Package for a band-shaped product for wound care

Abstract

The invention relates to a package for a band-shaped product for wound care, comprising: a shaped element; a cover element, which lies opposite the shaped element and is connected at least in part to the shaped element in a sealing zone; a first chamber, which is formed between the cover element and the shaped element, the first chamber being configured to receive the band-shaped product; a second chamber, which is formed between the cover element and the shaped element, the second chamber being configured to receive an end portion of the band-shaped product; and a connection lumen between the first chamber and the second chamber, wherein the end portion of the band-shaped product can be guided through the connection lumen into the second chamber. Moreover, the invention also relates to a kit and a method.

Description

[0001] Title: Packaging for a band-shaped wound care product

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to a packaging for a band-shaped product for wound care, in particular a wound tamponade, a packaging containing a band-shaped product for wound care and a method for removing the band-shaped product.

[0004] Usually, band-shaped products for wound care, in particular wound tampons or tamponade bandages, are provided in sterile packaging with a length of at least 1 meter. Particularly in the field of otolaryngology, the medical staff cuts off the required length of the tamponade bandage contained in the packaging, soaks the cut-off piece of the tamponade bandage in a solution and inserts the tamponade into one nostril or ear canal. The piece of the tamponade bandage still in the packaging is then pulled out of the packaging and used in the same way for the second nostril or ear canal. Different types of packaging are known in the art, for example rigid polyethylene boxes that can be used as dispensers. The band-shaped product can be pulled out of the polyethylene box over the edge of a removal opening.These polyethylene boxes are packaged in additional sterile packaging to ensure sterile storage. After removal of the tape-shaped product, both the sterile packaging and the polyethylene box must be disposed of, resulting in disproportionately large amounts of waste.

[0005] Alternatively, sterile packaging, so-called peel pouches, are used. Although these generate less waste, they cannot be used as dispensers. Such sterile packaging is described, for example, in EP 0 650 713 B1. In a peel pouch or blister, the strip-shaped product is usually located between two layers of paper or film that are joined together along a peripheral edge, forming a chamber within this edge into which the strip-shaped product can be accommodated.

[0006] A wound treatment kit is known from US 2010 / 0274205 A1. The package has several individually sealed chambers, each chamber containing a component of the kit.

[0007] Instructions for the user are attached to the cover of the chambers as to the order in which the components of the kit should be removed from the packaging and used.

[0008] A disadvantage of conventional packaging is that the strip-shaped product must always be pulled out over the edge of the packaging or the edge of the removal opening. Sterility in the edge area can only be inadequately ensured. Especially with multiple removals, there is a risk that the edge will become contaminated and the required cleanliness of the strip-shaped product can no longer be guaranteed.

[0009] The invention is therefore based on the object of proposing a packaging for a band-shaped product for wound care, by means of which the risk of soiling and / or contamination of the band-shaped product with germs during removal is reduced.

[0010] This object is achieved by a packaging for a band-shaped product for wound care, which packaging comprises a shaped element and a covering element, wherein the covering element lies opposite the shaped element and is at least partially connected to the shaped element in a sealing zone. A first chamber, which is formed between the covering element and the shaped element, is designed to receive the band-shaped product. A second chamber, which is formed between the covering element and the shaped element, is designed to receive an end section of the band-shaped product. The packaging also comprises a connecting lumen between the first and the second chamber, wherein the end section of the band-shaped product can be passed through the connecting lumen from the first into the second chamber.The design of the packaging has the advantage that the space formed between the cover element and the shaped element, namely the first and second chambers as well as the connecting lumen, is protected from external contamination. A strip-shaped product stored in the first chamber of the packaging according to the invention can thus be guided out of the first chamber, through the connecting lumen, and into the second chamber without the strip-shaped product having to be pulled over an unsterile or potentially contaminated edge of the packaging.

[0011] A further advantage is that the second chamber can hold the strip-shaped product and can therefore be used as a base or tray for placing the strip-shaped product on. This means that no additional tray is required. It also reduces the risk of the section of the strip-shaped product pulled out of the first chamber falling onto the floor or a shelf and becoming dirty. If, for example, only a piece of it is needed and not the entire strip-shaped product, the strip-shaped product can be pulled out of the first chamber and placed in the second chamber. The piece in the second chamber can then be separated from the rest of the strip-shaped product without the separated piece having to be placed in an external container such as a kidney dish.

[0012] A particular advantage is that the second chamber can also be used to directly apply ointments and solutions to the band-shaped product. For example, a section separated from the band-shaped product can be placed in the second chamber, and then a solution containing active ingredients can be filled into the second chamber. As soon as the section in the second chamber is sufficiently soaked with solution, the soaked section is applied to the patient by the user, for example a doctor. A further section of the band-shaped product can then be soaked in the second chamber.

[0013] Thus, the second chamber serves as a sterile base and storage area for a section of the strip-shaped product. The first chamber, together with the connecting lumen, serves as a type of dispenser from which the strip-shaped product can be dispensed. Particularly preferably, the sealing zone can run along an outer periphery of the packaging. Thus, the two chambers and the connecting lumen can be completely surrounded by the cover element and the molding element and separated from the environment, so that no contamination or germs can penetrate the packaging.

[0014] Additionally, it can be provided that the cover element and the shaped element are not connected to one another at a side edge or corner of the packaging, so that the two elements can be freely lifted off there and pulled apart to open the packaging. Alternatively, the cover element can have a larger surface area than the shaped element. Preferably, the cover element therefore projects beyond the shaped element on one side or corner of the packaging, so that a tab is formed. This tab enables simplified opening of the packaging.

[0015] The cover element and the forming element can be joined in the sealing zone using any sealing method that results in an airtight seal to maintain the sterility of the strip-shaped product contained in the package. The cover element and the forming element can be joined together by ultrasonic welding or gluing. Preferably, the elements are joined together by heat sealing.

[0016] According to the invention, a strip-shaped product is understood to be a product whose longitudinal extent is generally greater than its transverse extent. Alternatively, such a product can also be referred to as strip-shaped. The strip-shaped product is not rigid, but flexible and can therefore be rolled up.

[0017] The band-shaped product can preferably be a gauze bandage or a gauze, as described, for example, in DIN EN 14079. In particular, the packaging according to the invention is suitable for packaging a tamponade bandage or wound tamponade. Tamponade bandages are often not applied in one piece, but divided into sections. The second chamber is particularly advantageous in this case, since the section already pulled out of the first chamber can be deposited in the second chamber.

[0018] Preferably, the strip-shaped product can be accommodated in the first chamber in roll form. This enables even unwinding of the strip-shaped product and thus simplified removal of the strip-shaped product from the packaging. In contrast to a strip-shaped product folded in strips and thus in sections, a strip-shaped product arranged in roll form can prevent compression of the strip-shaped product at the folding points.

[0019] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the volume of the second chamber can be larger than the volume of the first chamber. Thus, the strip-shaped product can be placed loosely in the second chamber. Furthermore, the larger volume of the second chamber allows it to hold sufficient liquid to soak the strip-shaped product. Alternatively, the volumes of the two chambers can be approximately equal.

[0020] The first chamber can have a volume of 5 cm 3 up to 150 cm 3 , preferably 10 cm 3 up to 45 cm 3 have .

[0021] The second chamber may preferably have a volume of 30 cm 3 up to 300 cm 3 The volumes of the chambers can also be adapted to the dimensions of the strip-shaped product.

[0022] Advantageously, the connecting lumen is formed between the shaped element and the cover element. This enables a simple construction of the packaging with few components and only a few manufacturing steps. Particularly preferably, the first chamber can be separated from the second chamber by a web. The web is formed in the shaped element and runs from one long side of the shaped element to the opposite long side. The web is designed such that its end face is at a smaller distance from the cover element than the bottom surface of the first or second chamber. The end face of the web is not connected to the cover element. The connecting lumen is thus formed between the end face of the web and the cover element. Such a configuration can prevent liquids from the second chamber from getting into the first chamber. The strip-shaped product stored in the first chamber thus remains protected.

[0023] In general, the connecting lumen also serves to keep the opening between the first and second chambers as small as possible. The connecting lumen or the opening between the first and second chambers should be large enough that the band-shaped product can be pulled out of the first chamber without great resistance. At the same time, there must be little resistance between the sides of the connecting lumen and the band-shaped product to prevent a section of the band-shaped product that has already been pulled out of the first chamber from slipping back. This also prevents dirt from entering the first chamber.

[0024] Preferably, the internal dimensions of the connecting lumen correspond at least to the thickness and width of the strip-shaped product. This prevents the section of the strip-shaped product pulled out of the first chamber, or the end section of the strip-shaped product, from slipping back, as well as the penetration of dirt into the first chamber.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the packaging is sterilizable. Particularly preferably, the packaging can be sterilized with ethylene oxide (EO). This prevents yellowing of the ribbon-shaped product and achieves a high degree of whiteness.

[0026] To ensure proper opening of the packaging, markings or instructions in the form of text or pictograms may be applied to the cover element. It is particularly advantageous if the markings or instructions are printed on the cover element.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a marking line can be provided on the cover element, which is arranged such that it runs over the connecting lumen between the first and the second chamber, in particular over the web. The marking line symbolizes to the user the limit up to which he can detach the cover element from the shaped element if he wishes to open the packaging. If the cover element is only detached up to the marking line, the second chamber is opened, but the first chamber remains closed by the cover element, so that neither the strip-shaped product can fall out nor the strip-shaped product in the first chamber can become dirty. In addition, the user is prevented from touching the strip-shaped product stored in the first chamber. Alternatively or additionally, markings can be provided on the shaped element in the same way.

[0028] In a further embodiment of the invention, the cover element can have a groove or weakening which runs above the web and parallel to the web. This enables the cover element to be folded in a pulling direction such that the area of ​​the cover element which covers the second chamber comes to lie above the first chamber. This simplifies the handling of the packaging and the removal of the strip-shaped product. According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the

[0029] The cover element can be formed in two parts. One part of the cover element covers the first chamber, and a second part of the cover element covers the second chamber. This embodiment also makes it possible to open the second chamber without removing the cover element over the first chamber.

[0030] The packaging preferably has a length of 5 cm to 20 cm, and particularly preferably of 10 cm to 18 cm. The width of the packaging is preferably between 4 cm and 10 cm. A width of 5 cm to 7 cm is particularly preferred.

[0031] The height of the packaging can be approximately equal to the width of the strip-shaped product, but can preferably be slightly larger.

[0032] Preferably, the dimensions of the packaging are designed so that the user can hold it between the fingers of one hand and open it with the other. This allows for particularly easy handling when using the packaging.

[0033] The cover element can be a foil made of metal or plastic, in particular a polyethylene foil. The cover element is particularly preferably made of paper or comprises paper. Thus, a

[0034] Sterilization of the sealed package with ethylene oxide is possible. Preferred materials for the cover element are also nonwovens, particularly high-density polyethylene nonwovens (e.g., Tyvek, a registered trademark of DuPont) and other materials that provide a sufficiently large gas exchange surface to allow sterilization with ethylene oxide.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the molded element can be made of a plastic, preferably a thermoplastic and in particular a thermoformable plastic. This reduces material consumption and manufacturing complexity, which can lead to cost savings. Examples of suitable plastics are polypropylene (PP), polyamides (PA), and polyurethanes (PU). Particular preference is given to polyethylene terephthalate (PET), amorphous polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene (PE), and combinations thereof, such as PET / PE.

[0036] The thermoformable plastic mold element not only reduces manufacturing costs but also allows the volumes of the first and second chambers to be adjusted via the chamber depth. This allows the packaging to be adapted to different strip-shaped products without the need for costly molds.

[0037] Preferably, the shaped element is formed in one piece, which enables cost-effective and simple provision of the shaped element and thus of the packaging.

[0038] The object underlying the invention is further achieved by a kit which comprises a package according to one of the previously described embodiments and additionally a band-shaped product for wound care. The band-shaped product is received in the first chamber, with an end section of the band-shaped product being received in the second chamber. The end section of the band-shaped product is guided from the first chamber into the second chamber through the connecting lumen between the first and the second chamber. This enables simple provision of a sterile-packaged band-shaped product.

[0039] The band-shaped product preferably has a length of 0.2 m to 10 m, preferably of 0.5 m and 5 m and particularly preferably of 1 m to 2 m. This makes it possible to provide a suitable amount of the band-shaped product for treating a single patient. Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the width of the band-shaped product is between 0.5 cm and 10 cm, preferably between 0.75 cm and 5 cm and particularly preferably between 1 cm and 2 cm. These are usual ranges for band-shaped products.

[0040] The end portion of the ribbon-shaped product extends between 0.5 cm and 10 cm into the second chamber, preferably between 4 cm and 6 cm. This allows for easy gripping with tweezers or the fingers to pull the ribbon-shaped product out of the first chamber.

[0041] According to the invention, the end section is a free-standing end of the strip-shaped product.

[0042] Furthermore, the object is achieved by a method for removing the strip-shaped product from a package according to one of the preceding embodiments. The method comprises the following steps: a) partially detaching the cover element so that the second chamber is exposed and the first chamber remains covered by the cover element, b) grasping (for example with the hand or tweezers) the end section and pulling a section of the strip-shaped product out of the first chamber, c) optionally separating the section from the strip-shaped product, d) positioning the section in the second chamber, and e) removing the section from the second chamber.

[0043] Separating the section extracted from the first chamber is not always necessary, as the strip-shaped product can also be removed in its entirety while still in the packaging. The section can also be first positioned in the second chamber and only then separated from the remaining strip-shaped product.

[0044] The method according to the invention enables hygienic and ideally aseptic removal of the strip-shaped product. Above all, the strip-shaped product does not have to be pulled out of a dispenser over a potentially contaminated edge, but is dispensed via the connecting lumen located between the first and second chambers, which is thus sterile until the package is opened. This reduces the risk of contamination of the strip-shaped product, in particular contamination of the strip-shaped product with harmful substances. Aseptic, in this context, refers to the reduction of contamination caused by harmful pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria or viruses.

[0045] Furthermore, it can be provided that before the section is removed (step e), the section is soaked in a treatment solution in the second chamber. The soaked section is then removed from the second chamber and can be applied. This offers the advantage that no additional container needs to be provided for soaking, but rather the packaging can be used directly. Thus, a container is always available for soaking, namely the second chamber of the packaging. This also saves waste and costs.

[0046] The treatment solution can be, for example, saline solution, Ringer's solution, or solutions containing antibiotics or disinfectants. The term "treatment solution" also includes ointment-like compositions. Other examples of treatment solutions include decongestant nasal drops, preparations containing myrtol, or secretolytics.

[0047] Furthermore, several sections of the strip-shaped product can be soaked successively with a treatment solution in the second chamber. After a first section has been removed from the second chamber, a second section can be pulled out of the first chamber to also be soaked in the treatment solution already present in the second chamber. Alternatively, the treatment solution can be removed from the second chamber, and the steps of the method can then be repeated from step b).

[0048] The web may preferably have a height of 1 mm to 10 mm, particularly preferably 5 mm.

[0049] The invention, as well as further advantageous embodiments and developments thereof, are described and explained in more detail below with reference to the examples shown in the drawings. The features shown in the description and the drawings can be used individually or in any combination according to the invention.

[0050] It shows :

[0051] Figure 1 shows a schematic section through an inventive

[0052] Packaging, Figure 2 is a perspective view of the packaging with inserted ribbon-shaped product,

[0053] Figure 3 is a schematic representation of the first steps of the process for removing the strip-shaped product,

[0054] Figure 4 is a schematic representation of further steps of the method for removing the strip-shaped product, and

[0055] Figure 5 is a schematic representation of a further step of the method for removing the strip-shaped product.

[0056] Figure 1 shows a schematic section through a package 10 in a first embodiment of the invention. A deep-drawn shaped element 11 is shaped in such a way that it forms a first chamber 14 and a second chamber 15, which are separated by a web 17. A cover element 12 made of paper, which is suitable for medical purposes, is connected, in particular sealed, to the shaped element 11 in a sealing zone 13, so that the first chamber 14 and the second chamber 15 are hermetically enclosed by the shaped element 11 and the cover element 12. The sealing zone 13 is designed in the figures as a peripheral edge of the package 10. In the area of ​​the web 17, the cover element 12 is not connected to the shaped element 11, so that the first chamber 14 is connected to the second chamber 15 via a

[0057] connecting lumen 16.

[0058] Preferably, the shaped element 11 is deep-drawn from a PET / PE film and is thus transparent. This allows the packaging

[0059] 10 can also be used as blister packaging.

[0060] The thickness of the molded element 11 is approximately 350 μm, with the PET layer thickness being approximately 300 μm and the PE layer thickness being approximately 50 μm. A thickness of the molded element 11 of approximately 300 μm is also possible.

[0061] The packaging 10 preferably has a width of 7 cm and a length of 17.5 cm.

[0062] In the embodiment according to Figure 2, a strip-shaped product 20, which is wound up in a roll, is inserted into the first chamber 14. The cover element 12 is almost completely separated from the mold element 11, only in a section of the sealing zone 13 are the cover element 12 and the mold element

[0063] 11 are connected to one another. In normal use, however, the cover element is only separated from the shaped element 11 up to the level of the web 17, so that the second chamber 15 is opened, but not the first chamber 14. An end section 21 of the strip-shaped product 20 is guided through the connecting lumen 16 and thus over the web 17 from the first chamber 14 into the second chamber 15, so that this free-standing end of the strip-shaped product 20 extends into the second chamber 15.

[0064] In this embodiment, the second chamber 15 is larger than the first chamber 14 to allow easy removal of the strip-shaped product 20. This also allows the strip-shaped product 20, or a portion thereof, to be impregnated with a treatment solution in the second chamber 15.

[0065] Figure 3 schematically shows the first steps of the method for removing the strip-shaped product 20 from the packaging 10. The packaging 10 has dimensions that allow the packaging 10 to be easily held by the user in one hand. With the other hand, the user can then pull the cover element 12 off the shaped element 11, starting at a corner close to the second chamber 15, until the second chamber 15 is exposed. This means that the connection between the shaped element 11 and the cover element 12 is severed in the sealing zone, up to the area of ​​the connecting lumen 16. This area is indicated by a marking line (not shown) on the cover element 12. Alternatively or additionally, the shaped element 11 can also have a groove that marks this area. The web 17 can also be shaped such that the

[0066] User can see how far he has to open the packaging 10.

[0067] The end section 21 can then be grasped using tweezers or even with the fingers, and the strip-shaped product 20 can be pulled out of the first chamber 14 to the desired length. The end section 21 and the strip-shaped product 20 pulled out of the first chamber 14 remain positioned within or at least substantially above the second chamber 15, so that it can be deposited in the second chamber 15 and the strip-shaped product 20 is thus not soiled and / or contaminated with germs.

[0068] The strip-shaped product 20 pulled out of the first chamber 14 and lying in the second chamber 15 can now be severed, for example with scissors, from the strip-shaped product 20 still located in the first chamber 14, as shown in Figure 4. This is preferably done within the second chamber 15 in such a way that a new end section 22 is created, from which a piece of the strip-shaped product 20 can again be pulled out. According to Figure 5, the severed piece of the strip-shaped product 20 can now either be soaked with a treatment solution which is filled into the second chamber 15 or can be removed directly and applied. The treatment solution is preferably removed from the second chamber 15 afterwards.

[0069] Subsequently, another piece of the strip-shaped product 20 can be pulled out of the first chamber 14 using the now exposed new end section 22, or the second chamber 15 can be covered again with the cover element 12. Thus, the strip-shaped product 20 is protected from contamination by the packaging 10 until further use.

Claims

Claims 1. Packaging (10) for a band-shaped product (20) for wound care, comprising: a shaped element (11), a cover element (12) which is opposite the shaped element (11) and is at least partially connected to the shaped element (11) in a sealing zone (13), a first chamber (14) which is formed between the cover element (12) and the shaped element (11), the first chamber (14) is designed to receive the band-shaped product (20), a second chamber (15) which is formed between the cover element (12) and the shaped element (11), the second chamber (15) is designed to receive an end section (21) of the band-shaped product (20), and a connecting lumen (16) between the first (14) and the second (15) chamber, wherein the end section (21) of the band-shaped product (20) can be guided through the connecting lumen (16) into the second chamber (15) is feasible.

2. Packaging (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the sealing zone (13) runs along an outer circumference of the packaging (10).

3. Packaging (10) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the band-shaped product (20) is a gauze bandage, a gauze or in particular a tamponade bandage 4. Packaging (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the band-shaped product (20) can be received in roll form in the first chamber (14).

5. Packaging (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first chamber (14) is separated from the second chamber (15) by a web (17).

6. Packaging (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that the connecting lumen (16) is formed between the web (17) and the cover element (12).

7. Packaging (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that internal dimensions of the connecting lumen (16) correspond at least to the thickness and the width of the band-shaped product (20).

8. Packaging (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the packaging (10) is sterilizable, in particular EO-sterilizable.

9. Packaging (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a marking line is provided on the cover element (12), which is arranged such that it runs over the connecting lumen (16) between the first (14) and the second chamber (15).

10. Packaging (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover element (12) is made of paper or comprises paper.

11. Packaging (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the volume of the second chamber (15) is greater than or equal to the volume of the first chamber (14) is.

12. Packaging (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shaped element (11) consists of a plastic, preferably of a thermoplastic and in particular of a deep-drawable plastic.

13. Kit comprising a package (10) and a band-shaped product (20) for wound care, wherein the package (10) comprises: a cover element (12), a shaped element (11) which lies opposite the cover element (12) and is at least partially connected to the cover element (12), a first chamber (14) which is formed between the cover element (12) and the shaped element (11), wherein the band-shaped product (20) is accommodated in the first chamber (14), a second chamber (15) which is formed between the cover element (12) and the shaped element (11), wherein a End section (21) of the band-shaped product (20) in the second chamber (15), and a connecting lumen (16) between the first (14) and the second (15) chamber, wherein the end portion (21) of the band-shaped product (20) is guided through the connecting lumen (16) into the second chamber (15).

14. Kit according to claim 13, characterized in that the band-shaped product (20) has a length of 0.2 m to 10 m, preferably of 0.5 m and 5 m and particularly preferably of 1 m to 2 m.

15. Kit according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the band-shaped product (20) has a width of 0.5 cm to 10 cm, preferably of 0.75 cm and 5 cm and particularly preferably of 1 cm to 2 cm.

16. A method for removing the band-shaped product (20) from a package (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: a) partially detaching the cover element (12) so that the second chamber (15) is exposed and the first chamber (14) remains covered by the cover element (12), b) engaging the end section (21) and pulling out a section of the band-shaped product (20) from the first Chamber ( 14 ) , c) optionally: separating the section from the strip-shaped product (20), d) positioning the section in the second chamber (15) e) removing the section from the second chamber (15).

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that the method further comprises: Soaking the section positioned in the second chamber (15) (step d) in a treatment solution.

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