Patent Grant
11304774
Surgical systems and devices have been used in urological procedures on male patients. For example, in male urological procedures, a transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) probe may be inserted into the rectum of the patient in conjunction with insertion of a handpiece into the urethra. During the surgical procedure, it is often necessary to cover or drape both the devices and the patient to protect them from contamination by blood or other bodily fluids. While surgical drapes are commonly used to cover a patient's body, conventional drapes and systems for providing a sterile barrier and for effective fluid management can be less than ideal in at least some respects. For example, conventional drapes for male urological surgical procedures may have a simple, generally flat shape that may not be well suited for use with some surgical systems and transrectal probes, and as such may impede the mobility of the TRUS probe or a mechanical arm coupled to the TRUS probe. Moreover, conventional drapes may be opaque and may not permit visibility of the surgical site while allowing freedom of movement of the TRUS probe. Also, prior surgical drapes can allow greater accumulation of surgical fluids than would be ideal in at least some instances. In some situations, the drape may sag due to the weight of a filled fluid bag attached thereto. Additionally, removal of the drape may be more difficult than would be ideal, for example after the urology procedure with surgical instruments (e.g. catheters) still in place or with a catheter securing or tensioning device placed on the patient.
In light of the above, it would be desirable to provide a drape that allows for improved ease of use with surgical instruments while reducing interference or impedance in the operation and movement of an imaging probe. Moreover, it would be desirable to provide surgical drapes having improved fluid management capability and that serve as a substantially transparent sterile barrier between the urethra and rectum during a urology procedure.
Some embodiments of the present invention comprise an improved sterile drape system, and methods for draping or covering portions of a surgical system and a patient. The system, apparatus, and methods disclosed herein relate to a drape for protecting the patient and surgical system during urology procedures. Advantageously, some embodiments of the present invention allow a surgical system to be protected by a drape that provides improved visibility and monitoring of instruments inserted into surgical site while reducing interference or impedance in the operation and movement of an imaging probe of the surgical system. The embodiments disclosed herein can be advantageous in providing improved fluid management and provide decreased accumulation of fluids during urological surgical procedures.
A surgical drape may comprise a canopy portion configured for placement over a proximal portion of a transrectal device, in which the canopy portion comprises a canopy sized and shaped to receive the proximal portion of the transrectal device. The canopy portion may comprise a barrier material configured to allow manipulation of the proximal portion of the transrectal device through the canopy portion while maintaining a sterile surgical field above the transrectal device. The canopy portion may comprise a protrusion, such as a rectangular or curved protrusion on an upper sterile side, so as to define an underlying volume on a lower non-sterile side, sized and shaped to receive the proximal portion of the transrectal device. The canopy portion may comprise shaping elements to add stiffness to the canopy and allow the user to at least partially shape the canopy as desired to facilitate use of the canopy.
The surgical drape may comprise a torso portion sized and shaped to cover at least a portion of the torso of the patient. The drape may comprise an opening sized and shaped to allow surgical access to the urethra of the patient, in which the opening is located between the torso portion and the canopy portion and may correspond to a pelvic portion of the patient, although the opening can be located on the torso portion or the canopy portion or a pelvic portion of the drape extending between the canopy portion and the torso portion. The canopy portion can be configured to move with the proximal portion of the transrectal device while the opening remains in a fixed location on the patient.
The surgical drape may comprise a container portion connected to the canopy portion and the torso portion, in which the container portion is configured to collect and release fluids that drain from the canopy portion and optionally the torso portion. The canopy portion may comprise concave inverted portions near the protrusion, in order to direct fluid from the opening and the canopy portion toward the container portion. The container portion may comprise a porous structure upstream of a suction port, in which the porous structure comprises channels sized to inhibit passage of blood clots and tissue from the patient that could clog the suction port, and to pass surgical fluids such as saline and blood plasma to the suction port. The container portion may comprise stiffening elements to maintain the container portion in an open configuration. Each of the torso portion, the canopy portion, and the container portion may comprise flexible sheet material, such that the drape may comprise a compact sterile configuration for storage prior to use and an extended configuration when placed on the patient.
In one aspect, a surgical drape for covering a patient and a transrectal device during a surgical treatment of the patient is provided. In some embodiments, the drape comprises a canopy portion sized and shaped to at least partially cover a proximal portion of the transrectal device, the canopy portion configured to permit the user to manipulate the transrectal device through the canopy portion, and a torso portion coupled to the canopy portion, the torso portion sized and shaped to cover at least a portion of a torso of the patient.
In some embodiments, the canopy portion and the torso portion comprise a sterile barrier material to maintain sterility between a urethra and a rectum of the patient when a sterile urological probe has been inserted into the urethra of the patient and the transrectal probe has been inserted into a rectum of the patient. Optionally, the canopy portion can comprise an optically transmissive sterile barrier material that permits viewing of the proximal portion of the transrectal device through the optically transmissive sterile barrier material. Further, the optically transmissive material can comprise one or more of a transparent material, a translucent material, a semi-transparent material, or a semi-translucent material.
In some embodiments, the torso portion comprises an opaque material and optionally wherein the canopy portion comprises an opaque material. Further, the transrectal device can comprise one or more of a transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) probe or a colonoscope.
In some embodiments, the first portion of the drape can comprise an opening sized to receive a penis of the patient from a non-sterile side of the surgical drape so as to extend a portion of the penis to a sterile side of the drape and to receive a sterile surgical instrument to be inserted into a urethra of the patient from the sterile side of the drape, and wherein the opening is located in proximity to the canopy portion and optionally wherein the opening is located adjacent to the canopy portion. Additionally, the drape can further comprise a container portion comprising sheet material coupled to the canopy portion to receive surgical fluids, with the container portion comprising a lower end with a suction port to drain fluids from the container and a porous structure upstream of the suction port to inhibit clogging of the suction port. Additionally still, the container portion can comprise stiffeners to maintain the container in an open configuration to receive the surgical fluids and optionally wherein the stiffeners comprise transversely extending stiffeners. Alternatively, the canopy portion can comprise a protruding portion on an upper side of the drape sized and shape to receive the proximal portion of the transrectal device and inverted portions on the upper side of the drape comprising opposite curvature to facilitate drainage toward the container portion.
In some embodiments, the torso portion, the canopy portion of the container portion comprise a material that is impervious to surgical fluids. Further, the surgical instrument can comprise one or more of a surgical probe or a diagnostic probe. Even further, the canopy portion can permit viewing of the transrectal device and maintains sterility of the surgical instrument when the surgical instrument is inserted into the urethra of the patient.
In some embodiments, the canopy portion can be coupled to an opening in a first portion comprising the canopy portion.
In some embodiments, the canopy portion can comprise a three-dimensional space sized and shaped to cover the proximal portion of the transrectal device such that the proximal portion of the transrectal device is permitted to move within the three-dimensional space and optionally wherein the transrectal device is configured to move within the three-dimensional space in a non-restrictive manner. Alternatively, the three-dimensional space defines a volume within a range from about 750 cm3 to about 70,000 cm3. Alternatively still, the three-dimensional space can comprise a substantially rectangular shape, a curved shape, or can be sized and shaped to cover proximal portions of a plurality of transrectal devices of different sizes and shapes. Even alternatively still, the canopy portion can comprise a volume that is greater than a volume occupied by the proximal portion of the transrectal device.
In some embodiments, the canopy portion can comprise a material having a thickness ranging from about 0.25 mm to about 3 mm. Alternatively, the material can be substantially flexible, or the material can be substantially rigid or non-compliant, or the material can comprise one or more of polyethylene, polypropylene, or a translucent polymeric film.
In some embodiments, the canopy portion can comprise a full volume in a fully extended configuration and is configured to collapse to less than the full volume in a free-standing configuration and optionally wherein the free-standing configuration corresponds to the canopy portion being supported along a lower perimeter and being allowed to collapse at least partially under its own weight and optionally wherein the full volume of the canopy portion corresponds to a volume of the canopy portion when filled with a fluid and supported around the perimeter of the canopy portion.
In some embodiments, the canopy portion can be configured to collapse to less than its full volume when the canopy portion is covering the proximal portion of the transrectal device.
In some embodiments, a second portion comprises the torso portion comprises a weakened material extending along a midline of the second portion to assist removal of the surgical drape by allowing the second portion to separate along the weakened material and optionally wherein the weakened material comprises one or more of perforations, thinned material relative to adjacent unweakened material, thermally or chemically weakened material or stressed material along the midline.
In some embodiments, a second weakened material extends in a second direction transverse to the midline in order to facilitate removal of the surgical drape around a base of a traction device coupled to the patient with a catheter extending along a urethra of the patient and optionally wherein the second weakened material comprises perforations extending in the second direction.
In some embodiments, the second portion comprises perforations extending along a midline of the second portion to assist removal of the surgical drape. Alternatively, the second portion can further comprise a material disposed on top and/or below the perforations, wherein said material is impervious to fluids. Alternatively still, said material can comprise a tape covering the perforations from below and/or above the perforations. Even further, the tape can comprise a first tape layer on top of the perforations and a second tape layer below the perforations such that the perforations are sandwiched between the first and second tape layers and optionally wherein the perforations allow insertion or access of a catheter to be inserted into a urethra of the patient and optionally wherein the catheter comprises a suprapubic catheter to drain urine from a bladder of the patient. Alternatively, a sliding mechanism can be configured to slide along the perforation to open the perforations and optionally wherein the sliding mechanism comprises a sliding dove-tail mechanism that releasably opens and closes the perforation and optionally wherein the sliding dove-tail mechanism comprises a zipper.
In some embodiments, a container can be coupled to the torso portion and the canopy portion to receive fluid from the canopy portion. Alternatively, the canopy portion can comprise an inverted portion to direct surgical fluids toward the container and optionally wherein the inverted portion comprises a concave upper surface to direct surgical fluids toward the container. Alternatively, the canopy portion can be designed such that fluid flows downward toward the container when the canopy portion is in an inverted configuration. In a further alternative, the inverted configuration can prevent the fluid from accumulating or pooling on the canopy portion. In a further alternative, the inverted configuration can comprise one or more sloping surfaces that aid the fluid to flow downward toward the container.
In some embodiments, a container can have an opening and configured to receive and store waste including bodily fluids, surgical-related fluids, tissue or debris generated during the surgical treatment. Alternatively, the container can comprise a material impervious to surgical fluids and is configured to provide a storage volume within a range from about 1 cm3 to about 70,000 cm3 and optionally within a range from about 1000 cm3 to about 10,000 cm3. Alternatively, the container can comprise a surgical suction port and a porous structure to inhibit clogging of the suction port of the container, the porous structure comprising as one or more of a tube with holes on an outer wall, a screen, a mesh, a fabric, a grating, a plurality of apertures formed in a sheet of material, an open cell foam, a sponge a screen, a perforated tubing matrix, fabric, a sintered material, or particles held together to define channels. Alternatively, the container can comprise an attachment configured to releasably attach the container to an upper part of the second portion to support the container holding the waste. Alternatively still, the attachment can comprise tethers coupled to the upper part of the second portion from two sides of the opening of the container. Alternatively, the container can comprise a connector at a bottom of the container configured to connect to a suction system. Alternatively, the container can comprise a screen attached to a lower inner side of the container, wherein the waste is passed through the screen, and wherein the screen is configured to collect the tissue. Alternatively, the container can comprise a third sheet of material that is separable from a first sheet of material forming the canopy portion and a second sheet forming the torso portion. Alternatively, the container and the canopy portion can be formed from the same sheet of material.
In some embodiments, the canopy portion and the torso portion can be detachably coupled to each other.
In some embodiments, a first portion can comprise the canopy portion comprises a sheet of material comprising joined edges.
In some embodiments, the canopy portion can be integrally formed with the torso portion from a single piece of material.
In some embodiments, the canopy portion can comprise a separate sheet of material that is attachable to the torso portion.
In some embodiments, the canopy portion and the torso portion can be formed together as one piece.
In some embodiments, the canopy portion and the torso portion can be joined together as one piece.
In some embodiments, the canopy portion can be coupled to a cut-out formed in the torso portion.
In some embodiments, one or more of the torso portion, the canopy portion or a container portion can comprise thermoformed material shaped with a mold to define a shape of the one or more of the torso portion, the canopy portion or the container portion. Alternatively, the canopy portion and the torso portion can be formed from a single sheet of thermoformed material and optionally wherein the canopy portion has been thermoformed on a mold to shape the canopy portion to receive the transrectal device and optionally wherein the canopy portion comprises a convex outer surface to deflect fluid away from the canopy portion and a concave inner surface to receive the proximal portion of the transrectal device and optionally wherein the canopy portion comprise a substantially uniform thickness extending between the concave surface and the convex surface and optionally wherein the substantially uniform thickness varies by no more than 25%.
In some embodiments, the canopy portion can be configured to allow manipulation of the transrectal device through the canopy portion and optionally wherein the canopy portion is configured to permit the user to control the movement of the transrectal device through the canopy portion. Alternatively, the canopy portion can be configured to permit the user to move the transrectal device by holding and moving the proximal portion of the transrectal device through the canopy portion with the canopy portion disposed between a hand of the user and the transrectal device and wherein the canopy portion is configured to move with the proximal portion. Alternatively still, the canopy portion can be disposed between the proximal portion of the transrectal device and the hand of the user is configured to move from a first position to a second position when the proximal portion of the transrectal device moves from a first position to a second position and wherein the canopy portion is configured to return at least partially from the second position toward the first position when the hand of the user releases the proximal portion and optionally wherein the canopy portion comprises a volume greater than a volume of the proximal portion of the transrectal device in order to allow the proximal portion to return from the second position toward the first position and optionally wherein a distance of return from the second position toward the first position comprises a distance within a range from about 1 mm to about 25 mm. Optionally, a return of the canopy portion toward the first position can allow the user to hold the proximal portion of the transrectal device and move the proximal portion of the transrectal device from the second position to a third position and optionally wherein the proximal portion of the transrectal device comprises a knob and each of the first position, the second position and the third position correspond to rotational orientations of the knob.
In some embodiments, the canopy portion can be sized and shaped to at least partially cover a surgical arm coupled to the transrectal device.
In some embodiments, the canopy portion can be configured to cover at least a surgical arm coupled to the transrectal device and the proximal portion of the transrectal device such that the canopy portion collectively moves with the surgical arm and the proximal portion of the transrectal device. Alternatively, the canopy portion can be configured to permit the user to manipulate the surgical arm that supports the transrectal device through the canopy portion. Alternatively still, the proximal portion of the transrectal device can be mounted on the surgical arm and the canopy portion is configured to cover at least a portion of the surgical arm and the proximal portion of the transrectal device when the distal portion of the transrectal device has been inserted into the patient. In an alternatively embodiment an apparatus comprising the surgical drape, the transrectal device, and the surgical arm as detailed in the alternative embodiment can be provided.
In some embodiments, the surgical drape can comprise a volume within a range from about 100 cm3 to about 4,000 cm3 in a compact configuration when stored in a compact configuration within a sterile storage container and wherein the canopy portion comprises a volume within a range from about 750 cm3 to about 70,000 cm3 when the surgical drape comprises an expanded deployed configuration. Alternatively, the container portion can comprise a volume within a range from about 1000 cm3 to about 40,000 cm3 in the expanded deployed configuration and optionally wherein the volume is within a range from about 1000 cm3 to about 40,000 cm3.
In some embodiments, at least one of a first portion can comprise the canopy portion or a second portion comprising the torso portion is operably coupled to an actuation element configured to deploy one or more sections of the surgical drape from a compact configuration to an extended configuration. Alternatively, the actuation element comprises one or more spring elements and wherein the one or more spring elements can comprise spring steel. In one alternative, the surgical drape can comprise the actuation element. In one alternative, the one or more sections of the surgical drape can comprise the canopy portion. In one alternative, the compact configuration can comprise a substantially two-dimensional shape, and the extended configuration comprises a substantially three-dimensional shape. In one alternative, the surgical drape can be in the compact configuration when the surgical drape is not in use prior to deployment, and deployed to the extended configuration prior to or during use of said surgical drape for the surgical treatment of the patient.
In some embodiments, the first portion of the surgical drape can comprise an opening with an adjustable closure to cinch around an external organ of the patient comprising a urethra for maintaining integrity of a sterile field or environment and optionally wherein the organ comprises a penis of the patient. In one alternative, the adjustable closure can comprise a zipper.
In some embodiments, the first portion of the surgical drape can comprise an opening with an adhesive material to gather and wrap loose sections of the drape around an organ of the patient for maintaining integrity of a sterile surgical field or environment.
In some embodiments, a first portion of the surgical drape can comprise material for covering a torso or legs of the patient. In one alternative, the material is configured to hang freely. In one alternative, the material is wrapped around the torso or underside of the legs of the patient or stirrups. In one alternative, the material is secured using straps, tethers, Velcro™, and/or tape. In one alternative, the material can comprise an adhesive for attaching the material around the stirrups to form a holder in which a container for receiving and storing waste can be secured and suspended.
In some embodiments, a portion of the drape can be mounted to a support structure that is attached to an operating table over or near the patient. In one alternative, the portion of the drape is mounted to the support structure using straps, tethers, Velcro™, and/or tape. In one alternative, the support structure can be attached to the operating table using straps, tethers, Velcro™, and/or tape. In one alternative, the support structure can be configured to couple to or comprises a graphical display. In one alternative, the second portion of the drape can comprise a transparent material that permits the graphical display to be viewed through the drape. In one alternative, the second portion can comprise a transparent window comprising said transparent material, that permits viewing of the graphical display through the surgical drape. In one alternative, the graphical display comprises a touchscreen. In one alternative, the transparent material can be compatible for use with the touchscreen such that a user is able to interact with the touchscreen with the transparent material as an intervening layer. In one alternative, the transparent material is flexible or loose-fitting so as to allow a user to manually manipulate one or more input/output (I/O) devices that are connected to the graphical display. In one alternative, the one or more I/O devices can comprise one or more of a joystick, mouse, trackball, trackpad, or 3-dimension cursor.
In some embodiments, the container can comprise a substantially conical funnel shape to allow fluids to drain to an exit port.
In some embodiments, the container can comprise a substantially rectangular funnel shape to allow fluids to drain to an exit port.
In some embodiments, the container can comprise structures for supporting one or more configurations of the container. In one alternative, the structures can comprise inclined pleats, substantially vertical pleats or substantially horizontal pleats. In one alternative, the inclined or vertical pleats serve as stiffeners that prevent the container from collapsing and changing its shape/form under load. In one alternative, the vertical pleats can be configured to allow air flow to vent displaced fluid as the fluid is being extracted or drained from the container. In one alternative, the substantially horizontal pleats can comprise curved pleats configured to permit the container to collapse into a collapsed configuration in a telescoping manner. In one alternative, the container is collapsible to a substantially planar configuration, and extendable to a substantially 3-dimensional configuration with aid of the substantially horizontal pleats.
In some embodiments, the container comprises a flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid material.
In some embodiments, the container can be configured to serve as a packaging enclosure for storing the surgical drape or portion thereof. In one alternative, the packaging enclosure is used to store the surgical drape or portion thereof when the surgical drape can be in its original state prior to use. In one alternative, the packaging enclosure can be to store the surgical drape or portion thereof for subsequent disposal after the surgical drape has been used.
In some embodiments, the container can be attachable to a user's gown using attachment means comprising of mechanical couplings or adhesive tape.
In some embodiments, the container can be coupled to a halter structure that is configured to be worn on or around a neck of a user.
In some embodiments, the container can comprise one or more compliant stiffening elements for maintaining structural form of the container.
In some embodiments, at least one of the first portion or the second portion can comprise one or more frame structures that support a configuration of at least the first portion or the second portion.
In some embodiments, the container can comprise an integral perforated tubing matrix to maintain fluid flow and air displacement and optionally wherein the perforated tubing matrix comprises stiffness to maintain the container in an expanded profile configuration. In one alternative, the perforated tubing matrix is connected to a drain/suction port. In one alternative, the perforated tubing matrix comprises one or more fluidic channels. In one alternative, the one or more fluidic channels extends for a length of about 5 cm to about 40 cm along a plurality of surfaces of the drape under a filter screen.
In some embodiments, the container can be designed to ensure sufficient suction of fluid from the container by (1) providing non block-able passageways for the suction to act on the fluid, or (2) by providing a mechanism that prevents material from folding over a vacuum port and blocking the vacuum port.
In some embodiments, the container can comprise rolled up tube-like areas formed from rolled up drape material, wherein said rolled up tube-like areas are connected to a drain/suction port to maintain fluid flow and air displacement.
In some embodiments, the container can comprise a deployable flap that is positioned to prevent fluid splash onto a user. In one alternative, the deployable flap can comprise a non-sterile portion that extends outside of the surgical drape. In one alternative, the deployable flap can comprise a self-supporting semi-cylindrical shape or form. In one alternative, the deployable flap can comprise stiffening structures that are adjustable in position.
In some embodiments, the container can comprise one or more ports for accepting fluid from an irrigation or aspiration pump, or from a drain line above or below a screen.
In some embodiments, the one or more ports can comprise an opening, an aperture, a fenestration, a connecting feature, or a sealing flange.
In some embodiments, the container can comprise one or more extruded portions extending from the container. In one alternative, the one or more extruded portions can comprise an inner sterile surface and an external non-sterile surface. In one alternative, the external non-sterile surfaces provide a working space for placement of a support structure comprising the surgical arm. In one alternative, the external non-sterile surfaces allow ungloved hand(s) to access a sterile space defined within the inner sterile surfaces for manipulation of the transrectal device.
In some embodiments, the container can comprise a screen. In one alternative, the screen can be coupled to an inner lower portion of the container. In one alternative, the screen can be detachable for collecting and transporting tissue or solid samples for analysis or disposal. In one alternative, the screen can comprise a material that is impervious to fluids. In one alternative, the material can be provided along edges or sides of the screen. In one alternative, the screen can comprise a closure element for securing samples for storage or transport. In one alternative, the closure element can comprise a zipper, a zip-lock, an adhesive seal, a draw-string, a clip, or an elastic or conformable wire. In one alternative, the screen can comprise a transparent region that is compatible with imaging modalities for tissue analysis. In one alternative, the screen can be removable from the container along the edges or sides to permit visualization through the transparent region. In one alternative, the screen can comprise an area for displaying information about the patient. In one alternative, the area can be configured to receive thereon a preprinted label containing the information about the patient. In one alternative, the area can be configured to permit a user to write thereon. In one alternative, the area can comprise a plurality of sub-areas for displaying preprinted information or clinician notes. In one alternative, the screen can be configured to fold with collapse of the container. In one alternative, the folding of the screen can be configured to permit airflow to a drain/suction port. In one alternative, the screen can be configured to fold in an interleaved manner. In one alternative, the screen can comprise a hole that is sized or shaped to permit capture of clots, or intact tissue.
In some embodiments, the drape can comprise one or more labels. In one alternative, the one or more labels can comprise instructions for using the drape, and information on one or more of the following: location of one or more access port holes, location of one or more perforations, location of one or more attachment points, areas at which sections of the drape can be detached, placement of the drape onto the patient, location of the drape relative to an operating table, attachment of the drape to the operating table, location of the drape relative to one or more support structures proximal to the operating table, or attachment of the drape to the one or more support structures.
In some embodiments, the drape can comprise excess material in at least the first portion or the second portion to permit a non-sterile hand of the user from a non-sterile working space outside of the drape to access and manipulate the transrectal device or a surgical arm without contaminating a sterile field underneath the drape.
In some embodiments, a method of using the surgical drape can be provided that can comprise providing a first portion comprising the canopy portion, covering at least partially a surgical arm coupled to the transrectal device and the proximal portion of the transrectal device such that the canopy portion is capable of moving with the proximal portion of the transrectal device when the transrectal device is supported by the surgical arm, and coupling the second portion to the first portion such that the second portion covers at least the portion of the torso of the patient.
In some embodiments, a surgical drape for covering a patient and an transrectal device during surgical treatment of the patient is provided with a first portion that permits visual viewing of the transrectal device during the surgical treatment of the patient, and a second portion coupled to the first portion, said second portion being sized and shaped to cover at least a portion of a torso of the patient, wherein the second portion comprises a perforation extending along a midline of the second portion to assist in removal of the surgical drape from the patient. In one alternative, the first portion can comprise a canopy portion, wherein the canopy portion is sized and shaped to at least partially cover a surgical arm coupled to the transrectal device and a proximal portion of the transrectal device, and the canopy portion is configured to move with the proximal portion of the transrectal device when the transrectal device is supported by the surgical arm. In one alternative, the first portion of the drape can comprise an opening sized to receive a surgical probe to be inserted into a urethra of the patient, and wherein the opening is located adjacent to the canopy portion. In one alternative, the first portion permits viewing of the transrectal device through the first portion and maintains sterility of the surgical probe when the surgical probe is inserted into the urethra of the patient. In one alternative, the perforation of the second portion extends to the opening. In one alternative, the canopy portion can comprise a three-dimensional space sized and shaped to cover a proximal portion of the transrectal device such that the transrectal device is permitted to move in a non-restrictive manner within the three-dimensional space. In one alternative, the canopy portion can comprise a volume that is greater than a volume occupied by the proximal portion of the transrectal device. In one alternative, the volume of the canopy portion can be at least two times greater than the volume occupied by the proximal portion of the transrectal device. In one alternative, the canopy portion can comprise a thin flexible material having a thickness ranging from about 0.25 mm to about 3 mm. In one alternative, the canopy portion can be configured to collapse to less than its full volume in a free-standing configuration. In one alternative, the canopy portion can be configured to collapse to less than its full volume when the canopy portion can be covering the proximal portion of the transrectal device. In one alternative, the three-dimensional space can define a volume within a range from about 750 cm3 to about 70,000 cm3. In one alternative, the three-dimensional space can comprise a substantially rectangular shape. In one alternative, the three-dimensional space can be sized and shaped to cover proximal portions of a plurality of transrectal devices of different sizes and shapes. In one alternative, the canopy portion can be configured to wrap around at least the surgical arm coupled to the transrectal device or the proximal portion of the transrectal device such that the canopy portion collectively moves with the surgical arm and the proximal portion of the transrectal device. In one alternative, the first portion and the second portion can be detachably coupled to each other. In one alternative, the first portion and the second portion can be formed together as one piece. In one alternative, the first portion and the second portion can be stitched together as one piece. In one alternative, the first portion can be coupled to a cut-out formed in the second portion. In one alternative, a container having an opening and configured to receive and store waste generated during the surgical treatment can be provided. In one alternative, the container can comprise an attachment configured to releasably attach the container to an upper part of the second portion to support the container holding the waste. In one alternative, the attachment can comprise tethers coupled to the upper part of the second portion from two sides of the opening of the container. In one alternative, the container can comprise a connector at the bottom of the container configured to connect to a suction system. In one alternative, the container can comprise a screen attached to a lower inner side of the container, wherein the waste is passed through the screen, and wherein the screen is configured to collect the tissue. In one alternative, the container portion can comprise a third sheet of material that is separable from a second sheet of material forming the canopy portion. In one alternative, the second sheet of material can be impervious to liquids. In one alternative, the container and the canopy portion can be formed from a same sheet of material. In one alternative, the second portion can comprise a first sheet of material that is impervious to liquids.
In some embodiments, an apparatus that comprises a surgical drape and a transrectal device.
In some embodiments, a method of using the surgical drape can be provided that comprises providing the first portion to permit visual viewing of the transrectal device during the surgical treatment of the patient, coupling the second portion to the first portion such that the second portion covers at least a portion of a torso of the patient, and using the perforation extending along the midline of the second portion to assist in removal of the surgical drape from the patient during or after the surgical treatment.
In some embodiments, a surgical drape for covering a patient and an transrectal device during surgical treatment of the patient is provided. The drape can comprise a first portion that permits visual viewing of the transrectal device inserted into the patient, and a container portion coupled to the first portion to receive and store waste generated during the surgical treatment, wherein the container portion comprises an attachment to releasably attach the container to an upper part of the surgical drape to support the container holding the waste. In one alternative, the attachment can comprise tethers coupled to the upper part of a second portion of the surgical drape from two sides of an opening of the container. In one alternative, wherein the tethers can be coupled to an operation table, a bed rail, a surgical arm, or to a physician. In one alternative, the attachment can comprise a U-ring device configured to be attached to one side of an operation table. In one alternative, the second portion can comprise a second sheet of material that is opaque. In one alternative, the second portion can comprise a second sheet of material that is translucent. In one alternative, the second portion can be sized and shaped to cover at least a portion of a torso of the patient. In one alternative, the tethers can comprise adhesive tabs and straps such that the straps are wrapped around a torso or legs of the patient and secured by the adhesive tabs. In one alternative, the tethers can be wrapped over an exterior surface of the second portion that covers the torso or legs of the patient. In one alternative, the container can comprise a drainage hole for draining the waste. In one alternative, the container can comprise a connector at the bottom of the container configured to connect to a suction system. In one alternative, the connector can comprise an exit port with a sealing flange. In one alternative, the container can comprise a screen attached to a lower inner side of the container, wherein the waste is passed through the screen and wherein the screen is configured to collect the tissue. In one alternative, the container can comprise a third sheet of material that is separable from a first sheet of material forming the first portion. In one alternative, the third sheet of material can be impervious to liquids. In one alternative, the third sheet of material can comprise a translucent material. In one alternative, the first sheet of material can be impervious to liquids. In one alternative, the container can be detachably coupled to the first portion. In one alternative, the container can be below a canopy portion of the first portion. In one alternative, the first portion can comprise a translucent material, wherein the container and the first portion are formed from the same sheet of material.
In some embodiments, a method of using the surgical drape is provided that can comprise providing the first portion to permit visual viewing of the transrectal device during the surgical treatment of the patient, attaching a container portion of the surgical drape to an upper part of the surgical drape to support the container holding the waste, and receiving and storing the waste by the container portion.
In some embodiments, a method or surgical drape can be provided that can comprise a second portion of the surgical drape configured to cover one or more of a foot or a leg of the patient.
In some embodiments, a second portion of the drape comprises a perforation extending along, or at any angle or offset to, a midline of the second portion to assist in removal of the surgical drape from the patient.
In some embodiments, the surgical drape is configured to cover one or more of the feet or legs of the patient.
All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.
The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed in color. Copies of this patent or patent application publication with color drawing(s) will be provided by the Office upon request and payment of the necessary fee.
The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and the accompanying drawings of which:
In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying figures, which form a part hereof. In the figures, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, figures, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the scope of the subject matter presented herein. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated herein.
The methods and apparatus of the present disclosure are well suited for combination with many types of surgical instruments and robotic surgery devices, for example as described in PCT Application No. PCT/US2013/028441, filed on Feb. 28, 2013, entitled “AUTOMATED IMAGE-GUIDED TISSUE RESECTION AND TREATMENT”, the entire disclosure of which are incorporated herein by reference, and suitable for combination in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.
As used herein, the terms proximal and distal in the context of the apparatus refer to proximal and distal as referenced from the apparatus outside the patient, such that proximal may refer to components outside the patient or nearer the operator and distal may refer to components inside the patient or further from the operator.
As used herein, the terms proximal and distal in the context of anatomical locations are with respect to the operator of the apparatus, such that proximal may refer to anatomical locations nearer the operator and distal may refer to anatomical locations further from the operator.
As used herein, the terms distal and proximal refer to locations referenced from the apparatus and can be opposite of anatomical references. For example, a distal location of a probe may correspond to a proximal location of an elongate member of the patient, such as a penis of the patient, and a proximal location of the probe may correspond to a distal location of the elongate member of the patient.
Although specific reference is made to treatment of the prostate, the methods and systems disclosed herein can be used with many tissues. For example, the embodiments disclosed herein may be used in any urological, gynecological or proctological procedures. Embodiments as disclosed herein may be used in any surgical procedures to treat any tissue cavity comprising a proximal opening and a distal opening, the proximal and distal openings allowing the tissue volume to fluidly communicate with other organs or parts of the body adjacent the tissue volume. For example, although specific reference is made to the advancement of a hemostasis device through the urethra into the prostate, and through the bladder neck into the bladder, the hemostasis device as described herein may be advanced through any proximal opening of a tissue cavity into the cavity, and through any distal opening of the tissue cavity into another organ or body part adjacent the tissue volume.
The surgical systems that are protected by the drape may relate to the administration of a hemostatic material or sealant to fill in whole, or in part, any bleeding closed tissue volume. Such tissue volumes may comprise tissue spaces or voids occurring naturally, for example an aneurysm, fissure, or postpartum hemorrhage of the uterus. Such tissue volumes may for example be formed as a result of tissue removal of unnecessary or undesirable growths, fluids, cells, or tissues. The surgical systems as utilized in the surgical procedures are well-suited for treating closed tissue volumes remaining after tumor resection, endometrial ablation, polyp removal, cyst removal, and the like.
The surgical systems involved in the surgical procedures may be well-suited for treating many types of closed tissue volumes such as within rectum, prostate, uterus, cervix, liver, kidney, bowel, pancreas, muscle, and the like.
The surgical system or at least part of the surgical system can be sterilized by normal methods that are compatible with the device, such as steam, heat and pressure, chemicals and the like.
As shown in
The surgical drape 100 may comprise a first portion 110 comprising a canopy portion 111. Part or all of the first portion 110 may comprise a visually transparent or translucent material. In some cases, part of the first portion 110 may be visually transparent or translucent, while another part of the first portion may be opaque. The canopy portion 111 may preferably comprise a visually transparent or translucent material. The canopy portion 111 can be provided or disposed anywhere on the first portion 110, for example at the center, edge, corner, top, bottom, and/or side of the first portion. The canopy portion 111 can be integrally formed with the first portion 110 or as part of the first portion. Alternatively, the canopy portion 111 may be provided as a separate piece from the first portion 110 such that the canopy portion can be fixedly or detachably coupled to the first portion. In some cases, the first portion 110 may comprise a cut-out or opening configured to couple to the canopy portion 111. For example, the cut-out or opening of the first portion may be sized and shaped to match the canopy portion 111, as described elsewhere herein.
The canopy portion 111 may be sized and shaped to substantially cover a proximal end of the imaging probe 10. In some embodiments, the canopy portion 111 may comprise a three-dimensional configuration that provides a working space for the imaging probe 12 to move in an un-restricted manner therein, for example with less physical impedance or interference. The imaging probe can be an ultrasonography probe having a proximal portion 12-1 that is supported by the articulating or mechanical arm 14. The first portion 110 or the canopy portion 111 may be configured to at least partially cover the mechanical arm coupled to the ultrasonography probe and/or the proximal portion of the ultrasonography probe. The surgical drape 100 may also comprise a second portion 130 coupled to the first portion 110. The first portion 110 and the second portion 130 may be fixedly or detachably coupled to each other. The second portion 130 may be sized and shaped to cover at least a portion of a torso 22 of the patient. As previously described, the second portion 130 may be a non-transparent or opaque portion, although the invention is not limited thereto. In some cases, one or more parts of the second portion 130 can be visually transparent or translucent.
The surgical drape may cover at least a portion of an articulating or mechanical arm 14 of the imaging probe. In some cases, the entire imaging probe including the articulating arm and a base from which the arm extends may be covered by the surgical drape. In some situations, the entire imaging probe may be covered by the drape to create a sterile barrier to physically separate the imaging probe from the operation area of the patient.
As mentioned previously, the surgical drape may be compatible with surgical systems utilized in male urology surgical procedures or prostate surgery. In some embodiments, the surgical system may comprise a treatment probe 16 (e.g. shown in
In some cases, insertion of the treatment probe (e.g., sealant delivery device, tissue resection device) and/or delivery of sealant to a cavity or the tissue may be guided by the imaging probe. The imaging probe may be an ultrasonography probe. The imaging probe can comprise a transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) or other imaging modalities for providing visual guidance. TRUS may be used to guide actuation of the catheter during sealant delivery, for example by retracting or advancing the catheter within the cavity by mechanical or manual means.
In some embodiments, the treatment probe may comprise a handpiece. In some cases, the treatment probe may be configured to image the target tissue. The treatment probe may comprise an elongate structure having a working channel sized and shaped to receive an endoscope and a carrier of a carrier tube. The carrier may be configured to direct and scan a light beam on the treatment area to determine a profile of the tissue removed. The carrier may also be configured to release a fluid stream comprising a waveguide and scan the light pattern of the fluid stream comprising the waveguide. The treatment probe may be a urethral probe for tissue resection volumetric tissue removal. For example, the treatment probe may direct a fluid stream radially outwardly for controlled resection of tissue such as the prostate and luminal tissues. Optionally, the fluid stream may be used to deliver light, electrical, heat or other energy sources to aid in resection and/or to cauterize the treated tissue. Alternatively, the treatment probe can be any tools or robotic devices that can perform or assist in the urologic surgery with or without manual operations.
The imaging probe may comprise or be supported by an articulating arm or mechanical arm 14 extending from the base. The mechanical arm may be connected to a proximal end 12-1 of the elongate imaging probe 10. In some embodiments, the articulating arm or mechanical arm may comprise an actuator 117 to manipulate the imaging probe under user control. In some cases, the entire or at least a portion of the base or the articulating arm may be covered by the drape, and the proximal end of the imaging probe may be entirely covered by the canopy portion of the drape. For instance, as shown in
The imaging probe, for example a distal portion 12-2 of the imaging probe 10, can be inserted into the patient in one or more of many ways. The imaging probe can comprise an ultrasonography probe. A proximal portion of the ultrasonography probe may be mounted on the articulating or mechanical arm 14 and a distal portion 12-2 of the ultrasonography probe may be inserted into the patient. During insertion, the articulating arm 14 may have a substantially unlocked configuration such that the imaging probe can be desirably rotated and translated in order to insert a distal portion 12-2 of the probe into the patient. When the imaging probe has been inserted to a desired location within the patient, the articulating or mechanical arm 14 can be locked. In some cases, the imaging probe and the treatment probe may be inserted into the patient sequentially or concurrently. In a locked configuration of the imaging probe, the imaging probe and/or the treatment probe can be oriented in relation to each other in one or more of many ways, such as parallel, skew, horizontal, oblique, or non-parallel, for example. It can be helpful to determine the orientation of the probes with sensors such as angle sensors, in order to map the image date of the imaging probe to coordinate references of the treatment probe. Having the tissue image data mapped to treatment probe coordinate reference space can allow accurate targeting and treatment of tissue identified for treatment by an operator such as the physician. Accordingly, it is ideal for the imaging probe to be capable of moving with unimpeded and few restrictions while being covered by the surgical drape.
In some embodiments, the treatment probe 16 may be coupled to the imaging probe, in order to align treatment with the treatment probe based on images from imaging probe. The coupling can be achieved using a base that is common to the treatment probe and the imaging probe. The imaging probe can be coupled to the base with the articulating or mechanical arm 14, which can be used to adjust the alignment of the imaging probe when the treatment probe is locked in position. The articulating or mechanical arm 14 may comprise a lockable and movable probe under control of an imaging system or of the console and of a user interface, for example. The articulating or mechanical arm 14 may be micro-actuable so that the proximal end 12-1 of the imaging probe 12 can be adjusted with small movements, for example a millimeter or so in relation to the treatment probe.
The movement of the imaging probe 12 or the proximal end 12-1 of the imaging probe may range from millimeters to centimeters. For instance, the proximal end of the imaging probe may move within a space having a dimension (e.g., length, width, height, diameter, diagonal) of at least 10 cm, 20 cm, 30 cm, 40 cm, 50 cm, 60 cm, 70 cm, or 80 cm. The proximal end of the imaging probe may be configured to move freely with respect to up to six degrees of freedom (e.g., three degrees of freedom in translation and three degrees of freedom in rotation).
As shown in
The surgical drape 100 may comprise an aperture or fenestration 118 allowing access to the urethra by the treatment device or probe. The fenestration 118 may allow access to the organ that is isolated from the remainder of the patient's body covered by the drape. Alternatively, the fenestration 118 may allow access of a surgical instrument through the drape. The aperture or fenestration may be a through hole formed in the second portion 130 of the surgical drape or the first portion 110 of the surgical drape. The aperture or fenestration, in some embodiments, may be located adjacent to the canopy portion 111.
The surgical drape may be removable from the patient or the surgical system. Removal of the drape can be achieved by a perforation 132 which may extend along or be at any angle to a midline of the drape to the fenestration. This is helpful to provide an easy removal of the drape after the urology procedure with instruments like catheters still in place. In some embodiments, the perforation 132 need not extend along the midline of the drape, and may be offset from the midline of the drape by a distance, for example around 5 cm, 10 cm, 20 cm, 30 cm, 40 cm, or 50 cm. In some cases, perforation may include various other mechanisms such as zipper, buttons, sliders, ripcords and the like.
The surgical drape may further comprise a container portion 140 for receiving waste generated during the surgical procedure. For example, in the male urology procedure, it is common that sizable amounts of liquids may be released from the urethra or other instruments. The container portion 140 can be a collection repository for body and irrigation fluids flowing from the patient during examination and surgery. In some embodiments, the container portion 140 may comprise a hole 142 allowing bodily fluids exiting therefrom. The container portion 140 may include a drainage area and/or funnel, which can direct body and irrigation fluids to another container situated below the container portion. Moreover, the container portion 140 may provide effective fluid management and may be compatible with a suction irrigation system. In some cases, the container may comprise an opening and configured to receive and store waste including bodily fluids, surgical-related fluids, tissue or debris generated during the surgical treatment.
The surgical drape may comprise attachment 150 to assist in locating and supporting the container portion 140 in position, particularly when the container is holding fluids contributing additional weight to the container. The attachment may be a component of the surgical drape or the container portion. The attachment may be a standalone element releasably attached to the surgical drape or the container portion. The attachment is useful for supporting the container portion when the container is holding fluids. For instance, in the event of a malfunction in the suction irrigation system, a sizable amount of fluids may be disposed into the container, and the drape may sag downwards due to the weight of the liquids in the container. The attachment 150 may comprise tethers or straps to support the container and prevent the drape from sagging. The tethers or straps can be attached from an opening side of the container portion to the legs 24 of the patient or the operation table. For example, the straps or tethers may be wrapped around the legs 24 of the patient over the drape or may be affixed to the operation table. The tethers can be coupled to a bed rail, a surgical arm, or to a physician. In some cases, the straps or tethers may be attached to a garment/gown of the physician, or attached to a halter that the physician wears around his or her neck. In some cases, the attachment may comprise a U-ring device configured to be attached to one side of an operation table, or an end of an operating table. Accordingly, the attachment 150 can allow the weight of the container portion to be partially supported by the legs of the patient or the operation table. The legs of the patient may be covered by the second portion 130 or the first portion 110 of the drape. The legs of the patient may or may not be visible by a physician through the drape.
The sheet of material used for the first portion 110 may be a transparent or translucent material that permits a user to see-through the portion during insertion or operation of an imaging probe. The sheet of material may be translucent whereby at least a portion of light is permitted to pass through the material. The sheet of material may be at least partially transparent to the visible light spectrum, such that a user can see through the portion to view an underlying object. The sheet of material may allow visual viewing of a non-sterile instrument inserted into the patient such as an imaging probe.
The sheet of material used for the first portion 110 may be impervious to liquids. For example, the material may be a hydrophobic material to prevent moisture absorption by the drape. The sheet of material used for the first portion may possess a desirable stiffness or flexibility such that an operator is able to move an articulating arm coupled to the imaging probe without tearing the first portion. The sheet of material used for the first portion may be configured having a predetermined bending stiffness, or a range of bending stiffness values. In another example, the sheet of material may have tensile modulus in a range of 0.1 GPa to 5 GPa, where GPa refers to the tensile modulus in gigapascal as will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. A material may be harder grade when the tensile modulus is greater. A material may be flexible or soft when the tensile modulus is small.
In selecting a sheet material for use in the first portion, factors such as softness of the sheet, breathability, adaptability of the sheet to the body contour of a patient, patient comfort, or canopy portion stiffness properties can be evaluated in conjunction with the thickness of the sheet. For instance, a sheet made of a soft material may be provided having a greater thickness than a sheet made of a harder grade material, in order to provide similar stiffening effects. The type of material and its thickness may be selected such that the canopy portion of the first portion may be configured to collapse to less than its full volume when the canopy portion is covering the proximal portion of the imaging probe, e.g. ultrasonography probe. Additionally, the type of material and its thickness may be selected such that an operator is able to manipulate an articulating arm through the surgical drape without tearing any portion of the drape. In some embodiments, the canopy portion or the first portion of the drape may comprise a thin flexible material having a thickness raging from about 0.05 mm to about 3 mm, for example from about 0.25 mm to about 3 mm. Alternatively, the thickness of the first portion or the canopy portion can be less than 0.25 mm or greater than 3 mm. For example, the thickness of the first portion comprising the canopy portion may comprise a thin flexible material having a thickness within a range from about 0.05 mm to about 3 mm.
The first portion may comprise a canopy portion 111. The canopy portion 111 may comprise a shape and dimension to cover at least a proximal end of an imaging probe as described elsewhere herein. The canopy portion 111 may comprise a three-dimensional space 114 sized and shaped to cover the proximal portion of the imaging probe such that the imaging probe is permitted to move in a non-restrictive manner within the three-dimensional space. The space 114 provided by the canopy portion may be sufficient to accommodate movement of the imaging probe, without the canopy portion or other portions of the drape interfering with the movement of the imaging probe. The space 114 provided by the canopy portion may be greater than a working space required by the imaging probe. The canopy portion can be adapted for imaging probes of different sizes and dimensions. For example, the space provided by the canopy portion may be greater than the size or dimension of the imaging probe by at least 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%, 200%, or more. The space provided by the canopy portion may be defined by a volume, for example, 30-50 cm by 10-30 cm by 10-30 cm. The three-dimensional space may comprise a volume ranging from about 750 cm3 to about 70,000 cm3. In some cases, the volume of the three-dimensional space may be less than 750 cm3 or greater than 70,000 cm3. Alternatively, the space provided by the canopy portion may be defined by volumes at least or greater than 40 cm×45 cm×25 cm, 45 cm×45 cm×30 cm, or 50 cm×50 cm×30 cm. The canopy portion may comprise a space having a volume that is greater than a volume occupied by the proximal portion of the ultrasonography probe. For example, the volume of the space provided by the canopy portion may be at least two times greater than the volume occupied by the proximal portion of the ultrasonography probe. The canopy portion may comprise any type of material, shape and/or dimensions that allows the canopy portion to collapse to less than its full volume in a free-standing configuration, such that the canopy portion can be wrapped around the proximal portion of the ultrasonography probe or cover the proximal portion of the ultrasonography probe. The canopy portion is described to be in a free-standing configuration when the canopy portion is not covering any underlying object, and is allowed to collapse to a substantially flattened shape under its own weight. It is noted that the volume of the three-dimensional space of the canopy portion may be substantially reduced when the canopy portion is in a free-standing configuration (as compared to when the canopy portion is covering the imaging probe or proximal portion thereof). In some cases, the volume of the three-dimensional space of the canopy portion may be reduced by 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or more than 90% when the canopy portion is in the free-standing configuration.
The canopy portion 111 may comprise any three-dimensional shape such as cube, orb, cylinder, cone, semi-sphere, cuboid, triangular prism, hexagonal prism, pyramid, self-supporting geodesic dome, and various other forms. In some cases, the canopy portion may comprise a cuboid shape or rectangular shape. The three-dimensional shape of the canopy portion may comprise any number of facets or edges where the adjoining facets meet. For example, the three-dimensional shape may include one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more facets. The three-dimensional shape of the canopy portion can be formed using any manufacturing or fabrication methods known to those skilled in the art. For instance, the canopy portion can be formed by a thermoforming process to mold a sheet of plastic material into a desired three-dimensional geometry or by joining a plurality of pieces of material together such as using heat sealing.
In some cases, the first portion 110 may comprise a base portion 116 connected to the canopy portion. The base portion 116 may be an outer section of the first portion. The base portion may be a substantially flat portion of the first portion and may be configured to wrap around at least the mechanical arm coupled to the ultrasonography probe or the proximal portion of the ultrasonography probe, such that the canopy portion collectively moves with the mechanical arm and the proximal portion of the ultrasonography probe. The canopy portion 111 may comprise a separate sheet of material that is attachable to the base portion 116. The first portion may comprise a first sheet of material, and the canopy portion 111 may comprise a second sheet of material that may or may not be the same as the first sheet of material. The canopy portion 111 may be attached to the outer section of the first portion 110 or the base portion 116. For example, the edges of the opening of the canopy portion may be sealed or sewn to the inner edges 124 of the outer section of the first portion or the base portion 116. The inner edges 124 may also be referred to as the inner cut-out of the outer section of the first portion. The inner cut-out of 124 may comprise a shape and dimension to match the opening of the canopy portion. The canopy portion can be coupled to the outer section of the base portion in a variety of ways. For example, the edges of the opening of the canopy portion may comprise flanges to seal the canopy portion of the inner cut-out of the outer section of the base portion 116. The inner edges or the inter cut-out 124 of the outer section of the first portion or the base portion 116 may define a hole 122 therein. The canopy portion may be attached to the outer section of the first portion or the first portion 116 to cover the hole 122. Alternatively, the canopy portion may be integrally formed with the first portion. For example, the canopy portion may be formed from the same sheet of material as the first portion. The canopy portion may be visually transparent or semi-transparent to allow viewing of the imaging probe and/or alignment of the probe to the patient's body.
The first portion 110 may be coupled to the second portion 130 and a container portion 140 of the drape 100.
In some embodiments, the first portion 110 may comprise a fenestration 118 sized and shaped to receive a treatment probe to be inserted into a urethra of the patient. Alternatively, the fenestration 118 can be formed in the second portion 130. In some cases, the fenestration 118 may be formed in the first portion 110 above the canopy portion 111. The first portion 110 may permit viewing of the ultrasonography probe and can maintain sterility of the treatment probe when the treatment probe is inserted into the urethra of the patient. The fenestration 118 may be formed having any shapes such as circular, rectangular, square and various others. The fenestration 118 may have any dimension. For instance, the fenestration may have a diameter or length in a range of about 1 cm to 20 cm.
In some cases, the fenestration 118 may comprise reinforcement elements 120 attached to the peripheral of the fenestration to provide reinforcement to the fenestration upon insertion of an instrument or male organ. The reinforcement elements 120 may comprise a diaphragm surrounding the fenestration or partially surrounding the fenestration. The reinforcement elements can comprise a material which possesses the same degree of flexibility and rigidity as, or may be softer or more rigid, than the material used for the fenestration/transparent portion. The reinforcement elements may comprise opaque, translucent or transparent materials, and these reinforcement elements may provide visual contrast to enhance identification of the fenestration. The reinforcement elements may comprise materials that are flexible or elastic, and that possesses sufficient rigidity to prevent an instrument such as a treatment probe from penetrating or tearing the drape. In some cases, the reinforcement elements may comprise an elastic gather that cinches around the organ for maintaining integrity of the sterile field. Alternatively, the reinforcement elements may comprise an adjustable closure to cinch around the organ for maintaining integrity of the sterile field. Additionally or optionally, the reinforcement elements may comprise an adhesive material to gather drape and attach around the organ for maintaining integrity of the sterile field.
The surgical drape may comprise a container portion 140 for management of fluids generated during a surgical procedure. The container portion 140 may comprise a sheet of material which is impervious to liquids. The container portion 140 may be removable or releasably attached to other parts of the drape. For instance, the container portion may be a liquid pouch that can be attached to a lower portion of the drape under the canopy portion. The liquid pouch may be attached to the drape via any suitable means such as, for example, strips, ribbons, buttons, self-adhesive strips or tabs. Alternatively, the container portion 140 may be integrally formed with the first portion. In some embodiments, the container portion 140 and the first portion of the drape may be formed from the same sheet of material. In some cases, the container portion 140 may comprise joined edges 146 such that the sheet of material in a triangular shape may be folded and joined at the joined edges to form the pouch. Alternatively, the container portion 140 may not be formed with the joined edges. As illustrated in
The container portion 140 may comprise any shape that aids in collecting and/or directing fluids to flow towards the exit port. In some embodiments, the container portion may comprise a substantially conical funnel shape to allow fluids to drain to the exit port. In another example, the container portion may comprise a substantially rectangular form having an angled or sloped bottom that allows fluids to drain to the exit port.
The container portion 140 may include a drainage area and/or funnel for directing body and irrigation fluids to another container or suction system (not shown). For example, the container portion may comprise a screen 148 attached to a lower inner side of the container portion allowing bodily fluids passing through. The screen 148 may comprise mesh with pores to prevent clogging of the exit port 144. The pore size may vary in a range, for example, from 1 mm to 20 mm. In some cases, the waste is passed through the screen, and the screen is configured to collect the tissues or debris generated during the surgical treatment. In some instances, the debris or tissues collected by the screen may be used for further diagnosis or analysis. In some instances, if the container portion prolapses, the screen may bunch up to allow airflow to the exit port. In some cases, the screen 148 may be detachable from the container portion, and can be sealed and used as storage container for containing the collected samples. In some cases, the screen 148 may have sides made from material that is impervious to fluids to eliminate drips during storage or transport. In some cases, the screen may have a closure (zipper, zip-lock, adhesive seal, draw-string, clip, elastic, conformable wire, etc.) for securing the collected samples for storage or transport. In some cases, the screen 148 may comprise a transparent portion compatible with imaging modalities for tissue analysis.
The container portion can provide effective management of fluids, and can be compatible with a suction irrigation system. In some embodiments, a suction irrigation system may be provided, and the container portion may comprise an exit port 144 at the bottom of the container configured to connect to the suction irrigation system. For example, the container portion may comprise an exit port with a sealing flange at the bottom of the container portion to be connected to a suction irrigation system (not shown).
The container portion 140 may comprise attachment 150 to support the container when it holds fluids. The attachment 150 may be used to attach an opening of the container portion to an upper portion of the non-transparent portion of the drape, in order to support the fluid-holding container. The attachment 150 may comprise straps or tethers that prevent the drape from sagging. For example, the straps or tethers may be used to attach an opening side of the container portion to the legs of the patient or to the operation table. For example, as illustrated in
The surgical drape 100 may comprise a second portion 130 coupled to the first portion 110. The second portion may be a non-transparent or opaque portion. The non-transparent portion may comprise a standard medical non-woven disposable material, and can be more opaque to provide privacy for the patient. The non-transparent portion may comprise a material that is impervious to liquids. The non-transparent portion may be sized and shaped to cover a torso 22 of the patient. The non-transparent portion may be sized and shaped to cover substantially the patient's body and at least part of the surgical system. For example, the non-transparent portion may cover a portion of the imaging probe. In some embodiments, the non-transparent portion may optionally and further comprise features such as slits 136 as shown in
The first portion 110 and the second portion 130 may be detachably coupled to each other. Alternatively, the first portion 110 and the second portion 130 may be formed together as one piece. The first portion 110 and the second portion 130 may be stitched together as one piece. In some embodiments, as illustrated in
The second portion 130 may be configured to cover or wrap around patient's legs 24. The non-transparent portion may be wrapped around legs of a patient as leggings such that a tether or strap for holding the container portion can be affixed to the legs by wrapping around them over the leggings (as shown in
The surgical drape 100 may comprise a separable line or perforation 132 along a midline of the surgical drape, or at any angle to the midline of the surgical drape. The perforation 132 may extend from an edge of the non-transparent portion to the fenestration. Alternatively, the perforation may not extend to the fenestration. The perforation may assist in removal of the drape after a urology procedure when instruments such as catheters are still in place. The perforation may also allow easy separation of the adjoining surfaces of the surgical drape. In some embodiments, the perforation may comprise a segment 132-1 located in the first portion 110 of the drape and a second segment 132-2 located in the second portion 130 of the drape. In some embodiments, the perforation need not be positioned along the midline or central-line of the surgical drape. The perforation can be positioned anywhere on the drape, in a configuration permitting the drape to be split from one side through the fenestration without interference with instruments placed through the fenestration. In some cases, tapes 133 may be used to strengthen the perforation region. The tapes 133 may serve to provide a sealed barrier. The tape 133 may be applied to one side or both sides of the region where the perforation forms. The tapes 133 may be disposed on top and/or below the perforation and the tape may be impervious to fluids. For example, the tape may comprise a first tape layer on top of the perforation and a second tape layer below the perforation such that the perforation is sandwiched between the first and second tape layers. In the case when other mechanisms such as zipper, buttons, or sliders are used, the tape may also be applied to provide the seal. In some cases, the perforation comprises a sliding dove-tail mechanism that releasably opens and closes the perforation.
The surgical drape 100 can be folded into a compact packet. The folded drape may be secured in an outer wrap or by adhesive tabs. The outer wrap or adhesive tabs may be removed when the packet is unfolded.
Although
The actuation element may comprise a stored energy device. The actuation element may include one or more spring elements. Non-limiting examples of spring elements can include a variety of suitable spring types, e.g., nested compression springs, buckling columns, conical springs, variable-pitch springs, snap-rings, double torsion springs, wire forms, limited-travel extension springs, braided-wire springs, etc. Further, the actuation element (e.g., spring elements) can be made from any of a number of metals (e.g. spring steel), plastics, or composite materials. In some cases, the actuation element may include fiberglass or plastic stiffeners, which also serve as stiffening elements as described elsewhere herein.
In some cases, the one or more spring elements may include a deployment spring positioned to deploy one or more sections of the surgical drape from the compact configuration to the extended configuration. Similarly, the one or more spring elements may include a retraction spring positioned to retract one or more sections of the surgical drape from the extended configuration back to the compact configuration. In some instances, a monolithic spring can be configured to provide dual functions, e.g. (1) for deploying and also (2) for retracting one or more sections of the surgical drape. For example, the monolithic spring can be configured to transform between two or more states (fully compressed state, partially extended state, fully extended state, etc.).
In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the actuation element can include magnets, electromagnets, pneumatic actuators, hydraulic actuators, motors (e.g. brushless motors, direct current (DC) brush motors, rotational motors, servo motors, direct-drive rotational motors, DC torque motors, linear solenoids stepper motors, ultrasonic motors, geared motors, speed-reduced motors, or piggybacked motor combinations), gears, cams, linear drives, belts, pulleys, conveyors, and the like.
As described elsewhere herein, the first portion 110 of the surgical drape 100 may comprise an opening/aperture/fenestration 118. In some embodiments, the opening may include an elastic strap or an adjustable closure that is configured to cinch around an organ of the patient as described herein, for maintaining integrity of a sterile surgical field or environment. The adjustable closure may include, for example a zipper. Additionally or optionally, the opening may include an adhesive material to gather and wrap loose sections of the drape around an organ of the patient for maintaining integrity of a sterile surgical field or environment.
The first portion 110 of the surgical drape may comprise material for covering the torso 22 or legs 24 of the patient, as described elsewhere herein.
Referring to
Referring to
In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the support structure 18 can be coupled 19 to a graphical display (not shown). The display may be supported beneath the drape, or supported by the drape. The display may be a screen. In some cases, the display may be a touchscreen. The display may include a light-emitting diode (LED) screen, OLED screen, liquid crystal display (LCD) screen, plasma screen, or any other type of screen. The display may be configured to show a user interface (UI) or a graphical user interface (GUI). The display can be operably coupled to the imaging probe 12, articulating arm 14, and/or treatment probe 16. A physician may view real-time optical images collected by the imaging probe 12 on the display. In some cases, a physician can control one or more steps during the surgical treatment of the patient via the display (e.g. articulation of the treatment probe 16 and/or imaging probe 12 via the arm 14).
The second portion 130 of the surgical drape may comprise a translucent or transparent material 138 that permits the graphical display to be viewed through the drape. The transparent material 138 may be provided in one or more regions of the drape, for example as shown in
The container portion 140 (henceforth referred to as container) may comprise a funnel shape to allow fluids to drain to an exit port 144. The container 140 may comprise a substantially conical funnel shape 156, for example as shown in
In some embodiments, the container may comprise structures for supporting one or more configurations of the container.
The supporting structures can comprise interleaved structures, for example vertical pleats 143 as shown in
In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the container 140 can be configured to serve as a packaging enclosure for storing the surgical drape 100 or portion thereof. The packaging enclosure can be used to store the surgical drape or portion thereof when the surgical drape is in its original state prior to use. Additionally or alternatively, the packaging enclosure can be used to store the surgical drape or portion thereof for subsequent disposal after the surgical drape has been used.
In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the container 140 can be coupled to and supported by a user, e.g. carried by a user 26, for example as shown in
In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the container 140 may comprise one or more compliant stiffening elements for maintaining a structural form of the container. At least one of the first portion 110 or the second portion 130 may comprise one or more frame structures that support a configuration of at least the first portion or the second portion. The compliant stiffening elements may be used as frame structures. For example, as shown in
In some cases, the container 140 may comprise structures for management of fluid flow. The container 140 may comprise an integral perforated tubing matrix 200 to maintain fluid flow and air displacement, for example as shown in
In some cases, the container 140 may comprise a flap to prevent splash onto a user (e.g. a physician).
The stiffening elements 190 can extend in directions transverse to each other. For example, the stiffening elements 190 may extend circumferentially and longitudinally along the container 140. The stiffening elements may comprise a bendable material such as a thin wire, for example, or any stiffing structure or element as described herein.
In some cases, the container 140 may comprise one or more ports 230 for accepting fluid from an irrigation or aspiration pump, or from a drain line above or below a screen 148.
In some embodiments, the container 140 may comprise one or more extruded portions extending from the container 140. One or more of the extruded portions may have a ‘tented’ shape. Referring to
In some embodiments, the container may comprise a detachable screen 148, for example as shown in
Referring to
Referring to
In some embodiments, the surgical drape 100 may comprise one or more labels as described herein. The labels may comprise instructions for using the drape, and information on one or more of the following: (a) location of one or more access port holes, (b) location of one or more perforations, (c) location of one or more attachment points, (d) areas at which sections of the drape can be detached, (e) placement of the drape onto the patient, (f) location of the drape relative to an operating table, (g) attachment of the drape to the operating table, (h) location of the drape relative to one or more support structures proximal to the operating table, or (i) attachment of the drape to the one or more support structures.
In some embodiments, the surgical drape 100 may comprise excess material in at least the first portion 110 or the second portion 130 to permit a non-sterile hand of the user (e.g. a physician) from a non-sterile working space outside of the drape to access and manipulate the probe 10 comprising the transrectal device or the surgical arm 14 without contaminating a sterile field underneath the drape. The canopy portion 111 can be configured to permit the user to manipulate the surgical arm 14 that supports the transrectal device.
The thermoformed drape 330 may comprise one or more stiffing structures as described herein, and the stiffening structures may comprise stiffening structures sandwiched between a plurality of layers of thermoformed sheet material, for example. The stiffening structures can be placed on a first thermoformed layer of the drape, and a second layer placed over the stiffening structures so as to sandwich the stiffening structure between the layers, and the layers can bond together as part of the thermoforming process. Alternatively, or in combination, actuators can be sandwiched between thermoformed layers of the drape, so as to automatically expand and extend the drape from a compact packaged configuration for sterile storage to an expanded and extended configuration for use on a patient. The sheet material may comprise any biocompatible barrier material impermeable to bodily fluids, and can be thermoformed on the mold as will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.
The method 300 for thermoforming the drape 100 may comprise one or more steps as follows: 1) receive sheet material to thermoform the mold; 2) manufacture the mold with the three-dimensional shape profile; place the sheet material on the mold; thermoform the sheet material to the shape of the mold; place appropriate structures on the thermoformed sheet of material at appropriate positions and orientations, e.g. stiffening structures; thermoform a second sheet of material on the mold so as to bond the first sheet to the second sheet with the stiffening structures therebetween; remove the thermoformed surgical drape 330 from mold 310; place the thermoformed surgical drape in a package or wrap the thermoformed drape within a packaging portion of the drape, in a compact storage configuration; and sterilize the thermoformed drape.
Although method 300 of thermoforming a surgical drape is described herein in accordance with an embodiment, a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize many variations and adaptations. Some of the steps may be removed or repeated, and the steps may be performed in a different order, for example.
The proximal portion 350 of the transrectal device may comprise a proximal portion of any transrectal device as described herein. In some embodiments, the proximal portion of the transrectal device comprises a knob of the transrectal device that is coupled to a probe so as to allow movement of the probe of the transrectal device. For example, the probe of the transrectal device can be mounted on a carriage coupled to the knob, such that the probe can be advanced distally and retracted proximally with rotation of the knob. In some embodiments, the transrectal device comprises an ultrasound imaging probe as described in PCT Application PCT/US2013/028441, filed on Feb. 28, 2013, entitled “AUTOMATED IMAGE-GUIDED TISSUE RESECTION AND TREATMENT”, published as WO/2013/130895, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. A transrectal ultrasound image can be shown on a display visible to a user, such that the transrectal ultrasound probe can be adjusted through the canopy portion with return of the engaged canopy portion as described herein. The transrectal device may comprise an input output (“I/O”) device as described herein so as to allow computer control of the position of the transrectal device, and the engaged portion of the canopy can return as described herein so as to facilitate movement of the engaged portion of the hand of the user and interaction with the I/O device.
The substantially imperceptible resistance to force provided by the canopy portion 111 when the engaged portion 354 moves from the first position 351 to the second position 353 stores potential energy in the canopy portion and in some embodiments additional portions of the drape 100. This potential energy is released at least partially when the engaged portion 354 of the canopy 111 is released by the hand of the user, and the engaged portion 354 returns from the second position 353 toward the first position 351.
A lower perimeter of the canopy can be supported, and the volume of the partially collapsed canopy determined, for example based on an amount of gas released when the canopy is compressed from the free standing partially collapsed configuration to the fully collapsed configuration. In some embodiments, the canopy barrier material inhibits the flow of air from the canopy. The seals of the canopy, if present, may comprises air tight seals to maintain the sterile field above the canopy. The barrier material of the canopy 111 may comprise a Young's modulus, a thickness, and a density configured to provide the partial collapse of the canopy in the free-standing configuration as described herein.
The amount of return of the canopy portion as described herein can be related to the Young's modulus, the thickness, the density of the barrier material and the volume of the full volume of the canopy portion in relation to the amount of movement of the proximal portion of the transrectal device. A person of ordinary skill in the art can determine suitable configurations of materials as described herein to configure the canopy with partial return during manipulation of the transrectal device, and partial collapse in the free standing configuration as described herein.
The surgical drape may comprise actuation elements in any and any location of the drape, so as to expand the drape from a compact configuration as described herein, e.g. as shown in
The container portion 140 of the drape may comprise one or more actuation elements 420 configured to expand the container portion form an initial compact configuration to an expanded configuration to receive fluids as described herein.
Although the compact configuration of
The surgical drape shown in
The one or more actuation elements can be configured in many ways. In some embodiments, the actuation element comprises one or more spring elements, and optionally the one or more spring elements comprises spring steel.
The container can be configured to receive, collect and store waste including bodily fluids, surgical-related fluids, tissue or debris generated during the surgical treatment. The container can be configured to receive, collect and store waste including bodily fluids, surgical-related fluids, tissue or debris generated during the surgical treatment as described herein. In some embodiments, the container portion 140 comprises a volume within a range from about 1000 cm3 to about 70,000 cm3 in the expanded deployed configuration and optionally the volume is within a range from about 1000 cm3 to about 10,000 cm3.
In some embodiments, at least one of a first portion comprising the canopy portion or a second portion comprising the torso portion is operably coupled to an actuation element configured to deploy one or more sections of the surgical drape from a compact configuration to an extended configuration.
In some embodiments, the compact configuration comprises a substantially two-dimensional shape, and the extended configuration comprises a substantially three-dimensional shape.
In some embodiments, the surgical drape is in the compact configuration when the surgical drape is not in use prior to deployment, and deployed to the extended configuration prior to or during use of the surgical drape for the surgical treatment of the patient.
Although reference is made to perforations, the surgical drape can be configured in many ways similar to perforations 132 and 450. In some embodiments, a second portion comprising the torso portion comprises a weakened material extending a direction corresponding to a direction along an inferior superior direction of the patent, e.g. along a midline. The second portion can be configured to assist removal of the surgical drape by allowing the second portion to separate along the weakened material. In some embodiments, the weakened material comprises one or more of perforations, thinned material relative to adjacent unweakened material, thermally or chemically weakened material or stressed material along the midline, or at any angle or offset to the midline, so as to extend a generally along a generally inferior or superior aspect of the patent. In some embodiments, a second weakened material extends in a second direction transverse to the midline in order to facilitate removal of the surgical drape around a base of the traction device coupled to the patient with a catheter extending along a urethra of the patient. The second weakened material extending in the second direction can be weakened similarly to the weakened material extending in the first direction, and may comprise perforations extending in the second direction, for example.
In some embodiments, the perforations allow insertion or access of a catheter to be inserted into a urethra of the patient. The catheter may comprise a suprapubic catheter to drain urine from a bladder of the patient, for example.
The container portion 140 may comprise a fluid inlet 460 to receive flowable material from a surgical procedure, such a surgical fluid comprising tissue and clots from an ablation procedure. The ablation may comprise a water jet ablation procedure performed with an ablation probe as described in in PCT Application No. PCT/US2013/028441, filed on Feb. 28, 2013, entitled “AUTOMATED IMAGE-GUIDED TISSUE RESECTION AND TREATMENT”, which has been previously incorporated by reference. The fluid from the surgical probe can be coupled to the inlet with a tube, such that the ablated prostate tissue material can be collected on the porous structure and used for subsequent analysis.
In some embodiments, the receiving surface area of the porous structure comprises a surface area greater than the minimum inner cross-sectional size of the suction port in order to provide additional channels of the porous structure to pass surgical fluids when solid material such as clots and tissue have been deposited on the porous structure.
The porous structure may comprise channels extending through a thickness of the porous structure that are sized and shaped to collect tissue from the surgical procedure for subsequent analysis. The channels can be sized no larger than the approximate size of a prostate cell, for example no larger than about 5 microns (um). The channels of the porous structure may comprise a maximum cross-sectional size within a range from about 0.1 microns to about 5 microns, for example, in order to capture individual cells of the prostate. Alternatively, the channels of the porous structure may comprise a larger cross-sectional size and may comprise a maximum cross-sectional size within a range from about 5 um to about 1 mm in order to capture tissue of the prostate comprising cells and blood clots received from inlet 460.
In some embodiments, the porous structure 148 and suction port 462 are configured such that an amount of fluid 464 accumulates in the container. The porous structure can decrease the amount of fluid accumulated in the container portion 140 as compared to fluid accumulation without the porous structure. The surface area and the size of the channels of the porous structure can be configured to decrease amount of fluid that accumulates between the porous structure and the opening to the suction port on an inner side of the container when the suction port is coupled to the suction source. The amount of accumulated fluid with the porous structure on the lower end of the container can be within a range from about 0.05 cm3 to about 500 cm3, for example within a range from about 0.05 cm3 to about 100 cm3. In some embodiments the porous structure can be separated from the suction port with a gap extending in between, and the amount of fluid that accumulates between the porous structure and the opening to suction port can be within similar ranges, e.g. from about 0.05 cm3 to about 100 cm3.
As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate in view of the present disclosure, the surgical drape comprises a sterile side that generally faces away from the patient and a non-sterile site that generally faces toward the patient, in order to provide a sterile barrier between the patient and the sterile side of the drape when placed on the patient. Alternatively or in combination, the surgical drape can be configured to cover the feet or legs of the patient, for example with the second portion comprising the torso portion as described herein extending so as to cover one or more of the feet or legs of the patient.
In some embodiments the user of the drape places a handpiece down and/or resectoscope on top of the drape on the patient's stomach, and the drape may comprise a fastener, such as a strap or Velcro or tether or tape portion configured to allow the user to place the handpiece at locations away from or on the patient's stomach. Alternatively or in combination, the patient drape may comprise an adhesive material to adhesively couple to the handpiece and/or resectoscope to limit movement of the surgical instrument. The adhesive can be covered with a peel or other material, such that the adhesive material is not exposed until the peel has been removed from the surface of the adhesive by the user such as a physician or attendant. Securing the handpiece and/or resectoscope on the drape above the stomach can inhibit instruments from sliding down into the fluid container as described herein, which would be less than ideal because the container may contain fluids and/or wrappers/gauze from earlier in the surgical procedure.
In some embodiments, the surgical drape comprises fasteners such as one or more of tape or Velcro section on one or more sides of the patient's legs for wire and cable and tubing management, which can be used to bundle these together.
In some embodiments, the surgical drape as described herein comprises a packaging enclosure to store the surgical drape or portion thereof when the surgical drape comprises an initial compact configuration prior to be expanded to the extended configuration, for example in its original state prior to use. The packaging portion may comprise an extension of the surgical drape configured to cover the drape in a compact configuration, for example with a lower non-sterile side of a portion of the drape folded so as to be exposed to a non-sterile exterior environment. An internal sterile side of the folded portion of the drape corresponding to the upper sterile side of the drape can be folded so as to a remainder of the drape, when the drape comprises the compact configuration prior to expansion to the extended configuration as described herein.
Although reference is made to alternatives in the present disclosure, one or ordinary skill in the art will recognize that these alternatives can be combined in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.
While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed in practicing the invention. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the invention and that methods and structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby.
The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/785,321, filed Feb. 7, 2020, which is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/US2018/046254, published as WO/2019/032986 on Feb. 14, 2019, and claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/543,893, filed Aug. 10, 2017, and to United States Provisional Application, filed May 14, 2018, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
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| Parent | 16785321 | Feb 2020 | US |
| Child | 16850892 | US | |
| Parent | PCT/US2018/046254 | Aug 2018 | US |
| Child | 16785321 | US |
