Medical Draping Apparatus

Abstract

A draping apparatus for providing a medical procedure barrier. The draping apparatus comprises a generally transparent medical draping structure for use during diagnostic, therapeutic, and surgical procedures performed on a patient. The draping structure is supported by a support structure that is removably attachable to a bed. An access component comprises a pair of long armed procedure gloves affixed to the draping structure that allows a medical provider to insert their hands into the gloves to provide assistance to the patient without exposure to aerosol contaminants. The invention enables medical procedures, such as positive pressure ventilation and endotracheal intubation, to be performed from behind the protective draping apparatus. The invention also allows for quick and easy disposal, with minimal need for cleaning.

Claims

1. A draping apparatus comprising: a support structure; a draping structure adjustably attached to the support structure; and an access component integrated into the draping structure.

2. The draping apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support structure is attachable to a bed so that the draping structure at least partially encapsulates the bed.

3. The draping apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support structure comprises a plurality of vertical support poles, a plurality of clamping elements for attaching the draping structure to each vertical support pole, and a plurality of adjusting elements.

4. The draping apparatus of claim 1, wherein the draping structure comprises a plurality of surfaces connected by a plurality of seams.

5. The draping apparatus of claim 1, wherein the access component comprises a pair of procedure gloves integrated into the draping structure.

6. The draping apparatus of claim 5, wherein the integration of the pair of procedure gloves into the draping structure is airtight.

7. The draping apparatus of claim 1, wherein the draping structure is transparent.

8. A draping apparatus for providing a medical procedure barrier, the draping apparatus comprising: a support structure attachable to a bed; a draping structure comprising a plurality of transparent surfaces adjustably attached to the support structure; and an access component integrated into one of the transparent surfaces of the draping structure.

9. The draping apparatus of claim 8, wherein the support structure comprises a plurality of vertical support poles, a plurality of clamping elements for attaching the draping structure to each vertical support pole, and a plurality of adjusting elements.

10. The draping apparatus of claim 8, wherein the plurality of transparent surfaces are connected by a plurality of seams and a plurality of corners.

11. The draping apparatus of claim 8, wherein the draping structure is adjustable in height by the support structure.

12. The draping apparatus of claim 8, wherein the access component comprises a pair of procedure gloves and a pair of inner glove retaining elements for integrating each procedure glove into the draping structure.

13. The draping apparatus of claim 12, wherein the integration of the pair of procedure gloves into the draping structure is airtight.

14. The draping apparatus of claim 8 further comprising an equipment access port integrated into one of the transparent surfaces of the draping structure.

15. The draping apparatus of claim 14, wherein the equipment access port is integrated into a different one of the transparent surfaces of the draping structure than the access component.

16. A draping apparatus for providing a medical procedure barrier, the draping apparatus comprising: a support structure attachable to a bed; a draping structure comprising a plurality of surfaces adjustably attached to the support structure; an access component integrated into the draping structure; and an air exchange component.

17. The draping apparatus of claim 16, wherein the air exchange component is an air filter.

18. The draping apparatus of claim 16, wherein the air exchange component comprises an air inlet and an air outlet.

19. The draping apparatus of claim 16 further comprising an equipment access port integrated into one of the transparent surfaces of the draping structure.

20. The draping apparatus of claim 16, wherein the draping structure can be pressurized.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the draping apparatus of the present invention substantially encapsulating a patient in a bed in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view of one potential embodiment of the draping apparatus of the present invention and illustrating a pair of gloves in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates a side perspective view of one potential embodiment of the draping apparatus of the present invention and illustrating a medical provider attending to a patient without direct contact in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0022] FIG. 4 illustrates a side perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the draping apparatus of the present invention further comprising a filter and an equipment access port in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0023] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the draping apparatus of the present invention further comprising an air exchange component in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They do not intend as an exhaustive description of the invention or do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0025] The present invention in one exemplary embodiment is a medical drape for use during diagnostic, therapeutic, and surgical procedures performed on an ill or infected patient. The medical drape is comprised of a pair of corresponding and long armed procedure gloves that are affixed to the drape. The presence of the gloves allow a medical provider, such as a physician, nurse or other medical staff, to insert his or her hands into the gloves to provide assistance to the patient on the other side of the drape without exposure to aerosol contaminants, patient coughs, secretions, etc. The invention also enables procedures, such as positive pressure ventilation and endotracheal intubation, to be performed from behind the protective drape. Advantageously, the medical drape of the present invention provides for improved installation of a barrier, improved visibility of a patient, and inspecting the patient without transmission of any patient fluid between sterile and non-sterile areas while also allowing for freedom of movement of the hands of a physician or other healthcare provider via the protective gloves.

[0026] Additionally, it is contemplated that the drape of the present invention can also be utilized in other industries where workers may otherwise be exposed to harmful droplets, contaminants, fumes, etc. Accordingly, the present invention benefits any industry that desires a working drape with affixed gloves to create a more sterile environment, such as sanding, painting, laboratories, and the like. The present invention further allows for quick and easy disposal, with minimal need for cleaning.

[0027] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the draping apparatus 100 of the present invention substantially encapsulating a patient in a bed in accordance with the disclosed architecture, and FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view of the draping apparatus 100 of the present invention and comprising a pair of procedure gloves 130, which are described below in greater detail. More specifically, the draping apparatus 100 comprises a support structure 102, a draping structure 110, and an access component 126. The draping apparatus 100 is configured to provide a protective barrier for healthcare providers while performing medical procedures, and reduces the risk of exposure to contamination to or from the patient. The draping structure 110 is adjustably attached to the support structure 102, which is removably attachable to a bed, cot, or procedure table. Once attached to the bed, the draping structure 110 at least partially encapsulates the bed, thereby forming the protective barrier. As explained more fully below, the access component 126 is integrated into the draping structure 110 so that a healthcare provider can safely access an interior of the draping structure 110.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the support structure 102 comprises a plurality of vertical support poles 104, a plurality of clamping elements 106, and a plurality of adjusting elements 108. The vertical support poles 104 attach to or independently support the draping structure 110 around the bed, and the plurality of clamping elements 106 attaches the draping structure 110 to the vertical support poles 140, as best shown in FIGS. 1 through 3. The plurality of adjusting elements 108 allows for adjustment of the draping structure 110 over the bed.

[0029] The draping structure 110 further comprises a plurality of surfaces connected by a plurality of seams 122 and a plurality of corners 124 configured to form a generally box or rectangular shape around the bed. The plurality of surfaces may comprise a drape top surface 112, a pair of drape side surfaces 114, a drape head side surface 116, a drape foot side surface 118, and a drape bottom surface 119, as best shown in FIG. 1. Each of the plurality of surfaces is preferably transparent or translucent.

[0030] Additionally, the draping structure 110 is preferably manufactured from a transparent two millimeter poly plastic with dimensions 8 feet wide by 8 feet long. An advantage of these dimensions is that the draping apparatus 100 is relatively large, thereby ensuring an unobstructed patient view in a wide range of applications. Further, the transparent poly plastic enables better site monitoring, patient monitoring and better positioning. In use, the draping structure 110 may be unfolded or fixed such that the drape head side surface 116 of the draping structure 110 is placed over a patient's head. The draping structure 110 size and material may vary as desired or needed to suit user need or preference. For example, the draping apparatus dimensions could be smaller for pediatric patients. Additionally, the material of manufacture may be any plastic material as long as it is relatively transparent and capable of being decontaminated or easily disposed of

[0031] The draping apparatus 100 can be set up around a patient bed using the plurality of vertical support poles 104. The vertical support poles 104 may be either attached to a patient's bed or be free standing on the ground with the help of stands. Additionally, the vertical support poles 104 may be fixed, or may have wheels and an associated brake on the stand bottom for easy repositioning and in order to set up the draping apparatus 100. The plurality of clamping elements 106 and the plurality of adjusting elements 108, such as adjusting knobs, engage each vertical support pole 104 to secure the draping structure 110 from its four corners 124. The clamping elements 106 can also be used to adjust the height of the draping structure 110 with respect to the patient. The clamping elements 106 themselves may be designed to be capable of repeated securing and un-securing events without failure. However, it is contemplated that other securing elements can also be used to secure and fix the draping structure 110 to the vertical support poles 104. Examples of such alternative clamping elements 106 may include, but are not limited to, snaps, screws, hook and loop fasteners, and clips. Alternatively, the clamping elements 106 may be designed for temporary securing and un-securing events.

[0032] The access component 126 of the present invention comprises a pair of procedure gloves 130 extending inwardly (i.e., in the direction of the patient) from the draping structure 110. The pair of procedure gloves 130 may be integrally formed into the drape head side surface 116, or other suitable location. Alternatively, the pair of procedure gloves 130 may be attached to the drape head side surface 116 through a pair of glove holes or openings 128. The access component 126 may further comprise a pair of inner glove retaining elements 132. The pair of inner glove retaining elements 132 is configured to integrate each procedure glove 128 into the draping structure 110 at the respective glove opening 128, thereby forming an airtight connection.

[0033] However, any number of the glove openings 128 and procedure gloves 130 can be present on any of the plurality of surfaces of the draping structure 110, and the procedure gloves 130 can be affixed on any side surface of draping structure 110 as per the needs or wants of the particular user. In one embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the pair of long-armed two millimeter thick plastic gloves 130 are integrated into the drape top surface 112. The procedure gloves 130 are preferably placed approximately one foot from either side of a midline 120 in an anatomical position, and to provide maximum access to the patient.

[0034] The draping structure 110 may be configured so as to releasably or permanently retain the pair of procedure gloves 130, which further comprise a right-hand glove and a left-hand glove. In such an embodiment, the draping structure 110, from an outer surface (i.e. the side of the surface opposite the patient) incorporates the pair of glove holes 128 shaped to receive hands of the physician or the medical staff. The inner glove retaining elements 132 are positioned around each of the openings 128 of the procedure gloves 130 at a joint portion with the draping structure 110. The inner glove retaining elements 132 may be a thick ring-shaped structure or lining, to strongly affix the procedure gloves 130 to the draping structure 110 adjacent to openings 128. In such an embodiment, the draping structure 110 may be provided with repeated arrays of the features described above which enable multiple gloves 130 or multiple pairs of gloves 130 to be releasably or permanently retained thereby.

[0035] As best illustrated in FIG. 4, the draping apparatus 100 may further comprise an equipment access port 134. The equipment access port 134 is configured to permit access of medical equipment wiring and tubing through a partially sealable opening in one of the plurality of surfaces of the draping structure 110 to limit exposure and reduce the likelihood of contamination. Typically, the equipment access port 134 would be integrated into a different one of the transparent surfaces of the draping structure 110. For example, if the access component 126 was integrated into the drape head side surface 116, the equipment access port 134 could be integrated into one of the drape pair of side surfaces 114.

[0036] As best illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the draping apparatus 100 may further comprise an air exchange component 138 for providing fresh air and removing stale air from the enclosure. The air exchange component 138 may comprise an air filter 136, such as a N-95 or HEPA filter. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the air exchange component 138 may comprise an air inlet 140 and an air outlet 146. The air inlet 140 may comprise an air tube 144 integrated into an inlet opening 142 in one of the plurality of surfaces of the draping structure 110. The air outlet 148 may comprise an air tube 150 integrated into an outlet opening 148 in one of the plurality of surfaces of the draping structure 110. As such, the draping structure 110 could be slightly pressurized on the inside.

[0037] The draping apparatus 100 enables procedures, such as positive pressure ventilation and endotracheal intubation, to be performed from outside the draping structure 110. The transparent draping structure 110 enables physicians to place a medical device such as an endotracheal tube into the windpipe (trachea) through the mouth or nose without contamination. Further, a device such as a mechanical ventilator is easily placed by the physician using the gloves 130 affixed to the draping structure 110 on a critically ill patient. It would be apparent to anyone skilled in the art, that the draping structure 110 benefits any other industry that needs a draping apparatus with affixed gloves to provide a more sterile environment to a user. The present invention allows for quick and easy disposal with minimal need for cleaning.

[0038] For a medical procedure, for example, a patient may be positioned on the patient bed. The draping structure 110 of the present invention may then be placed over the patient and around the perimeter of the bed. In a preferred embodiment, the procedure gloves 130 are positioned along the drape head side surface 116 to enable the doctors, medical staff, nurses, etc. to better access the patient during various different type of medical procedures, such as positive pressure ventilation and endotracheal intubation. In the most preferred embodiments, the physician or other medical staff can insert his or her hands into the procedure gloves 130 to inspect the patient, thereby creating a sterile field around them.

[0039] The draping apparatus 100 of the present invention can be manufactured using any suitable medical grade materials. A material of the drape is preferably selected to create and maintain an effective barrier layer between a patient and medical staff, such that the material minimizes the passage of contaminants such as cough droplets, microorganisms, etc. between non-sterile area around the patient, and sterile areas around the physician. To be effective, the barrier material of the draping structure 110 should be resistant to blood, aqueous fluid, and abrasions, and as lint-free as possible. During medical operations and for intraoperative patient, the draping structure 110 prevents blood and other bodily fluids and secretions from contaminating the physicians present in the sterile field.

[0040] In an embodiment of the present invention, the draping structure 110 is made up of any suitable material selected from, but not limited, to disposable nonwoven fabrics, plastic films, or papers. In alternative embodiments, the draping structure 110 may be of potentially suitable materials include polymeric (plastic) sheet materials, e.g., polyethylene (PE), polyvinylchloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), and combinations or mixtures thereof. In a further preferred embodiment, the material may be a biocompatible medical grade plastic which may be completely transparent or substantially transparent. The material of the draping structure 110 may allow air circulation while maintaining a barrier to fluid and microorganisms.

[0041] In an embodiment, the draping structure 110 may be fabricated from a material that is capable of being sterilized by gas or gamma-sterilization techniques commonly used in hospitals and other medical facilities. Examples of gas-sterilization techniques usable with the various embodiments discussed herein, include those using Ethylene Oxide (EtOH) gas, e.g., those known as gas diffusion sterilization techniques. Further, the draping structure 110 should be resistant to punctures and tears to prevent microbial contamination. The material may be also designed to reduce glare from operating lights.

[0042] There are virtually innumerable uses for the present invention, all of which need not be detailed here. For instance, the draping apparatus 100 could be used in any setting where sterility concerns exist. Furthermore, the draping apparatus 100 could be used in other contexts to shelter an environment beneath the draping apparatus 100. All the disclosed embodiments can be practiced without undue experimentation. In non-medical use, the draping apparatus 100 of the present invention can be used generally to prevent non-impact exposure to liquid splash and dust during the course of activities such as but not limited to, painting, automotive repairing, and general assembly line work where dust and spray are likely to occur and can affect the health of the user. The draping apparatus 100 of the present invention can be used as an improved face shield apparatus providing improved protection for the user's face from splashes of bodily fluids and other foreign materials.

[0043] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “physician”, “medical professional”, “doctors”, “nurses” and “medical staff” are interchangeable and refer to a person involved in the inspection of a critically ill patient inside the draping structure 110 of the present invention.

[0044] It is contemplated that the draping apparatus 100 constructed in accordance with the present invention will be tailored and adjusted by those of ordinary skill in the art to accommodate various levels of performance demand imparted during actual use. Accordingly, while this invention has been described by reference to certain specific embodiments and examples, it will be understood that this invention is capable of further modifications. This application is, therefore, intended to cover any variations, uses or adaptations of the invention following the general principles thereof, and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and fall within the limits of the appended claims.

[0045] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the draping apparatus 100 of the present invention and its various structural components can be of any suitable size, shape, and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the shape and size of the draping apparatus 100 and its various components and material, as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other shapes and sizes of the draping apparatus 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the drape 100 are important design parameters for attaining maximum sterile environment, the draping apparatus 100 and its components may be of any shape or size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits user need and/or preference.

[0046] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.