Patent Application
20230277383
Not Applicable.
The present invention relates generally to a low-impact topical medical device. More particularly, the present invention is related to a protective cushion and/or support device for use by patients having surgical drains and/or implanted ports.
Surgical drains are commonly used in patient's recovering from surgical procedures to collect and remove fluid that can build up within a body cavity. This typically requires that a surgical tube be left in place, passing through an incision site, for an extended period, commonly days to weeks. As a result, a great deal of care is required to protect surgical drains from being knocked around or dislodged during normal movement and/or activities, as this can be painful, can risk irritation or infection, or may cause the drain to become unseated or otherwise require replacement of the device.
For at least these reasons, there exists a need for an improved means of protecting surgical drains and similar devices from painful or otherwise unwanted contact.
This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that is further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. The present invention is defined by the claims.
Embodiments of the present invention may comprise a topical cushion configured to be worn in proximity to a surgical site of a patient. Such a topical cushion may be further configured to allow free movement at or near the surgical site, while preventing painful or otherwise unwanted contact such as impact, torsion, and/or compression. Some embodiments may be held in place via a compression band, wherein such compression band is configured to wrap around some portion of the patient's anatomy.
The present invention is described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:
Some embodiments of the present invention are described with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However, the scope of the invention is not intended to be defined by the description itself. The claimed subject matter may be embodied as to include different features, elements, components, steps, or combinations of steps, similar to those described herein, and in combination with other existing or future technologies. Moreover, although the term “step” might be used to connote different elements of the methods employed, this term should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between various steps herein disclosed unless and except the order of individual steps is explicitly described or required.
Embodiments of the present invention may comprise a topical cushion configured to be worn in proximity to a surgical site of a patient. As used herein, the terms “wearer”, “user”, “patient”, and the like may be used interchangeably to refer to the party making use of the present invention. As used herein, the term “surgical site” is used broadly to refer to a location on a patient's skin corresponding to the location of a surgical incision and/or the placement of a medical device or the like for which one having skill in the art may recognize increased protection against unwanted contact may be desirable. Surgical sites may include but are not limited to the location of a Jackson-Pratt drain, a Penrose drain, and implanted port, a catheter of any kind, and the like.
In some embodiments a topical cushion may be configured to allow free movement at or near the surgical site, while preventing painful or otherwise unwanted contact such as impact, torsion, and/or compression.
Embodiments may comprise various cushion materials having a preferred balance of firmness for protection and flexibility and softness for comfort. Examples of materials that might be used include, but are not limited to, injection molded Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, high-density Polyurethane, and the like or a combination thereof.
Compression band 220 may comprise a material having sufficient tensile stretch to secure cushion 216 in place, while flexible and breathable enough to permit wearing for extended periods. Such materials may include, but are not limited to, woven fabrics comprised of cotton, linen, hemp, and the like. One having skill in the art will recognize various materials having the desired characteristics may be applied to this purpose. In an alternative embodiment, cushion 216 may be secured directly to the body of patient 204 via an adhesive (not shown) in lieu of or in addition to compression band 220.
Returning to
Embodiments of the present invention have been described, as required by statute, to be illustrative, but should not be interpreted to be restrictive. One having skill in the art will recognize that many different arrangements of the various components depicted are possible without departing from the scope of the claims below, as well as arrangements including components not explicitly shown.
One having skill in the art will understand that certain combinations and/or sub-combinations of elements and features are of utility and may be employed without reference to other combinations and/or sub-combinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims. Not all steps listed in the various figures need be carried out in the specific order described.
