AU2021105265A4 - Medical aid/wedge - Google Patents
Medical aid/wedge Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- AU2021105265A4 AU2021105265A4 AU2021105265A AU2021105265A AU2021105265A4 AU 2021105265 A4 AU2021105265 A4 AU 2021105265A4 AU 2021105265 A AU2021105265 A AU 2021105265A AU 2021105265 A AU2021105265 A AU 2021105265A AU 2021105265 A4 AU2021105265 A4 AU 2021105265A4
- Authority
- AU
- Australia
- Prior art keywords
- aid
- lower layers
- peaks
- cusp
- bottom point
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Active
Links
- 210000003414 extremity Anatomy 0.000 description 13
- 210000003127 knee Anatomy 0.000 description 12
- 210000002414 leg Anatomy 0.000 description 6
- 210000000038 chest Anatomy 0.000 description 5
- 238000002627 tracheal intubation Methods 0.000 description 5
- 206010011985 Decubitus ulcer Diseases 0.000 description 4
- 208000004210 Pressure Ulcer Diseases 0.000 description 4
- 238000013132 cardiothoracic surgery Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000003319 supportive effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000006641 stabilisation Effects 0.000 description 2
- 206010011224 Cough Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 208000005793 Restless legs syndrome Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 208000027418 Wounds and injury Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 210000001015 abdomen Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 238000012084 abdominal surgery Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000845 anti-microbial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004872 arterial blood pressure Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000017531 blood circulation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000036772 blood pressure Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000001217 buttock Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000006378 damage Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007812 deficiency Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000004013 groin Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 210000003128 head Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 210000001624 hip Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 208000014674 injury Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000001926 lymphatic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002980 postoperative effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002265 prevention Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000002321 radial artery Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 210000001562 sternum Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 238000001356 surgical procedure Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008961 swelling Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004753 textile Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000005010 torso Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 125000000391 vinyl group Chemical group [H]C([*])=C([H])[H] 0.000 description 1
- 229920002554 vinyl polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 210000000707 wrist Anatomy 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G7/00—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons
- A61G7/05—Parts, details or accessories of beds
- A61G7/065—Rests specially adapted therefor
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C20/00—Head -, foot -, or like rests for beds, sofas or the like
- A47C20/02—Head -, foot -, or like rests for beds, sofas or the like of detachable or loose type
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F5/00—Orthopaedic methods or devices for non-surgical treatment of bones or joints; Nursing devices; Anti-rape devices
- A61F5/01—Orthopaedic devices, e.g. splints, casts or braces
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G7/00—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons
- A61G7/05—Parts, details or accessories of beds
- A61G7/057—Arrangements for preventing bed-sores or for supporting patients with burns, e.g. mattresses specially adapted therefor
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G7/00—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons
- A61G7/05—Parts, details or accessories of beds
- A61G7/065—Rests specially adapted therefor
- A61G7/07—Rests specially adapted therefor for the head or torso, e.g. special back-rests
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G7/00—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons
- A61G7/05—Parts, details or accessories of beds
- A61G7/065—Rests specially adapted therefor
- A61G7/075—Rests specially adapted therefor for the limbs
- A61G7/0755—Rests specially adapted therefor for the limbs for the legs or feet
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Nursing (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Orthopedic Medicine & Surgery (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
- Vascular Medicine (AREA)
- Orthopedics, Nursing, And Contraception (AREA)
Abstract
The aid 10 is a heart shaped wedge, comprising an upper planar layer 12, a lower planar
layer 14, and a side wall 16 therebetween which extends between the peripheries of the
upper and lower layers 12 and 14. Each of the upper and lower layers 12 and 14 is heart
shaped and comprises two equal curves having upper peaks 22 meeting at a bottom point
24 and a middle cusp 26 at the top. The aid 10 is wedged shaped in that the distance
between the upper and lower layers 12 and 14 at the upper edge 27 of the aid (the peaks 22
and the cusp 26) is larger than the distance between the upper and lower layers 12 and 14
at the bottom point 24. The side wall 16 thus tapers from the upper edge 27 to the bottom
point 24. In use, the cusp 26 forms a valley with the peaks 22 on either side thereof which is
useful for supporting limbs in position and preventing lateral movement of the limb.
10
12
16
14 FIGURE 1
22 12
16
26
24
22
27
FIGURE 2
Description
12
16
14 FIGURE 1
22 12
16
26
24 22
27
FIGURE 2
Field of the Invention
[1] The present invention relates to an aid for medical use, but is not limited to this use. The invention is referred to as a MultiCare Wedge.
Background of the Invention
[2] Medical staff in the past have utilised towels and normal pillows which are folded into different shapes to provide support for patients in various situations. However, there is not one product available which provides versatility of use in such various situations with minimal folding required. For example, currently there is no hospital tool or pre-hospital aid for medical staff which assists with positioning of the head during intubation and allowing for left hip tilt for pregnant women.
[3] The present invention seeks to overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.
[4] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.
Summary of the Invention
[5] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a medical aid comprising an upper planar layer, a lower planar layer, and a side wall therebetween which extends between the peripheries of the upper and lower layers,
each of the upper and lower layers being flexible and heart shaped and comprising two equal curves having upper peaks meeting at a bottom point and a middle cusp at the top, wherein the aid is wedged shaped in that the distance between the upper and lower layers at an upper edge of the aid with the peaks and the cusp is larger than the distance between the upper and lower layers at the bottom point, and
a resilient insert disposed within the upper and lower layers and the side wall.
[6] Preferably, the side wall tapers from the upper edge to the bottom point.
[7] Preferably, the cusp in use forms a valley with the peaks on either side thereof for supporting a limb.
[8] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[9] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
[10] Figure 1 is a top perspective view of an aid according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention,
[11] Figure 2 is a side perspective view of the aid,
[12] Figure 3 is top view of the aid,
[13] Figure 4 shows use of the aid for heel elevation,
[14] Figure 5 shows use of the aid for limb support,
[15] Figure 6 shows use of the aid for hip support,
[16] Figure 7 shows use of the aid for knee support,
[17] Figure 8 shows use of the aid for shoulder support, and
[18] Figure 9 shows use of the aid for body support.
Description of Embodiments
[19] It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features.
[20] Figure 1 to 3 shows an aid 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The aid 10 is a heart shaped wedge, comprising an upper planar layer 12, a lower planar layer 14, and a side wall 16 therebetween which extends between the peripheries of the upper and lower layers 12 and 14.
[21] Each of the upper and lower layers 12 and 14 is heart shaped and comprises two equal curves having upper peaks 22 meeting at a bottom point 24 and a middle cusp 26 at the top. The aid 10 is wedged shaped in that the distance between the upper and lower layers 12 and 14 at the upper edge 27 of the aid (the peaks 22 and the cusp 26) is larger than the distance between the upper and lower layers 12 and 14 at the bottom point 24. The side wall 16 thus tapers from the upper edge 27 to the bottom point 24. In use, the cusp 26 forms a valley with the peaks 22 on either side thereof which is useful for supporting limbs in position and preventing lateral movement of the limb.
[22] In the example shown, the aid 10 at the bottom point 24 is 1cm being its thinnest point (heart base), widening to 8cm at its thickest point at the peaks 22 and cusp 26 (meeting point of the two heart mounds) at the upper edge 27.
[23] In the example, the aid 10 is 42 cm in width at its widest part, 25 cm from the cusp 26 to the bottom point 24, and 27cm from a peak 22 vertically downwards towards the lower edge of the aid.
[24] The aid 10 in the example includes a resilient insert disposed within the upper and lower layers 12 and 14 and the side wall 16. The insert in the example is made from a high quality firm foam (H35-200) insert shaped into the heart shaped wedge, with the upper and lower layers being a cover made from two types of materials, medical grade barrier textile (blue Carrflex@ (antimicrobial material) and easy wipe Marine Vinyl with zip on top.
[25] Figure 4 shows use of the aid 10 for heel 100 elevation. The aid 10 here is used under a leg with the bottom point 24 close to the knee and the upper edge 27 close to the heel. The leg is thus wedged upwardly to provide heel support for a grafted leg or heel elevation to avoid pressure sores. The heel is positioned over the cusp 26 at which the peaks 22 on either side of the leg support the leg against lateral movement. The aid 10 can also be used under the knees for restless legs. Limb elevation is important postoperatively as it assists in the reduction of swelling through lymphatic drainage.
[26] Figure 5 shows use of the aid for limb support. The aid 10 here is used under an arm with the bottom point 24 close to the elbow and the upper edge 27 under the wrist. The hand is positioned over the cusp 26 at which the peaks 22 on either side of the arm support the arm against lateral movement. The aid 10 can be used for support of a grafted limb or for supporting a radial PCI site or artline.
[27] Figure 6 shows use of the aid for hip support. The aid 10 here is used under a hip with the bottom point 24 close to the patient coccyx and the upper edge 27 under the side of the hip. This specific use shows a left sided hip lift for a pregnant women which is vital during CPR or whilst they lay in bed to support vena cava blood flow.
[28] Figure 7 shows use of the aid for knee support. The aid 10 here is used between the patient's knees with the patient laying on their side, with the bottom point 24 extending to the patient groin area and the upper edge 27 between the knees. This use is useful for many elderly patient who suffer from discomfort in bed due to bony knees as it provides hip and knee support.
[29] Figure 8 shows use of the aid for head and shoulder support. The aid 10 here is used under the shoulder with the bottom point 24 extending towards the patient's back and the upper edge 27 under the shoulders. The patient's head extends over the cusp 26 with the peaks 22 disposed directly below the shoulders. The peaks 22 on either side of the neck can support the neck against lateral movement.
[30] This particular use is useful for placing the patient in the correct position for intubation being the sniffing position. Placing the patient's head at the level of the lower tip of the breastbone, or xyphoid process, gives the best mechanical advantage.
[31] To achieve this, the wedge aid 10 is placed between the shoulder blades. In the example use shown in Figure 8, the aid wedge 10 is slightly higher than required and should be moved further down between the shoulders.
[32] Figure 9 shows use of the aid for body support. Here the patient is shown hugging the aid wedge 10. Patients postoperatively often experience pain. For patient after cardiothoracic surgery or abdominal surgery, splinting the body with a firm but soft object like the aid 10 can assist with pain control.
[33] The preferred embodiment of the invention thus provides a supportive, multi-use device designed for hospital, pre-hospital and discharged patients requiring healthcare. The small size and unique shape of the aid 10 gives it a diversity that traditional wedges do not have. Most traditional wedges are large abstract shapes, typically rectangular, square or triangular. Generally, they are larger in size, designed predominately as rehabilitative tools. The aid 10 differs in that its designed to be supportive and rehabilitative and its shape lends to its diversity, making it suitable for most healthcare environments.
[34] The heart shape of the aid 10 enables stabilisation between the heart mounds/peaks of limbs or the head, and the peaks can provide support of the shoulder blades during intubation.
[35] The wedge shape of the aid 10 allows for elevation, splinting or separation and support of limbs, spine and chest.
[36] The aid 10 is a heart shaped wedge designed to be a supportive tool in the healthcare and private setting. Its unique shape and size enables it to fit comfortably within a patient's bed without taking up too much room, as well as supports and stablises the limbs, head, hips, knees and torso when positioned strategically. It can be easily held by a patient against their chest or abdomen for the purpose of splinting pain.
[37] The aid 10 is a useful discharge tool. Protecting the chest of the postoperative cardiothoracic patient whilst driving or as a pressure injury prevention tool for those requiring support between the legs or knees at night or under the heels or knees when sleeping. This devise can be used in nearly every department in a hospital as well as pre-hospital care settings and after a patient is discharged for the purpose of rehab and personal use.
[38] The aid 10 can be used to reduce the risk of pressure sores in boney prominent areas such as heels, sacrum, between the shoulder blades and on some parts of the spine and hips.
Traditional wedges are used in the same way, but often are larger and can take up more space in the bed and can increase body heat in a bed bound patient.
[39] In the critical care setting, artlines are used to read the arterial pressures of a patient's heart in order to gain accurate blood pressures. These are located typically in the radial artery and can be quite temperamental and effected by positioning. The aid wedge 10 can be position in such a way as to provide support and stabilisation of the limb and artline.
[40] The aid can thus be used as for splinting of the chest post cardiothoracic surgery when coughing or repositioning in bed (in hospital & at home), splinting of chest post cardiothoracic surgery when driving in the car (after hospital care), pre-hospital and ICU intubation tool used to position head during intubation of patient, maintaining an open airway during CPR by using wedge between shoulder blades with head resting between heart mounds/peaks, maintaining left sided lift of hips for the heavily pregnant patient during CPR or positions requiring patient to be supine, artline and graft site positioning of a patient limb post grafting surgery, and pressure sore management - used to reposition patient off back, buttock, wedged between knees and elevation of heels in bed.
[41] The aid 10 can be provided to cardiothoracic patients as a rehabilitation aid or as a pressure sore management aid for the elderly or terminally ill patient being nursed at home.
[42] The aid 10 thus can be used for:
a. Pre-hospital care services - Paramedics, ICP's, Remote medical clinics
b. In-hospital care - ICU, CCU, Rehab, Obstetrics, Cardiothoracic, Emergency care, Oncology
c. At home patient - Hospice, Cardiothoracic patient, SilverChain, Elderly, Rest Homes
Although a preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described, it will be apparent to skilled persons that modifications can be made to the embodiment shown. The upper layer 12 for example can be formed with a contour or a pair of contours for locating a limb thereon. In another possible modification, the insert disposed within the upper and lower layers 12 and 14 and the side wall 16 can be mouldable to stay in a desired position if needed.
Claims (5)
1. A medical aid comprising an upper planar layer, a lower planar layer, and a side wall therebetween which extends between the peripheries of the upper and lower layers,
each of the upper and lower layers being flexible and heart shaped and comprising two equal curves having upper peaks meeting at a bottom point and a middle cusp at the top,
wherein the aid is wedged shaped in that the distance between the upper and lower layers at an upper edge of the aid with the peaks and cusp is larger than the distance between the upper and lower layers at the bottom point, and
a resilient insert disposed within the upper and lower layers and the side wall.
2. The aid of claim 1 wherein the side wall tapers from the upper edge to the bottom point.
3. The aid of claim 1 wherein the cusp in use forms a valley with the peaks on either side thereof for supporting a limb.
4. The aid of claim 1 wherein the upper layer is formed with a contour or a pair of contours for locating a limb thereon.
5. The aid of claim 1 wherein the insert is mouldable.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2021900803 | 2021-03-18 | ||
| AU2021900803A AU2021900803A0 (en) | 2021-03-18 | Medical aid/wedge |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| AU2021105265A4 true AU2021105265A4 (en) | 2021-11-11 |
Family
ID=78488530
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2021105265A Active AU2021105265A4 (en) | 2021-03-18 | 2021-08-11 | Medical aid/wedge |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AU (1) | AU2021105265A4 (en) |
-
2021
- 2021-08-11 AU AU2021105265A patent/AU2021105265A4/en active Active
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FGI | Letters patent sealed or granted (innovation patent) |