Post-operative combination dressing and internal drain tube with external shield and tube connector

• US 4,080,970 A
• Filed: 11/17/1976
• Issued: 03/28/1978
• Est. Priority Date: 11/17/1976
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Thomas Allen Miller
• Original Assignee: Thomas Allen Miller
• Inventors: Miller, Thomas J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Truluck, Dalton L.
• Application Number:
  US05/742,612
• Time in Patent Office: 496 Days
• Field of Search: 128/348-351, 128/239, 128/241, 128/245, 128/248, 128/283, 128/155, 128/DIG. 26
• US Class Current: 604/174
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 27/00 Drainage appliance for wounds or the like , i.e. wound drains, implanted drains negative pressure wound therapy devices A61M1/90; implements for holding wound open A61B17/02 ; middle ear drainage A61F11/202

Abstract

The invention is a novel drainage tube system, to be used following surgery, where drainage is necessary. It comprises a protective shield of spherical segmental configuration, having a recessed flat surface on one side and a spherical surface on the other side. In a modification, the flat surface is omitted and the spherical segment is open. An internal drainage tube penetrates the shield and terminates externally thereof on the spherical side in tube connector means comprising a bulbous portion spaced from the spherical side of the shield and a threaded portion intermediate the bulbous portion and spherical side. This enables fluid-tight connection with the internal tube for the external drainage tube sufficient even for the application of a pump, if necessary, but admitting of ready removal for inspection or patient transfer. Gauze or other absorbent dressing material, conforming in configuration to the bottom side of the shield, includes a central opening to accommodate the internal tube and a split from the opening to the edge to facilitate dressing application and change. The dressing is held in place against the body by the shield, in turn taped firmly in place to anchor the tubes and protect the opening while maintaining the dressing intact. The apparatus may be assembled or pre-cast integrally, as a disposable kit, from soft, flexible material.

Claims

1. Post-operative combination apparatus for protecting a body surgical opening while draining fluid from the body and maintaining changeable dressing material in place over the opening comprising,

a shield of spherical segmented configuration having a spherical surface on one side;

an internal drain tube for insertion into the body via the surgical opening at one end which penetrates the shield adjacent the other end;

external tube connector means carried on said other end of the internal tube beyond the spherical side of the shield; and

,

dressing material of a configuration to conform to the shield substantially opposite said one side and further including a central opening to accommodate the internal tube and a split from the central opening to the outer edge of the material to permit seating the material on the internal tube adjacent the opposite side thereof shield for sealing the opening when the shield is taped tightly to the body with the dressing material interposed between the body and the bottom part thereof wherein said external tube connector means comprises, a peripheral bulbous portion spaced from the spherical side of said shield; and

, a threaded portion between said bulbous portion and said spherical side of the shield.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein,

said internal tube, said shield, and said external tube connector means are integral to comprise a post-operative throwaway kit, and the opposite side open.

3. The apparatus kit of claim 2 wherein,

said internal tube, said shield, and said external tube connector are all comprised of the same flexible soft material cast into the claimed configuration.

4. Post-operative combination apparatus for protecting a body surgical opening while draining fluid from the body and maintaining changeable dressing material in place over the opening comprising,

a spherical shield;

an internal drain tube for insertion into the body via the surgical opening at one end and having its other end extending through the shield;

external tube connector means carried on said other end of the internal tube beyond the shield; and

,

dressing material configured to conform to the shield, including a central opening to accommodate the internal tube and a split from the central opening to the outer edge of the material, seated on the internal tube for sealing against leakage when the shield is taped tightly to the body, with the dressing material interposed between the body and the shield wherein said external tube connector means comprises, a peripheral bulbous portion about the other end of the internal drain tube, spaced from the spherical side of said shield and, a threaded portion of the external periphery of the internal drain tube between said bulbous portion and said spherical side of the shield.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein,

said internal tube, said shield, and said external tube connector means are integral to comprise a post-operative throwaway kit.

6. The apparatus kit of claim 5 wherein,

said internal tube, said shield, and said external tube connector means are all comprised of the same flexible soft material cast into the claimed configuration.