GB2439303A

GB2439303A - Bag for carrying post-operative drainage bags

Info

Publication number: GB2439303A
Application number: GB0612453A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Rukiya Msuo
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-06-23
Filing date: 2006-06-23
Publication date: 2007-12-27
Also published as: GB0612453D0

Abstract

A shoulder bag for use by a patient after surgery, particularly for breast removal or axillary lymph node clearance, enables exo-drainage bags (connected to drain tubes extending from within the wound) to be carried around by the patient. The shoulder strap may be adjustable in length and the mouth of the bag may be closable by a pair of draw strings protruding from respective ends. The bag may be opaque and waterproof. Use of the bag relieves pressure on the wound sites and facilitates normal activities during recovery.

Description

Description.

Technical field.

The present invention relates to a medical portable carrier bag for holding and carrying any sort of exo-drainage bags or redevac drainage units or the likes on a patient after mastectomy or axillary lymph node clearance.

Background of the invention.

Surgery is usually the first treatment for most women with breast cancer. It is not uncommon though for men to also be diagnosed with breast cancer. The two main types of operations are: breast conservation surgery (partial removal of the breast) or mastectomy (the total removal of the breast). For most invasive cancer cases, some or all the lymph nodes in the armpit (axilla) are also removed during surgery.

The patient is more likely to have one or two post-wound drains inserted during the operation to prevent seroma (accumulation of fluid) and haematoma (accumulation of blood). These drain tubes drain blood and fluid from the wound site to an exo-suction, devac drainage bags or bottle. The drains will stay in for a few days after the surgery, or could be left for a longer period of time depending on the patients' condition. During this time, the patient is able to mobilise with the drains and some manage to go home with their drains in situ but return to the hospital to have their content measured and reviewed by the breast team.

A major drawback for the drain tubes and drainage bags is that the patient carries them in their hands to enable mobilisation and activity. This has proved to be uncomfortable, inconvenient and at times dangerous for patients. The difficulties arise from inability to secure and protect the drain tube units from being tagged and pulled out of place from their initial wound site. This could result in complications such as seroma and/or haematoma in the wound site.

There has been no prior method to enable patients to carry their drainage bags other than the patients' own makeshift handbags. The post mastectomy carrier bag therefore offers a safe practise in compliance with infection control practises for wound management as well as provide adequate wound care that allow patients freedom from restrictions during mobility. This could result in early discharge of patients with drainage tubs and bags in situ, freeing hospital beds for other patients.

Summary of the invention.

The present invention provides a medical carrier bag for post surgery patients, which will hold, support and carry exo-drainage bags connected to drain tubes inserted in wounds of post mastectomy patients. The carrier bag is made up of low construction cost and materials. The bag has ample storage space for two filled drainage bags or redivac bottles. It has a strap which can be adjusted to patients' preferences. The material of construction is opaque to hide drained contents from view unless required, and waterproof, to contain any spillages if they ever occur. The drawstrings are used to open and close the bag, safely securing its contents.

Description of the drawing.

The following is a brief profile of the drawings and a detailed description is also mentioned.

FIG. I: View of the post mastectomy carrier bag in free space.

FIG. 2a and 2b: View of the carrier bag with the drawstrings pulled in (FIG.2a) and out(FIG. 2b).

FIG. 3: A view of the carrier bag carried by the patient on their shoulder and across the body by their neck.

Detailed description of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 1: The drawing shows the post mastectomy carrier bag in free pace.

It has a strap that enables it to be carried by hanging from the shoulder so that the carrier bag rest on the hip below and adjacent to the wound site. The strap is strong to support the weight of the drainage bags. The material used is opaque and waterproof.

Referring to FIG.2, It shows the position of the drawstring, which is slightly below the top open end of the carrier bag. The strings protrude on either side of the bag and therefore pull out in different direction to close the bag (FIG. 2a) and pull in to open the carrier bag (FIG. 2b).

Referring to FIG.3, it shows how the carrier bag is carried by the patient by hanging the strap across their shoulder and the bag resting at their hip or carried across their body by hanging the bag across the body round the neck.

Claims

Claims What is claimed is 1. The carrier bag for use following surgical

breast removal or axillary lymph nodes clearance where one or two drain tubes (each connected to a drainage bag) are inserted in the patients wound to suction away fluids from the post operative wound.

a. The patient can easily move about with their drainages stored in the carrier bag, without having to physically hold or carry the drainage bags or redevac bottles in their hands, facilitating and enabling patients to mobilise with more ease and comfort.

b. The carrier bag holds and supports the drainage bags on the side of the patients' body to relieve pressure caused by the weight of the drained matter in the devac or suction drainage bags, as well as release pressure and pain caused by pulling and tagging of sutures (if present), which may be put in place to attach the drainage tube/s to the patients skh c. The carrier bag maintains modesty for the patient if they undergo early postoperative discharge with drainage catheters in situ, thus it can be used to carry the drainage bags without exposing its contents.

d. The carrier bag can be wiped clean in order to prevent the risk of infection and cross infections caused by contaminations to the wounds.

e. The carrier bag material is waterproof to contain any spillages and leakages if they ever occur.

f. The strap enables the patient to carry the carrier bag by hanging it from their shoulder down to their hip height or by wearing it across their body to rest the carrier bag below and adjacent to the wound for storing the drainage bags.

g. The strap could be adjusted to any desirable height relative to the body of patient.

h. The carrier bag has two drawstrings, each running along the entire circumference of the carrier bags open end, protruding on either side of the carrier bag to pull in opposite directions enabling the top of the carrier bag to be opened and closed, ensuring that the drainage bags are securely held in the carrier bag with no possibility of redevac bottles falling out or topping over, yet be easily accessible for inspection when required.

i. The carrier bag is made up of an opaque material so that the patient is saved from the psychological torture of having to constantly see their accumulative drained fluids from their wounds.

j. The carrier bag has sufficiently low cost in construction and material.