Combination surgical drape
United States Patent 3911912
A surgical drape particularly useful for head surgery including a main sheet and, attached thereto, a second drape adapted to be wrapped around a body member and including adhesive means for maintaining the wrapped condition. By folding the combined drape along one edge, a cuff may be provided for safety and ease of positioning the drape.
US Patent References:
Body restraint
Baker - June 1960 - 2940443
Surgical sheet
Pyne - May 1965 - 3182656
RESTRAINING DEVICE FOR BEDRIDDEN PERSONS
Gaylord - October 1969 - 3474781
Body restraint
Baker - June 1960 - 2940443
Surgical sheet
Pyne - May 1965 - 3182656
RESTRAINING DEVICE FOR BEDRIDDEN PERSONS
Gaylord - October 1969 - 3474781
Inventors:
Krebs, Kay E. (Neenah, WI)
Arps, Marion T. (Neenah, WI)
Arps, Marion T. (Neenah, WI)
Application Number:
05/514766
Publication Date:
10/14/1975
Filing Date:
10/15/1974
View Patent Images:
Export Citation:
Assignee:
Kimberly-Clark Corporation (Neenah, WI)
Primary Class:
International Classes:
A61B19/08; A61F13/12; A61B19/00; A61F13/00
Field of Search:
128/132D,163,361,292,133,134,135
Primary Examiner:
Trapp, Lawrence W.
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Hanlon Jr., Daniel Herrick William Miller Raymond J. D. J.
Claims:
We claim
1. A surgical drape comprising,
2. The drape of claim 1 wherein said base sheet is a nonwoven fibrous material.
3. The drape of claim 1 wherein said second sheet is a scrim-reinforced cellulosic material.
4. The drape of claim 3 wherein said second sheet is treated for liquid repellency.
5. The drape of claim 1 wherein said adhesive means is an adhesive tape.
6. The drape of claim 5 further including a release strip in combination with said adhesive tape.
7. The drape of claim 1 wherein said second sheet is attached adjacent an edge of said base sheet.
8. The drape of claim 1 folded over an edge so as to provide a cuff for safety and ease of positioning said drape.
9. The drape of claim 8 including additional adhesive means for maintaining said folded condition.
1. A surgical drape comprising,
2. The drape of claim 1 wherein said base sheet is a nonwoven fibrous material.
3. The drape of claim 1 wherein said second sheet is a scrim-reinforced cellulosic material.
4. The drape of claim 3 wherein said second sheet is treated for liquid repellency.
5. The drape of claim 1 wherein said adhesive means is an adhesive tape.
6. The drape of claim 5 further including a release strip in combination with said adhesive tape.
7. The drape of claim 1 wherein said second sheet is attached adjacent an edge of said base sheet.
8. The drape of claim 1 folded over an edge so as to provide a cuff for safety and ease of positioning said drape.
9. The drape of claim 8 including additional adhesive means for maintaining said folded condition.
Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention pertains to drapes which are used to cover the operative area and/or portions of the patient's anatomy during surgical procedures. The drape of the present invention finds particular utility in surgical procedures involving the head, such as eye surgery, dental surgery, nose surgery, ear surgery and the like. In its preferred embodiment, the invention concerns such drapes that are manufactured from nonwoven materials and intended for single use only.
2. Description of the Prior Art
When surgery involving the head is undertaken, standard procedures often involve a rather complicated draping process. First, a drape is placed beneath the patient's head, then the patient's head is wrapped in a towel, and, finally, a metal clamp or the like is used to keep the towel in place. This procedure is quite time-consuming, often requiring a minute or more of time which is very critical, both in terms of the welfare of the patient and operating room resources. Furthermore, these steps can be distracting to the operating room team and provide multiple opportunities for contamination of the operative site.
Accordingly, it is highly desirable to provide a surgical drape that will reduce the time consumed in draping, the risk of contamination of the operative site, and distraction of the operating room team.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, a drape structure is provided having an integrated dual drape sheet combination. The drape combination includes a base sheet having dimensions sufficient to cover the area being draped, for example, the head of the operating room table, and, attached thereto, a second, generally smaller drape adapted to wrap a body member and further provided with adhesive means to maintain the wrapped condition. Thus, both the covering drape and the wrapping drape may be positioned at the same time, and wrapping with the smaller drape is accomplished by means of the adhesive device provided without requiring the use of external devices such as metal clamps or the like. In a preferred embodiment, the drape of the invention is composed of a nonwoven base sheet and an absorbent nonwoven towel or water repellent drape, depending upon the application, attached to the base sheet adjacent an edge thereof and provided with adhesive tape attachment means. Thus, the combination is disposable with the resulting convenience and added protection of single use items.
Further in accordance with preferred embodiments of the invention, the drape is folded so as to provide a cuff to aid in rapid and safe positioning of the drape combination.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a plan view of a drape in accordance with the present invention in an unfolded condition;
FIG. 2 illustrates a similar drape folded to form a cuff;
FIG. 3 illustrates a drape in accordance with the present invention in position for use; and
FIG. 4 illustrates the drape of FIG. 3 wrapped about a patient and about to be sealed in preparation for head surgery.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
While the invention will be described in connection with preferred embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to those embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
Turning now to the drawings, the illustrative drape for surgical procedures involving the head shown in FIG. 1 includes a base sheet 10 of suitable nonwoven material. This material preferably comprises outer layers of wadding and inner layers of highly drafted fibers disposed angularly to each other in which a spaced pattern of adhesive is disposed between each fiber layer and its adjacent wadding layer with the fibers in each fiber layer partially embedded in and held by the adhesive of its adjacent adhesive layer and partially embedded in and held by the adhesive in the other adhesive layer where it extends between the fibers of its adjacent fiber layer and with a portion of the adhesive in both adhesive layers joined where the adhesive patterns are superimposed. This material is described in more detail in Sokolowski U.S. Pat. No. 3,484,330 assigned to the assignee of the present invention.
Pursuant to the invention, a second, generally smaller drape 12 is attached to the top surface of the base sheet 10 in position to receive the head of the patient. Drape 12 is bonded to the base sheet 10 along edge 14 at areas 16 so as to provide sufficient unbonded portions of the drape 12 to wrap the patient. It is a feature of the invention that drape 12 includes means for maintaining the wrapped condition, illustrated as adhesive tape 18 also located near edge 14 and provided with release strip 20 shown partially removed for clarity in the illustration. In the particular drape depicted, drape 12 is formed from layers of creped tissue wadding reinforced by a nonwoven mesh of crossed threads as marketed by Kimberly-Clark Corporation under the trademark KAYCEL and described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,072,511 to Harwood, assigned to the assignee of the present invention. For some applications it will be desirable that the second, smaller drape 12 be liquid repellent, and such treatments for these materials through the use of fluorocarbons and the like are well-known. For example, water repellent drape material is available from Kimberly-Clark Corporation under the trademark KAYCEL, water repellent grade.
In the preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, cuffs for increased protection from contamination from the nurse's hands and for ease in positioning the drape are formed by folding over the top edge 14 of the drape and bonding the fold at adhesive areas 22 provided on the surface of wrapping drape 12 which are preferably in addition to areas 16. In this manner, the drape combination is adapted to be adjusted in position easily by the doctor or nurse placing his hands on the left and right sides of the bond areas 22 between the drape and the top fold 24 and moving his hands while the patient's head is slightly raised so that the drape is in the desired position.
Turning to FIG. 3, this procedure is illustrated in more detail including the patient with head in slightly raised position. The drape of the present invention is shown placed by the doctor or nurse wearing gloves 17 under the patient with the wrapping drape 12 in position on table 15 to receive the patient's head. When in position, fold 24 is released, and the patient's head lowered onto drape 12. As shown in FIG. 4, the wrapping drape 12 is then brought over the patient's head and secured by means of adhesive tape 18 after removing release strip 20. The patient is then prepared for surgery without requiring a separate towel or additional clamping devices.
Adhesives for use in bonding areas 16 and 22 as well as adhesive tape 18 may be any of the normally tacky and pressure-sensitive biologically acceptable adhesives available. Adhesives of this class are generally composed of a filmforming elastomeric material, typically a natural or synthetic rubber, and some type of resin or other material to impart the desired degree of tack, wetting power, and specific adhesion. Typical resins include the rosin derivatives such as hydrogenated or dehydrogenated rosin or their esters. Various fillers, plasticizers, sterilizing agents, or other modifiers may also be used. For further descriptions of such adhesives, see Kirk/Othmer, "Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology," Second Edition, Volume 1, Page 82 (Interscience 1963).
When release strip 20 is employed it may be illustratively a plastic, heavy paper, or nonwoven fabric having a release coating to which the adhesive areas can be secured only lightly. Coatings suitable for this purpose include natural or synthetic waxes, metal salts or fatty acids, polymeric materials such as polytetrafluoroethylene or silicone polymers or the like. Release coatings are discussed in the above-mentioned Kirk/Othmer volume, Page 1, et seq.
It will be recognized that other base sheet materials and wrapping drape materials may be utilized in the structure of the present invention. It is preferred, however, that the base sheet be strong and somewhat liquid-resistant while having a cost consistent with disposability. The wrapping drape 12, on the other hand, is desirably strong and absorbent for the comfort of the patient or water repellent if preferred for the particular surgical procedure. The size of the base sheet and the size of the wrapping drape as well as the relative sizes will, of course, depend upon the specific surgical procedure for which the drape combination is to be employed. However, the wrapping drape will normally be substantially smaller than the main drape and be rectangular in shape so as to provide secure wrapping of the patient. Normally, all materials used will be of a nature and composition to undergo sterilization by gas, steam, or radiation methods.
Thus, it is apparent that there has been provided in accordance with the invention a surgical drape that fully satisfies the objects, aims, and advantages set forth above. While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.
1. Field of the Invention
This invention pertains to drapes which are used to cover the operative area and/or portions of the patient's anatomy during surgical procedures. The drape of the present invention finds particular utility in surgical procedures involving the head, such as eye surgery, dental surgery, nose surgery, ear surgery and the like. In its preferred embodiment, the invention concerns such drapes that are manufactured from nonwoven materials and intended for single use only.
2. Description of the Prior Art
When surgery involving the head is undertaken, standard procedures often involve a rather complicated draping process. First, a drape is placed beneath the patient's head, then the patient's head is wrapped in a towel, and, finally, a metal clamp or the like is used to keep the towel in place. This procedure is quite time-consuming, often requiring a minute or more of time which is very critical, both in terms of the welfare of the patient and operating room resources. Furthermore, these steps can be distracting to the operating room team and provide multiple opportunities for contamination of the operative site.
Accordingly, it is highly desirable to provide a surgical drape that will reduce the time consumed in draping, the risk of contamination of the operative site, and distraction of the operating room team.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, a drape structure is provided having an integrated dual drape sheet combination. The drape combination includes a base sheet having dimensions sufficient to cover the area being draped, for example, the head of the operating room table, and, attached thereto, a second, generally smaller drape adapted to wrap a body member and further provided with adhesive means to maintain the wrapped condition. Thus, both the covering drape and the wrapping drape may be positioned at the same time, and wrapping with the smaller drape is accomplished by means of the adhesive device provided without requiring the use of external devices such as metal clamps or the like. In a preferred embodiment, the drape of the invention is composed of a nonwoven base sheet and an absorbent nonwoven towel or water repellent drape, depending upon the application, attached to the base sheet adjacent an edge thereof and provided with adhesive tape attachment means. Thus, the combination is disposable with the resulting convenience and added protection of single use items.
Further in accordance with preferred embodiments of the invention, the drape is folded so as to provide a cuff to aid in rapid and safe positioning of the drape combination.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a plan view of a drape in accordance with the present invention in an unfolded condition;
FIG. 2 illustrates a similar drape folded to form a cuff;
FIG. 3 illustrates a drape in accordance with the present invention in position for use; and
FIG. 4 illustrates the drape of FIG. 3 wrapped about a patient and about to be sealed in preparation for head surgery.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
While the invention will be described in connection with preferred embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to those embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
Turning now to the drawings, the illustrative drape for surgical procedures involving the head shown in FIG. 1 includes a base sheet 10 of suitable nonwoven material. This material preferably comprises outer layers of wadding and inner layers of highly drafted fibers disposed angularly to each other in which a spaced pattern of adhesive is disposed between each fiber layer and its adjacent wadding layer with the fibers in each fiber layer partially embedded in and held by the adhesive of its adjacent adhesive layer and partially embedded in and held by the adhesive in the other adhesive layer where it extends between the fibers of its adjacent fiber layer and with a portion of the adhesive in both adhesive layers joined where the adhesive patterns are superimposed. This material is described in more detail in Sokolowski U.S. Pat. No. 3,484,330 assigned to the assignee of the present invention.
Pursuant to the invention, a second, generally smaller drape 12 is attached to the top surface of the base sheet 10 in position to receive the head of the patient. Drape 12 is bonded to the base sheet 10 along edge 14 at areas 16 so as to provide sufficient unbonded portions of the drape 12 to wrap the patient. It is a feature of the invention that drape 12 includes means for maintaining the wrapped condition, illustrated as adhesive tape 18 also located near edge 14 and provided with release strip 20 shown partially removed for clarity in the illustration. In the particular drape depicted, drape 12 is formed from layers of creped tissue wadding reinforced by a nonwoven mesh of crossed threads as marketed by Kimberly-Clark Corporation under the trademark KAYCEL and described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,072,511 to Harwood, assigned to the assignee of the present invention. For some applications it will be desirable that the second, smaller drape 12 be liquid repellent, and such treatments for these materials through the use of fluorocarbons and the like are well-known. For example, water repellent drape material is available from Kimberly-Clark Corporation under the trademark KAYCEL, water repellent grade.
In the preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, cuffs for increased protection from contamination from the nurse's hands and for ease in positioning the drape are formed by folding over the top edge 14 of the drape and bonding the fold at adhesive areas 22 provided on the surface of wrapping drape 12 which are preferably in addition to areas 16. In this manner, the drape combination is adapted to be adjusted in position easily by the doctor or nurse placing his hands on the left and right sides of the bond areas 22 between the drape and the top fold 24 and moving his hands while the patient's head is slightly raised so that the drape is in the desired position.
Turning to FIG. 3, this procedure is illustrated in more detail including the patient with head in slightly raised position. The drape of the present invention is shown placed by the doctor or nurse wearing gloves 17 under the patient with the wrapping drape 12 in position on table 15 to receive the patient's head. When in position, fold 24 is released, and the patient's head lowered onto drape 12. As shown in FIG. 4, the wrapping drape 12 is then brought over the patient's head and secured by means of adhesive tape 18 after removing release strip 20. The patient is then prepared for surgery without requiring a separate towel or additional clamping devices.
Adhesives for use in bonding areas 16 and 22 as well as adhesive tape 18 may be any of the normally tacky and pressure-sensitive biologically acceptable adhesives available. Adhesives of this class are generally composed of a filmforming elastomeric material, typically a natural or synthetic rubber, and some type of resin or other material to impart the desired degree of tack, wetting power, and specific adhesion. Typical resins include the rosin derivatives such as hydrogenated or dehydrogenated rosin or their esters. Various fillers, plasticizers, sterilizing agents, or other modifiers may also be used. For further descriptions of such adhesives, see Kirk/Othmer, "Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology," Second Edition, Volume 1, Page 82 (Interscience 1963).
When release strip 20 is employed it may be illustratively a plastic, heavy paper, or nonwoven fabric having a release coating to which the adhesive areas can be secured only lightly. Coatings suitable for this purpose include natural or synthetic waxes, metal salts or fatty acids, polymeric materials such as polytetrafluoroethylene or silicone polymers or the like. Release coatings are discussed in the above-mentioned Kirk/Othmer volume, Page 1, et seq.
It will be recognized that other base sheet materials and wrapping drape materials may be utilized in the structure of the present invention. It is preferred, however, that the base sheet be strong and somewhat liquid-resistant while having a cost consistent with disposability. The wrapping drape 12, on the other hand, is desirably strong and absorbent for the comfort of the patient or water repellent if preferred for the particular surgical procedure. The size of the base sheet and the size of the wrapping drape as well as the relative sizes will, of course, depend upon the specific surgical procedure for which the drape combination is to be employed. However, the wrapping drape will normally be substantially smaller than the main drape and be rectangular in shape so as to provide secure wrapping of the patient. Normally, all materials used will be of a nature and composition to undergo sterilization by gas, steam, or radiation methods.
Thus, it is apparent that there has been provided in accordance with the invention a surgical drape that fully satisfies the objects, aims, and advantages set forth above. While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.