Medical drapes

Abstract

To provide medical drapes with improved disposability. [Solution] A medical drape comprising a nonwoven fabric made of natural or regenerated fibers, and a resin layer impregnated or laminated onto the nonwoven fabric, wherein the resin layer contains a biodegradable resin.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to medical drapes. [Background technology]

[0002] Medical drapes are cloths or sheets used to cover patients, surgical instruments, and operating tables during surgery or medical procedures. The main purpose of medical drapes is to ensure a sterile environment and minimize the risk of infection.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an antiviral medical drape comprising at least one type of microparticle selected from tungsten oxide microparticles and tungsten oxide composite material microparticles. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011-212298 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] Medical drapes are typically supplied in a sterile condition and sterilized before use. Non-biodegradable resins such as polypropylene are commonly used as materials. Medical drapes require various properties, such as water absorption to absorb intraoperative bleeding and prevent the spread of contamination, while also having impact resistance to prevent bleeding from penetrating to the other side. They also need to be low-static to reduce the adhesion of dust and other particles, and low-lint to minimize the generation of tiny fibers and dust from the drape.

[0006] Furthermore, because these medical drapes are used during surgery and procedures, they are highly likely to come into contact with blood, bodily fluids, and pathogens. After use, they are treated as infectious waste and require special processing rather than normal disposal. Specifically, they must be processed by high-temperature incineration or autoclaving (high-pressure steam sterilization), which is more costly and requires stricter management than normal waste disposal.

[0007] Furthermore, many medical drapes use petroleum-based synthetic resins such as polypropylene and polyester for durability and waterproofing. These materials are not biodegradable, which contributes to an increased environmental burden during disposal. In addition, many medical drapes are disposable in order to maintain a sterile environment, and a large amount of waste is generated from medical facilities every day, posing a challenge in terms of disposal.

[0008] This invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its objective is to provide a medical drape that combines absorbency and impact water resistance, has low electrostatic charge and low lint properties, is highly clean, and also has improved disposability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In other words, the present invention is as follows: [1] Nonwoven fabric made from natural or recycled fibers, The nonwoven fabric has a resin layer laminated to it, The resin layer includes a biodegradable resin. Medical drapes. [2] The biodegradable resin comprises one or more selected from the group consisting of polylactic acid, polybutylene succinate, polybutylene succinate adipate, polyethylene succinate, polyglycol, polycaprolactone, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate), and polyvinyl alcohol. Medical drape as described in [1]. [3] The aforementioned natural fibers include wood pulp or non-wood pulp. Medical drapes as described in [1] or [2]. [4] The regenerated fiber includes one or more selected from the group consisting of rayon, lyocell, cupro, and polynosic. A medical drape as described in any one of items [1] to [3]. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a medical drape that combines absorbency and impact water resistance, while also possessing low electrostatic charge and low lint properties, resulting in superior cleanliness and improved disposability. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The following describes in detail an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "this embodiment"), but the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications are possible without departing from its spirit.

[0012] 1. Medical drapes The medical drape of this embodiment comprises a nonwoven fabric made from natural or regenerated fibers and a resin layer laminated on the nonwoven fabric, wherein the resin layer contains a biodegradable resin. Since the nonwoven fabric made from natural or regenerated fibers is derived from natural raw materials, it has a low environmental impact when disposed of. Furthermore, the biodegradable resin is also decomposed under certain conditions by the action of microorganisms in nature, resulting in a low environmental impact when disposed of. In addition, medical drapes made from such environmentally compatible materials are safer than those made from petroleum-derived resins, even if they are in continuous contact with human skin or if lint or fragments accidentally enter the body.

[0013] Furthermore, because the medical drape of this embodiment contains a nonwoven fabric made from natural or regenerated fibers and a biodegradable resin, it is less prone to dust and other particles adhering to it and exhibits superior low electrostatic properties compared to petroleum-derived resins such as polyester fibers and polyolefin resin layers.

[0014] Furthermore, natural fibers or regenerated fibers have hydrophilic groups such as hydroxyl groups, and biodegradable resins generally contain polar bonds such as ester bonds and amide bonds because they are easily hydrolyzed. By using such a hydrophilic non-woven fabric and a hydrophilic resin layer in combination, the medical drape of the present embodiment is excellent in water absorption.

[0015] In addition, when hydrophobic polyethylene and hydrophilic fibers are used in combination, the affinity between the fibers and the matrix resin is low, so the fibers tend to fall off and lint is likely to occur. In comparison, the hydrophilic non-woven fabric and the hydrophilic resin layer of the medical drape of the present embodiment have high affinity, so it is difficult for fine fibers and dust to occur and it is excellent in low lint property.

[0016] Moreover, due to the combination of a hydrophilic non-woven fabric and a hydrophilic resin layer with high affinity, while being excellent in water absorption as described above, the adhesion between the non-woven fabric and the resin layer is high, so penetration of liquid to the back side can be suppressed, and impact water resistance can be improved.

[0017] However, the reasons for being excellent in low electrostatic property, water absorption, low lint property, and impact water resistance are not limited to the above.

[0018] In the present embodiment, the resin layer may be laminated to the non-woven fabric by heat pressing or the like, or the resin layer and the non-woven fabric may be joined by a hot melt adhesive, preferably a biodegradable hot melt adhesive.

[0019] Also, between the non-woven fabric and the resin layer, a biodegradable highly water-absorbent resin, an antibacterial component, or a deodorant component may be included. Thereby, while absorbing moisture such as body fluids and sweat, odor suppression and prevention of bacterial propagation can be achieved, and a comfortable and hygienic use environment can be maintained.

[0020] Furthermore, the nonwoven fabric and / or resin layer may contain biodegradable superabsorbent polymers, antibacterial components, or deodorizing components. This ensures functionality such as water absorption, antibacterial properties, and deodorizing properties while reducing the environmental impact after use, making it possible to provide it as an environmentally friendly medical material.

[0021] The biodegradable superabsorbent polymer is not particularly limited, but examples include polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), starch derivatives, cellulose derivatives, or copolymers thereof.

[0022] The antibacterial components are not particularly limited, but examples include inorganic compounds such as silver compounds (silver nanoparticles, silver zeolite, etc.), zinc compounds, cobalt compounds, copper compounds, aluminum compounds, nickel compounds, palladium compounds, titanium compounds, molybdenum compounds, and tungsten compounds; and organic compounds such as chlorhexidine gluconate, triclosan, and naturally derived antibacterial essential oils (tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, etc.).

[0023] The deodorizing components are not particularly limited, but examples include inorganic compounds such as silver compounds, zinc compounds, cobalt compounds, copper compounds, aluminum compounds, nickel compounds, palladium compounds, titanium compounds, molybdenum compounds, and tungsten compounds; activated carbon powder, cyclodextrin, persimmon tannin, baking soda, and natural essential oils (lemongrass oil, lavender oil, etc.). A single compound may act as both an antibacterial and deodorizing component.

[0024] The applications of the medical drape according to this embodiment are not particularly limited and can be widely applied in various medical settings. For example, it can be used as a drape to maintain cleanliness of the surgical field and reduce the risk of infection in operating rooms and treatment rooms, as well as as a disposable medical bed sheet to be placed on beds and examination tables that patients come into contact with in hospital rooms and examination rooms.

[0025] In this specification, "medical drape" is used as a broader concept that includes such disposable uses, and encompasses various disposable medical coverings, including disposable bed sheets. In other words, "medical drape" is not limited to just drapes used during surgery, but is a term that encompasses all disposable covering materials intended to ensure a clean area, prevent the scattering of bodily fluids and particles, or maintain environmental hygiene by covering the contact surfaces of patients and medical equipment, and examples include disposable bed sheets, treatment liners, instrument covers, pillowcases, and operating table sheets.

[0026] Furthermore, because this medical drape is composed of non-woven fabric material, it can also be applied to disposable clothing-type medical hygiene materials such as gowns, caps, slipper covers, sleeves, and shoe covers.

[0027] Nonwoven fabrics are composed of natural fibers or regenerated fibers, and may be composed of both natural and regenerated fibers.

[0028] Natural fibers are not particularly limited, but examples include wood pulp such as dissolved kraft pulp and chemically ground pulp, and non-wood pulp such as cotton linters.

[0029] The natural fiber content is preferably 20-80% by mass, 30-70% by mass, or 40-60% by mass, relative to the total amount of nonwoven fabric.

[0030] As for regenerated fibers, there are no particular limitations as long as they are fibers obtained by chemically treating natural cellulose (such as wood pulp or bamboo), but for example, they may include one or more selected from the group consisting of rayon, lyocell, cupro, and polynosic.

[0031] The recycled fiber content is preferably 20-80% by mass, 30-70% by mass, or 40-60% by mass, relative to the total amount of nonwoven fabric.

[0032] The basis weight of the nonwoven fabric is preferably 10 to 100 g / m². 2 It is 20-80g / m2 It is 30-60 g / m 2 That is the case.

[0033] The biodegradable resin is not particularly limited as long as it is a resin that is decomposed under certain conditions by the action of microorganisms in nature (bacteria, fungi, algae, etc.). Such biodegradable resins are not particularly limited, but examples include one or more selected from the group consisting of polylactic acid, polybutylene succinate, polybutylene succinate adipate, polybutylene succinate / terephthalate, polybutylene adipate / terephthalate, polyethylene succinate, polyglycolic acid, polyhydroxyalkanoic acid, polycaprolactone, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate), and polyvinyl alcohol.

[0034] In addition to biodegradable resins, other resins, such as biomass plastics, may also be included. The biodegradable resin content is preferably 70% by mass or more, 80% by mass or more, and 90-100% by mass, relative to the total amount of the resin layer.

[0035] The basis weight of the resin layer is preferably 2 to 50 g / m². 2 It is 5-40g / m 2 It is 10-30 g / m 2 That is the case.

[0036] There are no particular limitations on the hot-melt adhesive, but examples include polylactic acid-based hot-melt adhesives and polyolefin-based hot-melt adhesives. Among these, polylactic acid-based hot-melt adhesives are preferred.

[0037] The softening point of the hot melt adhesive is preferably 50 to 90°C, and more preferably 60 to 80°C. Having a softening point within this range improves the adhesion between the nonwoven fabric and the resin layer, and makes it less prone to peeling even under high-temperature storage conditions.

[0038] The maximum tensile strength of the medical drape in any direction is preferably 50 to 100 MPa, 50 to 90 MPa, 55 to 80 MPa, or 60 to 70 MPa. The tensile strength can be measured by the JIS L 1096 A method. When the tensile strength is within the above range, the strength of the medical drape is improved, and it tends to be possible to prevent the medical drape from breaking due to the actions of the surgeon or the instruments and devices used in combination. The tensile strength can be adjusted according to the structure of the non-woven fabric, the resin type of the resin layer, and the like.

[0039] In this embodiment, the "maximum tensile strength in any direction" means the maximum tensile strength when a tensile test is performed in any direction. Therefore, for example, if the value when pulled in the TD direction is 60 N and the value when pulled in the MD direction is 10 N, then 60 N corresponds to the maximum tensile strength in any direction.

[0040] The water absorption of the medical drape is preferably 200 to 500 g / m 2 and is 225 to 400 g / m 2 and is 250 to 350 g / m 2 and is 275 to 300 g / m 2 and is. The water absorption can be measured by the method described in 6.12.3 of JIS L 1912. When the water absorption is within the above range, it tends to be possible to absorb intraoperative bleeding and further suppress the spread of the contaminated area.

[0041] The water absorption capacity of the medical drape is preferably 325 to 600%, 350 to 550%, 375 to 500%, or 400 to 450%. The water absorption capacity can be measured by the method described in 6.12.3 of JIS L 1912. When the water absorption capacity is within the above range, it tends to be possible to absorb intraoperative bleeding and further suppress the spread of the contaminated area.

[0042] The maximum water absorption rate in any direction of the medical drape is preferably 50-100 mm, 55-90 mm, 60-80 mm, and 65-75 mm. The water absorption rate is the value after 60 seconds, measured according to the method described in JIS L 1912 6.12.4. When the water absorption rate is within the above range, it tends to absorb intraoperative bleeding and further suppress the spread of the contaminated area.

[0043] In this embodiment, "maximum water absorption rate in any direction" refers to the maximum water absorption rate obtained when a water supply test is performed in any direction. Therefore, for example, if the water absorption rate after 60 seconds in the TD direction is 70 mm and the water absorption rate after 60 seconds in the MD direction is 50 mm, then 70 mm corresponds to the maximum water absorption rate in any direction.

[0044] The water resistance of medical drapes is preferably 400-1000 mm, 500-850 mm, or 600-700 mm. Water resistance can be measured by the method described in AATCC 127. Water resistance within the above range tends to absorb intraoperative bleeding and better suppress the spread of contamination.

[0045] The impact resistance of medical drapes is preferably 0.3g or less, 0.2g or less, and 0.1g or less. The lower limit of impact resistance is not particularly limited, but may be 0g. Impact resistance can also be measured by the method described in AATCC 42. Impact resistance within the above range tends to better absorb intraoperative bleeding and suppress the spread of contamination.

[0046] The maximum rigidity and flexibility of a medical drape in any direction is preferably 1-22 mV·cm, 5-20 mV·cm, 7-19 mV·cm, and 10-17 mV·cm. Rigidity and flexibility can be measured by the method described in JIS L1912 6.8.2. Having rigidity and flexibility within the above ranges tends to improve ease of use, as it conforms to the patient's body, does not interfere with surgical procedures, and overall handling is improved.

[0047] In this embodiment, "maximum rigidity in any direction" refers to the maximum rigidity when rigidity is measured in any direction. Therefore, for example, if the rigidity in the TD direction is 15 mV·cm and the rigidity in the MD direction is 1 mV·cm, then 15 mV·cm corresponds to the maximum rigidity in any direction.

[0048] The electrostatic charge of medical drapes is preferably 0-500V, 0-250V, 0-100V, or 0-25V. The electrostatic charge can be measured by the method described in JIS L1094 Method B. Having the electrostatic charge within the above range tends to reduce the adhesion of dust such as lint.

[0049] The nonwoven fabric and resin layer may contain other components. These other components are not particularly limited, but may include, for example, antibacterial agents, antiviral agents, antistatic agents, deodorants, and colorants.

[0050] The medical drape of this embodiment has a configuration that makes it suitable as a procurement item provided to medical institutions and government agencies. By combining lightweight, flexible, absorbent, flame-retardant, low-lint, and antistatic properties suitable for disposable use, it contributes to the realization of a hygienic and safe medical environment.

[0051] In particular, the laminated structure that achieves both waterproofing and breathability ensures fluid barrier properties during and after surgery while maintaining comfort for medical personnel and patients. Furthermore, the medical drape of this embodiment may be constructed to comply with environmental considerations required under the domestic public procurement system (for example, standards regarding the use of biodegradable materials or recycled material content based on the Green Procurement Law), and nonwoven fabrics and adhesive layers containing biodegradable resins or plant-derived raw materials can be selectively used.

[0052] Furthermore, the product specifications, including external dimensions, basis weight, lamination structure, flame retardancy (JIS L1091), rigidity (JIS L1912), and antistatic properties (JIS L1094), are adjusted to comply with official standards, and the product can be supplied in a variety of shapes and sizes for use as bed sheets, surgical field drapes, and covers. [Examples]

[0053] Next, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples. Unless otherwise specified, each test was conducted at room temperature (23°C) and 50% humidity.

[0054] [Example 1] Nonwoven fabric made with 50% rayon by mass and 50% pulp (basis weight 40g / m²) 2 A nonwoven fabric was prepared. A polylactic acid sheet (basis weight 20g / m²) was applied to one side of the prepared nonwoven fabric via Bio Hot Melt (Tex Year Industries Inc., product name TEX YEAR BIO-01). 2 Medical drapes were fabricated by heat-pressing the material at 140-160°C.

[0055] [Example 2] Nonwoven fabric made with 50% rayon by mass and 50% pulp (basis weight 50g / m²) 2 A nonwoven fabric was prepared. Unitika Terramac TE-2000C N (polylactic acid) was melted at 300°C on one side of the prepared nonwoven fabric using an extrusion lamination method, extruded into a film, and laminated to the nonwoven fabric to create a medical drape. The thickness of the polylactic acid film was 20 μm on average.

[0056] [Comparative Example 1] As a comparative example, a nonwoven fabric was prepared using 50% by mass of rayon and 50% by mass of polyethylene terephthalate fibers. A polyethylene sheet was heat-pressed onto one side of the prepared nonwoven fabric by extrusion lamination at 140-160°C to create a medical drape (basis weight 65g / m²). 2 ) was created.

[0057] [Water absorption speed] To absorb intraoperative bleeding and prevent the spread of contamination, a constant absorption rate is desirable. The absorption rate was measured according to JIS L 1912 6.12.4, and the maximum value in any direction after 60 seconds is listed in Table 1.

[0058] [Impact and water resistance] To prevent bleeding from seeping through to the patient's side (back), impact resistance is desirable. Impact resistance was measured according to AATCC 42.

[0059] [Electrostatic properties] Low electrostatic charge is desirable to reduce dust adhesion. The electrostatic charge was measured according to Method B of JIS L1094.

[0060] [Low lint content] Since lint can serve as a medium for bacteria, low lint levels are desirable. In the examples, feather adhesion was evaluated using the cellophane tape method. Specifically, a weight wrapped in cellophane tape was gently placed on the sample, left for 5 seconds, then the weight and cellophane tape were lifted and the tape was peeled off. This operation was repeated in 5 locations on the sample using the same cellophane tape, shifting the position each time, and this constituted one measurement. This measurement was performed three times, and the cellophane tape and the feather adhesion test evaluation scale were compared and graded. The average of the three evaluations was calculated and used as the measurement result. On the feather adhesion test evaluation scale, the lowest lint level is grade 5 and the highest lint level is grade 1. In Example 1 and Comparative Example 1, the low lint level was substantially the same, and there were no practical problems.

[0061] For the cellophane tape used, we used Nichiban Co., Ltd.'s CT18, which is 18 mm wide. For the weight, we used one with a flat contact surface, a width of 18 mm or more, and capable of applying a pressure of 3.9 ± 0.1 kPa (952.8 g).

[0062] [Biodegradability assessment / Disposability assessment] Nonwoven fabrics that use natural or recycled fibers as constituent materials and conventionally known biodegradable resins as the resin layer were evaluated as ○ because it is clear that there are no problems with biodegradability or disposal. On the other hand, nonwoven fabrics that use synthetic fibers as constituent materials or resins that do not have biodegradability as the resin layer were evaluated as × because it is clear that they are not biodegradable and cannot be disposed of directly in the soil.

[0063] [Table 1]

[0064] In addition to the above, the following tests were also conducted on Example 1. According to these tests, the results were deemed appropriate for use as a medical drape. Furthermore, for Example 2, results were comparable to those of Example 1 in all evaluations.

[0065] [Tensile strength] To prevent easy breakage due to the surgeon's movements or the instruments and equipment used in conjunction, it is desirable that the material has a certain tensile strength. The tensile strength was measured in accordance with JIS L1912 6.4, and the maximum value in any given direction is listed in Table 2.

[0066] [Water absorption] To absorb intraoperative bleeding and prevent the spread of contamination, a certain level of water absorption is desirable. The water absorption was measured in accordance with JIS L 1912, 6.12.3.

[0067] 〔water resistance〕 To prevent bleeding from seeping through to the patient's side (back), water resistance is desirable. Water resistance was measured according to AATCC 127.

[0068] [Artificial blood permeability] To prevent bleeding from passing through to the patient's side (back), artificial blood permeability is desirable. Artificial blood permeability was measured according to ASTM F1670.

[0069] [Virus barrier properties] To protect healthcare workers from patient-derived microorganisms, viral barrier properties are desirable. Viral barrier properties were measured according to ASTM F1671.

[0070] [Bending resistance] To ensure the garment conforms to the patient's body and does not interfere with surgical procedures, a certain degree of draping is desirable. The rigidity and flexibility were measured according to JIS L1912 6.8.2, and the maximum value in any given direction is listed in Table 2.

[0071] [Sterility] For use as a sterilized product, it is desirable that it be sterilizable with ethylene oxide gas and that residual substances after sterilization are below the standard value. In the examples, sterilization was evaluated in accordance with ISO 10993-7, and Table 1 shows the values ​​of residual ethylene oxide (residual EO) and residual ethylene chlorohydrin (residual ECH).

[0072] [Flame retardant] Since it will be used in conjunction with an electrosurgical unit, it is desirable that it not burn during surgery. In the examples, flame retardancy was evaluated in accordance with JIS L1091 8.1 (Method A (combustion test)).

[0073] [Table 2] [Industrial applicability]

[0074] The medical drape of the present invention has industrial applicability as a medical drape with a low environmental impact.

Claims

1. Nonwoven fabric made from natural or recycled fibers, The nonwoven fabric has a resin layer laminated to it, The resin layer includes a biodegradable resin. Medical drapes.

2. The biodegradable resin comprises one or more selected from the group consisting of polylactic acid, polybutylene succinate, polybutylene succinate adipate, polyethylene succinate, polyglycol, polycaprolactone, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate), and polyvinyl alcohol. A medical drape according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned natural fibers include wood pulp or non-wood pulp. A medical drape according to claim 1.

4. The regenerated fiber includes one or more selected from the group consisting of rayon, lyocell, cupro, and polynosic. A medical drape according to claim 1.

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