Gynecological and / or obstetric and / or proctological cryotherapy device

Abstract

The invention relates to a gynecological and / or obstetric and / or proctological cryotherapy device (1) comprising a plastic casing (2) containing a heat-transfer gel (3) intended to be cooled to a predetermined temperature of -10°C or lower. According to the invention, the gel (3) is present in a specific quantity to diffuse, during use, a temperature of 0°C or lower for a period of at least 20 minutes in an environment at a temperature of 21°C. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 7

Description

Title of the invention: Gynecological and / or obstetric and / or proctological cryotherapy device Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of cryotherapy devices, in particular in the fields of gynecology, obstetrics or proctology. Prior art

[0002] Cryotherapy devices are known from the state of the art and are used in gynecological departments of hospitals, birthing centers or also in the context of outpatient or home treatment in order to relieve perineal complications after birth.

[0003] In practice, it is observed that, in the case of natural births, 80% of women present vulvar edema and 20% of women undergo an episiotomy.

[0004] Cryotherapy devices are often used during the postpartum period to promote healing, alleviate pain, and reduce inflammation in the patient.

[0005] Furthermore, the prior art devices can also be used to collect infectious discharge or fluid emanating from the wound.

[0006] Generally, the cryotherapy device comprises a flexible plastic container containing a pouch containing a multitude of distinct chemical substances allowing, by mixing them, to carry out an endothermic chemical reaction. Thus, the temperature of the device cools to relieve the person by cryotherapy as disclosed by document US20180021168.

[0007] Indeed, this document proposes a gynecological cryotherapy device, in which a pocket contains two distinct chemical substances separated by a fracturable wall. The fracture of this wall allows an endothermic chemical reaction to be carried out.

[0008] However, the cost of chemicals makes the use of such devices too expensive.

[0009] In addition, the non-reuse of the cryotherapy bag increases the costs of using this gynecological cryotherapy device.

[0010] A more economical alternative to the previous device is to use a simple ice pack wrapped in a cloth applied to the area to be treated, or to wet an absorbent towel and then place it in the freezer to cool it and use it as a cryotherapy device. These solutions, although inexpensive are uncomfortable for the patient, difficult to use and unhygienic. Statement of the invention

[0011] One of the aims of the invention is therefore to propose a cryotherapy device in the fields of gynecology, obstetrics or even proctology, capable of diffusing, for a predetermined period, a temperature lower than that of the area to be treated of the patient in order to be able to provide effective and repeatable care, for example in a hospital environment or at home.

[0012] For this purpose, a gynecological and / or obstetric and / or proctological cryotherapy device has been developed comprising a plastic envelope containing a heat-transfer gel, of the refrigerant type, intended to be cooled to a predetermined temperature less than or equal to -10°C.

[0013] According to the invention, the gel is present in a quantity determined to diffuse a temperature less than or equal to 0°C for a duration of at least 20 minutes in an environment with a temperature of approximately 21°C.

[0014] In this way, the fact of using a heat transfer gel and in a predetermined quantity to diffuse a temperature less than or equal to 0°C for a duration of at least 20 minutes in an environment of approximately 21°C makes it possible to carry out an effective cryotherapy treatment of the areas to be treated and in particular, for example, a temperature, in use, less than or equal to 10°C for 10 minutes. This has the effect of vasoconstriction which has the consequence of reducing pain in the areas, in particular gynecological areas following childbirth, limiting edema, reducing inflammation and thus improving the patient's convalescence. Of course, when removed from the freezer, the gel does not solidify and remains in the gel state.

[0015] In addition, the reuse of the gel envelope makes it possible to reduce the overall cost of using such a device.

[0016] According to a particular embodiment, and in order to have indirect and comfortable contact between the cryotherapy device and the patient, the device comprises a support of dimensions adapted to those of the envelope, and comprises on the one hand, a face for receiving the envelope and means for holding said envelope and, on the other hand, a face for contact with the patient.

[0017] The holding means are of any suitable type, for example an elastic strap, an undergarment, or advantageously a pocket provided at the receiving face of the support, into which the envelope is intended to be inserted at least in part.

[0018] Preferably, the support comprises a flap covering the open end of the pocket.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, the gel is composed of sodium carboxymethyl- cellulose, propylene glycol and water and is present in an amount between 100g and 200g, preferably between 140g and 160g, for example 150g.

[0020] According to a particular embodiment, the envelope is rectangular and has a thickness, including the gel, ranging from 0.5 cm to 2 cm, preferably with a first side wider than a second side.

[0021] Thus, the dimensions of the envelope and the thickness of the gel are adapted to the area to be treated, which improves its ergonomics, making it easy to use for patients whether they are in hospital or at home.

[0022] To further improve comfort, the envelope includes rounded ends and possibly an anatomical shape, in which the two large sides of the envelope are curved and brought closer together.

[0023] According to a particular embodiment, the envelope is in the form of a plastic film, for example with a thickness of between 0.5 mm and 2 mm, folded and welded around its periphery.

[0024] The envelope is made of any waterproof plastic material, such as nylon or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Brief description of the drawings

[0025] Other advantages and characteristics will emerge more clearly from the following description, given by way of non-limiting example, of the device according to the invention, from the appended drawings in which:

[0026] [Fig.l] is a representation, seen from above, of the cryotherapy device according to the present invention.

[0027] [Fig.2] is a representation, seen from above, of the cryotherapy device according to an anatomical embodiment.

[0028] [Fig.3] is a representation, seen from above, of the support, on the envelope receiving side.

[0029] [Fig.4] is a representation, seen from above, of the support comprising a flap.

[0030] [Fig.5] is a representation, seen from the side, of the support.

[0031] [Fig.6] is a representation similar to that of [Fig.5], with the envelope inserted into the support holding means.

[0032] [Fig.7] is a representation similar to [Fig.6], seen in perspective. Detailed description of the invention

[0033] With reference to Figures 1 to 7, the present invention relates to a cryotherapy device (1) for gynecological and / or obstetric and / or proctological use comprising a plastic casing (2) containing a gel (3).

[0034] In order to be able to provide effective treatment, the heat transfer gel, intended to be cooled to a temperature less than or equal to -10°C, is present in a quantity determined to diffuse a temperature less than or equal to 0°C for a duration of at least 20 minutes in an environment with a temperature of approximately 21°C.

[0035] Thus, when the device (1) is used, that is to say positioned in contact with an area of ​​the human body to be treated, the latter takes at least 10 to 15 minutes to reach a temperature of 10°C, beyond which the treatment is considered to be lacking in effectiveness. For example, if the gel (3) is cooled to a core temperature of 0°C, during its use the device (1) will diffuse a temperature ranging from 0°C to 10°C over a period of at least 10 to 15 minutes in order to provide effective treatment. The temperature in use, however, depends on the heat emitted by the patient to be treated. That being said, the advantage is the rapid temperature drop, that is to say in 10 to 15 minutes, and in particular a drop of approximately 20°C at the level of the patient's skin, which subsequently warms up gradually.

[0036] To achieve this temperature diffusion, the heat-transfer gel (3) comprises, as a percentage by weight relative to its total weight: - water between 50% and 80% of the total weight of the heat transfer gel (3); - propylene glycol between 20% and 30% of the total weight of the heat transfer gel (3); - sodium carboxymethylcellulose between 10% and 20% of the total weight of the gel (3) heat transfer agent

[0037] To achieve this temperature diffusion, the heat transfer gel (3) comprises a determined quantity of heat transfer gel (3), which is between 100 g and 200 g, and preferably between 140 g and 160 g, for example 150 g, which makes it possible to obtain a device adapted to the anatomy of the areas to be treated with good uniformity of the gel (3) in the envelope (2).

[0038] Indeed, too small a quantity of heat-transfer gel (3) would result in too rapid a diffusion of temperature, which would make the treatment ineffective in relieving patients suffering from vulvar edema, for example. Too large a quantity of heat-transfer gel (3) would reduce comfort and make use difficult.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the envelope (2) is made of two plastic sheets positioned one on top of the other and welded at their periphery. The envelope (2) contains the gel (3) and has an anatomical shape, as illustrated in [Fig.2],

[0040] In another embodiment, the envelope (2) is in the form of a folded and welded plastic strip. The figures illustrate in particular the presence of a weld (23).

[0041] The plastic material chosen to make the casing (2) is preferably nylon or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The use of these plastics makes it possible not to hinder thermal diffusion, while maintaining optimal comfort and sealing.

[0042] In addition, the thickness of the envelope (2) is between 0.5 and 2 millimeters, which allows an improvement in the diffusion of temperature by the gel (3).

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the envelope (2) has two opposite sides, a first side (21) wider than a second side (22) and, preferably to further improve comfort, the two opposite sides (21, 22) of the strip are rounded in shape.

[0044] According to a particular example, the first side (21) forms an oval 6 to 8 centimeters wide and 4 to 6 centimeters long, and the second side (22) forms a circle 4 to 6 centimeters in diameter. The distance separating the centers of the first side (21) and the second side (22) is 13 to 17 centimeters. Thus, the strip has a length ranging from 15 to 25 centimeters, preferably 20 centimeters.

[0045] In order to improve the comfort of use for patients, the device (1) comprises a support (4) of dimensions adapted to those of the envelope (2), and comprising on the one hand, a receiving face (41) of the envelope (2) and means (5) for holding said envelope (2) and, on the other hand, a contact face (42) with the patient.

[0046] Thus, the patient is not in direct contact with the envelope (2) of gel (3) avoiding discomfort due to perspiration of the envelope (2) or burns from the cold.

[0047] Preferably, the material composing the support (4) is made of synthetic or natural textile, for example elastane. According to other examples, the support may consist of a non-woven fabric compress or gauze in which the envelope could be contained or rolled / wrapped. This would facilitate the absorption of exudates in a hospital environment for example, where the non-woven fabric compress or gauze would be discarded after use.

[0048] The receiving face of the envelope (41) comprises means for holding the envelope, which may be of any suitable shape, for example in the form of an elastic strap, and preferably, the holding means (5) are a pocket provided at the receiving face (41) of the envelope (2), intended to receive the envelope, at least in part or in full, when inserted.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the support comprises a flap (43) covering the open end of the pocket, as illustrated [Fig.4].

[0050] The pocket has, for example, a depth ranging from 15 to 19 centimeters, preferably 17 centimeters.

[0051] The pocket is for example sewn on the edges of the receiving face (41) and covers less than half of its surface.

[0052] The support (4) can be disposable or reusable and is preferably washable.

[0053] In a particular embodiment, the envelope (2) containing the gel (3) is inserted before use into a resealable plastic packaging, for example non-limiting manner, by means of a reusable zipper, or additional self-gripping strips in order to maintain the hygiene of the envelope (2), in particular during the cooling stage before use.

[0054] In another embodiment, the device (1) comprises a second support with a pocket provided on one of its faces covering the entirety of this face, into which the assembly, envelope (2) and first support (4) are inserted.

[0055] It is clear from the above that the invention provides a device (1) for gynecological and / or obstetric and / or proctological cryotherapy of dimensions adapted to its use which makes it possible to carry out effective and repeatable cryotherapy.

Claims

Claims

1. Device (1) for gynecological and / or obstetric and / or proctological cryotherapy comprising a plastic casing (2), enclosing a heat-transfer gel (3) intended to be cooled to a predetermined temperature less than or equal to -10°C, characterized in that the gel (3) is present in a quantity determined to diffuse a temperature less than or equal to 0°C for a duration of at least 20 minutes in an environment with a temperature of 21°C, and in that - the gel (3) is composed of sodium carboxymethylcellulose, propylene glycol and water and is present in a quantity of between 100g and 200g; the heat-transfer gel (3) comprises, as a percentage by weight relative to its total weight: - water between 50% and 80% of the total weight of the heat-transfer gel (3); - propylene glycol between 20% and 30% of the total weight of the heat transfer gel (3); - sodium carboxymethylcellulose between 10% and 20% of the total weight of the heat transfer gel (3).

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a support (4) of dimensions adapted to those of the envelope (2), and comprises, on the one hand, a receiving face (41) of the envelope (2) and means (5) for holding said envelope (2) and, on the other hand, a contact face (42) with the patient.

3. Device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the holding means (5) are a pocket provided at the level of the receiving face of the support (4).

4. Device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the support (4) comprises a flap (43) covering the open end of the pocket.

5. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the envelope (2) is in the form of a strip with a first side (21) wider than a second side (22).

6. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the envelope comprises rounded ends.

7. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the envelope (2) is in the form of a plastic film folded and welded on its periphery

8. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the envelope (2) is made of nylon or thermoplastic polyurethane.

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