Patent Application
20060074368
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a cover for a port device and associated line inserted into a patient.
2. Background of the Related Art
Ports are often inserted into the body of a patient to facilitate the administration of fluid and/or drug therapy, as well as for the drawing of fluids, such as blood, from a patient. These ports may be left in place so that medical personnel (or the patient) need only to access the port to administer fluids and/or draw samples, rather than relying on temporary methods, such as a needle and syringe, which may be uncomfortable and time consuming.
An example of one such body port is a peripheral intravenous central catheter (PICC). A PICC is a long, flexible tube that is inserted into a vein in a patient's arm and threaded up into a larger vein above the heart. Medications flowing into the PICC are mixed with and carried by the blood into the bloodstream. The PICC may be left in for extended periods of time for patients requiring repeated infusion type therapy. Although this arrangement facilitates the administration of fluid therapy when required, it also leaves the PICC exposed when not in use, leaving it vulnerable to damage and contamination.
Additionally, many patients may feel self conscious with an exposed PICC. Ace bandages are sometimes wrapped and secured around the port site, but these are bulky and uncomfortable to wear, do not provide ready access to the port when required, and are difficult to put on and secure with one hand. Stockinette-type webbing is also sometimes used, but its limited elasticity and web like structure prove uncomfortable and ill fitting, and do not prevent disturbance of the PICC.
An object of the invention is to solve at least the above problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described hereinafter.
A cover for a port device according to embodiments of the invention is provided, including a substantially tubular band which surrounds a port insertion point on a body portion of a patient so as to cover and secure the port in place, and to provide ready access to the port as required.
Additional advantages, objects, and features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and in part will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned from practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained as particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
The invention will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like elements wherein:
The invention is directed to a cover for a port device. Certain embodiments of the invention are in the form of a substantially tubular cover configured to be inserted onto a body portion of a patient, and secured in place, while affording ready access to the port when required. The cover may be, for example, formed of an elastic material, which allows it to remain in place over the port. Further, the cover may be seamless, and may be formed of a knit or weave. The cover may also be formed of a material that is washable so that the cover may be washed and reused. Further, the cover may be secured in place over the port through a variety of mechanisms, including varying degrees of tightness in the cover, and securing mechanisms positioned at ends of the cover.
For example, the cover may include portions with a tighter knit or weave. Additionally, the cover may have transition portions between portions of different tightness of weave. Such tighter knit or weave portions allow for comfort to the wearer while guarding against slipping of the cover from its position over the port.
Alternatively, the cover may include elastic portions instead of or in addition to the tighter knit or weave portion. The cover may also include means for adjusting the tightness of the cover. In certain embodiments of the invention, this means can include a drawstring and pocket mechanism. The drawstrings may be, for example, fabric similar to the cover, another material, or an elastic material. The drawstring may include a tab securable to a securing portion with for example, a hook and loop type fastening mechanism, a hook and eye type fastening mechanism, a snap type fastening mechanism, or other fastening mechanism. Such mechanisms allow the tightness of the cover to be adjusted to suit a patient's particular needs and desired comfort level. Any combination of the above discussed configurations may be used to position and secure the cover over a port, thereby protecting the port and providing easy access to the port.
Further, the cover may be embellished with any number and type of designs to improve the outward appearance of the cover and enhance its use as an accessory when not covered by clothing. Additionally, these embellishments may include medical information related to the patient and/or the patient's medical information and treatment.
The invention will now be discussed referring to specific embodiments of the invention disclosed in
In certain embodiments of the invention, the band 1 may be made of a relatively thin, snug fitting, seamless material so that clothing may be easily and comfortably worn over the band 1, if desired, and so that the band 1 does not interfere with other activities throughout the day. The band 1 may be embellished with any number and type of designs to improve the outward appearance of the band and enhance its use as an accessory when not covered by clothing. Additionally, these embellishments may include medical information related to the patient and/or the patient's medical information and treatment.
As set forth above, certain embodiments of the invention may have a tighter fit at a lower portion thereof. The tighter fit of the lower portion 4 may be achieved in a number of different ways. For example, a tighter knit or weave may be used in the area of the lower portion 4 of the band 1 than in either the intermediate or upper portions 3 and 2. Further, as shown in
Referring to
A patient may prefer to adjust a tightness of the upper and lower portions 2 and 4 of the band 1 themselves once the band 1 is positioned over the port. In this instance, adjustment devices may be provided for the upper and lower portions 2 and 4. For example, as shown in
Any number of combinations for the configuration of the upper and lower portions 2 and 4 of the band 1 may be used to tighten and secure a position of the band 1 atop a port. For example, a tighter knit or weave in the upper portion 2 of the band 1 may be combined with elastic 7 or a drawstring 11 in the lower portion 4. Likewise, a tighter knit or weave in the lower portion 4 of the band 1 may be combined with elastic 8 or a drawstring 12 in the upper portion 2. These, and numerous other combinations, may all provide a patient with a comfortable cover band for a port which provides easy access to the port when required.
The foregoing embodiments and advantages are merely exemplary and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. The present teaching can be readily applied to other types of apparatuses. The description of the invention is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the claims. Many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures.
