WO2021214634A1

WO2021214634A1 - Apparatus and methods for creating an isolated patient environment

Info

Publication number: WO2021214634A1
Application number: PCT/IB2021/053217
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dr. Dina ORKIN; Michael Librus
Original assignee: Tel Hashomer Medical Research, Infrastructure And Services Ltd.; Synergy R.M Ltd
Priority date: 2020-04-21
Filing date: 2021-04-19
Publication date: 2021-10-28

Abstract

Apparatus and methods are described for isolating at least a portion of a patient's body from the patient's surroundings. A patient-isolation device (20) includes a transparent screen (22) configured to be positioned in front of the patient's face. A flexible drape (26) is configured to hang around at least the portion of the patient's body, and to thereby isolate at least the portion of the patient's body from the patient's surroundings. Other applications are also described.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR CREATING AN ISOLATED PATIENT

ENVIRONMENT

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority from US Provisional application 63/013,031, filed April 21, 2020, entitled "Apparatus and methods for creating an isolated patient environment," and from US Provisional application 63/042,597, filed June 23, 2020, entitled "Apparatus and methods for creating an isolated patient environment," both of which US Provisional applications are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to medical apparatus and methods, and specifically to apparatus and methods for use during surgery and other medical procedures.

BACKGROUND

In many medical procedures it is desirable to isolate a patient, or a portion of a patient's body from her/his surroundings, in order to create a sterile environment within which the procedure is performed. For example, it may be desirable to isolate the patient in cases in which the patient's immune system is weakened, e.g., due to chemotherapy treatments, and/or due to the patient otherwise being immunosuppressed. Moreover, if a patient is infectious or there is a risk of a patient being infectious (for example, during the outbreak of an epidemic), it is typically desirable to isolate portions of the patient from her/his surroundings. For example, it may be desirable to isolate the patient's respiratory orifices from a healthcare professional (such as, a physician, a dentist, or a nurse). In some cases, it is desirable to create a closed environment around a patient for a different reason, for example, in order to create a closed temperature-controlled environment around a baby, and, in particular, a premature baby.

SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with some applications of the present invention, a patient- isolation device is used to isolate at least a portion of a patient's body from the patient's surroundings. For some applications, the patient's head is isolated in order to create a sterile environment within which a procedure (such as an intubation, a dental procedure, a neurological procedure, etc.) is performed. For example, it may be desirable to isolate the patient in cases in which the patient's immune system is weakened, e.g., due to chemotherapy treatments, and/or due to the patient otherwise being immunosuppressed. Alternatively or additionally, the patient-isolation device is placed around the patient's head (and/or additional portions of the patient's body) in order to isolate the patient's respiratory orifices from healthcare professionals (such as, a physician, a dentist, or a nurse), for example, in cases in which a patient is infectious or there is a risk of a patient being infectious (for example, during the outbreak of an epidemic). For some applications, the patient-isolation device is placed around a patient's entire body. For example, the patient-isolation device may be used to create a closed temperature- controlled environment around a baby, and, in particular, a premature baby. Or, the patient-isolation device may be placed around the entire body of a patient who is in a wheelchair, or is in a bed (such as a hospital or home bed, or an ambulance bed).

Typically, the patient-isolation device includes a transparent screen, via which the healthcare provider and the patient are provided with good visibility of each other. Further typically, the patient-isolation device is configured to be positioned with respect to the patient, such that the transparent screen is disposed in front of the patient's face, and the material from which the screen is made is selected to be highly transparent. For example, a polymer such as PET may be used for the transparent screen. For some applications, the transparent screen is housed within a set of one or more frames, which are typically substantially rigid. Typically, a flexible drape is configured to hang down from the set of frames, and to surround the portion of the subject's body that is to be isolated. For some applications, the flexible drape is made of flexible polymer such as nylon. In accordance with respective applications, the flexible drape is precut to conform with the shapes and sizes of other components of patient-isolation device, or the flexible drape is cut during the assembly of the patient-isolation device, e.g., using a procedure described in further detail hereinbelow.

For some applications, the set of frames includes an outer frame and an inner frame. The transparent screen is typically supported on the underside of the outer frame. For some applications, the inner and outer frames are configured to be coupled to each other with the flexible drape disposed between the two frames. The coupling of the frames to each other is performed such as to trap the flexible drape between the frames and to thereby couple the flexible drape to the transparent screen and seal the interface between the flexible drape and the transparent screen.

For some applications, the flexible drape is configured to extend outwardly from the set of frames, such that the flexible drape encompasses a larger area than the area defined by the set of frames (or by the transparent screen). For some such applications, a set of extended elements (e.g., ribs, or arms) are coupled to the drape, such that the drape encompasses a larger area than the area defined by the set of frames.

As described hereinabove, typically the transparent screen is transparent and is configured to provide visibility to the healthcare professional and to the patient. Further typically, the material from which the flexible drape is made has lower transparency than that of the transparent screen. Therefore, it is typically desirable to remove and/or to limit any region of overlap between the flexible drape and the transparent screen. For some applications, the set of frames includes an inbuilt cutting element, that is configured to cut a region of the flexible drape that overlaps with transparent screen, around a predefined perimeter. For example, the inner frame may include a rail around which the cutting element slides around a predefined path. For some applications, the patient-isolation-device is formed by placing a single sheet of material between the inner and outer frames, such that the sheet of material drapes around the set of frames. Subsequently, the inner frame and outer frame are coupled to each other such as to trap the flexible drape between the frames and thereby couple the flexible drape to the transparent screen and to seal the interface between the flexible drape and the transparent screen. Subsequently, the cutting element is used to cut away the region of the flexible drape that overlaps with transparent screen.

It is noted that the use of an inbuilt coupling element for removing the region of overlap between the flexible drape and the transparent screen is optional, and that this step may be performed using an off-the-shelf cutting element, such as a knife, blade, or pair of scissors. Alternatively, the transparent screen and the flexible drape may be provided to the user coupled to each other, in such a manner that there is a region of the transparent screen that does not overlap with the flexible drape. This region of the transparent screen is typically placed in front of the patient's face and along the line of sight of the healthcare professional, such as to provide visibility of the patient's face to the healthcare professional. Typically, the combination of the above described elements provides medical staff with a good combination of protection, visibility and accessibility to care for the patient.

There is therefore provided, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, apparatus for isolating at least a portion of a body of a patient from the surroundings of the patient, the apparatus including: a patient-isolation device, comprising: a transparent screen configured to be positioned in front of a face of the patient; and a flexible drape configured to hang around at least the portion of the patient's body, and to thereby isolate at least the portion of the patient's body from the patient's surroundings

In some applications, the patient-isolation device is configured for use with a patient in a bed, and the flexible drape is configured to cover an entire body of the patient.

In some applications, the patient-isolation device is configured for use with a patient in a wheelchair, and wherein the transparent screen is configured to be positioned in front of a face of the patient.

In some applications, the patient-isolation device is configured for use with a dental patient and a dentist, and the transparent screen is configured to be positioned above a mouth of the patient, such as to provide visibility of the patient's mouth to the dentist.

In some applications, the patient-isolation device is configured for use with an intubation patient and a physician, and the transparent screen is configured to be positioned above an intubation orifice of the patient, such as to provide visibility of the intubation orifice to the physician.

In some applications, the patient-isolation device further includes one or more ribs that are configured to be coupled to the flexible drape such that an area that the flexible drape encompasses is larger than an area encompassed by the transparent screen.

In some applications, the transparent screen and the flexible drape are provided to a user in a coupled state with respect to each other, such that the transparent screen includes a region that does not overlap with the flexible drape. In some applications, the patient-isolation device further includes a set of one or more frames configured to couple the flexible drape to the transparent screen and seal an interface between the flexible drape and the transparent screen.

In some applications, a side of the set of frames that is configured to face a working zone of a healthcare professional includes a rounded portion, such that said side is more rounded than an opposite side of the set of one or more frames.

In some applications, at least some frames belonging to the set of one or more frames are foldable, and the foldable frames are configured to be autoclaved while in folded configurations.

In some applications, at least some frames belonging to the set of one or more frames are foldable.

In some applications, the frames are configured to be autoclaved.

In some applications, the set of one or more frames includes an outer frame and inner frame that are configured to be couplable with respect to one another such as to trap the flexible drape between the outer frame and the inner frame.

In some applications, at least a portion of the inner frame is elastic, and the inner frame is configured to be coupled to the outer frame by placed inside the outer frame under a state of compression, and the inner frame subsequently expanding and exerting an outward force against the outer frame, thereby becoming coupled to the outer frame.

In some applications, the apparatus further includes a cutting element that is coupled to the set of one or more frames and that is configured to cut a region of the flexible drape that overlaps with the transparent screen around a predefined perimeter.

In some applications, the set of one or more frames includes a rail, and the cutting element is configured to cut the region of the flexible drape that overlaps with the transparent screen around a predefined perimeter by being slid along the rail.

In some applications, the patient-isolation device further includes an adjustable support arm that is coupled to the transparent screen, the adjustable support arm being flexible such that an orientation of the transparent screen is adjustable to a desired orientation by adjusting a shape of the support arm, and the support arm having structural integrity that is such as to maintain the transparent screen in the desired orientation. In some applications, the support arm is directly coupled to the transparent screen.

In some applications, the patient-isolation device further includes a set of one or more frames configured to couple the flexible drape to the transparent screen and seal an interface between the flexible drape and the transparent screen, and the support arm is coupled to the set of one or more frames.

In some applications, the support arm is configured to be coupled to a corner of the set of one or more frames that is configured to be disposed on the opposite side of the patient from a working zone of a healthcare professional during a procedure.

In some applications, the apparatus further includes one or more accessories that are configured for use with the patient-isolation device, in a manner that maintains a separation between a patient environment, within the flexible drape, and a healthcare professional environment, outside of the flexible drape.

In some applications, the patient-isolation device is configured for use with one or more tools, and wherein the one or more accessories include a sealing element that is coupled to the flexible drape that is configured to provide access to the patient through the flexible drape, via which the one or more tools are insertable, and which forms a seal around the tools.

In some applications, the one or more accessories include a glove that is coupled to the flexible drape, and sealed with respect to the flexible drape, thereby allowing a healthcare professional to perform a procedure on the patient using the glove, while being isolated from the patient.

In some applications, the one or more accessories include a fan selected from the group consisting of: a ventilation fan, and an extraction fan.

In some applications, the one or more accessories include a suction device.

In some applications, the one or more accessories include lighting that is inbuilt with respect to the patient-isolation device.

There is further provided, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, a method including: isolating at least a portion of a body of a patient from surroundings of the patient, by: placing a transparent screen in front of a face of the patient, such as to provide visibility of the patient's face; and placing a flexible drape that is sealed with respect to the transparent screen, such that the flexible drape hangs around at least the portion of the patient's body, thereby isolating at least the portion of the patient's body from the patient's surroundings.

The present invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description of applications thereof, taken together with the drawings, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of a patient-isolation device that is used to isolate at least a portion of a patient from her/his surroundings, in accordance with some applications of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a schematic illustration of a patient-isolation device, in accordance with some alternative applications of the present invention;

Fig. 3 is a schematic illustration of the undersides of the set of frames of a patient-isolation device, in accordance with some applications of the present invention;

Fig. 4 is a schematic illustration of a bottom view of an outer frame of a patient- isolation device, in accordance with some applications of the present invention;

Figs. 5A-B are schematic illustrations of respective views of an inner frame of a patient-isolation device, in accordance with respective applications of the present invention;

Fig. 6 is a schematic illustration of a cutting element of a patient-isolation device, in accordance with some applications of the present invention;

Figs. 7A, 7B, and 7C are schematic illustrations of a patient-isolation device coupled to a wheelchair, in accordance with some applications of the present invention; and

Figs. 8A and 8B are schematic illustrations of a transparent screen and a flexible drape of a patient-isolation device that are provided to a user coupled to each other in the absence of a set of frames, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Reference is now made to Fig. 1, which is a schematic illustration of a patient- isolation device 20 isolating at least a portion of a patient from her/his surroundings, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1, for some applications, the patient-isolation device is used to isolate the patient's head from the patient's surroundings. Typically, the patient's head is isolated in order to create a sterile environment within which a procedure (such as an intubation, a dental procedure, a neurological procedure, etc.) is performed. For example, it may be desirable to isolate the patient in cases in which the patient's immune system is weakened, e.g., due to chemotherapy treatments, and/or due to the patient otherwise being immunosuppressed. Alternatively or additionally, the patient-isolation device is placed around the patient's head (and/or additional portions of the patient's body) in order to isolate the patient's respiratory orifices from healthcare professionals (such as, a physician, a dentist, or a nurse), for example, in cases in which the patient is infectious or there is a risk of the patient being infectious (for example, during the outbreak of an epidemic). Although the patient-isolation device is shown being used to isolate the patient's head from her/his surroundings, the scope of the present invention includes using the patient-isolation device to isolate other portions of a patient's body from her/his surrounding, as would be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art. For some applications, the patient- isolation device is placed around a patient's entire body. For example, the patient- isolation device may be used to create a closed temperature-controlled environment around a baby, and, in particular, a premature baby. Or, the patient-isolation device may be placed around the entire body of a patient who is in a wheelchair (e.g., using a patient-isolation device configured as shown in Figs. 7A-C), or a patient who is in a bed (such as a hospital or home bed, or an ambulance bed).

Typically, the patient-isolation device includes a transparent screen 22, via which the healthcare provider and the patient are provided with good visibility of each other. Further typically, patient-isolation device 20 is configured to be positioned with respect to the patient, such that the transparent screen is disposed in front of the patient's face, and the material from which the transparent screen is made is selected to be highly transparent. For example, a polymer such as PET may be used for the transparent screen. For some applications, an anti-fogging agent (e.g., a hydrophilic agent) is applied to transparent screen 22 in order to prevent a build-up of vapors or dirt upon the transparent screen. For some applications, the transparent screen is housed within a set 24 of one or more frames, which are typically substantially rigid. The frames are described in further detail hereinbelow. Typically, a flexible drape 26 is configured to hang down from the set of frames, and to thereby surround and isolate the portion of the subject's body that is to be isolated. Alternatively, flexible drape 26 may be coupled to transparent screen 22 in the absence of any frames, e.g., as described hereinbelow with reference to Figs. 8A-B. For some applications, the flexible drape is made of flexible polymer such as nylon. In accordance with respective applications, the flexible drape is precut to conform with the shapes and sizes of other components of patient- isolation device 20, or the flexible drape is cut during the assembly of the patient- isolation device, e.g., using a procedure described in further detail hereinbelow.

For some applications, set 24 of frames is supported upon a support arm 28, such that the support arm is coupled to screen 22 via the set of frames. Alternatively the support arm may be directly coupled to the screen, or coupled to the screen via a different element. As shown in Fig. 1, the support arm is disposed upon a stand 29 that is placed on the floor. Support arm 28 is typically at least partially flexible such that the orientation of transparent screen 22 is adjustable by adjusting the shape of the support arm. However, the support arm typically has sufficient structural integrity that, once the transparent screen has been placed in a desired orientation, the support arm maintains the transparent screen in that orientation. Thus, the orientation of the transparent screen is typically adjusted by a healthcare professional (e.g., a dentist) such that the transparent screen is disposed in front of the patient's face and along the line of sight of the healthcare professional. Subsequent to the transparent screen having been oriented in this manner, the support arm typically maintains the transparent screen in this orientation.

It is noted that the configuration of support arm 28 that is shown in Fig. 1 is presented by way of example. In accordance with respective applications, the support arm may be flexible, made of multiple segments (e.g., as shown in Figs. 2 and 7A-C), telescopic, rigid, coupled to a base, coupled to a bed (e.g., an operating bed), coupled to a wheelchair, coupled to a dentist's chair, coupled to a trolley, coupled to a suction- unit (e.g., as shown in Fig. 2), coupled to a floor, coupled to a ceiling, coupled to a wall, coupled to another surface, or not coupled to any surface. As described hereinabove, typically, patient-isolation device 20 is configured to be positioned with respect to the patient, such that the transparent screen is disposed in front of the patient's face (and typically along the line of sight of the healthcare professional). In general, the support arm is typically configured to facilitate positioning of the patient-isolation device with respect to the patient such that the transparent screen is disposed in front of the patient's face and to maintain the transparent screen in this position. It is noted that the use of support arm 28 is optional, and in some applications, the patient-isolation device does not include any support arm. For some applications, the set of frames includes a coupling portion 40 (shown in Figs. 3 and 4) that is configured to facilitate coupling of the set of frames to any one of a plurality of different types of support arms.

In accordance with respective applications, different components of patient- isolation device may be disposable (such that they are typically configured for single use), or may be reusable (such that they are typically configured for use more than one procedure and/or more than one patient). For some applications, flexible drape 26 is disposable, whereas other components of the patient isolation device are reusable. For some applications, transparent screen 22 is also disposable. For some applications, transparent screen 22 and flexible drape 26 are disposable and are provided to a user coupled to each other in the absence of a set of frames, e.g., as described hereinbelow with reference to Figs. 8A-B. Typically, the reusable components are made of a material that does not degrade when disposed to sterilizing agents, such as alcohol solution, alcohol gel, alcohol wipes, etc., such that the reusable components may be sterilized with such sterilizing agents between uses. Alternatively or additionally, the reusable components are configured to be sterilized in an autoclave. For some applications, at least some of the components are manufactured using 3D printing. For example, the set of frames may be manufactured from Ultem, or a similar material, using 3D printing. For some applications, the set of frames are made of a metal, such as stainless steel.

Still referring to Fig. 1, for some applications, set 24 of frames is foldable. As described hereinbelow, the set of frames typically include an outer frame and an inner frame. Typically, each of the frames is foldable about hinges 25. For some such applications, before being used on a patient the frames are placed into an autoclave in folded configurations (such that the frames are able to fit into a standard autoclave). Subsequent to being removed from the autoclave, the frames are unfolded for use.

As shown in Fig. 1, for some applications, support arm 28 is coupled to set 24 of frames at a corner of the set of frames that is configured to be disposed on the opposite side of the patient from the working zone of a healthcare professional (e.g., the dentist) during a procedure. In this manner, the support arm does not interfere with the working zone of the healthcare professional. Also, as shown in Fig. 1, for some applications, the side of set 24 of frames that faces the working zone of the healthcare professional includes a rounded portion 27 (such that this side is typically more rounded than the opposite side of the set of one or more frames). Typically, this maximizes the area of the patient's head that is visible through transparent screen 22, while allowing the healthcare professional to move around the patient's head in a similar manner to how they would do this in the absence of the frame.

The scope of the present invention includes one or more accessories that are configured for use with the patient-isolation device, while maintaining a separation between the patient environment (within the flexible drape), and the healthcare- professional environment (i.e., the region outside of the flexible drape, within which the healthcare professional is typically located). For some applications (not shown), a sealing element is coupled to the flexible drape that provides access to the patient through the flexible drape, via which tools may inserted and which forms a seal around the tools. In this manner, tools can be inserted into the patient environment, while the separation between the patient environment and the healthcare-professional environment is maintained. Alternatively or additionally, a glove (not shown) is coupled to the flexible drape, and sealed with respect to the flexible drape, thereby allowing a healthcare professional to perform a procedure on the patient using the glove, while being isolated from the patient.

For some applications, the patient-isolation device includes a fan. For example, the fan may be a ventilation fan configured to ventilate the patient environment and/or to reduce fogging within the patient environment. Alternatively or additionally, the fan may include an extraction fan configured to remove air, vapor, and/or debris from the patient environment. For some applications, the patient-isolation device includes a suction device configured to suction vapor and/or debris from the patient environment. Typically, such fans and suction devices include filters that are configured to maintain sterility between the patient environment and the healthcare -professional environment. For some applications, the patient-isolation device includes inbuilt lighting. For example, the set of frames may include one or more LEDs that are configured to illuminate the patient's face and/or mouth. In accordance with respective applications, the accessories described herein may be coupled to any portion of the patient-isolation device, including the set of frame, the transparent screen, the support arm, and/or the flexible drape. Reference is now made to Fig. 2, which is a schematic illustration of set 24 of frames and support arm 28 of patient-isolation device 20, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. The example of patient-isolation device as shown in Fig. 2 differs from that shown in Fig. 1 in several respects. As shown, for some applications, support arm 28 comprises multiple rigid segments that are rotatable and/or pivotable with respect to each other, such as to position transparent screen 22 is a desired orientation (e.g., as described hereinabove). For some applications, the support arm is coupled to set 24 of frames at the center of one of the sides of the set of frames, as opposed to being coupled to a corner of the set of frames (as shown in Fig. 1). For some applications, the set of frames does not include rounded portion 27 described hereinabove with reference to Fig. 1. For some applications, support arm 28 is coupled to a unit that is typically present in a room in which a procedure is performed. For example, as shown in Fig. 2, the support arm may be coupled to a suction unit 31. In all other respects, patient-isolation device shown in Fig. 2 is generally similar to that shown in Fig. 1.

Reference is now made to Fig. 3 which shows the underside of set 24 of frames, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. It is noted with reference to Fig. 3, as well as Figs. 4-5B, that these figures show set 24 of frames shaped as shown in Fig. 2. However, the scope of the present invention includes set 24 of frame being generally shaped as shown in Fig. 1 (e.g., with rounded portion 27, hinges 25, and/or with coupling portion 40 disposed in the corner of the set of frames), but including features as described with reference to the aforementioned figures. Typically, the set of frames is configured to couple flexible drape 26 to transparent screen 22 (flexible drape and transparent screen shown in Figs. 1 and 2), in such a manner that the interface between the transparent screen and the flexible drape is sealed.

For some applications, the set of frames includes an outer frame 30 and an inner frame 32. Transparent screen 22 is typically supported on the underside of the outer frame. For some applications, the inner and outer frames are configured to be coupled to each other with the flexible drape disposed between the two frames. The coupling of the frames to each other is performed such as to trap the flexible drape between the frames and to thereby couple the flexible drape to the transparent screen and seal the interface between the flexible drape and the transparent screen. Typically, in order to couple the inner frame to the outer frame, the inner frame is deformed and inserted inside the outer frame in a state of compression. Further typically, the inner frame has elastic properties that are such that upon being placed inside the outer frame, the inner frame expands and exerts an outward force against the outer frame thereby becoming coupled to the outer frame. For some applications, at least one of the frames includes locking mechanisms that are configured to lock the frames into a coupled configuration with respect to each other. For example, as shown, the inner frame may include flexible snap-fit locking mechanisms 38 for locking the frames into a coupled configuration with respect to each other. As described hereinabove, for some applications, the inner and outer frames are foldable. For example, the frames may be foldable about the dashed lines shown in Fig. 3. For some applications, the frames include hinges 25 (shown in Fig. 1) to facilitate the folding. Alternatively or additionally, the material from which the frames are made may be configured to facilitate the folding, for example, by the material being shaped to define a groove about which the frames fold.

For some applications (not shown), the flexible drape is configured to extend outwardly from the set of frames, such that the flexible drape encompasses a larger area than the area defined by the set of frames. For some such applications, a set of extended elements (e.g., ribs, or arms) are coupled to the drape, such that the drape encompasses a larger area than the area defined by the set of frames or by the transparent screen, e.g., as described hereinbelow with reference to Fig. 7C.

As described hereinabove, typically transparent screen 22 is transparent and configured to provide visibility to the healthcare professional and to the patient. Further typically, the material from which the flexible drape is made has lower transparency than that of the transparent screen. Therefore, it is typically desirable to remove and/or to limit any region of overlap between the flexible drape and the transparent screen. For some applications, set 24 of frames includes an inbuilt cutting element 34, that is configured to cut a region of the flexible drape that overlaps with transparent screen 22 around a predefined perimeter. For example, the inner frame may include a rail 36 around which the cutting element slides around a predefined path. (It is noted that the inbuilt cutting element is optional.) For some applications, the patient-isolation device is formed by placing a single sheet of material between the inner and outer frames, such that the sheet of material drapes around the set of frames. Subsequently, the inner frame and outer frame are coupled to each other such as to trap the flexible drape between the frames and to thereby couple the flexible drape to the transparent screen and seal the interface between the flexible drape and the transparent screen. Subsequently, the cutting element is used to cut away the region of the flexible drape that overlaps with transparent screen 22. It is noted that the use of an inbuilt coupling element for removing the region of overlap between the flexible drape and the transparent screen is optional, and that this step may be performed using an off-the-shelf cutting element, such as a knife, blade, or pair of scissors.

Reference is now made to Figs. 4, 5A-B, and 6, which are schematic illustrations of respective components of set 24 of frames and cutting element 34 of patient-isolation device 20, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. Fig. 4 is a schematic illustration of outer frame 30. As shown, for some applications, the outer frame includes coupling portion 40 which is configured to facilitate coupling of support arm 28 to the outer frame. For some applications, the coupling portion is configured to facilitate coupling of the set of frames to any one of a plurality of different types of support arms. As noted hereinabove, use of support arm 28 is optional. Figs. 5 A and 5B are schematic illustrations of respective views of inner frame 32. Fig. 6 is a schematic illustration of cutting element 34. Typically, the cutting element defines a groove 42, via which the coupling element is configured to be slidably coupled to rail 36 defined by the inner frame. Further typically, the coupling element defines a blade 44, which is configured to cut the flexible drape in the manner described hereinabove.

Reference is now made to Figs. 7A-C, which are photographs showing patient- isolation device 20 coupled to a wheelchair 50, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. As shown, in this example, support arm 28 is made of multiple segments, and the support arm is used to position patient-isolation device 20, such that transparent screen 22 is disposed in front of the patient's face. Flexible drape 26 is configured to hang over the patient's entire body and to isolate the patient from healthcare professionals and/or other people. Referring to Fig. 7C, for some applications, one or more ribs 52 are coupled to the flexible drape such as to increase an area that is encompassed by the flexible drape (and typically such that the area encompassed by the flexible drape is larger than the area defined by either the set of frames or by the transparent screen). For some such applications, the ribs extend from support arm 28. Typically, the ribs are coupled to the flexible drape via a fastening element 54, e.g., a hook-and-eye fastening element, as shown.

Reference is now made to Figs. 8A-B, which are schematic illustrations of transparent screen 22 and flexible drape 26 of patient-isolation device 20 provided to a user coupled to each other and in the absence of a set of frames, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. Fig. 8A shows the transparent screen and the flexible drape coupled to each other and removed from their packaging, and Fig. 8B shows the transparent screen and the flexible drape coupled to each other and packaged in sterile packaging 60 as they are typically provided to a user. Typically, the transparent screen and the flexible drape are coupled to each other in such a manner that there is a region of the transparent screen that does not overlap with the flexible drape. This region of the transparent screen is typically placed in front of the patient's face and along the line of sight of the healthcare professional, such as to provide visibility of the patient's face to the healthcare professional. For some applications, the pre-coupled transparent screen and flexible drape are placed inside a set of frames before being used to isolate a patient from their surroundings as part of patient-isolation device 20. Alternatively, the pre-coupled transparent screen and flexible drape are used to isolate a patient from their surroundings, as part of patient-isolation device 20, in the absence of any frames. For example, support arm 28 may be coupled directly to transparent screen 22 in the absence any frame, and the orientation of transparent screen 22 may be adjusted by adjusting the shape of the support arm, e.g., as generally described hereinabove.

Although some applications of the present invention are described in the context of a dental patient and a dentist, the scope of the present invention includes using patient-isolation device 20 in any one of several other settings. For example, the patient-isolation device may be used with an intubation patient and a physician. Typically, transparent screen 22 is configured to be positioned above an intubation orifice of the patient, such as to provide visibility of the intubation orifice to the physician. For some applications, the patient-isolation device is placed around a patient's entire body. For example, the patient-isolation device may be used to create a closed temperature-controlled environment around a baby, and, in particular, a premature baby. Or, the patient-isolation device may be placed around the entire body of a patient who is in a wheelchair, or is in a bed (such as a hospital or home bed, or an ambulance bed).

For some applications, the patient-isolation device is configured to isolate a patient or a healthy subject from their surroundings in a non-medical setting, such as in a vehicle (e.g., a car, a bus, a taxi, a train, or a plane), or in a salon. For some such applications (not shown), support arm 28 is coupled (or couplable) to a seat within the non-medical setting (e.g., a seat of a vehicle, or a chair of a salon). It is noted that the scope of the present invention includes any one of the components of the patient-isolation device even in isolation from other components of the patient-isolation device. For example, transparent screen 22 may be provided in the absence of other components, such that it may be coupled to the other components. Typically, the transparent screen has a generally square or rectangular shape, with the lengths of the sides of the transparent screen typically being between 15 cm and 35 cm, e.g., between 20 cm and 30 cm, such that the transparent screen provides visibility of the patient's face or a portion thereof. Alternatively, the transparent screen may have a circular or an elliptical shape. Irrespective of the shape of the transparent screen, the transparent screen typically has an area of between 225 sq. cm and 1225 sq. cm, e.g., between 400 sq. cm and 900 sq. cm. It is noted that, even when the transparent screen has a generally square or rectangular shape, corners of the transparent screen are typically rounded, as shown in the figures. In addition, for some applications, one of the side of the rounded screen is rounded, as described hereinabove.

For some applications, flexible drape 26 is provided in the absence of other components, such that it may be coupled to the other components. Typically, the flexible drape is configured for use with a transparent screen that is generally as described in the above paragraph. For some applications, the flexible drape is pre-cut, such that there is a region that is cut out of the flexible drape that is configured to be placed at the transparent screen, such as to provide visibility through the region. The shape and sizes of this region are typically generally similar to the shapes and sizes of the transparent screen, as described in the above paragraph. Alternatively, the flexible drape may be provided such that such the region may be easily cut from the flexible drape, for example by adding markings to the flexible drape to indicate the region, and/or by scoring the flexible drape around the region such that it may be torn from the flexible drape by hand.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather, the scope of the present invention includes both combinations and subcombinations of the various features described hereinabove, as well as variations and modifications thereof that are not in the prior art, which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description.

Claims

1. Apparatus for isolating at least a portion of a body of a patient from the surroundings of the patient, the apparatus comprising: a patient-isolation device, comprising: a transparent screen configured to be positioned in front of a face of the patient; and a flexible drape configured to hang around at least the portion of the patient's body, and to thereby isolate at least the portion of the patient's body from the patient's surroundings

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the patient-isolation device is configured for use with a patient in a bed, and wherein the flexible drape is configured to cover an entire body of the patient.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the patient-isolation device is configured for use with a patient in a wheelchair, and wherein the transparent screen is configured to be positioned in front of a face of the patient.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the patient-isolation device is configured for use with a dental patient and a dentist, and wherein the transparent screen is configured to be positioned above a mouth of the patient, such as to provide visibility of the patient's mouth to the dentist.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the patient-isolation device is configured for use with an intubation patient and a physician, and wherein the transparent screen is configured to be positioned above an intubation orifice of the patient, such as to provide visibility of the intubation orifice to the physician.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the patient-isolation device further comprises one or more ribs that are configured to be coupled to the flexible drape such that an area that the flexible drape encompasses is larger than an area encompassed by the transparent screen.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transparent screen and the flexible drape are provided to a user in a coupled state with respect to each other, such that the transparent screen includes a region that does not overlap with the flexible drape.

8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the patient-isolation device further comprises a set of one or more frames configured to couple the flexible drape to the transparent screen and seal an interface between the flexible drape and the transparent screen.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein a side of the set of frames that is configured to face a working zone of a healthcare professional includes a rounded portion, such that said side is more rounded than an opposite side of the set of one or more frames.

10. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein at least some frames belonging to the set of one or more frames are foldable, and the foldable frames are configured to be autoclaved while in folded configurations.

11. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein at least some frames belonging to the set of one or more frames are foldable.

12. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the frames are configured to be autoclaved.

13. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the set of one or more frames comprises an outer frame and inner frame that are configured to be couplable with respect to one another such as to trap the flexible drape between the outer frame and the inner frame.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein at least a portion of the inner frame is elastic, and the inner frame is configured to be coupled to the outer frame by placed inside the outer frame under a state of compression, and the inner frame subsequently expanding and exerting an outward force against the outer frame, thereby becoming coupled to the outer frame.

15. The apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a cutting element that is coupled to the set of one or more frames and that is configured to cut a region of the flexible drape that overlaps with the transparent screen around a predefined perimeter.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the set of one or more frames comprises a rail, and wherein the cutting element is configured to cut the region of the flexible drape that overlaps with the transparent screen around a predefined perimeter by being slid along the rail.

17. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the patient-isolation device further comprises an adjustable support arm that is coupled to the transparent screen, the adjustable support arm being flexible such that an orientation of the transparent screen is adjustable to a desired orientation by adjusting a shape of the support arm, and the support arm having structural integrity that is such as to maintain the transparent screen in the desired orientation.

18. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the support arm is directly coupled to the transparent screen.

19. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the patient-isolation device further comprises a set of one or more frames configured to couple the flexible drape to the transparent screen and seal an interface between the flexible drape and the transparent screen, and wherein the support arm is coupled to the set of one or more frames.

20. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the support arm is configured to be coupled to a comer of the set of one or more frames that is configured to be disposed on the opposite side of the patient from a working zone of a healthcare professional during a procedure.

21. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1-7, further comprising one or more accessories that are configured for use with the patient-isolation device, in a manner that maintains a separation between a patient environment, within the flexible drape, and a healthcare professional environment, outside of the flexible drape.

22. The apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the patient-isolation device is configured for use with one or more tools, and wherein the one or more accessories comprise a sealing element that is coupled to the flexible drape that is configured to provide access to the patient through the flexible drape, via which the one or more tools are insertable, and which forms a seal around the tools.

23. The apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the one or more accessories comprise a glove that is coupled to the flexible drape, and sealed with respect to the flexible drape, thereby allowing a healthcare professional to perform a procedure on the patient using the glove, while being isolated from the patient.

24. The apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the one or more accessories comprise a fan selected from the group consisting of: a ventilation fan, and an extraction fan.

25. The apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the one or more accessories comprise a suction device.

26. The apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the one or more accessories comprise lighting that is inbuilt with respect to the patient-isolation device.

27. A method comprising: isolating at least a portion of a body of a patient from surroundings of the patient, by: placing a transparent screen in front of a face of the patient, such as to provide visibility of the patient's face; and placing a flexible drape that is sealed with respect to the transparent screen, such that the flexible drape hangs around at least the portion of the patient's body, thereby isolating at least the portion of the patient's body from the patient's surroundings.