Catheter anchoring device and method

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for anchoring a catheter to a patient's skin using a catheter anchoring device are described. The catheter anchoring device includes one or more pairs of sharps with a sharpened end configured to pierce the surface of the skin. A locking mechanism for the sharps is used as a failsafe mechanism. The catheter anchoring device further includes a catheter clamp for securing a catheter to the catheter anchoring device. Releasing the clamp allows an operator to reposition and secure the catheter at the new position without moving the catheter anchoring device.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An anchor device, the device comprising:
 a housing having a bottom surface;   at least one pair of sharps within the housing, each sharp in the at least one pair of sharps having an end configured to pierce a skin surface; and   a locking mechanism configured to maintain the end of each sharp within the housing when the locking mechanism is engaged and to enable each sharp to protrude from the bottom surface and to pierce a skin surface when the locking mechanism is disengaged.   
     
     
         2 .- 50 . (canceled)