UK-based SME operating within the healthcare sector has recently secured UK grant funding in order to commercialise its innovative catheter fixation device.

This revolutionary, patient-centric catheter solution has been designed to offer long-lasting, secure fixation, reducing the need for frequent device replacements, eliminating additional dressing requirements, and enabling safe showering without compromising catheter security.

The adhesive base lasts over 14 days—far longer than the 3-5 day lifespan of traditional devices—and virtually eliminates catheter dislodgement. By significantly reducing the need for repeat surgeries, this catheter solution boosts healthcare efficiency, enabling more patients to receive more timely care.

The company is keen to discuss with potential manufacturers how they can collaborate further to customise moulds tailored to meet their specific manufacturing requirements for production.

It is envisaged some testing and small production runs would be completed in advance of scaling up production volumes.

The partner s expertise in producing precise and durable moulds would be invaluable in ensuring that the final product meets expected high standards for strength and durability. This will also align with the broader trend in the healthcare industry towards more efficient, less invasive medical devices

The partner is most likely to be a tool manufacturer/ tool maker with experience producing customised high precision moulds.

The UK company seeks a commercial agreement with technical assistance.
Advantages and innovation
Technical Specification or Expertise Sought
This solution is designed to securely fix drainage catheters, preventing dislodgement and improving patient comfort. Given the complexity and precision required for the device, particularly in achieving both strong adhesive properties and durability, high-quality, durable multi-component injection moulding is critical to its success.

Base - The base of the device must be precisely engineered to ensure firm a good surface to enable the adhesive to act as a conduit for the adhesive used to the patient’s skin, while also being comfortable and user friendly.
The technology used will need to be able to achieve the intricate design needed to maintain flexibility and adhesion strength for 14 days and beyond.

Component Structure - The catheter includes two sections (upper and lower housing/base) along with a plug of slightly higher shore than the main material used. Flexibility, durability, and moisture resistance are crucial. The ability to create multi-component moulds would mean the seamless integration into a single, cohesive unit ensuring superior product performance.

Lightweight, Robust Design - While maintaining a lightweight structure, the device must withstand significant pull forces (up to 5kg).

The partner s expertise in producing precise and durable moulds would be invaluable in ensuring that the final product meets expected high standards for strength and durability.

The initial production run for testing will involve around 1,000 units.

This SME is keen to explore cost-effective methods that leverage the latest technological and manufacturing advancements in the injection moulding market.

The tooling process is particularly important, and this company would greatly benefit from expert input to identify innovative solutions that could optimise production efficiency and reduce costs. Beyond this test this company would like to find a partner that can help design the harder tooling to cope with production runs into the millions to support scale up.