Catheter securement device

#1. Field of the Invention

#The present invention pertains to a securement device for securing a medical implement to the body of a patient, and, more particularly, to securement devices for fixing various catheters to the body of a patient.

#2. Description of the Prior Art

#There is shown in the attached drawing presently preferred embodiments of the present invention, wherein like numerals in the respective views refer to like elements and wherein:

#FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art winged catheter that is engaged with a base affixed to the body of the user, wherein the winged catheter is secured to posts fixed on the base;

#FIG. 2 shows an adjustable catheter securement device having plates rotationally adjustable with respect to one another;

#Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a prior art device for securing peripherally-inserted central catheters (PICC) in place on a patient. The device 10 for securing the catheter 12 in place includes a base 14 adapted to be secured to the skin of a patient by an adhesive. Affixed to the base 14 is an adapter 16 having a pair of posts 18 extending upwardly therefrom. The posts 18 engage in openings in the wings 20 of the catheter 12 for securing the catheter 12 in place on the device 10. A separate adapter is needed for a specific catheter and the usefulness of the device is therefor limited.

#With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, there is disclosed a securement device 28 that can be used more universally to secure winged catheters with different spacings between the openings in the wings of the catheter. The securement device 28 includes a base or pad means 30 having adhesive on at least a portion of one surface (the surface adapted to face and engage the patient) and a fixed member or plate 32 secured on the opposite surface (the surface facing away from the patient. Rotationally secured to the base 30 by the pivot pin 35 is an adjustable plate 34. The fixed member 32 has a projection in the form of a pin or post 36 extending upwardly and generally perpendicularly with respect to the fixed member 32. The adjustable plate 34 has a projection in the form of a pin or post 38 extending upwardly and generally perpendicularly with respect to the adjustable plate 34. The adjustable plate 34 is generally planar and parallel to the generally planar fixed plate 32. When the adjustable plate 34 is rotated with respect to the fixed plate 32 about the axis of the pivot pin 35, the spacing between the posts 36, 38 is varied, whereby the securement device 28 can be adapted readily to accommodate a winged catheter 37. Catheters with different spacings between the openings therein can be readily accomodated. Further, it will be understood by persons skilled in the art that the posts can be secured as desired to the fixed member and the adjustable plate. For example, post 38 can be positioned outwardly or inwardly on the adjustable plate 34 from the position illustrated in the drawing. The shape of the posts can be altered as needed. They can be cylindrical, with a textured outer surface. The posts may have a bullet shape at the top, or another form, such as a pyramid or a cone or Christmas tree ball structure.

#The fixed member 32 and post 36 may be considered to be a first complementary securement means and the adjustable plate 34 and the post 38 may be considered to be a second complementary securement means. The two complementary securement means are constructed and arranged to be rotationally adjusted with respect to one another to secure a medical implement, such as a catheter. The posts 36 and 38 may be considered to be retention means on the respective first and second complementary means for engaging with and retaining the catheter.