US20050001110A1

US20050001110A1 - Dialysis bag effluent drainage device

Info

Publication number: US20050001110A1
Application number: US10/461,717
Authority: US
Inventors: Carey Simon
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-06-13
Filing date: 2003-06-13
Publication date: 2005-01-06

Abstract

A support device for supporting a pliable bag includes a first crossbar extending from a first end assembly, a second crossbar extending from a second end assembly to adjustably engage the first crossbar, and a bag holder engaged with either of the first and second crossbars to receive and support a pliable bag.

Description

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to a drainage device, and more particularly to a support device for supporting a dialysis bag during drainage of the bag.
Acute renal failure occurs when high levels of uremic toxins accumulate in the blood causing the rapid breakdown of renal functions. Oftentimes, acute renal failure is treated by providing a patient with continuous blood filtration, which is sometimes done in conjunction with dialysate fluid. Such treatment removes urea and enhances fluid exchange, acid-base homeostasis, and electrolyte balance.
During the above-described treatment, waste products, often referred to as effluent, are removed from the patient and collected in a heavyweight plastic bag having a pair of spouts. As can be readily appreciated, the plastic bag, also referred to as a dialysis bag, needs to be periodically emptied of the effluent during the course of the treatment. Currently, the process for emptying a dialysis bag includes clamping both spouts, carrying the bag to a toilet, unclamping the spouts, and allowing the effluent to passively discharge from the bag into the toilet while manually holding the bag above the toilet.
The above-described process for emptying a dialysis bag is problematic due to the imprecise discharge of effluent from the dialysis bag, which can cause effluent to miss entry into the toilet thereby contaminating the area surrounding the toilet. Furthermore, valuable nurse time is lost due to the need to manually hold the dialysis bag above the toilet during drainage, which can take several minutes. Moreover, as dialysis bags can weigh several pounds, it is oftentimes difficult for a person to hold a dialysis bag over a toilet during drainage of the effluent.
Therefore, what is needed is a support device for supporting a dialysis bag during drainage of the effluent from the bag.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art drainage method.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a support device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a bag holder of the support device of FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an end portion of the support device of FIG. 2.
FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the end portion of FIG. 4.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the support device of FIG. 2 in an alternative position.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative support device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, the current method for emptying a dialysis bag 10 requires a nurse 12 to manually hold the bag above a toilet 14 during drainage of effluent 16 from the bag. As can be readily appreciated, manual support of the bag 10 is imprecise, which can cause the effluent 16 to miss entry into the toilet 14 during drainage. As a result, the portion of effluent 16 that does not enter the toilet 14 can contaminate the vicinity of the toilet as is generally depicted by a plurality of unsanitary regions 18.
Referring now to FIG. 2, a support device is generally referred to by reference numeral 20 and is shown, for the purpose of example, in use for supporting a dialysis bag 22 during drainage of effluent 24 from the bag into a toilet 25. The dialysis bag 22 includes a pair of spouts 26 and 27, which are adapted to be opened when drainage of the bag is desired. Although the support device 20 will be described with reference to supporting the dialysis bag 22, it is understood that the support device is contemplated for use with a variety of pliable bags that may require drainage.
In one embodiment, the support device 20 includes a pair of crossbars 28 and 30, which extend substantially horizontally from a pair of end assemblies 32 and 34, respectively. The end assemblies 32 and 34 are adapted to rest on a pair of fixed bars 36 and 38, respectively, as will be further described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. The crossbar 28 is adapted to removably engage the crossbar 30 such that the crossbars 28 and 30 cooperate to span variable lengths as will be further described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.
The crossbar 28 supports a bag holder 40, which is generally T-like in shape to include a bottom portion 42 for engaging the crossbar 28 and a top portion 44 for receiving the dialysis bag 22. In one embodiment, the bag holder 40 is positioned substantially transverse to the crossbar 28. Referring to FIG. 3, the bottom portion 42 of the bag holder 40 includes an integrally formed retainer 46, which defines a channel 48 for receiving the crossbar 28. To aid in the retention of the bag holder 40 to the crossbar 28, a screw 50 may be disposed through the retainer 46 to engage the crossbar 28. Thus, the horizontal position of the bag holder 40 relative to the crossbar 28 can be manipulated by loosening the screw 50 and sliding the bag holder 40 on the crossbar 28.
Additional retainers, such as retainer 52, may be integrally formed with the bottom portion 42 of the bag holder 40 to provide for adjustability of the bag holder 40 in the vertical direction relative to the crossbar 28. Furthermore, a top 54 of the additional retainer 52 provides a stop for the crossbar 28 in the vertically downward direction, which further secures the crossbar 28 to the bag holder 40. It is understood that any additional retainers, such as the retainer 52, are substantially similar to the retainer 46. Furthermore, a flange 56 may extend from the distal end of the bottom portion 42 to provide a stop for the crossbar 28 when disposed in a distally disposed retainer (represented by the retainer 52 in FIG. 3).
The top portion 44 of the bag holder 40 is elongated relative to the bottom portion 42 and includes a pair of hooks 58 and 60, which correspond to a pair of holes (not shown) formed through the dialysis bag 22 (FIG. 2). Thus, the hooks 58 and 60 are adapted to receive and retain the dialysis bag. In one embodiment, the hooks 58 and 60 are adjustable in the horizontal direction to accommodate dialysis bags having varied orientations of holes formed therein.
Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the crossbar 28 engages the crossbar 30 via a conventional slotted connection 61. As such, a pair of screws 62 and 64 are disposed through a pair of holes (not shown) formed in the crossbar 28 to engage a pair of slots 66 and 68, respectively, disposed through the crossbar 30, thereby coupling the crossbar 28 to the crossbar 30. It is understood that a fastener (not shown) may be used to secure each of the screws 62 and 64 to the crossbar 28. Furthermore, a plurality of spaced apart holes, such as holes 70 and 72, may be disposed through the crossbar 28 to accommodate the screws 62 and 64, which provides for the crossbar 28 to be connected to the crossbar 30 at a plurality of locations along the crossbar 28. Thus, the crossbar 28 is adjustable in a horizontal direction relative to the crossbar 30, thereby allowing the crossbars 28 and 30 to span variable lengths.
As discussed previously, the crossbars 28 and 30 are each attached at their distal ends to a pair of end assemblies 32 and 34, respectively. With reference to end assembly 34, the crossbar 30 connects to the end assembly 34 via a swivel pin 74 such that the crossbar 30 can pivot relative to the end assembly 34. The swivel pin 74 may be riveted at its distal end to retain it in place. The distal end of the crossbar 30 is formed to substantially surround the swivel pin 74 between a head 76 of the swivel pin and a flange portion 78 extending from the end assembly 34. Thus, by providing a swivel connection between the crossbar 30 and the end assembly 34, the crossbar 30 can be oriented in a number of positions relative to the end assembly 34.
The end assembly 34 includes a base 80, which links the flange 78 to a pair of clasps 82 and 84. The clasps 82 and 84 are adapted to removably engage the fixed bar 38, thereby providing support for the end assembly 34. In one embodiment, the bar 38 is a handlebar that complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for use with an ADA approved toilet. It is understood that the end assembly 32 is substantially similar to the end assembly 34, and is therefore adapted to removably engage another fixed bar such as the fixed bar 36 (FIG. 2). Thus, the support device 20 spans the length between the fixed bars 36 and 38 while maintaining a spaced relation from the toilet 25.
In operation and referring to FIG. 2, the support device 20 is assembled by selecting the desired length of the support device and engaging the crossbar 28 with the crossbar 30 via the slotted connection 61. The end assemblies 32 and 34 are then engaged with the fixed bars 36 and 38, which pivots the crossbars 28 and 30 to a desired orientation over the toilet 25. The dialysis bag 22 is then positioned on the support device 20 by hanging the dialysis bag on the hooks 58 and 60 (FIG. 3) extending from the bag holder 40. Upon placing the dialysis bag 22 on the support device 20, the dialysis bag is ready to be drained by conventionally opening the spouts 26 and 27 of the dialysis bag.
The support device 20 provides a substantially rigid support that is adapted for use with toilets equipped with conventional ADA handlebars. The benefits of the support device 20 are multifold. First, by providing a substantially fixed support device 20 for holding the dialysis bag 22, spillage problems associated with imprecise manual drainage are avoided. Furthermore, by using the support device 20 to empty the dialysis bag 22, the nurse, or other person, usually in charge of emptying the dialysis bag avoids the stress and ultimate injury that can result from holding the heavy dialysis bag over the toilet 25. Still further, the support device 20 allows the nurse to attend to other matters, such as caring for the patient, during emptying of the dialysis bag 22, which is not permitted by current drainage methods. Moreover, contamination of the spouts 26 and 27 of the dialysis bag 22 is avoided as the support device 20 ensures that the dialysis bag 22 will not touch the water within the toilet 25.
It is understood that the support device 20 is contemplated for use with a variety of alternatively-oriented bars. For example, and referring now to FIG. 6, the support device 20 is disposed on a pair of substantially parallel bars 86 and 88. Thus, the support device 20 is adaptable for use with a variety of bar orientations.
Although only a few exemplary embodiments of this invention have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many other modifications are possible without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the invention. For example, the support device 20 is not limited to having a pair of crossbars. Rather, one crossbar may be disposed between the end assemblies 32 and 34 without departing from the scope of the invention. Alternatively, a plurality of crossbars may be disposed between the end assemblies 32 and 34.
Furthermore, the connection between the crossbars 28 and 30 is not limited to the slotted connection 61. Rather, referring to FIG. 7, various other adjustable connections are contemplated such as a telescoping connection in which a support device 90 includes a pair of crossbars 92 and 94 that are secured to one another via a bag holder 96. The crossbars 92 and 94 may be cylindrical rods having different diameters to allow the crossbar 94 to receive the crossbar 92 in a telescoping arrangement. Of course, it is understood that the crossbar 92 may be arranged to receive the crossbar 94. The crossbars 92 and 94 include a plurality of bores 98 and 100, respectively, such that the crossbars may be adjusted to a desired length and then secured to one another by inserting a connector member 102 of the bag holder 96 through a pair of aligned bores corresponding to the desired length. Upon insertion of the connector member 102, a pair of cotter pins 104 may be used to secure the bag holder 96 to the support device 90.
Still further, the connection between the crossbars 28 and 30 and the end assemblies 32 and 34, respectively, may be accomplished in a variety of manners other than via a swivel pin. As an example, the crossbars 28 and 30 may include a groove for receiving a portion of the end assemblies 32 and 34, respectively. A rod may then be inserted to connect the crossbars 28 and 30 to the end assemblies 32 and 34, respectively, which allows for pivotal movement of the crossbars relative to the end assemblies. The rod may then be secured relative to the crossbars 28 and 30 and the end assemblies 32 and 34, respectively, via a pair of cotter pins.
Furthermore, the end assemblies 32 and 34 may engage the bars 36 and 38, respectively, in a variety of manners. For example, a fixed connection may be desired in which the end assemblies 32 and 34 are fastened to the bars 36 and 38, respectively.
Accordingly, all such modifications, and any further modifications, are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A support device for supporting a pliable bag, comprising:

a first crossbar extending from a first end assembly;

a second crossbar extending from a second end assembly, the second crossbar being longitudinally adjustably engaged with the first crossbar; and

a bag holder engaged with one of the first and second crossbars, the bag holder being adapted to receive and support a pliable bag thereon.

2. The support device of claim 1 wherein the first end assembly engages a first support member and the second end assembly engages a second support member.

3. The support device of claim 1 wherein engagement of the bag holder with either of the first and second crossbars positions the bag holder above a toilet.

4. The support device of claim 1 wherein the first crossbar extends substantially horizontally from the first end assembly.

5. The support device of claim 1 wherein the second crossbar extends substantially horizontally from the second end assembly.

6. The support device of claim 1 wherein the bag holder is positioned substantially transverse to one of the first and second crossbars.

7. The support device of claim 1 wherein the bag holder is a T-bar comprising a pair of hooks for receiving a pliable bag.

8. The support device of claim 1 wherein the first crossbar is engaged with the second crossbar via a slotted connection.

9. The support device of claim 8 wherein a plurality of holes are formed in the first crossbar whereby the first crossbar is longitudinally adjustable relative to the second crossbar.

10. The support device of claim 1 wherein the first crossbar is pivotally connected to the first end assembly.

11. The support device of claim 10 wherein the first crossbar is connected to the first end assembly via a swivel pin.

12. The support device of claim 1 wherein the second crossbar is pivotally connected to the second end assembly.

13. The support device of claim 12 wherein the second crossbar is connected to the second end assembly via a swivel pin.

14. The support device of claim 1 comprising a pliable bag wherein the pliable bag is a dialysis bag.

15. A support device for supporting a pliable bag in a spaced relation from a toilet, comprising:

means for providing a substantially horizontal support above the toilet;

means for securing the horizontal support to a pair of fixed bars disposed adjacent to the toilet; and

means for supporting a pliable bag on the horizontal support to position a pliable bag above the toilet.

16. The support device of claim 15 comprising a pliable bag wherein the pliable bag is a dialysis bag.

17. The support device of claim 16 wherein the horizontal support is adjustable.

18. A support device for supporting a pliable bag, comprising:

a first crossbar extending from a first end assembly;

a second crossbar extending from a second end assembly, the second crossbar being longitudinally adjustably engaged with the first crossbar in a telescoping arrangement; and

a bag holder engaged with both the first and second crossbars to secure the first and second crossbars to one another and wherein the bag holder is adapted to receive and support a pliable bag thereon.

19. The support device of claim 18 wherein the first and second crossbars are cylindrical rods.

20. The support device of claim 18 wherein the bag holder is secured to the first and second crossbars via a pair of cotter pins.

21. A method for supporting a pliable bag during drainage of the pliable bag into a toilet, comprising:

providing a support device for engaging a pair of fixed bars, the support device being positioned above the toilet;

placing a pliable bag on the support device whereby the support device supports the pliable bag; and

opening a spout of the pliable bag to drain the pliable bag.

22. The method of claim 21 wherein the support device is adjustable.

23. The method of claim 21 wherein the pliable bag is a dialysis bag.