Post-operative vest

Abstract

The invention relates to a variable tension chest support for use by patients having undergone thoracic surgery. The chest support may be worn directly on the skin of a patient and comprises a band of stretchable material (1) and one or more grips (6) which are wholly or partially concealed within pockets (4) with which the patient may alter the tension of the chest encircling band. The device allows a patient to modify the level of tension applied to the chest, thus managing their recovery process, while providing a basic level of support at all times the support is in use.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to providing chest support to patients having undergone invasive thoracic surgery. In particular, the present invention relates to a surgical chest support for patients having undergone surgery requiring opening of the chest cavity. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Following thoracic surgery, for example open heart surgery, a patient normally suffers considerable pain caused by any movement of the chest, in particular when the patient breaths or coughs. Following the severe trauma of thoracic surgery, the ribs, sternum, and the muscles must be adequately supported in order to allow the region to heal. It is important, however, that the mobility of the chest is maintained and deep breathing and coughing are extremely important for the patient in order to both avoid lung infections and to aid in the healing process. [0003] A number of devices have been employed to provide support for thoracic surgery patients. For example, rigid splints have been...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006] The present invention overcomes the problems associated with the prior art as it provides a basic level of tension around the chest, providing constant support for a user. When further support is required, for example during coughing, deep breathing, or relatively strenuous movement by the patient, the patient may operate tension adjusting means in order to provide more support as required. Alternatively, where the wearer requires greater freedom of movement, the tension adjusting means may be operated by the user to reduce the tension applied to the chest. This approach is particularly advantageous as it allows patients to control the amount of tension applied to the chest and aids in managing their own recovery. It is important that breathing and coughing exercises are undertaken by a patient. Thus, it is particularly important that a patient has the ability to feel comfortable when carrying out such exercises.

[0020] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the chest encircling band has two handles mounted thereon. The patient can grip these handles and by pushing the handles together, the tension of the chest encircling band may be increased. Similarly, pulling the handles apart decreases the tension across the chest. The handles are located towards the front of the chest when the support is worn, and are preferably located in the range of 10-40 cm apart, more preferably 20-30 cm apart from one another.

[0023] It is important that the vest is fixed on the chest in a comfortable manner, with minimal inhibition of breathing. The patient (or carer) should arrange the vest around the chest and close it in the exhaling phase, without stretching, but merely closing the vest, for example, folding the complementary velcro tabs over each other to fixate the support. This means that when the patient inhales (the thoracic cavity moves up and outwards), the support device gives the patient extra support and feeling of support needed to feel comfortable in the postoperative period. When coughing or breathing deeply the patient grips the two handles, which are fixed at the front with one or both hands. This means that the patient is in control of the degree of tension applied to the chest assuring the tension to be within the comfortable range for the patient.

[0024] Generally minimal pressure is applied to the patient's chest after open heart or thoracic surgery, which is why it is important the stress to remain within the comfort zone for the patient by only “folding” the vest around the chest in the exhaling phase. The purpose is to make the patient feel more comfortable and thereby lessen the pain.

Problems solved by technology

Following thoracic surgery, for example open heart surgery, a patient normally suffers considerable pain caused by any movement of the chest, in particular when the patient breaths or coughs.

These devices have drawbacks such as the device does not allow the patient to breath freely or do not provide sufficient support.

Patients are often inhibited from doing so as the severe trauma to the chest gives a feeling of weakness in the chest, and consequently contributes to the insecurity of the patient.

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