DE112007002713B4 - Warming blanket with sensors - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a thermal blanket (100) in which an intermediate layer and / or an interspace (13) is arranged between an inner layer (15) and an outer layer (16) for the passage, passage, flow and / or transport of hot air . In order to provide a warming blanket (100) that is used in connection with sensors, for example during an operation, in which the attachment and removal of individual sensors on or from the body is separate from putting on and removing the warming blanket (100) be avoided, the invention provides that the inner layer and / or intermediate layer and / or the space (13) are provided with sensors (18, 19, 20, 25).

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to a thermal blank, in which between an inner layer and an outer layer, an intermediate layer and / or an intermediate space for passing, for passing, for flowing through and / or transporting of heat air is arranged.

State of the art

Thermal blankets of the type mentioned above are used to temper a body covered with the blanket by heat air is supplied.

Such thermal blankets find particular but not exclusively in the medical field application to prevent heat loss of persons to be treated, whose independent heat regulation is disturbed or temporarily suspended.

The thermal blanket is placed over the patient's body or under the patient, and the heat supplied by at least one supply tube exits in a planar manner on the underside of the thermal blanket facing the body in order to heat the body. The underside can be made of polyester.

In this case, an intermediate layer or intermediate space may also be arranged between the inner layer, which faces the body and which is permeable to the hot air, and the outer layer, which is remote from the body and essentially impermeable to the hot air.

This intermediate layer of the thermal blanket can be filled with a material which is not only permeable to air, but also ensures a pressure-relieving bearing, for example, of anesthetized patients.

The thermal blankets of the prior art are thus placed with their body-facing inner layer under the body and / or on the body of the patient. These not only isolate this, but also warm it convectively, ie. H. with outgoing hot air. Due to the convective heat supply, a cooling or hypothermia of a body to be operated on reliably prevented.

At the same time, patients must be continuously monitored, especially during surgery. The monitoring extends, for example, to cardiac functions of respiration, body temperature and the like. The like. This monitoring is usually done by sensors that are attached to the body.

However, attaching the sensors to the body and removing them from the body can be very laborious and time consuming for medical personnel. This is especially the case when the patient has to undergo multiple surgeries. In this case, the sensors must be repeatedly attached to or removed from the body. This repeated procedure of applying and removing sensors often also causes discomfort to patients, especially infants and toddlers, since the application and removal of the sensors may be associated with skin irritation.

In addition, the invention provides that the thermal blanket is designed for use in the medical field and according to a further advantageous embodiment, in particular in surgical operations.

For example, from the prior art WO 99/40377 A1 a portable heat generating device is known in which heat is generated evenly over the surface of a thin, sheet-like elastomeric structure. In this case, exceeding a limit temperature of the Elastomerstrucktur is prevented by the use of integrated temperature sensors.

Further disclosed EP 0 659 373 A2 an air control quilt having a sensor bag for receiving a tax-use sensor.

JP 2002 125 809 A describes a heat pad comprising a fan, wherein the fan is monitored by a temperature sensor.

Out WO 2005/025406 A2 For example, a children's blanket with a separate layer for sensors is known.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION: Problem, Solution, Advantages

The object of the invention is to provide a thermal blank, which is used in conjunction with sensors, for example during an operation, in which the attachment and removal of individual sensors on or from the body is avoided separately from the placement and removal of the thermal blankets become.

This object is solved by the features of claim 1.

The core idea of the invention is to integrate sensors, in particular for detecting a vital function, from the outset into the thermal blanket by providing the inner layer or also the intermediate layer with sensors. The sensors may, for example, be sensors for detecting skin resistance, respiration, pulse, cardiac currents or body temperature. The fact that the thermal blankets are used as heat pads on the body, it is ensured that the sensors remain sufficiently in the body contact. The application of the thermal blanket on the body also ensures that the sensors remain fixed in the correct position on the body. The contacting and the connection of the sensors with each other is given by electrically conductive yarns and / or threads.

The advantage of the invention is the fact that the application or removal of the sensors on or from the body is accompanied by the application or removal of the thermal blanket. In this way, the procedure of separately mounting and removing the sensors is avoided.

• – als Innenschicht mindestens eine Mikrofaserschicht, die luftdurchlässig, d. h. für die Warmluft permeabel ausgebildet ist;
• – als Zwischenschicht mindestens ein Abstands-/Lagerungsgewebe oder Gewirke, insbesondere mindestens ein Polyestergewebe, oder -gewirke, zum Durchlassen, zum Durchleiten, zu Durchströmen und/oder zum Transportieren der Warmluft; und
• – als Außenlage oder Außenschicht mindestens eine Textil schicht, die luftundurchlässig, d. h. für die Warmluft impermeabel ausgebildet ist.

In principle, sensors can be sensors which can be fixed to thermal blankets. It should be noted that common thermal blankets of the type mentioned above are characterized by the following structure:

• - As the inner layer at least one microfiber layer, which is permeable to air, that is permeable to hot air formed;
• As intermediate layer, at least one spacer / storage fabric or knitted fabric, in particular at least one polyester fabric or knitted fabric, for passing through, for passing through, for flowing through and / or for transporting the warm air; and
• - As the outer layer or outer layer at least one textile layer that is impermeable to air, that is impermeable to the hot air.

Accordingly, the fixing agents must be selected so that sensors can be fixed to thermal blankets having this specific structure and these specific materials.

It is an advantage that the sensors are washable.

The sensors should therefore consist of a material which is insensitive to common textile care or detergent. This takes into account the fact that thermal blankets are often subjected to cleaning.

An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the sensors are made of a material that is resistant to body perspiration and body evaporation. In this way, the functionality of the sensor is maintained, even if body odors or perspiration occur during surgery.

It should also be ensured that the sensors are arranged to insulate each other in a heat-insulating manner. This is particularly desirable in temperature sensors, since in this way a mutual influence of the sensors is prevented.

It is also advantageous that the sensors are made of a material that can be subjected to sterilization and / or disinfection.

The sensors can be fixed on the inner layer and / or within the inner layer via a holder. The brackets may be, for example, snap fasteners, Velcro fasteners or connectors, which are incorporated in the thermal blanket. Such holders can also be provided for the sensors which are fixed in the intermediate layer and / or within the intermediate layer.

A practicable variant of the invention provides that the sensors are woven or sewn into the inner and / or intermediate layer. In this variant of the sensors in the thermal blanket, the sensors are held for example by transverse and / or longitudinal threads.

Preferably, electrical conductors may be integrated as threads and / or yarns in the inner layer and / or in the gap to provide the necessary electrical connections between the sensors. It has been shown that the wiring between the sensors can be made such that conductor threads are mounted in textile threads of the thermal blanket. The conductor threads can be woven into the thermal blanket.

Short description of the drawing

In the following the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to FIG. It shows in a schematic representation:

1 a plan view of an embodiment of a thermal blanket gem. of the present invention

Best way to carry out the invention

In 1 a heat blanket according to the invention is shown, with the reference numeral 100 is provided.

The thermal blanket 100 has a connection 10 for an air hose 12 on, over the hot air from a hot air source 14 , such as from a powered heating fan, can be supplied. The hot air is then distributed in the intermediate space 13 the double-layered thermal blanket 100 between the two layers, ie between the inner layer 15 and the outer layer 16 , This is the gap 13 through the inner layer 15 as well as through the outer layer 16 limited.

The outer layer 16 the thermal blanket 100 is here formed air-impermeable, including the outer layer 16 essentially consists of a coating of polyurethane. In principle, it is of course possible that any waterproof and airtight tissue serves as a coating. In contrast, the inner layer 15 the thermal blank so far permeable to air, as this inner layer 15 having the finest, in particular pore-like openings for the outflow of hot air supplied. In principle, any air-permeable inner layer of woven, knitted and knitted fabric can be used. The aforementioned technical measures lead to the hot air essentially exclusively from the inner layer 15 can emerge when using the thermal blanket 100 the body of a patient or a patient is facing. In this way, the thermal blanket 100 at the same time provide insulation against heat loss and, in addition, active heat supply.

In principle, the outer layer 16 also made of a rubberized material. It is conceivable that the material is a polyurethane coating. The air hose 12 , the thermal blanket 100 which supplies hot air, is air-permeable fabric, with the inner side of the air hose 12 can be reinforced with knitted fabric. This will ensure that out of the air hose 12 no warm air can escape and the through the air hose 12 flowing warm air even with existing kinks of the air hose 12 is forwarded. In the gap 13 can also knitted fabric (Lagergewirk) be integrated. The knitted fabric has a pressure-relieving effect, ie it can counteract pressure loads which are caused, for example, by the fact that, due to its own weight, surgical equipment such as tubes rest on parts of the body during an operation. As material for the bottom fabric or knit polyester may be provided.

In addition, the thermal blanket 100 on the inner layer 15 with sensors 18 . 19 . 20 . 25 Mistake. The sensors serve, for example, for monitoring respiration or body temperature. The sensors 18 . 19 . 20 . 25 are hardwired and can be over the electrical wire 22 to a remote control unit 23 to be finished. The remote control unit 23 can for example via the sensors 18 . 19 . 20 . 25 represent detected or measured potentials in the form of signals. The thermal blanket 100 can also mounts 24 have, for the fixation of the sensors 18 . 19 . 20 . 25 on the thermal blanket 100 serve. At the bracket 24 it may, for example, be a hook-and-loop fastener in which one band is provided with a coating of small barbs and the other is provided with a fluffy layer, the fluffy layer on the sensors 18 . 19 . 20 . 25 attached and the tape with the flooring from no barbs on the inner layer 15 can be attached.

It is also conceivable that the sensors 18 . 19 . 20 . 25 are provided with fabric and thereby with the inner layer 15 can be sewn. Also it is possible that the sensors 18 . 19 . 20 . 25 with the inner layer 15 the thermal blanket 100 are glued. In addition, line-free connections for communication between the sensors 18 . 19 . 20 . 25 be used. The gap 13 can also accommodate sensors, which are also fixed here by suitable means in the intermediate layer. It should be noted that the sensors 18 . 19 . 20 . 25 Washable are made of a material that is resistant to body sweat and body perspiration. In addition, the sensors should 18 . 19 . 20 . 25 be arranged thermally insulating each other. The electrical conductors 21 between the sensors 18 . 19 . 20 . 25 are as threads and / or yarns in the inner layer 15 or in the gap 13 integrated.

These threads or yarns can directly in textile threads of the thermal blanket 100 to be appropriate. To fix the sensors 18 . 19 . 20 . 25 on the thermal blanket 100 ensure further supports can be considered. Apart from hook-and-loop fasteners, hook and eye fasteners and button fasteners are also conceivable. To the thermal blanket 100 to undergo a cleaning are electrical conductors 21 or the electrical lines 22 provided with a protective layer that protects against water.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

100

thermal blanket

10

connection

12

air hose

13

gap

14

Warm air source

15

inner layer

16

outer layer

18, 19, 20

sensors

21

electrical conductors

22

cables

23

Remote control unit

24

bracket

25

sensors

Claims (14)

Warming Blanket ( 100 ), in which between an inner layer ( 15 ) and an outer layer ( 16 ) an intermediate layer and / or a gap ( 13 ) is arranged for the passage, for the passage, for the passage and / or transport of heat air, wherein the inner layer ( 15 ) and / or intermediate layer and / or the gap ( 13 ) with sensors ( 18 . 19 . 20 . 25 ), characterized in that the contacting and the connection of the sensors ( 18 . 19 . 20 . 25 ) is given to each other via electrically conductive yarns and / or threads. Thermal blanket according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensors ( 18 . 19 . 20 . 25 ) are washable. Thermal blanket according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sensors ( 18 . 19 . 20 . 25 ) are made of a material that is resistant to body perspiration and body vapors. Thermal blanket according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the sensors ( 18 . 19 . 20 . 25 ) are mutually arranged heat-insulating. Thermal blanket according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensors ( 15 . 19 . 20 . 25 ) are made of a material that can be subjected to sterilization and / or disinfection. Thermal blanket according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensors ( 18 . 19 . 20 . 25 ) on the inner layer ( 15 ) and / or within the inner layer ( 15 ) via a holder ( 24 ) are fixed. Thermal blanket according to claim 6, characterized in that the sensors ( 18 . 19 . 20 . 25 ) in the intermediate layer and / or within the intermediate space ( 13 ) over the bracket ( 24 ) are fixed. Thermal blanket according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensors ( 18 . 19 . 20 . 25 ) are sewn and / or glued on and / or applied by coating. Thermal blanket according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the sensors ( 18 . 19 . 20 . 25 ) in the inner and / or intermediate layer and / or the intermediate space ( 13 ) are woven or sewn. Thermal blanket according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that electrical conductors ( 21 ) as threads and / or yarns in the inner layer ( 15 ) and / or in the intermediate layer and / or in the intermediate space ( 13 ) are integrated. Thermal blanket according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wiring between the sensors ( 18 . 19 . 20 . 25 ) is given by ladder threads which are used in textile threads of the thermal blanket ( 100 ) are mounted. Thermal blanket according to one of claims 10 to 11, characterized in that the conductor wires in the heat blanket ( 100 ) are woven. Thermal blanket according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the thermal blanket is adapted to be used in the medical field. Thermal blanket according to claim 13, characterized in that the thermal blanket is adapted to be used in surgical operations.

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