Body surface conduit fixing device – Type A

Body Surface Conduit Fixing Device – Type A

PRIMARY CLINICAL & DIAGNOSTIC USES

1. Post‑Surgical Securing of Drains and Tubes
Primary Use: Provides a sterile, single‑use, adhesive‑backed fixation device designed to secure a percutaneous catheter, tube, or drain (e.g., chest tube, abdominal drain, nasogastric tube) to a patient’s skin surface without suturing. Type A consists of a body surface fixation base made of a non‑woven fabric coated with medical‑grade pressure‑sensitive adhesive, a hook‑and‑loop fastener (Velcro) section, and a release liner.

How it helps: For the surgeon and the surgical nurse, the Type A fixator replaces traditional sutures for securing drains. Sutures can cause additional trauma, increase the risk of needle‑stick injuries, and may lead to painful tension on the skin. The adhesive base provides a secure, broad surface attachment that distributes the weight of the drain more evenly, reducing the risk of accidental pull‑out (extravasation) and minimising local pressure damage. The hook‑and‑loop closure allows the device to be wrapped around any size of drain up to approximately 36 Fr in diameter. For the patient, this means a more comfortable postoperative recovery with less drain‑site pain and a lower risk of accidental dislodgement during routine activities such as turning in bed or walking.

2. Prevention of Catheter‑Related Infections
Primary Use: By holding the catheter firmly in place, the fixation device eliminates the need for sutures, which can act as wicks for bacteria, and prevents the piston‑like movement of the catheter in and out of the insertion site. This micro‑motion is known to disrupt the formation of the skin tract and can introduce microorganisms into the deeper tissues.

How it helps: For the infection control nurse and the surgeon, the primary benefit is a demonstrable reduction in the risk of catheter‑related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) and exit‑site infections. By minimising movement of the catheter, the device helps maintain the integrity of the healing tissue around the insertion site, creating a more effective barrier against invading pathogens. This also reduces the need for frequent, traumatic dressing changes that can disturb the wound bed. For the patient, a lower infection risk means shorter hospital stays, fewer antibiotic courses, and a safer overall recovery.

3. Improved Patient Comfort and Safety
Primary Use: Designed for patient comfort, the non‑woven base is made from a breathable, soft material that conforms to the body’s contours. The adhesive is medical‑grade and hypoallergenic to minimise skin reactions. The low‑profile design prevents the device from snagging on bedding or clothing.

How it helps: For the patient, shifting from a sutured drain to an adhesive fixation device dramatically reduces the sensation of tugging, pulling, or pinching at the drain site. This translates to less drain‑site pain, greater freedom of movement, and a lower risk of accidental dislodgement during routine activities such as turning over in bed, walking, or bathing. For the nursing staff, the secure fixation means fewer emergency call‑outs for dislodged drains and less time spent reapplying loose tape. The result is a less stressful recovery and an overall improvement in quality of life during the post‑operative period.

SECONDARY & SUPPORTIVE USES

1. Securing Epidural Catheters: As an alternative to sutures or tape, the Type A device can be used to secure an epidural catheter for post‑operative pain management. For the anaesthesiologist and the pain management nurse, the adhesive base holds the catheter in place on the patient’s back, while the hook‑and‑loop closure securely grips the catheter without occluding the lumen, helping to maintain correct placement. For the patient, a securely fixed epidural catheter means more reliable post‑operative pain relief and a lower risk of the catheter being accidentally pulled out during movement or repositioning in bed.

2. Fixation of Nasogastric (NG) and Nasoenteric (NE) Tubes: The device is used to affix NG or NE tubes to the nasal bridge or cheek, replacing the traditional method of taping the tube to the face. For the clinical nutrition nurse and the gastroenterologist, the adhesive is gentle on facial skin, and the secure hold prevents the tube from pulling out or migrating back into the stomach. For the patient, this means less facial skin irritation, reduced risk of tube dislodgement during coughing or vomiting, and improved comfort when the tube must remain in place for extended periods.

3. Securing Central Venous Catheters (CVCs): For temporary or short‑term central lines, the Type A fixator can be used to secure the catheter hub to the skin of the chest or neck. For the interventional radiologist and the critical care nurse, this is particularly useful for dialysis catheters or introducer sheaths where a strong, reliable fixation is necessary to maintain vascular access. For the patient, a properly secured CVC reduces the risk of catheter migration, accidental removal, and the associated bleeding or air embolism, while also minimising the discomfort caused by loose tape or sutures.

4. Securing Peritoneal Dialysis Catheters: The device can be used to fix the external segment of a peritoneal dialysis catheter to the abdominal wall. For the nephrologist and the dialysis nurse, this provides a clean, secure alternative to traditional dressings, reducing the risk of catheter torsion and exit‑site infection. For the patient receiving peritoneal dialysis at home, the Type A fixator offers an easy‑to‑use, reliable method for keeping the catheter in place during daily activities and sleep, improving confidence in self‑care.

5. Fixation of Wound Drains (Jackson‑Pratt, Blake, Hemovac): The device is well suited for securing the tubing of surgical wound drains to the skin near the incision site. For the general surgeon and the wound care nurse, this prevents the drain from pulling on the suture at the insertion point, reducing local tissue damage and patient pain. For the patient, a securely fixed drain is less likely to be accidentally dislodged when changing dressings or moving, which helps ensure that the drain remains functional for the prescribed duration.

6. Securing Chest Tubes Post‑Thoracotomy: For patients after lung surgery or with a pneumothorax, the Type A fixator can be used to secure the chest tube to the thoracic wall. For the thoracic surgeon and the respiratory nurse, the broad adhesive base provides stable fixation even in the presence of chest hair or moisture, while the hook‑and‑loop fastener accommodates the larger diameter of chest tubes. For the patient, this means less pulling at the chest tube insertion site during breathing and movement, reducing pain and the anxiety associated with having a chest tube in place.