[Design and application of a moldable applicator for securing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cannulas]

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a vital cardiopulmonary life support technology and one of the key therapeutic measures for extracorporeal life support in critically ill patients. To secure the cannula and prevent catheter-related bloodstream infections, the current clinical practice involves covering the catheter puncture site locally with a sterile transparent dressing. However, due to the large diameter of ECMO cannulas, inadequate shaping during dressing application can compromise the seal of the dressing, increasing the risk of infection. Simultaneously, direct contact of the cannula with the patient's skin can easily lead to local device-related pressure injuries. Furthermore, the large surface area of ECMO dressings and varying levels of skill among healthcare professionals in shaping the dressings further compromise the effectiveness of fixation. To address the aforementioned issues, the department of critical care medicine at Zhongda Hospital affiliated with Southeast University has invented a moldable applicator for securing ECMO cannulas, which has been granted a National Utility Model Patent of China (patent number: ZL 2022 2 1954859.2). The device is shaped like scissors and primarily consists of two symmetrically crossing clamping bodies, a connecting part, and a handle. The cross-section of each clamping body is semi-circular. Its hard outer shell is adhesively bonded to an internal soft cushion, ensuring airtight adaptation to catheters of different sizes, thus forming an "Ω"-shaped lifting platform to effectively prevent potential infection and pressure injury risks. The connecting part is equipped with a recoil component-when catheter shaping is complete, releasing the handle causes the clamps to automatically open, facilitating the next step in the procedure for nurses. The handle is designed with anti-slip finger rings, enhancing grip stability and ensuring effective anti-slip performance. With its practical design and user-friendly operation, the product helps prevent infection risks, reduce pressure injuries, and improve nursing efficiency, demonstrating significant value for clinical promotion.