Shoulder Harness with Carrier Pocket

Abstract

The invention is a shoulder harness with an article carrier pocket, and more particularly to such a shoulder harness especially suited for accurately positioning a magnet on the body for triggering an implanted electronic device in a patient's body. The harness includes an important feature in an open-topped flexible pocket or pouch dimensioned to receive a magnet for switching a neurostimulator, with releasable fastening means for closing the open top to retain the magnet in the pocket. A first flexible pocket support strap has a length to extend around the patient's chest under the arms, with length adjusting means to adapt the strap to the size of the patient, and a quick-release fastener for releasably securing the first strap in position. The open-topped pocket has its bottom portion secured to the first strap, as by stitching, and a second flexible strap has a loop on one end slidably received on the first strap in position to extend over the patient's shoulder from the back and a free end received in a buckle carried on one upper corner portion of the pocket for adjusting the vertical position of the pocket on the patient. The length adjusting buckle may be attached, as by stitching, to the pocket by a short third strap. A gusset preferably extends from the opposite upper corner of the pocket to the first strap to assist in retaining the pocket in a substantially flat condition on the wearer's chest overlaying the implanted neurostimulator.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The invention relates to a shoulder harness with an article carrier pocket, and more particularly to such a shoulder harness especially suited for accurately positioning a magnet on the body for triggering an implanted electronic device in a patient's body.[0003]2. Description of the Prior Art[0004]Implantable electronic devices for the treatment or control of various conditions are well known and are widely used. For example, implantable neurostimulators for applying electric pulse signals to nerves are employed for controlling various conditions. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004 / 0039427 discloses the use of such a device implanted in a patient's abdomen, with electrodes positioned to apply the pulse signal to the vagal nerve for purposes of treating obesity. Such devices are also implanted in the chest wall in position to apply a programmed signal to the vagal nerve to control seizures.[0005]In the treat...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]In the attainment of the foregoing and other objects and advantages of the invention, an important feature resides in providing an open-topped flexible pocket or pouch dimensioned to receive a magnet for switching a neurostimulator, with releasable fastening means such as Velcro® for closing the open top to retain the magnet in the pocket. A first flexible pocket support strap has a length to extend around the patient's chest under the arms, with length adjusting means to adapt the strap to the size of the patient, and a quick-release fastener for releasably securing the first strap in position. The open-topped pocket has its bottom portion secured to the first strap, as by stitching, and a second flexible strap has a loop on one end slidably received on the first strap in position to extend over the patient's shoulder from the back and a free end received in a buckle carried on one upper corner portion of the pocket for adjusting the vertical position of the pocket on the patient. The length adjusting buckle may be attached, as by stitching, to the pocket by a short third strap. A gusset preferably extends from the opposite upper corner of the pocket to the first strap to assist in retaining the pocket in a substantially flat condition on the wearer's chest overlaying the implanted neurostimulator.

[0011]In use of the device, the patient places the first strap around the shoulders beneath the arms and uses the quick release fastener to connect the two ends. The second strap is then extended over the shoulder and connected to the length-adjusting slide attached to the pocket. The lengths of the two straps are then adjusted to position and retain the pocket in overlying relation with the implanted neurostimulator device. The switching magnet may be retained separate from the shoulder harness, for example, in a purse or a trouser pocket, until it is desired to switch off the neurostimulator device, at which time the magnet is inserted into the open top of the harness pocket and the releasable pocket fastener closed to accurately and reliably position the magnet on the patient's body. Conversely, when it is desired to turn the device back on, it is only necessary to open the pocket top and remove the magnet. This can be done quickly and discretely without exposure of the implant area as is generally required when the magnet is taped directly to the skin.

Problems solved by technology

The applied electrical impulse signals may have side effects, however, and it may sometimes be desirable to temporarily turn the device off.

For example, the signal employed to control seizures may materially affect the voice so that a singer or public speaker may want to turn the device off during a performance.

While adhesive tape will effectively and reliably retain the switching magnet in position, the repeated frequent use of such tape can adversely affect the skin, and its removal can be painful.

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