Patch for softening of scab at dialysis puncture site

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of for dialysis puncture site scab softening application, including scab softening layer, PH indicating layer, backing layer and adhesive layer, scab softening layer is used to contact and soften the scab of dialysis puncture site;PH indicating layer is located above scab softening layer, for detecting the liquid PH value from puncture site or softened scab, and the PH value is indicated by observable color change;Backing layer is at least partly transparent and covers scab softening layer and PH indicating layer above, allow to observe the color change of PH indicating layer;Adhesive layer is used to fix application on patient skin.The application provided by the utility model embodiment, the application can be directly attached to patient body surface, can effectively soften scab, so that it is easy to remove, at the same time, the PH value of puncture point local position can be detected, for medical staff or patient to judge whether puncture point exists potential infection risk or evaluate local skin state provides a kind of convenient, noninvasive reference means.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to medical dressings, and more particularly to a dressing for softening scabs at dialysis puncture sites. Background Technology

[0002] Hemodialysis is one of the important treatment methods for patients with kidney disease. For effective hemodialysis, patients usually need to establish a stable vascular access on the body surface that provides sufficient blood flow. Among these, autogenous arteriovenous fistulas (hereinafter referred to as fistulas) are widely used due to their high long-term patency rate and relatively low risk of infection. Fistula puncture is a crucial step in the hemodialysis treatment process.

[0003] The buttonhole technique, a novel puncture method, is gaining attention. This method involves repeatedly puncturing the same point, angle, and depth within the arteriovenous fistula to create a fixed tunnel-like passage under the skin, similar to a buttonhole in clothing. However, after dialysis using the buttonhole technique, scabs form on the skin surface at the puncture site due to needle trauma and blood leakage. These scabs gradually dry and harden between dialysis sessions. When the next dialysis session requires puncturing through the same "buttonhole" site, direct puncture can increase the difficulty and pain for the patient. It may also cause the needle to deviate from the original tunnel, damaging the tunnel walls, and potentially introducing scab fragments into the subcutaneous tissue or blood vessels, increasing the risk of infection and blockage.

[0004] Therefore, before the next arteriovenous fistula puncture, it is crucial to thoroughly soften the crust formed at the buttonhole puncture site to facilitate removal or prevent obstruction during the puncture process. This is an important prerequisite for ensuring the smooth implementation of the buttonhole puncture method and maintaining tunnel stability. Currently, the common clinical method for softening such crusts is to apply a wet compress to the puncture site using sterile cotton balls or gauze soaked in saline. During the procedure, medical staff or patients will place the saline-soaked cotton ball on the crust for a period of time until the crust has fully absorbed the moisture and softened, then gently remove it, followed by disinfection and subsequent puncture. While this method can soften the crust to some extent, the procedure is cumbersome. Furthermore, infection at the buttonhole site is an important monitoring indicator, currently relying on nurses' visual assessment, which carries a high degree of uncertainty. Utility Model Content

[0005] This invention aims to at least partially solve one of the technical problems in related technologies. Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to provide a dressing for softening scabs at dialysis puncture sites.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the dressing for softening scabs at dialysis puncture sites according to an embodiment of the present invention includes:

[0007] A scab softening layer is used to contact and soften the scab at the dialysis puncture site;

[0008] A pH indicator layer, located above the softened scab layer, is used to detect the pH value of the liquid from the puncture site or the softened scab, and to indicate the pH value through an observable color change.

[0009] A backing layer, which is at least partially transparent and covers the scab softening layer and the pH indicator layer, allowing observation of color changes in the pH indicator layer;

[0010] An adhesive layer is used to secure the dressing to the patient's skin.

[0011] According to the embodiments of this utility model, the dressing for softening scabs at dialysis puncture sites can be directly applied to the patient's skin, covering the buttonhole puncture site. Through the scab softening layer, it directly and continuously acts on the scab at the buttonhole puncture site, providing a stable and sufficiently moist environment, thereby effectively softening the scab, making it easier to remove, reducing the difficulty of subsequent punctures and patient discomfort, and helping to protect the formed puncture tunnel. Simultaneously, the pH indicator layer located above the scab softening layer can instantly detect and visually display the pH value of the local microenvironment at the puncture site through color changes. This provides a convenient and non-invasive reference method for medical staff or patients to determine whether there is a potential risk of infection at the puncture site (usually accompanied by abnormal pH values) or to assess the local skin condition. This is of positive significance for early detection of problems, guiding nursing care, and preventing complications, improving the patient experience and quality of care.

[0012] In addition, the dressing for softening scabs at dialysis puncture sites according to the above embodiments of this utility model may also have the following additional technical features:

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the scab softening layer is a hydrogel layer, and the hydrogel layer contains at least one scab softening agent or moisturizer selected from purified water, physiological saline, glycerin, urea, and allantoin.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the pH indicator layer includes a porous hydrophilic carrier layer, on which a pH indicator is impregnated or coated.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the outer surface of the backing layer is printed with a pH colorimetric card.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the adhesive layer is an annular medical low-allergenic pressure-sensitive adhesive layer disposed at the edge of the backing layer.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the porous hydrophilic carrier layer is a medical nonwoven fabric, filter paper, or porous polymer membrane.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the backing layer is provided with a plurality of discrete transparent windows corresponding to the pH indicator layer, and the remaining portion of the backing layer is opaque or semi-transparent.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the backing layer is a breathable medical-grade polyurethane film.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the scab softening layer is circular and its area is smaller than that of the pH indicator layer, so that a pH indicator void is formed around the scab softening layer;

[0021] The scab softening layer has an incision channel that passes through the center of the scab softening layer, and both ends of the incision channel extend toward the edge of the scab softening layer and communicate with the pH indicator void.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the edge of the backing layer is provided with an easy-tear grip portion, and the easy-tear grip portion is free of adhesive.

[0023] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a dressing for softening scabs at the dialysis puncture site, according to an embodiment of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the dressing for softening scabs at the dialysis puncture site from another perspective of an embodiment of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a dressing used for softening scabs at dialysis puncture sites according to an embodiment of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of an embodiment of the present invention for use as a dressing to soften scabs at dialysis puncture sites.

[0029] Figure label:

[0030] 10. Softened scab layer;

[0031] H10, incision;

[0032] 20. pH indicator layer;

[0033] P20 and PH indicator voids;

[0034] 30. Backing layer;

[0035] 301. pH colorimetric card;

[0036] 302. Easy-tear grip section;

[0037] H30, transparent window;

[0038] 40. Adhesive layer.

[0039] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0041] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "circumferential", "radial", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0042] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0043] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0044] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0045] The following describes in detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings, an embodiment of the present invention for softening scabs at dialysis puncture sites.

[0046] Reference Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the dressing for softening scabs at dialysis puncture sites provided according to the embodiments of the present invention includes a scab softening layer 10, a pH indicator layer 20, a backing layer 30, and an adhesive layer 40.

[0047] Specifically, the scab softening layer 10 is used to contact and soften the scab at the dialysis puncture site. That is, the scab softening layer 10 directly contacts and softens the scab formed at the puncture site after buttonhole dialysis puncture.

[0048] In some embodiments of this invention, the scab softening layer 10 is preferably a medical-grade hydrogel layer. This hydrogel layer can be made of a variety of biocompatible polymeric materials, such as, but not limited to, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyacrylic acid (PAA), polyethylene glycol (PEG), carbomer, alginate, chitosan, sodium hyaluronate, or copolymers and cross-linked polymers thereof. The hydrogel layer contains at least one scab softener or humectant selected from purified water, physiological saline, glycerin, urea, and allantoin. Purified water and physiological saline provide a highly humid environment. Glycerin, urea (e.g., at a concentration of 2%-5%), allantoin, etc., work synergistically to promote the absorption of moisture by the dry, hard scab, causing it to swell and soften, thereby significantly reducing the difficulty and discomfort during subsequent scab removal or re-puncture.

[0049] The pH indicator layer 20 is located above the scab softening layer 10 and is used to detect the pH value of the fluid from the puncture site or the softened scab, indicating the pH value through an observable color change. That is, the main function of the pH indicator layer 20 is to detect the pH value of the trace exudate from the puncture site or the fluid released from the softened scab after being treated by the scab softening layer 10, and to indicate the pH value through a directly observable color change.

[0050] In some embodiments of this invention, the pH indicator layer 20 includes a porous hydrophilic carrier layer on which a pH indicator is impregnated or coated. That is, the pH indicator layer 20 can be a thin porous hydrophilic carrier, such as medical-grade nonwoven fabric, filter paper, or a porous polymer membrane, on which one or more pH indicators sensitive to a pH range are uniformly impregnated or coated. Optionally, the pH indicator includes, but is not limited to, bromothymol blue, phenol red, methyl red, or combinations thereof, to cover a clinically diagnostic pH range (e.g., pH 5.0 to pH 8.0).

[0051] When the fluid beneath the softened scab layer 10 is transferred to the pH indicator layer 20 via capillary action or osmosis, the pH indicator reacts with the hydrogen ions in the fluid, displaying a specific color corresponding to the pH value. In this way, medical staff or patients can visually understand the local pH level at the puncture site.

[0052] The backing layer 30 is at least partially transparent and covers the scab softening layer 10 and the pH indicator layer 20, allowing observation of the color change of the pH indicator layer 20. Preferably, the backing layer 30 is at least partially transparent or translucent, and preferably entirely transparent, so that the user can clearly observe the color change of the underlying pH indicator layer 20 and thus determine the pH value.

[0053] In some embodiments of this invention, the backing layer 30 is preferably made of a breathable medical-grade polyurethane (PU) film. This material not only has good transparency and flexibility, but also has waterproof and breathable properties, which helps to maintain the moist environment of the scab softening layer 10, while preventing the intrusion of external pollutants and reducing the risk of skin maceration.

[0054] The adhesive layer 40 is used to fix the dressing to the patient's skin. In this embodiment, the adhesive layer 40 is preferably annular, applied to the inner side of the edge portion of the backing layer 30, with the central area left open, so that the core scab softening layer 10 and pH indicator layer 20 can directly or indirectly (through the scab softening layer 10) contact the puncture point, while the adhesive itself does not directly contact the scab or open wound. Preferably, the adhesive layer 40 is an annular medical hypoallergenic pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, such as an acrylic adhesive, disposed at the edge of the backing layer 30, ensuring minimal skin irritation, firm adhesion, and minimal residue or excessive peeling of the skin stratum corneum upon removal.

[0055] According to the embodiments of this utility model, the dressing for softening scabs at dialysis puncture sites can be directly applied to the patient's skin, covering the buttonhole puncture site. The scab softening layer 10 directly and continuously acts on the scab at the buttonhole puncture site, providing a stable and sufficiently moist environment, thereby effectively softening the scab, making it easier to remove, reducing the difficulty of subsequent punctures and patient discomfort, and helping to protect the formed puncture tunnel. Simultaneously, the pH indicator layer 20 located above the scab softening layer 10 can instantly detect and visually display the pH value of the local microenvironment at the puncture site through color changes. This provides a convenient and non-invasive reference method for medical staff or patients to determine whether there is a potential risk of infection at the puncture site (usually accompanied by abnormal pH values) or to assess the local skin condition. This is of positive significance for early detection of problems, guiding nursing care, and preventing complications, improving the patient experience and quality of care.

[0056] In some embodiments of this utility model, the outer surface of the backing layer 30 is printed with a pH colorimetric card 301.

[0057] For example, the pH colorimetric card 301 is pre-printed directly onto the outer surface of the backing layer 3030, i.e. the side that does not come into direct contact with the skin, by a printing process.

[0058] A pH colorimetric chart 301 typically consists of a series of small areas or patches of different colors arranged side-by-side or in a ring. Each color area or patch represents a specific pH value or a pH range, such as: pH 5.0, pH 5.5, pH 6.0, pH 6.5, pH 7.0, pH 7.5, pH 8.0, etc., or the range of pH 5.0-5.5, pH 5.5-6.0, etc.

[0059] When the patch is applied to the patient's skin, and the pH indicator layer 20 changes color upon contact with liquid from the puncture site or softened scab, the user can compare the color of the pH indicator layer 20 with the pH colorimetric card 301 printed on the outer surface of the transparent backing layer 30. By finding the color patch on the pH colorimetric card 301 that is closest to or the same as the current color of the pH indicator layer 2020, the user can quickly and relatively accurately determine the local pH value at the puncture site.

[0060] In this embodiment, by setting up the pH colorimetric card 301, the convenience and accuracy of pH value reading are greatly enhanced. Users do not need to rely on external independent colorimetric cards or memorize the pH values ​​corresponding to different colors, which reduces subjective judgment errors and makes the reading of pH values ​​more objective and standardized.

[0061] In one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of discrete transparent windows H30 corresponding to the pH indicator layer 20 are provided on the backing layer 30, and the remaining part of the backing layer 30 is opaque or semi-transparent.

[0062] Once the patch is applied to the patient's skin, the user can observe the color change of the underlying pH indicator layer 20 through these pre-set transparent windows H30. The remaining opaque or semi-transparent parts become the background color.

[0063] The above design effectively focuses the observer's gaze, directing attention to the transparent window H30. By reducing visual interference from the surrounding environment and enhancing contrast with an opaque background, it improves the recognizability and accuracy of the color changes in the pH indicator layer 20. Furthermore, the opaque or semi-transparent areas effectively shield and protect the potentially light-sensitive pH indicator below.

[0064] In one embodiment of this invention, the scab softening layer 10 is circular and its area is smaller than that of the pH indicator layer 20, so that a pH indicator void P20 is formed around the scab softening layer 10. The scab softening layer 10 is typically located in the central region of the pH indicator layer 20. Outside the edge of the scab softening layer 10 but within the effective range of the pH indicator layer 20, a region is formed around the scab softening layer 10 that is not directly covered by the scab softening layer 10. This region is the pH indicator void P20, which is essentially a part of the pH indicator layer 20.

[0065] The scab softening layer 10 has an incision channel H10 that passes through the center of the scab softening layer 10 and extends to the edge of the scab softening layer 10 at both ends, communicating with the pH indicating void P20. In other words, the scab softening layer 10 has an incision channel H10 that passes through its diameter, and the two ends of the incision channel H10 ultimately open to the edge of the scab softening layer 10, thereby achieving fluid communication with the pH indicating void P20.

[0066] After application, the scab softening layer 10 continues to function primarily as a moisturizer and softener of the scab. As the scab softens or a small amount of exudate is generated at the puncture site, this fluid accumulates between the scab softening layer 10 and the skin interface. Due to the presence of the incision channel H10, fluid entering the incision channel H10 can permeate into the upper pH indicator layer 20 and react with the pH reagent; simultaneously, the incision channel H10 actively guides fluid near the central area outwards along the incision channel H10 to the edge of the scab softening layer 10 via capillary action or a small pressure difference. Once the fluid reaches the edge of the scab softening layer 10 through these incision channels H10, it directly enters and contacts the surrounding pH indicator voids P20.

[0067] Because the pH indicator void P20 is the directly exposed portion of the pH indicator layer 20 and is not covered by the main body of the scab softening layer 10, which has a high water content, the liquid flowing out from the incision channel H10 can react more directly and rapidly with the pH indicator in this area. This helps to obtain a more sensitive and accurate pH reading.

[0068] The design employs a scab softening layer 10 with an area smaller than the pH indicator layer 20 to form a pH indicator void P20. A cut channel H10 is provided in the middle of the scab softening layer 10 to connect to the pH indicator void P20. The cut channel H10 optimizes the liquid transfer path from the core area of ​​the scab to the pH indicator area, achieving effective diversion of the liquid to be tested. This ensures that the pH indicator layer 20 can contact the liquid sample in a timely manner, improving the sensitivity, response speed, and accuracy of pH detection.

[0069] Advantageously, the edge of the backing layer 30 is provided with an easy-tear grip 302, which is adhesive-free. When it is necessary to remove the patch, the user does not need to try to pry the patch off from the adhesive edge that is tightly attached to the skin. The user can directly pinch this non-adhesive easy-tear grip 302, easily lift one side of the patch from the skin surface, and then smoothly peel off the entire patch, making it more convenient to use.

[0070] Understandably, in practical applications, a release film can be provided on the lower surface of the dressing, covering the adhesive layer 40, which can be peeled off during use. Simultaneously, the dressing can be aseptically packaged in a bag, ensuring its storage in a sterile environment. When needed, it can simply be removed from the bag, improving its hygiene and safety.

[0071] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0072] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the patent scope of the present utility model. All equivalent structural transformations made under the inventive concept of the present utility model using the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A dressing for softening scabs at dialysis puncture sites, characterized in that, include: A scab softening layer is used to contact and soften the scab at the dialysis puncture site; A pH indicator layer, located above the softened scab layer, is used to detect the pH value of the liquid from the puncture site or the softened scab, and to indicate the pH value through an observable color change. A backing layer, which is at least partially transparent and covers the scab softening layer and the pH indicator layer, allowing observation of color changes in the pH indicator layer; An adhesive layer is used to secure the dressing to the patient's skin.

2. The dressing for softening scabs at dialysis puncture sites according to claim 1, characterized in that, The scab softening layer is a hydrogel layer, and the hydrogel layer contains at least one scab softener or moisturizer selected from purified water, physiological saline, glycerin, urea, and allantoin.

3. The dressing for softening scabs at dialysis puncture sites according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pH indicator layer includes a porous hydrophilic carrier layer, on which a pH indicator is impregnated or coated.

4. The dressing for softening scabs at dialysis puncture sites according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer surface of the backing layer is printed with a pH colorimetric card.

5. The dressing for softening scabs at dialysis puncture sites according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adhesive layer is a ring-shaped medical low-allergenic pressure-sensitive adhesive layer disposed at the edge of the backing layer.

6. The dressing for softening scabs at dialysis puncture sites according to claim 3, characterized in that, The porous hydrophilic carrier layer is a medical nonwoven fabric, filter paper, or porous polymer membrane.

7. The dressing for softening scabs at dialysis puncture sites according to claim 1, characterized in that, The backing layer has multiple discrete transparent windows corresponding to the pH indicator layer, and the remaining part of the backing layer is opaque or semi-transparent.

8. The dressing for softening scabs at dialysis puncture sites according to claim 1, characterized in that, The backing layer is a breathable medical-grade polyurethane film.

9. The dressing for softening scabs at dialysis puncture sites according to claim 1, characterized in that, The softened scab layer is circular and its area is smaller than that of the pH indicator layer, so that a pH indicator void is formed around the softened scab layer; The scab softening layer has an incision channel that passes through the center of the scab softening layer, and both ends of the incision channel extend toward the edge of the scab softening layer and communicate with the pH indicator void.

10. The dressing for softening scabs at dialysis puncture sites according to claim 1, characterized in that, The edge of the backing layer is provided with an easy-tear grip, which is free of adhesive.

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