Irrigation, debridement and cleaning basin

Abstract

A basin for use in at least one of irrigation, debridement, cleaning and other procedures on a subject's appendage includes a flexible body including one or more walls. A first wall can define an appendage contour, which can flex under the weight of the appendage, providing a comfortable seat that conforms to the subject's appendage. The body can be a monolithic, one-piece structure constructed from a closed cell foam. The body can include integral stiffening structures that enhance its rigidity yet still enable the basin to be flexible when adjacent another appendage or body portion. The basin can include a sloped bottom to direct fluids toward an outlet port for draining, and baffles projecting from the bottom. The basin can include a reticulated foam insert positioned adjacent the bottom, on the baffles, where the insert minimizes splash back yet adequately captures debris and other items washed from the appendage.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention is directed to basins for use in medical, hospital, healthcare, nursing, and other facilities, and in particular, a portable basin constructed from a generally flexible material.[0002]There are two general types of basins commonly used in hospitals and other medical or healthcare facilities for collecting fluids from irrigation, debridement washing, and other procedures. The first type is a fixed basin that is incorporated into a sink or washing fixture. This fixed basin is suitable for use with a person having few or no mobility issues. The second type is a portable basin which typically is used in emergency rooms and trauma centers for wound irrigation on persons who generally are immobilized.[0003]Most portable basins are constructed from a hard plastic, are generally in a bowl or box shape, and include a narrow rounded upper rim. In use, a user places an appendage of a subject over the upper rim of the basin and irrigates an...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]A basin is provided including a body that is ergonomically conforming to a subject's appendage, and which provides ease of use in irrigation, debridement, cleaning and other procedures on a subject's appendage.

Problems solved by technology

Most conventional basins are of a simple construction and generally not well engineered for patient comfort.

Because the basin is constructed of plastic or metal, it is believed that even with the seats, the patient undergoes some discomfort during use of the basin.

The issue with this construction, however, is that the debris capture space is relatively small and might become clogged.

Further, the hard basin bottom may cause splash back of fluids that fall into the basin.

This can be undesirable, as contaminated body fluids may splash back into the wound or onto the healthcare provider using the basin.

Another issue with conventional basins is they are usually constructed to be mass produced, which typically results in the dimensions and configurations not being ergonomically suitable to all patients.

When such basins are used adjacent other appendages, the adjacent appendage must be re-positioned, many times in an awkward position to accommodate the surgical basin.

This can be uncomfortable for the patient, and it can be difficult for the healthcare provider to maintain the positioning.

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