged so as to lie at least partially between the cover and the base when the cover is in the closed position. When securing a medical article, the cover is placed in the open position and the medical article placed onto the retainer. The cover may then be closed over the medical article and the anchoring device attached to the patient.

Abstract: An improved anchor system and method for holding an intravenous catheter to the patient's body is easier to clean thereby reducing the risk of infection. The system also includes an intravenous catheter that includes a main line, a yoke attached to the main line and two branch lines attached to the yoke an elastic band made of non-porous material and a neck lanyard with a clamp on one end. During use, the elastic band is positioned around the two lumens and then twisted into a figure eight configuration. Each lumen is then extended into one of the two loops formed on the elastic strap. The clamp on the lanyard is then attached to the crossover section of the elastic band located between the two loops. The clamp includes jaws that when released tightens each loop around the lumens thereby securely attaching the two lumens to the lanyard.

Abstract: A device for protecting and cushioning the site of a penetration in a patient's limb and the external portion of a catheter or other medical device inserted partially through the penetration includes a preferably soft and flexible cover to be wrapped around the limb in which the penetration is made over the penetration and catheter, a stiff but deformable stabilizer band disposed within the cover, to be wrapped around the limb with the cover, a non-skid portion for stable engagement to the user's skin, and fastener for releasably connecting the device around a patient's limb. In a preferred embodiment, the fastener is a hook and loop material threaded through a bracket for folding the material onto itself for releasable engagement.

Abstract: An intravenous catheter anchoring assembly is disclosed and includes a patient-contacting membrane, a platform, and a retaining strap for securing a catheter or tubing of an administration set to a patient. The strap is attached to the platform with adjustable pull-tabs that permit a variety of catheter shapes and sizes to be secured. The strap is also elastomeric so that the strap is stretchable and thereby grabs the secured catheter. The strap and platform further define a plurality of passageways that permit the catheter to be secured in a plurality of non-aligned directions.

Abstract: A medical article securement device holds a medical article in position upon the body of a patient and can be used to inhibit lateral and longitudinal motion of the medical article. The securement device includes a retainer with a base and at least one post, and at least one cap. The cap is attached to the base of the retainer by a flexible connection, and can be placed into either a covered or uncovered configuration with respect to the post. The cap includes a recess which can receive a protrusion at the end of the post of the retainer. By placing the post through an appropriate opening in the medical article to be retained and then securing the medical article to the retainer by placing the cap into the covered position over the post, longitudinal and lateral motion of the medical article is inhibited.

Abstract: A lightweight comfortable support sling formed of soft flexible fabric material is supported around the back of the neck of postoperative patients in an inverted U-shaped configuration with the opposed ends of the sling hanging down along the front or sides of the patient's torso. Multiple conventional post-surgical fluid drainage receptacles can be secured at each end of the sling by hook and loop fasteners and adjustably positioned at locations adjacent to the body of the wearer to allow easy access and avoid tangling and stress on the drain tubes. While still having the drainage receptacles attached, the sling can be separated in the middle and easily removed from the patient's neck to relieve pressure, then re-fastened for ambulation. The sling is capable of supporting ten or more drainage bulbs.

Abstract: Device for securing a line such as a medical tube, a catheter, diagnostic wires etc., the device including a line retaining part and a base part, the line retaining part having at least one groove for accommodating a line, the groove being designed with flexible retaining means, the base part including fixing means, where the line retaining part and the base part are provided with complementary locking means.

Abstract: The present invention is a Miniature Vein Enhancer that includes a Miniature Projection Head. The Miniature Projection Head may be operated in one of three modes, AFM, DBM, and RTM. The Miniature Projection Head of the present invention projects an image of the veins of a patient, which aids the practitioner in pinpointing a vein for an intravenous drip, blood test, and the like. The Miniature projection head may have a cavity for a power source or it may have a power source located in a body portion of the Miniature Vein Enhancer. The Miniature Vein Enhancer may be attached to one of several improved needle protectors, or the Miniature Vein Enhancer may be attached to a body similar to a flashlight for hand held use. The Miniature Vein Enhancer of the present invention may also be attached to a magnifying glass, a flat panel display, and the like.

Abstract: A securement system is provided for use with a medical article. The securement system includes a retainer and a securement strap. The retainer comprising an elastomeric gel and a longitudinal channel configured to retain at least a portion of the medical article. In some embodiments, the securement strap may be configured to secure the retainer and retained medical article relative to a patient. A method for securing a medical article to a patient is further disclosed.

Abstract: A device contemplated to be used in lieu of tape to secure and protect an IV catheter while maintaining the patient's comfort and an acceptable range of movement is formed with a thin, flexible body configured to be wrapped around a portion of a patient's anatomy, and particularly a patient's hand. The body of the device includes a slot extending into the body from one end, with an aperture at the base of the slot into which a patient's thumb is to be received, and the ends of the device are wrapped around to the palm of the hand and secured to each other without any of the securing adhesive to contact the skin of the patient. In preferred embodiments a releasable and re-connectable cover is provided over the catheter site to allow inspection and adjustment with minimal disturbance of the device or the patient.

Abstract: A feeding apparatus includes a feeding tube that has a first end and a second end. A tether is removably attached to the feeding tube and is configured to secure the feeding tube to a neck or torso of a person receiving the feeding tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a fluid container, such as a syringe or a vial, is provided for securing the container in an upside down or other suitable position for use in various medical procedures such as those of the type that involve use of a medical pump. The fluid container holding apparatus is capable of operatively connecting to any of a number of support structures including a wall, ceiling, desk, table, post, hangar, or IV stand. A fluid delivery system including such a fluid container, and a fluid conduit, such as IV tubing, may include the fluid container holding apparatus of the present invention.

Abstract: The extensible intravenous (“i.v.”) drip line tubing uses a helical accordion support structure on which the i.v. tubing is attached. The helical accordion backbone has some tendency to spring back, but this is not relied upon to extend and return the i.v. tubing it carries. The carrier structure keeps the i.v. tubing from getting tangle or kinked. A centrally located retractable line, which is located within the center of the helical accordion structure, acts as the retracting mechanism, as it tends to allow the accordion structure to be pulled into an extended position, while upon rewinding the central cord, the helical accordion support structure can be pushed toward a collapsed position without the i.v. drip line tubing becoming tanked, kinked, and thereby blocked. As a safety feature, so the i.v. line does not encounter and strain between it and the point of entry of the i.v. line into the patient, is one or more wrist and or armbands to which the i.v. carrier is attached by a short, strong line.

Abstract: A medical tube retaining device has a flexible portion having one or more clips formed thereon for organizing, securing and retaining one or more medical tubes to the flexible portion. An adjustable band is attached to the flexible portion for securing the device to a limb of a patient.