Last updated
CLIPit: the multipurpose clip
Share PrintOur mission is to transform patient care by introducing CLIPIt: the multipurpose clip—an innovative, safe, and patient-centered solution that empowers individuals and caregivers in managing surgical drains at home. Designed for comfort, privacy, and ease of use, CLIPIt enhances autonomy, reduces injury risk, and improves quality of life for patients with various drain types.
Origin:
November 2022, VISN-12
Adoptions:
1 in-progress
Awards and Recognition:
iNET Seed Investee
Partners:
VA Technology Transfer Program, VHA Innovators Network
Recent Updates
Overview
Problem
The Veterans Health Administration currently uses a sharp device to secure negative pressure suction surgical drains. While functional, this device presents significant challenges—especially for individuals with limited dexterity—making it difficult to open and close safely. This often leads to accidental sharps injuries for both patients and healthcare prov
...
The Veterans Health Administration currently uses a sharp device to secure negative pressure suction surgical drains. While functional, this device presents significant challenges—especially for individuals with limited dexterity—making it difficult to open and close safely. This often leads to accidental sharps injuries for both patients and healthcare providers. These injuries are not rare. According to the CDC, an estimated 385,000 sharps injuries occur annually among hospital employees. Many of these incidents are linked to the absence of safer equipment—an issue that is both preventable and unacceptable in modern healthcare. Beyond the risk of injury, surgical drains themselves are a source of substantial discomfort. They negatively impact patients’ quality of life, complicate recovery, and are associated with increased rates of surgical site infections—adding to both emotional and financial burdens. Patients deserve better. They expect a system that is safe, intuitive, and free from sharp edges—a solution that supports healing rather than hindering it. Addressing this issue is not just a matter of innovation; it’s a matter of dignity, safety, and care.
See
more
Solution
Solution Highlights
✅ Imaging Safe – compatible with diagnostic procedures
✅ Ergonomic Design – easy for patients with arthritis or limited dexterity
✅ Skin Safe -using materials that limit skin irritation
✅ No Sharp Edges – prevents injury to patients and caregivers
✅ Durable Materials – rust- and corrosion-resistant
✅ Discrete Placement – gentle on ... Solution Highlights
✅ Imaging Safe – compatible with diagnostic procedures
✅ Ergonomic Design – easy for patients with arthritis or limited dexterity
✅ Skin Safe -using materials that limit skin irritation
✅ No Sharp Edges – prevents injury to patients and caregivers
✅ Durable Materials – rust- and corrosion-resistant
✅ Discrete Placement – gentle on clothing
Design Features
Lever mechanism added for securement and ease of use
Compatible with multiple drain types (tested up to 2,000 ml capacity)
Supports showering via lanyard attachment
🔹 Tested & Validated
Evaluated by a Veteran with arthritis
Reviewed by Physical & Occupational Therapy experts See more
✅ Imaging Safe – compatible with diagnostic procedures
✅ Ergonomic Design – easy for patients with arthritis or limited dexterity
✅ Skin Safe -using materials that limit skin irritation
✅ No Sharp Edges – prevents injury to patients and caregivers
✅ Durable Materials – rust- and corrosion-resistant
✅ Discrete Placement – gentle on ... Solution Highlights
✅ Imaging Safe – compatible with diagnostic procedures
✅ Ergonomic Design – easy for patients with arthritis or limited dexterity
✅ Skin Safe -using materials that limit skin irritation
✅ No Sharp Edges – prevents injury to patients and caregivers
✅ Durable Materials – rust- and corrosion-resistant
✅ Discrete Placement – gentle on clothing
Design Features
Lever mechanism added for securement and ease of use
Compatible with multiple drain types (tested up to 2,000 ml capacity)
Supports showering via lanyard attachment
🔹 Tested & Validated
Evaluated by a Veteran with arthritis
Reviewed by Physical & Occupational Therapy experts See more
Images
Photo taken by Milwaukee VA Medical media
Results
The CLIPit multipurpose drain clip transforms post-surgical care by improving safety, comfort, and independence:
Enhances quality of life by allowing secure, sharpless drain management
Supports up to 2000ml of fluid for over 15 days
Attaches to clothing in any position, promoting proper body mechanics and reducing strain
Improves mobility and self-care ... The CLIPit multipurpose drain clip transforms post-surgical care by improving safety, comfort, and independence:
Enhances quality of life by allowing secure, sharpless drain management
Supports up to 2000ml of fluid for over 15 days
Attaches to clothing in any position, promoting proper body mechanics and reducing strain
Improves mobility and self-care, especially for individuals with dexterity challenges
Eliminates safety pins—reducing infection risk, imaging delays, and OR inefficiencies
Boosts patient and staff satisfaction by preventing injuries and improving privacy
Accelerates recovery through better comfort and usability
CLIPit addresses a long-standing gap in drain management—delivering a safer, smarter, and more dignified solution. See more
Enhances quality of life by allowing secure, sharpless drain management
Supports up to 2000ml of fluid for over 15 days
Attaches to clothing in any position, promoting proper body mechanics and reducing strain
Improves mobility and self-care ... The CLIPit multipurpose drain clip transforms post-surgical care by improving safety, comfort, and independence:
Enhances quality of life by allowing secure, sharpless drain management
Supports up to 2000ml of fluid for over 15 days
Attaches to clothing in any position, promoting proper body mechanics and reducing strain
Improves mobility and self-care, especially for individuals with dexterity challenges
Eliminates safety pins—reducing infection risk, imaging delays, and OR inefficiencies
Boosts patient and staff satisfaction by preventing injuries and improving privacy
Accelerates recovery through better comfort and usability
CLIPit addresses a long-standing gap in drain management—delivering a safer, smarter, and more dignified solution. See more
Diffusion tracker
Does not include Clinical Resource Hubs (CRH)
Implementation
Timeline
-
1-12 months
As part of our safety and innovation initiative, the following milestones outline the planned transition from the use of sharp objects (e.g., safety pins) to the CLIPit securement device:Practice Change Notification IssuedA formal notification will be distributed to all relevant departments announcing the shift in securement practice. This communication will outline the rationale, expected benefits, and timeline for implementation.Development and Distribution of Training MaterialsComprehensive training resources—including instructional guides, demonstration videos, and FAQs—will be created and disseminated to staff. These materials will ensure consistent understanding and proper use of the CLIPit device.Staff Education and EngagementTargeted training sessions will be scheduled across departments. Staff will be encouraged to participate in hands-on demonstrations and provide feedback to support adoption and address any concerns.Supply Chain CoordinationLogistics and Supply Chain teams will be engaged to ensure availability and distribution of CLIPit devices. Any changes or additions to securement device inventory will be coordinated through established channels.Full Implementation and MonitoringUpon completion of training and supply readiness, CLIPit devices will fully replace safety pins in applicable workflows. Usage will be monitored, and feedback will be collected to assess effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvement.Post-Implementation ReviewA formal review will be conducted to evaluate the impact of the transition, including safety outcomes, staff satisfaction, and operational efficiency. Findings will inform future practice improvements. -
1-12 months
Objective:Establish and evaluate pilot sites to support the transition from safety pins to CLIPit securement devices, enabling phased adoption and continuous improvement.FY26 Milestone: Initial Pilot Site LaunchTarget: Identify and onboard 1–6 initial pilot sites across diverse clinical settings.Activities:Site selection based on readiness, interest, and operational diversity.Deployment of training materials and CLIPit devices.Baseline data collection on current securement practices.Ongoing support and feedback loops with site champions.Outcome: Generate early insights, refine implementation strategies, and build momentum for broader adoption.FY27 Milestone: Expansion of Pilot SitesTarget: Launch an additional 1–6 pilot sites informed by FY26 learnings.Activities:Apply refined training and support models.Expand data collection to include comparative analysis.Strengthen logistics coordination for scalable supply distribution.Outcome: Validate broader applicability, prepare for enterprise-wide rollout, and establish best practices.
Departments
- Cancer care
- Cardiovascular surgery
- Discharge planning
- Education and training
- Nursing services
- Plastic and reconstructive surgery
- Diagnostic imaging/X-ray/radiology
Core Resources
| Resource type | Resource description |
|---|---|
PEOPLE |
|
PROCESSES |
|
TOOLS |
|
Optional Resources
| Resource type | Resource description |
|---|---|
PEOPLE |
|
PROCESSES |
|
TOOLS |
|
Support Resources
| Resource type | Resource description |
|---|---|
PEOPLE |
|
PROCESSES |
|
TOOLS |
|
Risks and mitigations
| Risk | Mitigation |
|---|---|
| Buy-in from staff regarding the change in practice | Change practitioner and leadership can provide solutions as well as personal stores on how the CLIPit device provided quality of life care with a drain |
Contact
About
Origin story
In November 2022, I made the deeply personal decision to undergo a risk-reducing mastectomy. When I left the hospital, I carried not only the weight of recovery but also four surgical drains awkwardly secured with safety pins—a method I remembered from the earliest days of my career over two decades ago. The pins were painful and unpredictable; I was acciden
...
In November 2022, I made the deeply personal decision to undergo a risk-reducing mastectomy. When I left the hospital, I carried not only the weight of recovery but also four surgical drains awkwardly secured with safety pins—a method I remembered from the earliest days of my career over two decades ago. The pins were painful and unpredictable; I was accidentally poked, my nurse was poked, and my husband, afraid of hurting me, hesitated to help with my care. In that vulnerable moment, I realized something had to change. I designed my own system at home to make drain care safer and more manageable. When I returned to work, I partnered with our 3D printing team to transform that personal solution into a practical innovation—one that could help others navigate the challenges of post-surgical recovery with greater comfort, safety, and dignity.
Original team
Jean Borck
Simulation Education Specialist, MSN, RN CHSE
Katie Schultz
DPT, ATP, 3D Printing Program Manager - VISN 12
Tina Hobach
MBA, R.T.(R)(CT)(ARRT), 3D Printing Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - VISN 12
Comment
Comments and replies are disabled for retired innovations and non-VA users.