Preventing inadvertent drain removal using a novel catheter securement device

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Devices
• Minimally Invasive Surgery

Background:

• Percutaneous drains are essential for various medical conditions, including abscess drainage, enteral feeding, and hydronephrosis management.
• High rates of drain dislodgement (up to 30%) lead to significant patient morbidity, mortality, and increased healthcare costs due to repeat procedures and hospitalizations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel securement system for percutaneous drains to mitigate dislodgement.
• To investigate the forces acting on drainage catheters during dislodgement events and identify key securement components.

Main Methods:

• Utilized force body diagrams in ex vivo and in vivo models to analyze dislodgement forces.
• Developed prototype securement devices inspired by capstan and MagSafe technologies.
• Tested the prototype system in a porcine suprapubic model to assess its efficacy in preventing drain dislodgement.

Main Results:

• Empirically identified critical components contributing to drainage catheter securement.
• The developed securement system, inspired by boating and electronics, effectively prevented drain dislodgement in a porcine model.
• Demonstrated the feasibility of miniaturizing established technologies for medical device applications.

Conclusions:

• The novel skin-level, valved quick-release securement system significantly reduces percutaneous drain dislodgement.
• This innovative approach offers a promising solution to improve patient safety and reduce healthcare burdens associated with drain management.
• Miniaturized capstan and quick-release mechanisms provide effective solutions for preventing medical catheter dislodgement.