GB2530315A

GB2530315A - Device for retaining healthcare apparatus relative to a patient's body

Info

Publication number: GB2530315A
Application number: GB1416597.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul Eakin
Original assignee: Pelican Feminine Healthcare Ltd
Current assignee: Pelican Feminine Healthcare Ltd
Priority date: 2014-09-19
Filing date: 2014-09-19
Publication date: 2016-03-23
Also published as: EP3194004A1; WO2016042322A1; AU2015316601A1; GB201416597D0

Abstract

A device 1 for retaining at least one item of healthcare equipment in a desired position relative to a user's body, the device comprising a body having at least two end portions 3a, 3b with adhesive separated by an intermediary portion 2 to retain the healthcare equipment such as a monitoring device, wound care equipment or cannula; the intermediary section 2 may have an aperture 4 for securing the equipment/apparatus. The end portions may be enlarged rounded sections with an adhesive free end 7a, 7b; the adhesive section 9 may include perforations 8 or gaps or recesses in the adhesive. In a further aspect a device for retaining an item of healthcare equipment comprises a body having adhesive wherein a pattern of recesses, apertures or gaps is formed in the adhesive is provided.

Description

Device for Retaining I-lealthcare Apparatus Relative to A Patient's Body This invendon relates generally to healtheait devices, and more particularly to a solution for retaining a healthcare device at a desired loeadon reladve to a patient's body. The invention is particularly suited for, but not limited to, use in retaining a monitor against a woman' s stomach so as to monitor foetal condition or contraction patterns during pregnancy and child birth. The invention may also he used for holding other healthcare related apparams in situ relative to the body. such as cannula, wound dressings and the like.

Various types of healthcare related devices, such as monitoring devices. cannula, dressings, needles etc need to beheld against a patient's body while a procedure or process is carried out. Some procedures may take a considerable length of time. Therefore, device retention arrangements have been devised for holding the healthcare device in the desired position.

In one known arrangement, a belt or strap is wound around the patient's body. The süap engages with loops, clips or other engaging means piovided on the healthcaie device.

However, these can be uncomfortable for the patient to wear and difficult to put into place.

For example, it can be problematic trying to wrap a strap around the torso of a pregnant woman to hold a foetal monitoring transducer in place, and in an emergency situation time may be of the essence.

PCT/DK201 0/000005 discloses a device for positioning and securing foetal monitoring transducers and the like against the stomach of a pregnant woman. The device comprises two separate straps each having two ends, one end of each strap having an adhesive provided thereon for adhering to the skin of the patient. The separate straps engage the monitoring device to hold it in place. However, because this arrangement comprises separate stiaps which have to he manipulated independently and then combined and adjusted as iequired, the arrangement can he time consuming and difficult to use. This can be a disadvantage in an emergency.

Thus, it is desirahle to provide a solution which overcomes or at least alleviates the problems associated with known arrangements.

Such an improved solution has now been devised. The present invention is defined h the appended claims.

In accordance with the invention there is provided a device for ietaining at least one item of healthcare equipment in a desired position relative to a user's body, the device comprising a device body having: at least two end portions each provided with a quantity of adhesive for securing the respective end portions to the user's body; and an intermediary portion separating the at least two end portions and configured to facilitate retention of the apparatus in the desired position relative to the user's body.

The device holds the healthcait equipment in the desired position on or against the user's hody The user may he referred to as a patient'. The device body may comprise a nylon and polyurethane fabric strap. The device may be hypoallergenie.

Preferably, the end portions and the intermediary portion are integrally formed. This results in a device which is simpler in construction than prior art arrangements comprising multiple straps, and is easier to use.

Preferably, the intermediary portion is elongate and at least one, some or all of the end portions are enlarged relative to the width of the intermediary portion. The end portions may be referred to as paddles' or pads'. The device may be substantially dumb-bell shaped.

At least one of the end portions may be at least pardally curved or rounded. However, the invention is not intended to be limited with regard to the shape or amtour of the end portion(s).

The adhesive may be a silicone adhesive.

At least one recess. aperture or gap may be provided in the adhesive. A pattern of recesses, apertures or gaps may be provided in the adhesive. It may be a repeating pattern. The adhesive may be provided with a dimpled' effect. Perspiration or other fluids may be able to pooi in the recesses, gaps or apertures, thus enhancing the effectiveness of the adhesive.

The plurality of gaps, apertures or indents may extended across the entire area of adhesive on one or more end portions, or only part of the area.

An adhesive-free margin is provided at or towards the edge of at least one end portion. It may extend around the entire edge of an end portion or only part of it. The adhesive free mai-ghi facilitates gripping of the end portion when removing the device from the user's skin and/or when removing a protective layer from the adhesive.

The at least one of the end portion may be provided with a removable layer. The removable layer may be a film or sheet which serves to protect the adhesive when not in use on a user's body.

The intermediary portion may be provided with equipment attaching means for attaching the at least one item of healthcare equipment to the device. The equipment attaching means may be an aperture. However, other forms of attachment means may be provided for securing the healthcarc equipment to the device. The equipment attaching means niay be provided at or towards the middle of the intermediary portion.

The at least one item of healthcare equipment may he a monitoring device, wound care equipment, a eannula or any other type of device used for clinical. medical, surgical or other healthcare related tasks. The invention is not intended to be limited with regard to the type of device which it retains.

The at least one item of healthcare equipment may he attached to the device in a removable or non-removable manner. The healthcare equipment may be formed integrally with the device body.

Also according to the invention there is provided a kit of parts comprising: at least one device according to any preceding claim; and a container for houshig the at least one device.

The container may be a pouch or bag. The container may have a transparent portion such that the at least once device can be observed through the container, The container may be re-sealable.

Also according to the invention there is provided a method of retaining at least one item of healtheare equipment in a desired position relative to a user's body, the method comprising the steps: positioning a device as described ahove in the desired position relative to the user's body such that at least a portion of the healthcare equipment is retained between the device and the user's body.

The method may further comprise the step of: drying a portion of the user's skin at the desired position.

The method may further comprise the step of: removing a removable layer from at least one of the end portions prior to positioning the device in the desired position.

The method may further comprise the step of: removing the device from a container prior to positioning the device in the desired position.

The method may further comprise the step of: attaching the at least one item of healthcare equipment to the device.

The niethod may further comprise the step of: pressing the device against the user's body to facilitate adhesion of the device to the user's body.

Also according to the invention there is provided a device for retaining at least one item of healthcare equipment in a desired position relative to a user's body, the device comprising a device body provided with adhesive for securing the respective end portions to the user's body; wherein a pattern of recesses, apertures or gaps is formed in the adhesive.

Thus, the invention provides a solution which can he used to hold an item of healthcare equipment against a patient's body in a secure and comfortable manner. The invention is simple, quick and easy to use. It is simple and inexpensive to manufacture. It is re-usable.

It is adaptable for use with patients of various sizes, for example obese patients. It is hygienic. It is able to maintain the position of the healthcare device relative to the patient's body even when the patient moves OF is mobile.

These and other aspects of the present invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to, the embodiment descnbed herein.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompany drawings, in which: Figure 1 illustrates an embodimnent of the invention showing adhesive covering the pads at the end of the retention device.

FiguFe 2 illustFates two devices accoFding to the invention with healthcaFe devices attached to the device body.

Figure 3 illustrates two devices according to the invention being used to hold two healthcare devices against a patient's body.

The invention provides a solution which enables a piece of healthcare equipment such as a monitoring device, cannula, wound care apparatus, dressing, needle etc to be held in a particular position relative to a patient (user) body. The invention is not intended to be limited with regard to the type of healthcare device or equipment with which it is used. For the sake of convenience, the equipment will be referred to hereafter as a monitor'.

A preferred embodiment is shown in Figure 1. The invention compnses a device body 1 which may be referred to as a strap'. In a preferred embodiment, the strap is formed as a unitary (integrally formed) item, This distinguishes it from prior art arrangements which are made up of multiple straps or elements which are then connected or assembled during use. As a result, the invention provides an arrangement which is simpler to use. It is also simpler and less costly to manufacture.

The strap has an elongate middle 2 or intermediary part 2 provided between two enlarged, bulbous end portions 3a, 3h. In a preferred ernhodirnent the device is durnh-hell shaped.

This has been found to provide an ergonomically and aesthetically advantageous form.

However, other shaped profiles may be used instead of rounded end portions. The shape and size of the intcrmcdiary part which bridges the end portions may vary. For example, the edges of the intermediary part 2 may not he straight or parallel.

In sonic embodiments, the device is provided with a hole 4 to enable the healthcare equipment eg monitor to be attached to the device, as shown in the lower device of figure 2. The hole is provided iii the middle of the intermediary portion. Some monitoring devices arc provided with a button or projection on the back of the monitor. This button can be pushed through the hole in the strap to secure the monitor to the strap in a releasable fashion. Other monitors a provided with a hinged clip in place of the button. The clip is biased against the hack of the monitoring device. This allows the hinged clip to he lifted so that the intermediary portion can be inserted between the clip and the back of the monitor housing. When the clip is moved back to its starting position the strap is clamped between the clip and the monitor 5.

One side of the end rounded portions 3a, 3h are provided with an adhesive to enable the ends of the strap I to he secured to the patient's body 6. The adhesive is provided on the same side of the strap at both ends, as shown in figure 1. The adhesive may cover all or most of the ends, or just a portion thereof. Preferably, though, the adhesive covers most of the end with an adhesive-free margin 7a, 7h provided at the tip of the pad to facilitate removal of a protective film or layer during use.

In the preferred embodiment of Figure 1, the intermediary portion between the ends is fme of adhesive. However, the amount and exact location of the adhesive portion(s) may vary in other embodiments.

The preferred embodiment of figure 1 shows perforations 8 provided in the adhesive 9.

This enables perspiration or other moisture to pool within the holes, indentadons or gaps, thus enhancing the device's ability to remain adhered to the patient's body during use.

Recesses or indentations may be formed in the adhesive instead of (or in addition to) holes, thus providing a dimpled effect. The invention is not limited in regard to the number or size of the holes or dimples. The perforations andlor indentations may be provided such that they form a pattern across the area of adhesive on the pad.

The strap may have content such as text, images etc printed on it. The content may comprise branding such as a company logo, or may comprise instructions for using the device. The strap is flexible and may be formed using a nylon material which is washable.

While some degree of elasticity may be present. it is preferred that this is avoided because a stretchable strap may pose difficulties when applying the adhesive.

The adhesive 9 is a silicon adhesive. An acrylic backing is provided to enable the adhesive to bond to the nylon strap. The adhesive is selected such that its adhesive properties are sufficient to hold the device and healthcare equipment in situ during use, but not to cause harm to the user's skin upon removal of the device.

The device is provided in a paper and/or polyethylene pouch or bag (not shown in figures) which has at least one clear window or face, This enables the user to view the device while it is in the hag. The hag can be provided with content such as text or images. This can he useful for providing instructions for correct use. The hag is re-sealable so that it may be used more than once after the strap has been removed from the patient's body.

In additioii, the ends of the strap are provided with protective layers (not shown) which shield the adhesive from damage and dirt when the dcvicc is not in use. Therefore, the device may be a single patient' device rather than sing1e use' device, The patient or practitioner may retain the strap and use it multiple times.

The device and/or the bag may be provided with an idendlier, code or label which can be recorded in the patient's medical notes so that the device can he associated with the patient This ensures that the same strap is used with the same patient each time. Using the same suap with different patients would be undesirable and may cause hygiene concerns.

In use, a practitioner such as a nurse or healthcare worker removes a sflp from its bag. An identifier printed on the hag and/or strap may he recorded in the patient's notes. The user's name or other identifier may bc written on the bag and/or pouch so that the strap now belongs' to the patient.

The patient's body may he ptepmed by cleaning and drying the area where the strap is to be secured. This may help the adhesive to adhere to the skin.

A monitoring device 5 is attached to the strap 1 either by pushing a portion of the monitor through the aperture or by clipping the monitor to the intermediate portion. depending on the type of monitor being used as described above (see figure 2). The monitor is attached to the side of the strap which will face the patient's body in use -ie the same side as the adhesive The protective shields are peeled back and removed to reveal the adhesive at each end of the device. The device is positioned against the patient's body at the desired location, and the adhesive brought into contact with the skin. Gentle pressure is applied to the ends of the strap so that a secure connection is formed.

When the monitor is to he i-emoved, each end of the sti-ap is removed from the patienfs skin. The adhesive-free tips of the strap ends are gripped so that the end can he peeled off the skin. The adhesive free margin 7a, 7b at the edge of the strap end facilitates this process because it provides a flap which is not attached to the skin and can he easily gripped.

The protective shields arc placed back onto the adhesive areas at the ends of the strap. The monitor is then removed from the strap and the sti-ap is replaced into its bag for storage until next use.

It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be capable of designing many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed in parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claims. The word comprising" and "comprises', and the like, does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in any claim or the specification as a whole. In the present specification. "comprises" means "includes or consists of' and "comprising" means "including or consisting of'. The singular reference of an element does not exclude the plural reference of such elements and vice-versa. In a device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A device for retaining at least one item of healtheare equipment in a desired position relative to a user's body, the device comprising a device body having: at least two end portions each provided with a quaiflity of adhesive for securing the respective end portions to the user's body; and an interrnediaiy portion separating the at least two end poi-tions and configured to facilitate retention of the apparatus in the desired position relative to the user's body.
2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the end portions and the intermediary portion are integrally formed.
3. A device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the intermediary portion is elongate and at least one, some or all of the end portions ate enlarged relative to the width of the intermediary portion.
4. A device according to any preceding claim wherein at least one of the end portions is at least partially curved or rounded.
5. A device according to ally preceding claim whereth at least one recess, aperture or gap is provided in the adhesive.
6. A device according to any precedhg claim wherein a pattern of recesses, apertures or gaps are provided in the adhesive
7. A device according to any preceding claim wherein an adhesive-free margin is provided at or towards the edge of at least one end pordon.
8. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the at least one of the cud portions is piovided with a removable layeL
9. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the intermediary portion is provided with equipment attaching means for attaching the at least one item of healtheare equipment to the device.
10. A device according to claim 9 wherein the equipment attaching means is an aperture.
11. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the at least one item of healthcare equipment is a monitoring device, wound care equipment. a cannula or any other type of device used for clinical, medical, surgical or other healthcare related tasks.
12. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the at least one item of healthcare equipment is attached to the device in a removable or non-removable manner.
13. A kit of parts comprising: at least one device according to any prcccding claim; and a container for housing the at least one device.
14. A kit of parts according to claim 13 wheitn the container is a pouch or bag.
15. A kit of parts according to claims 13 or 14 wherein the container has a transparent portion such that the at least once device can be observed through the container.
16. A kit of parts according to claims 13 to 15 wherein the container is re-sealable.
17. A method of retaining at least one item of healthcare equipment in a desired position relative to a user's body, the method comprising the steps: positioning a device according to any of claims 1 to 11 in the desired position reladve to the user's body such that at least a portion of the healthcare equipment is retained between the device and the user's body.
18. A method according to claim 17 and fuither comprising the step of: removing a removable layer from at least one of the end portions prior to positioning the device in the desired position.
19. A method according to claim 17 or 18 and further comprising the step of: removing the device from a container prior to positioning the device in the desired position.
20. A method according to claims 17 to 19 and further comprising the step of: attaching the at least one item of healthcarc equipment to the device.
21. A method according to claims 17 to 20 and further comprising the step of: pressing the device against the user's body to facilitate adhesion of the device to the user's body.
22. A device for retaining at least one item of healthcare equipment in a desired position relative to a user's body, the device comprising a device body provided with adhesive for securhig the respective end portions to the user's body; wherein a pattern of recesses, apertures or gaps is formed in the adhesive.