Method of Manufacturing a Dressing for an Insertion Site of an Intravascular Infusate

• US 20130232761A1
• Filed: 03/12/2013
• Published: 09/12/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 03/12/2012
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: ivWatch, LLC
• Original Assignee: ivWatch, LLC
• Inventors: Warren, Gary P., Alley, Matthew S., Anchell, Scott J., Bowers, Marilyn J.
• Application Number:
  US13/794,904
• Publication Number:
  US 20130232761A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 29/428
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/0233 Special features of optical sensors or probes classified in A61B5/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/12 Manufacturing methods specially adapted for producing sensors for in-vivo measurements
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/187 Strain relief means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/247 Hygienic covers, i.e. for covering the sensor or apparatus during use
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0082 adapted for particular medical purposes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0507 using microwaves or terahertz waves
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/68335 including release sheets or liners
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/0276 Apparatus or processes for manufacturing adhesive dressings or bandages
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/1414 Hanging-up devices
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/1418 Clips, separators or the like for supporting tubes or leads
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/16836 by sensing tissue properties at the infusion site, e.g. for detecting infiltration detecting tissue temperature for diagnostic purposes A61M39/0247
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49826 Assembling or joining

Abstract

A method of manufacturing an epidermal dressing including a fitting that cooperates with a sensor emitting and detecting near infrared signals for monitoring an intravascular infusion. The fitting includes a first arrangement that retains the sensor and a second arrangement that releases the sensor from the first arrangement.

Claims

1. A method of manufacturing a dressing for an insertion site of an intravascular infusion, the method comprising:

forming a fitting having (i) a first arrangement configured to retain a near-infrared sensor for monitoring the intravascular infusion and (ii) a second arrangement configured to release the near-infrared sensor from the first arrangement; and

coupling the fitting and a frame, the frame having a lower resistance to deformation than the fitting;

wherein the fitting is configured to overlay a first area of an epidermis in the first arrangement, the frame is configured to overlay a second area of an epidermis in the first arrangement, and the second area is larger than the first area.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein forming the fitting comprises molding the fitting.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein coupling the fitting and the frame comprises over-molding the frame on the fitting.

4. The method of claim 1, comprising molding the frame.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein coupling the fitting and the frame comprises adhering the fitting with the frame.

6. The method of claim 1, comprising coupling a pane to the frame, the pane being configured to overlie the insertion site.

7. The method of claim 6 wherein the pane is configured to substantially prevent passage of solids, liquids, microorganisms, and viruses.

8. The method of claim 6, comprising disposing a reticle on the pane, the reticle being configured to measure anatomical changes proximate the insertion site.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein disposing the reticle comprises printing on the pane at least one of a set of concentric arcs, a geometric shape, a set of parallel lines, and a color gradient.

10. The method of claim 6 wherein coupling the pane to the frame comprises adhering a first side of the pane to the frame with a first adhesive.

11. The method of claim 6, comprising applying a second adhesive to a second side of the pane, the second adhesive being configured to bond the pane to the epidermis.

12. The method of claim 1 wherein forming the fitting comprises molding a first generally homogeneous material.

13. The method of claim 12, comprising molding the frame with a second generally homogeneous material, the second generally homogeneous material being different from the first generally homogeneous material.

14. The method of claim 1 wherein the near-infrared sensor is configured to overlay a third area of the epidermis, and the third area is smaller than the first area.

15. A method of manufacturing a dressing for an insertion site of an intravascular infusion, the method comprising:

molding a frame including first and second portions, the first portion having a first arrangement configured to retain an electromagnetic spectrum sensor for monitoring the intravascular infusion and a second arrangement configured to release the electromagnetic spectrum sensor from the first arrangement; and

coupling a pane to the frame, the pane being configured to overlie the insertion site, and the second portion of the frame cincturing at least a portion of the pane.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein the frame consists of a generally homogeneous material.

17. The method of claim 15 wherein the molding comprises over-molding the second portion of the frame on the first portion of the frame.

18. The method of claim 15 wherein the pane comprises a film.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein the coupling comprises adhering the film to the frame.

20. The method of claim 15, further comprising disposing an adhesive on a first side of the pane, wherein the coupling comprises coupling the frame to a second side of the pane.