Enclosing bandage for providing comfortable wound care and limiting fluid leakage

Abstract

A bandage for improved wound care is disclosed. The bandage comprises a non-adherent, deformable inner layer, a leak-proof outer layer that is substantially coextensive with the inner layer, and an absorbent middle layer contacting both the inner and outer layers. An adhesive strip and adhesive tabs along the bandage's side attach and adjust the fit of the bandage to securely hold the absorbent layer in contact with the wound, without any adhesive touching the skin, thereby eliminating pain and discomfort upon removal or replacement. The bandage allows substantial freedom of motion without slipping. The adhesive strip and tabs secure the bandage in place without any adhesive touching the skin, thereby providing convenience and causing no pain or discomfort upon removal or replacement of the bandage. The bandage may use a non-stick netting material layer to improve patient comfort, and elastic cuffs to improve fit and leakage.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM AND RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This continuation application claims the benefit of priority from application U.S. Ser. No. 12 / 717,191 filed Mar. 4, 2010. Said application is incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. The Field of the Invention[0003]This application relates generally to wound bandages and garments, and more specifically to a wound care bandage or garment that covers specific portions of a patient's body such as an arm, a leg, a foot, or an abdominal region.[0004]2. Background Art[0005]The dressing, changing, and care of wounds may require the placement and securing of absorbent bandages covering the wound. This is true whether the wound or wounds are from a surgery, a sharp blade, a projectile, a burn, a blunt impact, an illness, infection, stitches, transplant, or other reason for covering the surface of a patient's body with a bandage. Currently, many surgeries are performed with lasers and / or robotics which require ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]A bandage used for improved wound care is claimed, including a non-adherent, deformable inner layer, a leak-proof outer layer that is substantially coextensive with the inner layer, and an absorbent middle layer contacting both the inner and outer layers. An adhesive strip and two or more adhesive tabs along one side serve to attach and adjust the fit of the bandage to securely hold the absorbent layer in contact with the wound and allow substantial freedom of motion without slipping. The adhesive strip and tabs secure the bandage in place without any adhesive touching the skin, thereby providing convenience and causing no pain or discomfort upon removal or replacement of the bandage. Elastic cuffs on the top and bottom sides prevent excess fluids from leaking and help hold it in place. One embodiment includes elastic around leg holes.

Problems solved by technology

These smaller punctures are usually farther apart than what can be accommodated by a single traditional bandage, and therefore require more than one traditional bandage which creates an added inconvenience.

Known bandages require time, skill and precision for proper application, which if not properly applied, may result in slippage or leaking of excess fluids, or may even result in uncovering the wound or wounds when the patient moves.

Known bandages can also result in discomfort when adhesive is both applied to and then removed from the patient's skin.

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