Modular medical dressing

Abstract

A modular medical dressing includes a layered dressing device having a dressing layer with a first surface and a second surface, a release layer releasably adhered to the first surface, and a backing layer releasably adhered to the second surface. The modular medical dressing also includes a predefined tearable portion formed on the layered dressing device. The predefined tearable portion is tearable from the layered dressing device to reduce the surface area of the layered dressing device. The predefined tearable portion may have a plurality of first tear lines connected to define a first tearable portion. At least a portion of the release layer is configured to serve as a fixation band to secure the catheter to an anatomical structure.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 17 / 993,122, filed on November 23, 2022, entitled "Modular Medical Dressing", the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Technical Field

[0004] The present disclosure relates to modular medical dressings. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to modular medical dressings having a layered dressing arrangement having predefined tearable portions that can be torn from the layered dressing arrangement to reduce the surface area of the layered dressing arrangement.

[0005] Technical Considerations

[0006] There is an increasing medical trend towards remote patient monitoring and treatment. Intravenous (IV) therapy remains one of the most widely used methods for providing such remote monitoring and care to patients. IV therapy can refer to a medical technique for directly delivering fluids, medications, and / or nutrients into a patient's body by inserting an IV catheter into a vein at an IV insertion site. IV therapy can be used for fluid replacement, providing nutrition to people who cannot eat or drink by mouth, and / or administering medications or other medical therapies (e.g., blood products or electrolytes).

[0007] After an IV catheter is inserted at an IV insertion site, it is necessary to ensure that the IV catheter is not accidentally pulled out. Typically, an IV catheter is secured at the IV insertion site by an adhesive (e.g., tape) that attaches directly to the patient's skin. A medical dressing is then applied to the area around the IV insertion site to prevent contamination of the catheter and to keep the IV insertion site clean.

[0008] Healthcare providers must stock medical dressings in a variety of sizes to accommodate patients of various body sizes, from infants to adults. In addition, healthcare providers must separately stock fixation straps to hold the IV catheter in place. There is an increasing need to improve medical dressings to overcome the deficiencies of existing medical dressings. Summary of the Invention

[0009] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, a modular medical dressing is provided, which may include a layered dressing device. The layered dressing device includes: a dressing layer having a first surface and a second surface; a release layer releasably adhered to the first surface; and a backing layer releasably adhered to the second surface. The modular medical dressing may also include a predefined tear - away portion formed on the layered dressing device. The predefined tear - away portion can be torn away from the layered dressing device to reduce the surface area of the layered dressing device.

[0010] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the predefined tear - away portion may have a plurality of first tear lines that are connected to define a first tear - away portion. The predefined tear - away portion may also have a plurality of second tear lines that are spaced apart from the plurality of first tear lines and are connected to define a second tear - away portion. The predefined tear - away portion can be a perforation extending through at least a portion of each of the dressing layer, the release layer, and the backing layer.

[0011] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the dressing layer may be transparent. The dressing layer may have a catheter access slot. The second surface of the dressing layer may have an adhesive for adhering the dressing layer to an anatomical structure. The dressing layer may be made of a polyurethane material.

[0012] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the backing layer may be made of a paper material. The release layer may be made of a paper material and may include an adhesive on the surface facing the first surface of the dressing layer. At least a portion of the release layer is configured to serve as a securing strap for securing a catheter to an anatomical structure.

[0013] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, a modular medical dressing may have: a layered dressing device having a dressing layer with a first surface and a second surface and a release layer releasably adhered to the first surface; and a predefined tear - away portion formed on the layered dressing device. The predefined tear - away portion can be torn away from the layered dressing device to reduce the size of the layered dressing device.

[0014] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the modular medical dressing may include a backing layer made of paper that is releasably adhered to the second surface of the dressing layer.

[0015] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the predefined tearable portion may have a plurality of first tear lines that are connected to define a first tearable portion. The predefined tearable portion may further include a plurality of second tear lines that are spaced apart from the plurality of first tear lines and that are connected to define a second tearable portion. The predefined tearable portion may be a perforation that extends through at least a portion of each of the dressing layer, the release layer, and the backing layer.

[0016] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the dressing layer may be transparent. The second surface of the dressing layer may have an adhesive for adhering the dressing layer to an anatomical structure. The release layer may be made of a paper - like material and may include an adhesive on a surface facing the first surface of the dressing layer. A portion of the release layer may be configured to serve as a fixation strap for securing a catheter to an anatomical structure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Other advantages and details will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the schematic drawings, in which:

[0018] Figure 1 is a front view of a modular medical dressing according to an embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 2 is Figure 1 an exploded perspective view of the modular medical dressing shown;

[0020] Figure 3 is Figure 1 an exploded side view of the modular medical dressing shown;

[0021] Figure 4 is a reduced - size perspective view of the modular medical dressing shown according to one example; Figure 1 shown;

[0022] Figure 5 is a reduced - size perspective view of the modular medical dressing shown according to another example; Figure 1 shown;

[0023] Figure 6 is Figure 1 a front view of the release liner of the modular medical dressing shown, showing the release of the fixation strap;

[0024] Figure 7 is a front view of a fixation strap according to one example;

[0025] Figure 8 is a front view of a fixation strap according to one example; and

[0026] Figure 9 A perspective view of a fixation strap for use with an IV catheter according to various examples of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 10 A perspective view of a fixation strap for use with an IV catheter according to various examples of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 11 A perspective view of a fixation strap for use with an IV catheter according to various examples of the present invention. Detailed Description

[0029] It should be understood that unless there is a clear contrary indication, the present disclosure may take various alternative variations and various step sequences. It will also be understood that the specific devices and processes shown in the drawings and described in the following specification are merely exemplary, non-limiting embodiments or aspects. Accordingly, the specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments or aspects disclosed herein should not be considered limiting.

[0030] In the following, for the purpose of description, the terms "end", "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "lateral", "longitudinal" and their derivatives shall be related to the embodiments or aspects oriented as in the drawings. However, it should be understood that unless there is a clear contrary indication, the embodiments or aspects may take various alternative variations and various step sequences. It should also be understood that the specific devices and processes shown in the drawings and described in the following specification are merely non-limiting embodiments or aspects. Accordingly, unless otherwise indicated, the specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments, or aspects of the embodiments, or aspects disclosed herein should not be considered limiting.

[0031] Aspects, components, elements, structures, acts, steps, functions, and / or instructions, etc. used herein shall not be construed as critical or essential unless explicitly described as such. Further, as used herein, the articles "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include one or more items and may be used interchangeably with "one or more" and "at least one." As used in the specification and claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Additionally, further, as used herein, the terms "set" and "group" are intended to include one or more items (e.g., related items, unrelated items, combinations of related and unrelated items, etc.) and may be used interchangeably with "one or more" or "at least one." The term "one" or similar language is used where only one item is intended. Additionally, as used herein, the terms "having," "comprising," or "including," etc. are intended to be open-ended terms. Further, unless otherwise explicitly stated, the phrase "based on" is intended to mean "at least partially based on." Further, unless otherwise explicitly stated, the phrase "based on" is intended to mean "at least partially based on." Additionally, the phrase "based on" may mean "responsive to" and indicates a condition for automatically triggering a specified operation of an electronic device (e.g., a controller, a processor, a computing device, etc.) as appropriately referred to herein.

[0032] All numbers used in the specification and claims should be understood to be modified in all instances by the term "about." The terms "about," "approximately," and "substantially" mean a range of plus or minus ten percent of the stated value.

[0033] As used herein, the term "at least one of" is synonymous with "one or more of". For example, the phrase "at least one of A, B, and C" refers to any one of A, B, and C, or any combination of any two or more of A, B, and C. For example, "at least one of A, B, and C" includes one or more of A alone; or one or more of B alone; or one or more of C alone; or one or more of A and one or more of B; or one or more of A and one or more of C; or one or more of B and one or more of C; or one or more of A, one or more of B, and one or more of C. Similarly, as used herein, the term "at least two of" is synonymous with "two or more of". For example, the phrase "at least two of D, E, and F" refers to any combination of any two or more of D, E, and F. For example, "at least two of D, E, and F" includes one or more of D and one or more of E; or one or more of D and one or more of F; or one or more of E and one or more of F; or one or more of D, one or more of E, and one or more of F.

[0034] Some non-limiting embodiments or aspects may be described herein in connection with thresholds. As used herein, meeting a threshold may mean that a certain value is greater than the threshold, more than the threshold, higher than the threshold, greater than or equal to the threshold, less than the threshold, fewer than the threshold, lower than the threshold, less than or equal to the threshold, equal to the threshold, etc.

[0035] A modular medical dressing is provided, the modular medical dressing having a layered dressing device, wherein a predefined tearable portion can be torn from the layered dressing device to reduce the surface area of the layered dressing device. By tearing a desired segment of the predefined tearable portion, dressings of different sizes can be obtained from the same layered dressing device.

[0036] Now refer to Figures 1 to 3 , Figures 1 to 3 FIG. shows a modular medical dressing 100 according to various embodiments or aspects. The modular medical dressing 100 is configured to be placed on an anatomical structure, such as on a body appendage of a patient. In various embodiments or aspects, the modular medical dressing 100 is configured to be applied to a body appendage near an IV catheter insertion site. For example, the modular medical dressing 100 can be applied to at least a portion of a patient's hand, arm, leg, neck, or other anatomical structure. In some embodiments or aspects, the modular medical dressing 100 is configured to be used with an IV catheter (not shown). In further embodiments or aspects, the modular medical dressing 100 can be configured to be used with other long-term access devices (e.g., a urinary catheter).

[0037] Continue to refer to Figures 1 to 3 The modular medical dressing has a layered dressing device 102 and a predefined tearable portion 104 formed on the layered dressing device 102. The predefined tearable portion 104 can be torn from the layered dressing device 102 to reduce the surface area of the layered dressing device 102. In this way, as described herein, dressings of different sizes can be obtained from the same layered dressing device 102 by tearing a desired section of the predefined tearable portion 104.

[0038] Refer to Figures 2 to 3 The layered dressing device 102 of the modular medical dressing 100 has a stacked arrangement of a plurality of releasable adhesive layers. In particular, the layered dressing device 102 has a dressing layer 106 that has a first surface 108 and a second surface 110. The dressing layer 106 is disposed between a release layer 112 and a backing layer 114. Specifically, the release layer 112 is releasably adhered to the first surface 108 of the dressing layer 106, while the backing layer 114 is releasably adhered to the second surface 110 of the dressing layer 106.

[0039] As Figure 3 shown, the release layer 112 can have a first adhesive 115 for adhering to the first surface 108 of the dressing layer 106. The second surface 110 of the dressing layer 106 can have a second adhesive 116 for adhering to the backing layer 114. The second adhesive 116 can also be configured such that when the backing layer 114 is removed from the dressing layer 106, the second adhesive adheres to the patient's skin.

[0040] Refer to Figure 2 The layered dressing device 102 can have a generally rectangular shape. In some embodiments or aspects, a slot 118 can extend from the outer periphery of the layered dressing device 102. The slot 118 can be configured to receive an IV catheter line (not shown).

[0041] Continue to refer to Figure 2 The dressing layer 106 can be a transparent layer configured to allow an IV catheter and / or an IV insertion site to be visible through the transparent layer. In some embodiments or aspects, the dressing layer 106 can be made of a polyurethane material. In further embodiments or aspects, the dressing layer 106 can be made of a non-woven material, a woven fabric material, or a foam material (e.g., a silicone foam material).

[0042] Continue to refer to Figure 2 The backing layer 114 can be made of a paper material. In some embodiments or aspects, the backing layer 114 can be made of a non-woven material, a woven fabric material, or a foam material. The backing layer 114 can be sized and shaped to correspond to the shape of the dressing layer 106.

[0043] Continue to refer toFigure 2 , the release layer 112 can be made of paper material. In further embodiments or aspects, the release layer 112 can be made of a plastic film material (e.g., polyester, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, or polypropylene film material). As described herein, the release layer 112 has a first adhesive 115 for adhering to the first surface 108 of the dressing layer 106. As described herein, at least a portion of the release layer 112 can be configured to serve as a securing strap for securing the catheter to the anatomical structure.

[0044] Continuing to refer Figure 2 , a predefined tearable portion 104 is formed on each layer of the layered dressing device 102. In some embodiments or aspects, the predefined tearable portion 104 can be a plurality of perforations that extend through at least a portion of each of the dressing layer 106, the release layer 112, and the backing layer 114. In some embodiments or aspects, these perforations can be formed during the manufacturing process of the layered dressing device 102, for example, using a roller having a plurality of protrusions to form them.

[0045] The predefined tearable portion 104 can have a plurality of first tear lines 120 that are connected to define a first tearable portion 122. The predefined tearable portion 104 can also have a plurality of second tear lines 124 that are spaced apart from the plurality of first tear lines 120 and that are connected to define a second tearable portion 126. The first tearable portion 122 and the second tearable portion 126 are removably connected to the main portion 128 of the layered dressing device 102. In this way, the first tearable portion 122 and the second tearable portion 126 allow the size of the layered dressing device 102 to be reduced to fit a patient with a smaller body size. The ability to configure the layered dressing device 102 into three different sizes depending on the presence or absence of the first tearable portion 122 and the second tearable portion 126 in the main portion 128 simplifies the inventory management for healthcare professionals, who only need to stock a single modular medical dressing 100.

[0046] Refer Figure 4 , to reduce the size of the modular medical dressing 100 to an intermediate size, the first tearable portion 122 is removed from the layered dressing device 102 by tearing along the plurality of first tear lines 120. Then, the backing layer 114 can be removed from the dressing layer 106 to expose the second adhesive 116 of the dressing layer 106 (as Figure 3 shown), thereby allowing the dressing layer 106 to be applied to the patient's skin. In the case where the dressing layer 106 is applied to the patient's skin, the release layer 116 can be removed from the dressing layer 106.

[0047] Refer Figure 5, To reduce the size of the modular medical dressing 100 to its minimum size, the first tearable portion 122 is removed from the main portion 128 of the layered dressing device 102 by tearing along a plurality of first tear lines 120 and the second tearable portion 126 is removed by tearing along a plurality of second tear lines 124. In some embodiments or aspects, removing the second tearable portion 126 from the main portion 128 also removes the first tearable portion 122. Then, the backing layer 114 can be removed from the dressing layer 106 to expose the second adhesive 116 of the dressing layer 106 (as Figure 3 shown), thereby allowing the dressing layer 106 to be applied to the patient's skin. In the case where the dressing layer 106 is applied to the patient's skin, the release layer 116 can be removed from the dressing layer 106.

[0048] Reference Figures 6 to 8 , the release layer 114 is shown separated from the remaining layers of the layered dressing device 102. As described herein, since the release layer 114 has a first adhesive 115, multiple portions of the release layer 114 can be used as securing straps. As Figure 6 shown, a first portion 130 of the release layer 114 can be removed by tearing along a plurality of first tear lines 120. In the case where the first portion 130 of the release layer 114 is removed from the remaining portion of the release layer 114, the first portion 130 can be divided into two U-shaped segments by tearing a pair of first dividing lines 132. The resulting U-shaped segments define a first securing strap 134 that can be used to secure the IV catheter 200 and / or the dressing layer 106 to the patient's skin (see Figures 9 to 10 ).

[0049] Reference Figures 7 to 8 , the first securing strap 134 can be further divided into a plurality of second securing straps 136 by tearing a pair of second dividing lines 138. The resulting linear segments define the second securing straps 136 that can be used to secure the IV catheter 200 and / or the dressing layer 106 to the patient's skin (see Figure 11 ). In this way, a healthcare practitioner can select the size of the securing strap according to the patient's body size.

[0050] Although the embodiments or aspects have been described in detail for purposes of illustration and description, it will be understood that such details are for that purpose only and that the embodiments or aspects are not limited to the disclosed embodiments or aspects. On the contrary, such details are intended to cover modifications and their equivalent arrangements within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it will be understood that the present disclosure contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment or aspect may be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment or aspect. In fact, many of these features may be combined in ways not specifically recited in the claims and / or not specifically disclosed in the specification. Although each dependent claim listed below may only directly depend on one claim, the possible embodiments disclosed include combinations of each dependent claim with each other claim in the group of claims.

Claims

1. A modular medical dressing, the modular medical dressing comprising: A layered dressing device, the layered dressing device comprising: A dressing layer having a first surface and a second surface; A release layer releasably adhered to the first surface; and A backing layer releasably adhered to the second surface; and A predefined tearable portion formed on the layered dressing device, wherein the predefined tearable portion can be torn from the layered dressing device to reduce the surface area of the layered dressing device.

2. The modular medical dressing according to claim 1, wherein, The predefined tearable portion includes a plurality of first tear lines, the plurality of first tear lines being connected to define a first tearable portion.

3. The modular medical dressing according to claim 2, wherein, The predefined tearable portion includes a plurality of second tear lines, the plurality of second tear lines being spaced apart from the plurality of first tear lines, and the plurality of second tear lines being connected to define a second tearable portion.

4. The modular medical dressing according to claim 1, wherein The predefined tearable portion is a perforation extending through at least a portion of each of the dressing layer, the release layer, and the backing layer.

5. The modular medical dressing according to claim 1, wherein, The dressing layer is transparent.

6. The modular medical dressing according to claim 1, wherein, The dressing layer includes a catheter access slot.

7. The modular medical dressing according to claim 1, wherein, The second surface of the dressing layer includes an adhesive for adhering the dressing layer to an anatomical structure.

8. The modular medical dressing according to claim 1, wherein, The dressing layer is made of a polyurethane material.

9. The modular medical dressing according to claim 1, wherein, The backing layer is made of a paper material.

10. The modular medical dressing according to claim 1, wherein, The release layer is made of a paper material and includes an adhesive on the surface facing the first surface of the dressing layer.

11. The modular medical dressing according to claim 1, wherein, At least a portion of the release layer is configured to serve as a fixing band for fixing a catheter to an anatomical structure.

12. A modular medical dressing, the modular medical dressing comprising: A layered dressing device, the layered dressing device including a dressing layer having a first surface and a second surface and a release layer releasably adhered to the first surface; And A predefined tearable portion formed on the layered dressing device, wherein the predefined tearable portion can be torn from the layered dressing device to reduce the size of the layered dressing device.

13. The modular medical dressing according to claim 12, the modular medical dressing further comprising a backing layer made of paper, the backing layer releasably adhered to the second surface of the dressing layer.

14. The modular medical dressing according to claim 12, wherein, The predefined tearable portion includes a plurality of first tear lines, the plurality of first tear lines being connected to define a first tearable portion.

15. The modular medical dressing according to claim 14, wherein, The predefined tearable portion includes a plurality of second tear lines, the plurality of second tear lines being spaced apart from the plurality of first tear lines, and the plurality of second tear lines being connected to define a second tearable portion.

16. The modular medical dressing according to claim 12, wherein, The predefined tearable portion is a perforation extending through at least a portion of each of the dressing layer, the release layer, and the backing layer.

17. The modular medical dressing according to claim 12, wherein, The dressing layer is transparent.

18. The modular medical dressing according to claim 12, wherein, The second surface of the dressing layer includes an adhesive for adhering the dressing layer to an anatomical structure.

19. The modular medical dressing according to claim 12, wherein, The release layer is made of a paper material and includes an adhesive on the surface facing the first surface of the dressing layer.

20. The modular medical dressing according to claim 12, wherein, A portion of the release layer is configured to serve as a fixation band for fixing the catheter to the anatomical structure.

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