Patent Secured: TLC Splint Product Line Officially Recognized by U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

In a major milestone for innovation in IV therapy safety, I.V. House is proud to announce that the TLC Splint product line has been awarded a patent by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. U.S. Patent No. 12,213,904, titled “Intravenous Extremity Support,” formally recognizes the unique design that enables comprehensive assessment of an extremity during IV therapy—without removing the support device.

The TLC Splint series, designed with input from nurses and human factors experts, has quickly gained recognition for its intuitive, ergonomic design and its ability to improve both patient safety and nurse efficiency.

Innovation Born from the Bedside

The TLC Splint started with a simple question: Why do hospitals still use outdated flat armboards that block visibility and hinder assessment? At an annual Vascular Access conference, Lisa Vallino, BSN, RN and Nurse Inventor at I.V. House, spoke with a clinician from a leading pediatric hospital about armboard safety. They discussed adding a see-through opening or “window” on the back of an armboard to improve visibility.

Partnering with Metaphase, a St. Louis-based product development firm known for its expertise in ergonomic design, I.V. House and Metaphase drew upon the knowledge and experience of pediatric healthcare professionals to bring the concept to life. The result? The TLC Wrist Splint, the first in a series of extremity-specific supports, was launched. Following its success, the TLC Foot Splint and TLC Elbow Splint were added to the lineup to address additional stabilization needs.

To date, over one million TLC Splints have been sold, with more on the horizon as I.V. House continues to refine and expand the product line based on real-world nursing feedback.

Grounded in Best Practice: The TLC Assessment Method

The TLC in “TLC Splint” stands for more than just tender loving care. It reflects the Touch, Look, and Compare assessment method—an evidence-based approach initially developed by a leading pediatric hospital to help nurses detect early signs of IV complications such as infiltration and extravasation.

Here’s how it works:

• Touch: IV insertion site should feel soft, warm, dry, and pain-free.
• Look: IV insertion site should be uncovered, dry, and without redness.
• Compare: IV insertion site and surrounding area should be the same size as the opposite extremity and without swelling.

This simple mnemonic empowers healthcare providers to spot warning signs early, potentially preventing serious outcomes.

Aligning with the Latest Standards

The 2024 Infusion Nurses Society Standard of Practice #37 supports the use of splints that allow for visual inspection while maintaining a functional position. The TLC Splint line meets and exceeds this recommendation, offering full extremity visibility without compromising stability.

Hospitals that implement the TLC assessment method in conjunction with I.V. House’s patented devices report significant reductions in IV-related complications—especially when combined with caregiver education, complementary technologies, and other proactive patient safety strategies.

Looking Ahead

This newly issued patent is a testament to I.V. House’s continued dedication to advancing patient safety and supporting clinical excellence. As the healthcare landscape evolves, I.V. House remains committed to innovation with a purpose—empowering nurses and protecting patients, one IV site at a time.

Read more about the TLC method on our blog, or request samples of the TLC Splint to see the unique design for yourself.