Device for collecting and measuring fluid loss

• US 20060224086A1
• Filed: 03/13/2006
• Published: 10/05/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 03/13/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Robert D. Harty
• Original Assignee: Robert D. Harty
• Inventors: Harty, Robert D.
• Granted Patent: US 7,905,870 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/573
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2046/236 with means for collecting drain fluid, e.g. drain tubes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/063 for measuring volume
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 46/00 Surgical drapes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/02042 Determining blood loss or bleeding, e.g. during a surgical procedure
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/20 for measuring urological functions restricted to the evaluation of the urinary system A61B5/4375 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/69 Drainage containers not being adapted for subjection to vacuum, e.g. bags devices worn by the patient for reception of urine A61F5/44
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/84 Drainage tubes; Aspiration tips for negative pressure wound therapy A61M1/90; for surgical cutting instruments A61B17/32

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and device for collecting, retaining, draining, and measuring fluid loss in a myriad of medical procedures. Particularly, this invention relates to a a device for collecting and measuring runoff fluid comprising a flexible liner and a frame adapted to removably receive said liner so as to conform the liner to a three-sided container.

Claims

1. A device for collecting and measuring runoff fluid comprising:

a) a flexible liner;

b) a frame adapted to removably receive said liner so as to conform said liner to a container having a first, second, and third raised sides.

2. The device as recited in claim 1 wherein a fourth side of the container comprises a periphery of said liner terminating with a fold forming a lip

3. The device as recited in claim 1 wherein said frame is U-shaped.

4. The device as recited in claim 1 wherein said liner contains regions defining apertures.

5. The device as recited in claim 4 wherein said apertures are in close spacial relationship to an upwardly extending region of said frame.

6. The device as recited in claim 4 wherein at least one graduated reservoir is in fluid communication with said apertures via at least one conduit intermediate said apertures and said reservoir.

7. The device as recited in claim 1 wherein the device is adapted to be supported by a generally horizontal surface, such as a gurney, an examination table, or a surgical operating table.

8. The device as recited in claim 6 wherein said graduated reservoir comprises draining bags indicating a volume of liquid contained therein.

9. The device as recited in claim 1 further comprising absorbent material positioned in said reservoir.

10. An adjustable device for collecting and measuring runoff fluid comprising:

a) a flexible liner;

b) a frame adapted to removably receive said liner so as to conform said liner to a container;

said frame having a first, second, and third raised sides, at least a portion of said first and second sides being moveable with respect to another portion of said first and second sides.

11. The device as recited in claim 10 including at least one hinge movably connecting said two portions of said first and second sides.

12. The device as recited in claim 10 wherein a fourth side of said container comprises a periphery of said liner terminating with a fold forming a lip

13. The device as recited in claim 10 wherein said liner contains regions defining apertures.

14. The device as recited in claim 13 wherein said apertures are in close spacial relationship to an upwardly extending region of said frame.

15. The device as recited in claim 14 wherein at least one reservoir is in fluid communication with said apertures via at least one conduit intermediate said apertures and said reservoir.

16. The device as recited in claim 15 wherein said graduated reservoir comprises draining bags indicating a volume of liquid contained therein

17. A method for measuring fluid loss during medical procedures, the method comprising:

a) positioning a three sided container between a patient and a patient supporting surface;

b) directing runoff fluid from said patient into said container;

c) evacuating the said runoff fluid from said container; and

d) measuring said volume of runoff fluid collected via tubing with a graduated reservoir.

18. The method as recited in claim 17 wherein said fluid is evacuated via a conduit intermediate said container and a means for measuring said volume of runoff fluid.

19. The method as recited in claim 17 wherein said runoff fluid is measured using a graduated reservoir

20. The method as recited in claim 17 wherein said patient supporting surface is generally horizontal.