Sterile barriers for medical devices
Inventors
Youd, Thomas L. • Hansen, Douglas P.
Assignees
Publication Number
US-11375965-B2
Publication Date
2022-07-05
Expiration Date
2039-11-01
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Abstract
Sterile barriers or sterile drapes that can be used with medical devices, including hand-held or self-supported X-ray equipment, are described in this application. In particular, this application describes sterile drapes that can be used with a medical device, the drape comprising a closed end portion, a middle portion with a size sufficient to enclose a part of the medical device being used near a patient, and an open end portion, the end portion configured to be closed by a user once the middle portion encloses the part of the medical device being used near a patient, wherein the sterile drape creates a sterile barrier around substantially the entire medical device once the open end is closed. Using the sterile drape allows the medical device, such as a hand-held or self-supported X-ray device, to be used in a medical procedure that requires a sterile field near the patient without disrupting that sterile field. Other embodiments are described.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to sterile barriers or drapes designed for use with medical devices, particularly hand-held or self-supported X-ray equipment. The sterile drape consists of a closed end portion, a middle portion sized to enclose a part of the medical device used near a patient, and an open end portion. This open end portion is configured to be closed by the user once the device is positioned inside, enabling the drape to create a sterile barrier around substantially the entire medical device.
A primary problem addressed is the challenge of maintaining a sterile field when using mobile, hand-held, or self-supported X-ray imaging systems in medical procedures. These newer devices can be positioned directly over or near the patient and within the sterile field, increasing the risk of contamination if the device and its covers do not provide a complete and effective sterile barrier. Traditional sterile drapes often do not fully enclose devices or leave openings, especially for mechanical supports and cables, which can serve as a contamination source.
The described sterile drape overcomes these limitations by allowing the entire device to be substantially or entirely enclosed in a single, flexible, and sterile barrier, eliminating the need for multiple parts and minimizing breaks or openings. The design incorporates features such as pockets, handgrip allowances, flexible transparent portions for access to controls, and closure mechanisms like folding, taping, or self-adhering surfaces to maintain integrity and sterility during use. This enables medical personnel to operate X-ray or other devices without compromising sterile fields during procedures requiring strict sterility.
Claims Coverage
The patent contains three independent claims, each specifying core inventive features related to sterile drapes for medical devices, specifically C-arm and X-ray equipment.
Sterile drape with fully enclosing barrier for medical devices
A sterile drape comprising: - A closed end portion, a middle portion sized to enclose part of a medical device with a C-shaped support arm, and an open end portion that can be closed by connecting the open end to itself after enclosing the device. - The sterile drape creates a sterile barrier around the entire medical device once the open end is closed.
Hand-held or self-supported X-ray device fully enclosed by sterile drape
A hand-held or self-supported X-ray device comprising: - A C-shaped support arm, an X-ray source contained near one end, an X-ray detector contained near the other end, and a sterile drape enclosing the X-ray source, detector, and support arm. - The sterile drape has a closed end portion, a middle portion sufficient to enclose the device, and an open end portion closed by connecting to itself, forming a sterile barrier around the entire X-ray device.
Hand-held or self-supported X-ray device with sterile drape maintaining sterile surgical field
A hand-held or self-supported X-ray device comprising: - A C-shaped support arm, an X-ray source near one end, an X-ray detector near the other end, and a sterile drape enclosing all components without any breaks, maintaining a sterile surgical field. - The sterile drape has a closed end portion, a middle portion sufficient to enclose part of the device, and an open end portion closed by connecting to itself after enclosure. - The X-ray device is configured to be self-contained and operable without external cables or wires.
The inventive features focus on a sterile drape that fully encloses hand-held or self-supported C-arm medical devices, particularly X-ray equipment, enabling closed, unbroken sterile barriers, while allowing full operation without external cables, and maintaining the sterile field during use.
Stated Advantages
Enables medical devices, such as hand-held or self-supported X-ray devices, to be used in procedures requiring a sterile field without disrupting that sterile field.
Creates a sterile barrier around the entire medical device, eliminating openings that could serve as contamination sources.
Allows the entire device to be enclosed in a single, flexible sterile barrier, simplifying application and improving sterility.
Allows operation of devices within the sterile drape, including access to controls via flexible transparent portions.
Documented Applications
Use with hand-held or self-supported X-ray devices during medical procedures requiring maintenance of a sterile field.
Use with other medical devices where a sterile field needs to be maintained, such as ultrasound equipment, CT scanners, and tablets or portable information devices.
Applicable for human and veterinary medical procedures, as well as dental procedures.
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