EP4719254A1 - A surgical drape comprising a limb portion - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure generally relates to a surgical drape (100) having a lateral (x) and longitudinal (y) extension and comprising a top surface (101) and a bottom surface (102), wherein the surgical drape (100) comprises at least a first limb portion (103) for receiving a limb of a patient. The surgical drape (100) has an unfolded configuration and a folded configuration.

Description

A SURGICAL DRAPE COMPRISING A LIMB PORTION

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a surgical drape having a lateral (x) and longitudinal (y) extension and comprising a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the surgical drape comprises at least a first limb portion for receiving a limb of a patient. The surgical drape has an unfolded configuration and a folded configuration.

BACKGROUND

Sterile surgical drapes are typically used during surgical procedures. The primary purpose of a surgical drape is to isolate the surgical site from other areas of the patient’s body and from non-sterile surfaces of the surroundings, such as surgery tables, in order to reduce the risk of surgical site infection.

The process of applying a surgical drape onto a patient prior to surgery is referred to as draping.

Draping a patient is typically a difficult and cumbersome task for the surgical staff. A surgical drape is extremely large and bulky, and the draping procedure must typically be carried out by several members of the surgical team.

Prior to use, the surgical drape is typically folded in multiple ways and stored in a packaged and sterile condition. Hence, during application of the drape to the patient, the surgical drape must be unfolded in several steps, and simultaneously or subsequently be applied to the patient in a controlled, completely sterile, and step-by-step manner.

The complexity of the draping procedure increases when the surgery to be performed involves the limbs of a patient, for example the arms or the legs of a patient.

In these cases, the surgical drape typically comprises one or two pouches or sleeves projecting from the drape and being configured to be pulled over the legs or the arms of a patient.

A key step in the draping procedures of surgical drapes comprising projecting pouch or sleeve portions is to initiate the draping by covering the limbs or extremities of the patient first, and subsequently unfold and apply the remaining parts of the surgical drape onto the patient. Hence, as a first step, the sleeve must be pulled over the limb such that the limb is completely covered by the sleeve. As mentioned hereinbefore, the surgical drape is packaged in a multiple folded configuration prior to use. The unfolding and application of the drape is complicated, and the process is further aggravated by the requirement of the pouches or sleeves of the drape to first be applied to the patient during a limb surgery. In this regard, the pouches or sleeves may be hidden in between the various folds of the surgical drape and is not easily accessed by the surgical staff. Hence, in order to access the pouch or sleeve, the surgical drape may need to be unfolded, which enhances the risk of contamination.

There is consequently a need to provide a surgical drape for a limb surgery, which improves and facilitates the draping procedure for the surgical staff. Such a surgical drape should provide for a sterile and facilitated draping to be carried out in the correct sequence of steps.

SUMMARY

In view of the above-mentioned and other drawbacks, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide improvements with respect to the draping procedure during a limb surgery such that the draping procedure is facilitated and can be performed in a controlled, time-efficient, and sterile manner.

According to a first aspect, there is provided a surgical drape having a lateral (x) extension and a longitudinal extension (y) and comprising a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the surgical drape comprises at least a first limb portion for receiving a limb of a patient; the surgical drape comprising at least a first opening arranged underneath the first limb portion, wherein the surgical drape has an unfolded configuration and a folded configuration, wherein in the unfolded configuration,

- the surgical drape comprises an upper region, a lower region and a central region arranged between the upper and lower regions, wherein the first limb portion is arranged in the central region and wherein each of the upper, lower and central regions have a longitudinal (y) extension corresponding to from 20 to 40% of the maximum longitudinal (y) extension of the surgical drape, wherein

- the first limb portion comprises a base portion attached to the top surface of the surgical drape, a closed bottom portion and a sleeve portion extending between the base portion and the bottom portion, wherein in the folded configuration,

- the upper region is folded along a first folding line extending in the lateral (x) direction to form a first folded stack, wherein the first folded stack is defined by a first lateral stack edge and a second lateral stack edge; the first and second lateral stack edges extending in the lateral (x) direction, and a first longitudinal stack edge and a second longitudinal stack edge; the first and second longitudinal stack edges extending in the longitudinal (y) direction;

- the lower region is folded along a second folding line extending in the lateral (x) direction to form a second folded stack, wherein the second folded stack is defined by a first lateral stack edge and a second lateral stack edge; the first and second lateral stack edges extending in the lateral (x) direction, and a first longitudinal stack edge and a second longitudinal stack edge; the first and second longitudinal stack edges extending in the longitudinal (y) direction;

- the first limb portion is folded along the length of the sleeve portion to form a folded first limb portion, wherein the folded first limb portion is arranged between the first folded stack and the second folded stack and wherein the folded first limb portion extends beyond at least the first lateral stack edge of the first folded stack in the longitudinal (y) direction such that the folded first limb portion is visible in the folded configuration.

The present disclosure is based on the realization that a surgical drape as defined hereinabove significantly facilitates the draping procedure prior to a surgery involving the limbs, e.g. arms or legs of a patient. The surgical drape reduces the number of steps that need to be carried out during draping and minimizes the risk of contamination in the surgical setting.

The limb portion of the drape is configured to receive the limb; i.e. the arm or leg of the patient. In the folded configuration, the limb portion is folded along the length of the sleeve portion. In this regard, the closed bottom portion may be arranged inside the sleeve portion. Alternatively, the limb portion may be folded such that the closed bottom portion forms a distal edge of the folded limb portion.

During this initial draping step, a surgical staff member may insert his/her hand into the folded limb portion, which is visible and easily recognized in the folded configuration, and grasp the limb, e.g. the leg or the arm.

The folded limb portion forms a sleeve or long “glove” into which the hand(s) of the surgical staff member may be inserted. If the bottom surface is arranged inside the sleeve portion, the hand(s) may be inserted into the folded limb portion. If the limb portion is folded such that the closed bottom portion forms a distal edge of the folded limb portion, the hand(s) may be inserted into the space formed by a fold along the length of the sleeve portion.

The surgical drape is provided with at least a first opening in the area where the limb portion is arranged. The opening serves to receive the limb of the patient. The “glove” formed by the folded limb portion supports the surgical staff member to anchor the at least first opening onto the limb. Draping of the limb may be accomplished by gradually unfolding the limb portion and simultaneously draping the limb, e.g. arm or leg of a patient.

The folded first limb portion extends beyond the lateral stack edge of the first folded stack in the longitudinal (y) direction, preferably also beyond the first lateral stack edge of the second folded stack in the longitudinal (y) direction.

Accordingly, a portion of the folded limb portion extends beyond the folded stack(s) and is easily recognized by the surgical staff such that they can quickly and easily access the limb portion of the surgical drape. Hence, instead of unfolding various parts of the surgical drape (and thereby enhancing the risk of contamination), a surgical staff member may insert his/her hand into the folded limb portion of the surgical drape in the folded configuration, and initiate the draping of the limb in a correct manner. There is consequently no need for the surgical staff to unfold the folded surgical drape or waste time searching for the limb portion throughout the various folds of the folded surgical drape. In this way, contamination during draping is prevented or at least significantly reduced.

When the limb(s) has (have) been correctly covered in the first step, the first stack, which may also be referred to as the upper stack, of the surgical drape may be gradually unfolded and applied to the upper part of a patient’s body. The second stack, which may also be referred to as the lower stack, of the surgical drape may subsequently (or simultaneously depending on the number of surgical staff members) be gradually unfolded and applied to the lower part of the patient’s body.

Typically, the first lateral stack edge of the first folded stack substantially coincides with the first lateral stack edge of the second folded stack, and wherein the second lateral stack edge of the first folded stack substantially coincides with the second lateral stack edge of the second folded stack.

Hence, the first and second stack are arranged on top of one another, and a portion of the folded limb portion projects outwardly from and in between the first and second stacks. The folded surgical drape may have a generally rectangular shape in this configuration. In exemplary embodiments, the surgical drape may further comprise a second limb portion for receiving a limb of a patient; the surgical drape comprising at least a second opening underneath second limb portion; the second limb portion comprising a base portion attached to the top surface of the surgical drape, a closed bottom portion and a sleeve portion extending between the base portion and the bottom portion, wherein in the folded configuration,

- the second limb portion is folded along the length of the sleeve portion to form a folded second limb portion wherein the folded second limb portion is arranged between the first folded stack and the second folded stack and wherein the folded second limb portion extends beyond at least the lateral stack edge of the first folded stack in the longitudinal (y) direction such that the folded second limb portion is visible in the folded configuration.

This embodiment is particularly useful in surgical scenarios where two limbs are to be draped. For example, during a hip fracture surgery, both legs need to be draped. The legs (or arms) may simultaneously be draped as the surgical staff member can insert his or her hands into both of the folded limb portions.

Typically, also the folded second limb portion is arranged to extend beyond the first lateral stack edge of the second folded stack in the longitudinal (y) direction.

Hence, both limb portions are easily recognizable by the surgical staff.

In exemplary embodiments, the folded first limb portion, and optionally the folded second limb portion, is arranged to extend a distance, dl, beyond the first lateral stack edge of the first folded stack in the longitudinal (y) direction, wherein the distance, dl, is at least 2 cm.

A distance, dl, of at least 2 cm allows the surgical staff to quickly recognize the folded limb portion and to grasp this part first and initiate the draping procedure in a quick and efficient manner.

Preferably, the folded first limb portion is arranged to extend the same distance, dl, beyond the first lateral stack edge of the second folded stack.

For example, the distance, dl, may be from 3 cm to 12 cm, preferably from 4 cm to 8 cm.

The distance, dl, is preferably not larger than 12 cm. If a too large portion of the folded limb portion extends from the first lateral stack edges of the first and second stack, the packaging of the surgical drape in the sterile pack may be impaired. In contrast, if a too small portion of the folded limb portion extends from the first lateral stack edges of the first and second stack, the recognition of this portion may be impeded.

The first limb portion, and the second limb portion (where present), has an interior surface and an exterior surface, wherein the interior surface is unexposed in the folded configuration.

The interior surface is the surface intended to be in contact with the skin of a patient during use. Consequently, this interior surface needs to be sterile. By leaving no part of the interior surface exposed to the surroundings in the folded configuration, contamination is prevented from occurring. The area where the staff member’s hand is inserted is not arranged in contact with the skin as this is the exterior surface of the limb portin(s). Accordingly, contamination is largely prevented during draping.

In exemplary embodiments, the first limb portion is folded such that the closed bottom portion of the first limb portion forms a distal edge of the folded first limb portion, wherein the closed bottom portion is visible in the folded configuration.

In embodiments where the surgical drape comprises a first and a second limb portion, the second limb portion is folded such that the closed bottom portion of the second limb portion forms a distal edge of the folded second limb portion, wherein the closed bottom portion is visible in the folded configuration.

Hence, the distal edges extend beyond at least the first lateral stack edge of the first folded stack, and preferably also beyond the first lateral stack edge of the second folded stack.

In this regard, the surgical staff member may insert his/her hands into the space formed by a fold along the length of the sleeve portions of the folded first and second limb portions.

In exemplary embodiments, at least the folded first limb portion may comprise a first tag in the area of the folded first limb portion extending beyond the first lateral stack edge of the first folded stack and preferably beyond the first lateral stack edge of the second folded stack, wherein the first tag comprises at least one marking indicating a preferred application of the first limb portion onto the limb of a patient.

The tag and the marking draw the attention of the surgical staff to the folded limb portion and enhance the recognition of this key part of the surgical drape. The marking indicates a correct and preferred application of the first limb portion onto the leg or arm of the patient. Hence, the tag may guide the surgical staff how to drape the limb portion, and is also used to prevent incorrect unfolding, which may occur if the limb portion is not recognizable, and the personnel must search through the various folds of the drape in order to access it. Accordingly, since there is no need to unfold the drape in this configuration, the contamination risk is significantly reduced.

In embodiments where the surgical drape comprises a second limb portion, the folded second limb portion may comprise a second tag in the area of the folded second limb portion extending beyond the first lateral stack edge of the first folded stack and preferably beyond the first lateral stack edge of the second folded stack, wherein the second tag comprises at least one marking indicating a preferred application of the second limb portion onto the leg or arm of a patient.

The at least one marking of the first and/or second tag may be a printed marking and may be selected from a graphical element and/or a text element.

The printed graphical element and/or text element guide the surgical staff in the draping procedure. The graphical element may be an icon, a figure, an arrow or any indicia that guides the personnel to a correct draping of the limb. The text element may be a number, such as number one, indicating that the folded limb portion represents the first step in the draping procedure. The text element may be an instructional text, such as “Insert hand here” or “grab the limb here”.

In exemplary embodiments, the surgical drape comprises a plurality of additional tags, each comprising at least one marking indicating a preferred application of the surgical drape on a patient, and wherein the plurality of additional tags are arranged on the top surface of the surgical drape.

The additional tags may be arranged at pre-determined positions on the top surface of the surgical drape, indicating the correct order of unfolding the surgical drape and/or the correct application of the drape onto the patient.

The additional tags secure that the procedures of unfolding and draping of the patient may carried out in the correct sequence of steps, which minimizes the risk of faulty draping and contamination.

In exemplary embodiments, the surgical drape is defined by a longitudinal (y) center line, and wherein the surgical drape is folded along the longitudinal (y) center line such that the first and second longitudinal stack edges of the first folded stack substantially coincide with the first and second longitudinal stack edges of the second folded stack to form a final folded stack. The final folded stack is the configuration that the surgical drape has in the sterile package; i.e. during storage. The final folded stack may be held in place with a strap or any other conceivable means.

Hence, after the surgical drape (having the final folded stack configuration) has been taken out of the package, the stack need only to be unfolded over the longitudinal center line, and subsequently, the draping procedure can be initiated.

Further features of, and advantages with, the present disclosure will become apparent when studying the appended claims and the following description. The skilled addressee realizes that different features of the present disclosure may be combined to create embodiments other than those described in the following, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various aspects of the present disclosure, including its particular features and advantages, will be readily understood from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a surgical drape according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure in the unfolded configuration.

Figure 2A illustrates the surgical drape of figure 1 in the folded configuration.

Figure 2B is a zoomed-in and cut-out view illustrating a portion of the folded first limb portion arranged between the first and second folded stacks.

Figure 3 illustrates the surgical drape of figure 1, as folded in a final folded stack configuration.

Figure 4 illustrates a surgical staff member inserting his/her hands into the limb portions of the surgical drape in an initial stage of draping a patient.

Figure 5 illustrates a patient being partially draped by the surgical drape of figure 1 in an intermediate step of the draping procedure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which currently preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown. The present invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness, and fully convey the scope of the present invention to the skilled person.

Figure 1 schematically illustrates a surgical drape 100 according to the present disclosure in the unfolded configuration. Figure 2A illustrates the surgical drape in the folded configuration.

With reference to figures 1 and 2 A, the surgical drape 100 has a lateral (x) extension and a longitudinal extension (y) and comprises a top surface 101 and a bottom surface 102, wherein the surgical drape 100 comprises at least a first limb portion 103 for receiving a limb of a patient; the surgical drape 100 comprising at least a first opening arranged underneath the first limb portion 103, wherein the surgical drape 100 has an unfolded configuration and a folded configuration, wherein in the unfolded configuration,

- the surgical drape 100 comprises an upper region 104, a lower region 105 and a central region 106 arranged between the upper 104 and lower 105 regions, wherein the first limb portion 103 is arranged in the central region 106 and wherein each of the upper 104, lower 105 and central 106 regions have a longitudinal (y) extension corresponding to from 20 to 40% of the maximum longitudinal (y) extension of the surgical drape 100, wherein

- the first limb portion 103 comprises a base portion 103a attached to the top surface 101 of the surgical drape 100, a closed bottom portion 103 c and a sleeve portion 103b extending between the base portion 103a and the bottom portion 103 c, wherein in the folded configuration,

- the upper region 104 is folded along a first folding line extending in the lateral (x) direction to form a first folded stack 107, wherein the first folded stack 107 is defined by a first lateral stack edge 107a and a second lateral stack edge 107b; the first 107a and second 107b lateral stack edges extending in the lateral (x) direction, and a first longitudinal stack edge 107c and a second longitudinal stack edge 107d; the first 107c and second 107d longitudinal stack edges extending in the longitudinal (y) direction;

- the lower region 105 is folded along a second folding line extending in the lateral (x) direction to form a second folded stack 108, wherein the second folded stack 108 is defined by a first lateral stack edge 108a and a second lateral stack edge (not shown); the first 108a and second lateral stack edges extending in the lateral (x) direction, and a first longitudinal stack edge 108c and a second longitudinal stack edge (not shown); the first 108c and second longitudinal stack edges extending in the longitudinal (y) direction;

- the first limb portion 103 is folded along the length of the sleeve portion to form a folded first limb portion 103’, wherein the folded first limb portion 103’ is arranged between the first folded stack 107 and the second folded stack 108 and wherein the folded first limb portion 103’ extends beyond at least the first lateral stack edge 107a of the first folded stack 107 in the longitudinal (y) direction such that the folded first limb portion 103’ is visible in the folded configuration.

In figure 1, the surgical drape 100 is illustrated in the unfolded configuration. The surgical drape 100 has a lateral (x) and a longitudinal (y) extension. The surgical drape comprises an upper edge 118 and a lower edge 119; the upper 118 and lower 119 edges extending in the lateral (x) direction, and a first side edge 120 and a second side edge 121; the first 120 and second 121 side edges extending in the longitudinal (y) direction.

The upper edge 118, lower edge 119, and side edges 120, 121 define the perimeter of the surgical drape 100.

The surgical drape 100 is, in figure 1, illustrated as being rectangular. However, the surgical drape is not limited to being rectangular.

The side edges 120 and 121 need not be straight edges, since the surgical drape 100 may comprise various inclined portions. The side edges 120 and 121 extend between the upper edge 118 and the lower edge 119.

The length of the surgical drape; i.e. the longitudinal (y) extension of the surgical drape corresponds to the maximum distance between the upper edge 118 and the lower edge 119.

The width of the surgical drape; i.e. the lateral (x) extension of the surgical drape corresponds to the maximum distance between the first side edge 120 and the second side edge 121.

The length of the surgical drape is generally larger than the width of the surgical drape.

For example, the maximum length of the surgical drape; i.e. the maximum longitudinal (y) extension of the surgical drape may be from 200 to 500 cm, e.g. from 300 to 400 cm.

The maximum width of the surgical drape; i.e. the maximum lateral (x) extension of the surgical drape may be from 100 to 400 cm, e.g. from 150 to 250 cm. The “bottom surface” of the surgical drape is the surface configured to contact the patient during use.

The “top surface” of the surgical drape is the surface configured to face the surrounding during use.

The surgical drape is not limited to a specific material, but may comprise any material known to the skilled person. For example, the surgical drape may comprise a nonwoven material.

It is also conceivable that the surgical drape comprises areas or portions that are enhanced by the provision of additional materials. For example, the surgical drape 100 may comprise an additional absorbent material or an additional material that enhances the strength of a specific portion of the surgical drape 100. In figure 1, such an additional absorbent portion is denoted 122.

The surgical drape 100 may also comprise one or a plurality of incision windows; i.e. areas comprising an incise film which may be cut through by the surgeon. In figure 1, the surgical drape comprises two incision windows 123.

As used herein, the term “limb portion” means a sleeve or a pouch into which a limb, such as an arm or a leg, is to be inserted during use.

The limb portion 103 comprises a base portion 103a attached to the top surface 101 of the surgical drape 100, a closed bottom portion 103 c and a sleeve portion 103b extending between the base portion 103a and the bottom portion 103c.

The base portion 103 a may be attached to the top surface 101 of the surgical drape 100 by any mode of attachment. For example, the base portion 103a may be welded or sewn to the top surface 101.

The bottom portion 103c is closed such that it can be arranged on the outermost part of the limb, e.g. the heel. The bottom portion 103c may e.g. comprise a seam, such as a sewn or welded seam.

The limb portion 103 is typically arranged centrally on the drape. However, it must not be arranged in an exact central position. The limb portion 103 is arranged in the central region 106 of the surgical drape. The longitudinal extension of the central region corresponds to 20-40 % of the maximum longitudinal extension of the surgical drape.

The longitudinal (y) extension of the upper region 104 and the lower region 105 of the surgical drape also corresponds to 20-40% of the maximum longitudinal extension.

Figure 2A illustrates the surgical drape 100 in the folded configuration. The upper region 104 of the drape is folded along a first folding line extending in the lateral (x) direction to form a first folded stack 107.

The lower region 105 of the drape is folded along a second folding line extending in the lateral (x) direction to form a second folded stack 108.

As used herein, the term “folded stack” means a pile of folded portions of the surgical drape arranged on top of each other. Typically, the stack comprises a plurality of folded drape portions.

Typically, the first 107 and the second 108 folded stacks have the same dimensions. Accordingly, the first and the second folding lines are matching.

In the folded configuration, the first lateral stack edge 107a of the first folded stack 107 substantially coincides with the first lateral stack edge 108a of the second folded stack 108, and wherein the second lateral stack edge 107b of the first folded stack 107 substantially coincides with the second lateral stack edge of the second folded stack 108.

It should be noted that the first folded stack edge 107a and the first lateral stack edge 108a of the second folded stack 108 do not need to exactly coincide but may be separated by a distance, in the longitudinal (y) direction, of from 1 to 10 cm, preferably from 1 to 5 cm.

The first folded stack 107 is defined by a first lateral stack edge 107a and a second lateral stack edge 107b; the first 107a and second 107b lateral stack edges extending in the lateral (x) direction, and a first longitudinal stack edge 107c and a second longitudinal stack edge 107d; the first 107c and second 107d longitudinal stack edges extending in the longitudinal (y) direction.

The second folded stack 108 is defined by a first lateral stack edge 108a and a second lateral stack edge (not shown); the first 108a and second lateral stack edges extending in the lateral (x) direction, and a first longitudinal stack edge 108c and a second longitudinal stack edge (not shown); the first 108c and second longitudinal stack edges extending in the longitudinal (y) direction.

The first 107c and second 107d longitudinal stack edges of the first folded stack 107 and the first 108c and second longitudinal stack edges of the second folded stack 108 may or may not correspond to the first 120 and second 121 side edges of the surgical drape.

However, since the surgical drape is relatively large, the surgical drape 100 is typically partially folded along the side edges. Accordingly, the surgical drape may be partially folded along a first and a second folding line extending in the longitudinal (y) direction.

Hence, the first side edge 120 may be folded along a first longitudinal folding line extending in the longitudinal (y) direction to form a first longitudinal stack edge.

The second side edge 121 may be folded along a second longitudinal folding line extending in the longitudinal (y) direction to form a second longitudinal stack edge.

In the folded configuration, the limb portion 103 is folded along the length of the sleeve portion. Hence, the limb portion may be folded inwardly. The limb portion is folded in a manner which reduces the length of the sleeve portion. Hence, in the folded configuration, the limb portion comprises one or more folds along the length of the sleeve portion. The limb portion may be folded such that the closed bottom portion is arranged inside the sleeve portion. Alternatively, the limb portion may be folded such that the closed bottom portion forms a distal edge of the folded limb portion.

The folded limb portion 103’ forms a space into which a surgical staff member may insert his/her hand and initiate draping of the limb. The limb, e.g. heel or foot of the patient may be grasped with the hand(s) covered by the limb portion of the drape, and the folded sleeve portion 103b may then gradually be applied onto the patient by unfolding the folded limb portion 103.

The folded limb portion may be folded along the length of the sleeve portion by any suitable folding technique. For example, the folded limb portion may be folded in a telescopic manner or in an accordion manner. However, any folding technique that reduces the length of the limb portion 103 is conceivable.

For example, a first fold may be formed by telescoping a first fold inside the limb portion to about 40-50% the length of the limb portion. The folding may be repeated, if necessary, depending on the length of the limb portion.

As illustrated in figure 2A, the folded first limb portion 103’ is arranged to extend beyond at least the first lateral stack edge 107a of the first folded stack 107, preferably also beyond the first lateral stack edge 108a of the second folded stack 108 in the longitudinal (y) direction.

This allows for the limb portion, and especially the end of the limb portion, to be easily recognized by the surgical staff and avoids the scenario where the surgical drape is unnecessarily unfolded by the surgical staff e.g. when searching for the limb portion. Accordingly, the risk for contamination during the draping procedure is considerably reduced. Furthermore, the draping procedure and the overall preparation of the patient prior to surgery can be carried out in an efficient, safe, facilitated, and quick manner.

In the folded configuration, the first opening is accessible between the first 107 and second 108 folded stacks; i.e. between the second lateral stack edge 107b of the first folded stack 107 and the second lateral stack edge (not shown) of the second folded stack

108.

As illustrated in figures 1 and 2A, the surgical drape 100 may further comprise a second limb portion 110 for receiving a limb of a patient; the surgical drape comprising at least a second opening underneath second limb portion 110; the second limb portion 110 comprising a base portion 110a attached to the top surface 101 of the surgical drape 100, a closed bottom portion 110c and a sleeve portion 110b extending between the base portion 110a and the bottom portion 110c, wherein in the folded configuration,

- the second limb portion 110 is folded along the length of the sleeve portion to form a folded second limb portion 110’ wherein the folded second limb portion 110’ is arranged between the first folded stack 107 and the second folded stack 108 and wherein the folded second limb portion 110’ extends beyond at least the first lateral stack edge 107a of the first folded stack 107 in the longitudinal (y) direction such that the folded second limb portion 110’ is visible in the folded configuration.

Depending on the type of surgery to be performed, one or two of the limbs of a patient may need to be covered. If the surgical drape comprises two limb portions, two limbs may simultaneously be draped.

The surgical drape 100 illustrated in e.g. figures 1 and 2 is adapted for use with two limbs, e.g. arms or legs of a patient. However, the invention is not limited to this configuration.

In figure 2A, the distal edge of the folded first limb portion 103’ is denoted

109, and the distal edge of the folded second limb portion 110’ is denoted 111. The distal edge 109 may correspond to the bottom portion 103c of the first limb portion 103. The distal edge 111 may correspond to the bottom portion 110c of the second limb portion.

Alternatively, the distal edge may be formed by a fold extending transverse to the length of the sleeve portion.

The initial step in the draping procedure is illustrated in figure 4, wherein a surgical staff member 124 has inserted his/her hands into the folded first 103’ and second 110’ limb portions of the surgical drape. As can be seen, the surgical drape 100 is in the folded configuration in this stage. The first and second openings underlying the limb portions may subsequently be anchored to a patient’s limbs, e.g. legs, and draping of the legs may be initiated.

The folded first limb portion 103', and optionally the folded second limb portion 110’, may be arranged to extend a distance, dl, beyond the first lateral stack edge 107a of the first folded stack 107 in the longitudinal (y) direction, wherein the distance, dl, is at least 2 cm.

The distance, dl, is measured from the first lateral stack edge 107a to the distal edge 109 of the folded first limb portion 103’.

In figure 2A, the distance, dl, is illustrated with respect to the folded second limb portion 110’.

Hence, the distance, dl, is measured from the first lateral stack edge 107a to the distal edge 111 of the folded second limb portion 110’.

Preferably, the distance, dl is from 3 cm to 12 cm, more preferably from 4 cm to 8 cm.

If the folded first limb portion 103’ extends too much outside the first lateral stack edges (107a, 108a) of the first and second stacks (107,108), then the finally folded and packaged surgical drape may be impaired. A too small extending limb portion may not be as easily recognized by the surgical staff.

Furthermore, a distance in the above-mentioned range allows for a tag comprising a marking to be visible and easily recognized.

Typically, the folded first limb portion 103’ is arranged to extend a distance, dl, beyond the first lateral stack edge 108a of the second folded stack 108 in the longitudinal direction, wherein the distance, dl, is at least 2cm, preferably from 3 cm to 12 cm.

The first limb portion 103, and the second limb portion 110 (where present), has an interior surface and an exterior surface, wherein the interior surface is unexposed in said folded configuration.

Accordingly, the surface in contact with the hand(s) of a surgical staff member is the exterior surface of the limb portion. The surface in contact with the skin of a patient is the interior surface. The interior surface is unexposed; i.e. shielded, such that contamination is prevented.

The first limb portion 103 may be folded such that the closed bottom portion 103c of the first limb portion 103 forms a distal edge 109 of the folded first limb portion 103’, wherein the closed bottom portion 103c is visible in the folded configuration. Likewise, the second limb portion 110 may be folded such that the closed bottom portion 110c of the second limb portion 110 forms a distal edge 111 of the folded second limb portion 110’, wherein the closed bottom portion 110c is visible in the folded configuration (see e.g. figure 2A).

As best illustrated in figures 2A and 2B, at least the folded first limb portion 103’ may comprise a first tag 112 in the area of the folded first limb portion 103’ extending beyond the first lateral stack edge 107a of the first folded stack 107 and preferably beyond the first lateral stack edge 108a of the second folded stack 108, wherein the first tag 112 comprises at least one marking 113 indicating a preferred application of the first limb portion 103 onto the limb of a patient.

The folded second limb portion 110’ may comprise a second tag 114 in the area of the folded second limb portion 110’ extending beyond the first lateral stack edge 107a of the first folded stack 107 and preferably beyond the first lateral stack edge 108a of the second folded stack 108, wherein the second tag 114 comprises at least one marking 113 indicating a preferred application of the second limb portion 110 onto the limb of a patient.

The tag(s) (112 and 114) and the marking(s) 113 enhance the recognition of the limb portion 103 by the surgical staff, and guide them to a correct limb draping procedure such that undesired unfolding of the drape, and contamination is avoided.

Preferably, at least 80% of the tag(s) 112, 114, is visible in the folded configuration.

Typically, the at least one marking 113 of the first 112 and/or second 114 tag is a printed marking and is selected from a graphical element and/or a text element.

The “graphical element” may be any indicium or pictorial representation that facilitates the surgical staff s recognition and understanding of a correct application of the drape onto the patient. For example, the graphical element may be an arrow or a pictorial representation of the step of applying the limb portion onto the limb of a patient.

The text element may be a number and/or an instructional text that guides the surgical staff to initiate draping by grasping the limb portion.

In figure 2B, the marking 113 comprises a pictorial representation of a hand and a text element; i.e. an instruction to “grab feet by heels”.

The printed markings may be provided on the first and second tags by any conventional printing technique known in the art, including, but not limited to a gravure printing, a flexographic printing, an offset printing, an inkjet printing, laser printing and the like. The surgical drape 100 may comprise a plurality of additional tags 115 each comprising at least one marking 113 indicating a preferred application of the surgical drape 100 on a patient, and wherein the plurality of additional tags 115 are arranged on the top surface 101 of the surgical drape 100 (see e.g. figure 4).

As mentioned hereinbefore, the surgical drape 100 is typically very large, and comprises a plurality of folded portions, which need to be unfolded while simultaneously draping the patient.

The provision of additional tags 115 on the top surface 101 of the surgical drape guides the surgical staff through the various steps required to unfold and apply the surgical drape onto the patient. Accordingly, the risk of an erroneous draping and unfolding procedure is significantly minimized.

In the folded configuration, the first limb portion 103 is folded along the length of the sleeve portion such that the bottom portion 103 c of the first limb portion 103 is arranged inside the sleeve portion 103b of the first limb portion 103 or such that the bottom portion 103c of the first limb portion 103 forms the distal edge 109 of the folded limb portion 103’.

As illustrated in figure 1, the surgical drape 100 may be defined by a longitudinal (y) center line 116, and wherein the surgical drape 100 is folded along the longitudinal (y) center line 116 such that the first 107c and second 107d longitudinal stack edges of the first folded stack 107 substantially coincide with the first 108a and second longitudinal stack edges of the second folded stack 108 to form a final folded stack 117.

Hence, the final folded stack 117 represents the configuration that the surgical drape has during storage. The final folded stack 117 is illustrated in figure 3.

As illustrated in figure 3, the final folded stack 117 preferably comprises a strap 125 to keep the drape in the final folded stack 117 configuration. The strap 125 secures that the folded limb portions are held in place during storage, and that these are prevented from becoming disrupted and/or contaminated during storage and transport of the surgical drape.

Figure 5 illustrates a step in the draping procedure where a patient 126 has been partially draped.

The first step of the draping procedure is illustrated in figure 4, wherein the surgical staff member 124 has inserted his/her hands into the folded limb portions 103’, 110’. Subsequently, the limbs; i.e. legs of the patient are draped by anchoring the openings onto the outermost parts of the limbs, e.g. the heels, and gradually unfolding the limb portions onto the legs of the patient.

As a next step, the first (upper) stack of the surgical drape is unfolded and gradually applied to the upper body part of the patient. The second (lower stack) is unfolded and applied to the lower body part of the patient (see figure 5).

Terms, definitions and embodiments of all aspects of the present disclosure apply mutatis mutandis to the other aspects of the present disclosure.

Even though the present disclosure has been described with reference to specific exemplifying embodiments thereof, many different alterations, modifications and the like will become apparent for those skilled in the art.

Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by the skilled addressee in practicing the present disclosure, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. Furthermore, in the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

Claims

1. A surgical drape (100) having a lateral (x) extension and a longitudinal extension (y) and comprising a top surface (101) and a bottom surface (102), wherein said surgical drape (100) comprises at least a first limb portion (103) for receiving a limb of a patient; said surgical drape (100) comprising at least a first opening arranged underneath said first limb portion (103), wherein said surgical drape (100) has an unfolded configuration and a folded configuration, wherein in said unfolded configuration, said surgical drape (100) comprises an upper region (104), a lower region (105) and a central region (106) arranged between said upper (104) and lower (105) regions, wherein said first limb portion (103) is arranged in said central region (106) and wherein each of said upper (104), lower (105) and central (106) regions have a longitudinal (y) extension corresponding to from 20 to 40% of the maximum longitudinal (y) extension of said surgical drape (100), wherein said first limb portion (103) comprises a base portion (103a) attached to said top surface (101) of said surgical drape (100), a closed bottom portion (103c) and a sleeve portion (103b) extending between said base portion (103a) and said bottom portion (103c), wherein in said folded configuration, said upper region (104) is folded along a first folding line extending in the lateral (x) direction to form a first folded stack (107), wherein said first folded stack (107) is defined by a first lateral stack edge (107a) and a second lateral stack edge (107b); said first (107a) and second (107b) lateral stack edges extending in the lateral (x) direction, and a first longitudinal stack edge (107c) and a second longitudinal stack edge (107d); said first (107c) and second (107d) longitudinal stack edges extending in the longitudinal (y) direction; said lower region (105) is folded along a second folding line extending in the lateral (x) direction to form a second folded stack (108), wherein said second folded stack (108) is defined by a first lateral stack edge (108a) and a second lateral stack edge; said first (108a) and second lateral stack edges extending in the lateral (x) direction, and a first longitudinal stack edge (108c) and a second longitudinal stack edge; said first (108c) and second longitudinal stack edges extending in the longitudinal (y) direction; said first limb portion (103) is folded along the length of said sleeve portion (103b) to form a folded first limb portion (103’), wherein said folded first limb portion (103’) is arranged between said first folded stack (107) and said second folded stack (108) and wherein said folded first limb portion (103’) extends beyond at least said first lateral stack edge (107a) of said first folded stack (107) in the longitudinal (y) direction such that said folded first limb portion (103’) is visible in said folded configuration.

2. The surgical drape of claim 1, wherein said folded first limb portion (103’) is arranged to extend beyond said first lateral stack edge (108a) of said second folded stack (108) in the longitudinal (y) direction.

3. The surgical drape (100) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said first lateral stack edge (107a) of said first folded stack (107) substantially coincides with said first lateral stack edge (108a) of said second folded stack (108), and wherein said second lateral stack edge (107b) of said first folded stack (107) substantially coincides with said second lateral stack edge of said second folded stack (108).

4. The surgical drape (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a second limb portion (110) for receiving a limb of a patient; said surgical drape comprising at least a second opening underneath second limb portion (110); said second limb portion (110) comprising a base portion (110a) attached to said top surface (101) of said surgical drape (100), a closed bottom portion (110c) and a sleeve portion (110b) extending between said base portion (110a) and said bottom portion (110c), wherein in said folded configuration, said second limb portion (110) is folded along the length of said sleeve portion (110b) to form a folded second limb portion (110’) wherein said folded second limb portion (110’) is arranged between said first folded stack (107) and said second folded stack (108) and wherein said folded second limb portion (110’) extends beyond at least said first lateral stack edge (107a) of said first folded stack (107) in the longitudinal (y) direction such that said folded second limb portion (110’) is visible in said folded configuration.

5. The surgical drape according to claim 4, wherein said folded second limb portion (110’) is arranged to extend beyond said first lateral stack edge (108a) of said second folded stack (108) in the longitudinal (y) direction.

6. The surgical drape (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said folded first limb portion (103’), and optionally said folded second limb portion (110’), is arranged to extend a distance, dl, beyond said first lateral stack edge (107a) of said first folded stack (107) in the longitudinal (y) direction, wherein said distance, dl, is at least 2 cm.

7. The surgical drape (100) according to claim 6, wherein said distance, dl, is from 3 cm to 12 cm, preferably from 4 cm to 8 cm.

8. The surgical drape (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first limb portion (103), and optionally said second limb portion (110), has an interior surface and an exterior surface, wherein said interior surface is unexposed in said folded configuration.

9. The surgical drape (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first limb portion (103) is folded such that said closed bottom portion (103c) of said first limb portion (103) forms a distal edge (109) of said folded first limb portion (103’), wherein said closed bottom portion (103c) is visible in said folded configuration.

10. The surgical drape (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second limb portion (110) is folded such that said closed bottom portion (110c) of said second limb portion (110) forms a distal edge (111) of said folded second limb portion (110’), wherein said closed bottom portion (110c) is visible in said folded configuration.

11. The surgical drape (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least said folded first limb portion (103’) comprises a first tag (112) in the area of said folded first limb portion (103’) extending beyond said first lateral stack edge (107a) of said first folded stack (107) and preferably beyond said first lateral stack edge (108a) of said second folded stack (108), wherein said first tag (112) comprises at least one marking (113) indicating a preferred application of said first limb portion (103) onto the limb of a patient.

12. The surgical drape (100) according to any one of claims 4-11, wherein said folded second limb portion (110’) comprises a second tag (114) in the area of said folded second limb portion (110’) extending beyond said first lateral stack edge (107a) of said first folded stack (107) and preferably beyond said first lateral stack edge (108a) of said second folded stack (108), wherein said second tag (114) comprises at least one marking (113) indicating a preferred application of said second limb portion (110) onto the limb of a patient.

13. The surgical drape according to claim 11 or claim 12, wherein said at least one marking (113) of said first (112) and/or second (114) tag is a printed marking and is selected from a graphical element and/or a text element.

14. The surgical drape according to any one of claims 11-13, wherein said surgical drape (100) comprises a plurality of additional tags (115) each comprising at least one marking indicating a preferred application of said surgical drape (100) on a patient, and wherein said plurality of additional tags (115) are arranged on said top surface (101) of said surgical drape (100).

15. The surgical drape (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said surgical drape (100) is defined by a longitudinal (y) center line (116), and wherein said surgical drape (100) is folded along said longitudinal (y) center line (116) such that said first (107c) and second (107d) longitudinal stack edges of said first folded stack (107) substantially coincide with said first (108a) and second longitudinal stack edges of said second folded stack (108) to form a final folded stack (117).