Apparatuses and methods for improving post-operative recovery from surgery
Inventors
Assignees
Publication Number
US-10960113-B2
Publication Date
2021-03-30
Expiration Date
2036-07-27
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Abstract
This disclosure relates to apparatuses and methods for preventing the onset and progression of POI. In one example, a fan-like polyurethane heat-sealed bilayer that surrounds a plurality of wedge-shaped foam strips that join at a collecting foam portion, is subjected to negative pressure provided through silicone tubing which is sealed to the perforated collecting foam portion. Such negative pressure applied for approximately 48 to 72 hours after closure of the abdomen, helps prevent POI which in turn enhances patient recovery, and reduces the length of their hospital stay.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to apparatuses and methods designed to prevent the onset and progression of Postoperative Ileus (POI), a condition characterized by transient impairment of bowel motility often occurring after abdominal surgery. The core apparatus comprises a fan-like polyurethane heat-sealed bilayer that encompasses multiple wedge-shaped foam strips joined at a collecting foam portion. This apparatus is connected to silicone tubing sealed to the foam portion and subjected to negative pressure via a vacuum source for approximately 48 to 72 hours following closure of the abdomen.
The invention addresses the problem that POI commonly delays the return to normal gastrointestinal function after surgery, leading to extended hospital stays and increased hospital costs. Existing treatments including mobilization, laxatives, open abdomen surgical techniques, and prokinetic agents have not effectively reduced the significant effects of POI. Notably, prior negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) systems have been used predominantly for open wounds and not designed to prevent POI after abdominal closure. Thus, there is a need for an apparatus and method that can be placed around the bowels post-closure to prevent POI and enhance patient recovery.
Embodiments of the invention provide a pliable, three-dimensional apparatus that is initially placed on the pelvic floor inside the abdominal cavity and expanded over the bowels. The apparatus cushions and supports the bowels while applying negative pressure via connected tubing to draw out fluids and enhance blood flow, thereby promoting healing and preventing POI. The apparatus is designed with parallel indentations or creases to facilitate folding and atraumatic removal through a small abdominal incision (approximately 2 cm) once bowel function is restored. The components, including foam materials and bilayer films, may vary in composition and features to optimize biocompatibility, permeability, and ease of use.
Claims Coverage
The claims include three independent claims describing apparatuses designed for improving post-operative recovery from surgery, each emphasizing pliable members encompassing layered films with fluid communication to vacuum tubing and retraction capability.
Apparatus with pliable members and retractable encompassing layers
An apparatus comprising one or more pliable members surrounded by one or more layers that deploy inside a body cavity and retract upon applying force to the connected tube, enabling withdrawal through a small incision.
Apparatus with fluid communication and perforated film layers
An apparatus including one or more pliable members within a film (comprising two sheets of polyethylene or polyurethane) having distributed perforations and creases, connected to tubing for fluid communication and collapsible folding upon tension.
Negative pressure delivery through fluidly connected pliable members
Incorporation of a negative pressure mechanism connected via tubing to the pliable members for applying controlled vacuum pressure to the apparatus inside a body cavity.
The independent claims cover apparatuses consisting of pliable members such as foam, enclosed by bilayer films with distributed openings and creases to permit deployment and retraction within a body cavity. The fluid communication through tubing enables applying negative pressure therapy to improve post-operative recovery, particularly by preventing post-operative ileus and facilitating removal through minimal incisions.
Stated Advantages
Prevention of the onset and progression of Postoperative Ileus (POI) following abdominal surgery.
Enhancement of patient recovery by supporting bowel function and applying negative pressure to promote healing.
Reduction in the length of hospital stays by enabling earlier restoration of gastrointestinal motility.
Facilitation of atraumatic removal of the apparatus through a small abdominal incision due to its pliability and foldable design.
Potential to decrease post-operative infections and hematoma by removing blood and fluid from the abdominal cavity.
Documented Applications
Use in patients who have undergone abdominal surgeries involving manipulation of the gastrointestinal tract, including laparotomy and laparoscopy.
Application during transplant and non-transplant surgeries involving abdominal organs such as the digestive system, urogenital system, lymphatic system, respiratory system, diaphragm, and orthopedic procedures.
Temporary placement in the abdominal cavity post-surgical closure to prevent POI by delivering negative pressure vacuum therapy over 48 to 72 hours.
Potential use in decreasing post-operative complications such as infections and hematoma by fluid removal through negative pressure.
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