Safety apparatus for use in a medical procedure

Abstract

The present invention relates to a safety apparatus for use in a procedure comprising at least first and second devices, wherein the first device and second device are for use in a medical procedure, the- apparatus comprising a disabling mechanism that is adapted to releasably retain and thereby prevent use of the said second device until release by a release procedure using the first device. The invention further relates to a method of carrying out a procedure comprising the steps of using the first device, applying the first device to a disabling mechanism to release the second device, and using the second device.

Description

SAFETY APPARATUS FOR USE IN A MEDICAL PROCEDUREThe present invention relates generally to safety apparatus, and a method for its use and in particular to safety apparatus for use in a medical proccedure. When humans perform complex tasks, or even simple tasks under pressure, mistakes can occur; The consequences of such mistakes are always undesirable, and sometimes catastrophic. It has been estimated that up to 90% of all workplace accidents have human error as a cause (Fever. AM & Williamson. A.M. ( 199k): Human factors in accident muddling. In; Stdlman, IM (Fd. s. F.ncyclopacdiu to' Occupational Health and Safely. Fourth hditlon. Geneva: International Labour Organisation}. Some industries. notably health-csre, experience long-term, continuous exp sure to human error. The costs in terms of human life and money are high (Institute of Meo c x (2000): To err is human: Building a safer health system. Washington: National Academy Press). Placing emphasis on reducing human error may help reduce these costs. In order to address human factors in workplace safety settings, capabilities and limitations must be understood and systems and procedures designed accordingly, remembering that the modern: working environment is very different to the settings that humans have evolved to deal with. Such systems and procedure \ can mu gate risks and reduce the rate of occurrence of errors but not eliminate them c omnloudv In certain situations, human beings will always make mistakes and there is a limit to what can be done to modify behaviour itself.The most extreme instances of error in healthcare are the so-called “never events'; particular!) shocking medical errors that should never occur which art unambiguous (clearly identifiable and measurable), serious (resulting in death or significant disability) and usually preventable if the available measures have been implemented by healthcare: practitioners. Never events occur in many different areas of healthcare, including invasive procedures. In (he National Health Service in England it is reported that never events relating to invasive procedures comprise 85% of all reported never events. Invasive procedure never events often involve the loss of or retention of medical apparatus in patients post-procedure (known as "retained instrument post operation").An example of an invasive procedure never event is the retention of" a guide wire after a catheter insertion procedure. Currently, guide wires are used to assist in the placement of percutaneous catheters in blood vessels or other body spaces. Examples of percutaneous catheters include central venous catheters, arterial catheters, chest drains. intra-aortic balloon pumps, thoracic catheters, tracheostomies and the like. Using a technique known as the Seidinger Technique, a needle or "trocar is inserted into the structure and a guide wire is then passed through the needle. The needle is removed, a dilator may be passed and removed to open up the channel and then the catheter is passed over the guide wire into position-. The guide wire should then be removed, and the catheter ia commonly then stitched to th© skin or atached by staples or adhesives or adhesive tapes orthe: like. Then a dressing is applied. The dressing may he impregnated or contain antiseptic agents. The never event, occurs where the step of guide wire removal is omitted as: a result of human error. As will be appreciated, the consequences for the patient of leaving the guide wire behind can be very severe and sometimes fatal. Many invasive procedures require the performance of a Set of actions by the clinician according to a sequence. It is an object of the present invention to: provide apparatus and a method that utilises this in order to seek to mitigate problems such as those described above.According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided safety apparatus for use in a procedure comprising at least first and second devices, wherein the first and second devices comprise devices for use in a medical procedure, the apparatus comprising a disabling mechanism that is adapted to refeasably retain and thereby prevent use of the said second device until release by a release procedure using the first device. It Is advantageous to provide a safety apparatus that requires a first device to release and make useable a second device; For example, a guide wire that has been used in a surgical procedure, may be used as the first device to release apparatus for suturing and / or dressing a wound from the safety apparatus. This would ensure that a surgeon who has just performed a medical procedure must remove the guide wire from a patient in order to open: me saforj dofo.e and proceed to the final »tep of suturing and dressmg .$ wound made during the procedure. Creating a second purpose for the guide wire ensures its removal from the patient and the safety apparatus therefore provides a set protocol that must be followed. This would limit medical mistakes such as leasing the guide wireinside a patient and dosing the wound created during the medical procedure.It is preferred that the first and second devices comprise devices for use in an invasive surgical procedure.The disabling mechanism may be adapted to render the second said deviceinoperable until release by the first device. Alternatively, the disabling mechanism may be adapted to substantially enclose the second device to prevent its use. Making the second device inoperable or enclosed ensures that the first device must be available hi order to render the second device useableIt is preferred that the disabling mechanism is adapted to retain the first said device as part of the release procedure for the second said device. It is further preferred that the disabling mechanism is adapted such that release of the second device is only achieved upon and / or as a result of substantial enclosure of the first said device by the disabling mechanism. This has the advantage of placing procedural steps in place that must be followed in sequence during s procedure. The advantage of this is that it reduces or removes the possibility of human error by requiring that the first device is located and present in order to proceed with the next step of using the second device.It is preferred that the disabling mechanism comprises a receptacle having an openable and closable lid, a first interior volume adapted to contain the second said and a lock mechanism for the lid that is only operable by use of the first said device.It is further preferred that the receptacle comprises a second interior volume adapted to retain and substantially enclose the first said device when the lock, mechanism has been actuated. It is further preferred that the shape of the interior volume substantially corresponds to the shape of the first said device. This is advantageous as it ensures that the safety device takes up no more space than is required to enclose the second device. If the second device is for use in a medical procedure, then this is very beneficial as space is at a premium tn an operating theatre in which multiple instruments and devices are requiredIt ts preferred that the second interior volume forms a channel within the lid.it is preferred that the channel has a first aperture for the first device to enter the second interior volume and a second aperture for the first device to exit the second interior volume. Thisd is particularly advantageous when the first device is a wire, fot example a guide wire, as it allows the wire to be a threaded though the apertures such that the ends fo the wire for a lever that can be used to pull open the openable and closable lid.It is preferred that the second interior volume is loop or arch shaped.It is preferred that the receptacle comprises a lower base surface, at least four side walls, and the fid to define the first interior volume, wherein the openable and closable ltd has an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein in the closed configuration receptacle such as to prevent opening of the lid without the first device.It is preferred that the locking mechanism comprises magnets. Using a magnet to seal the lid to the receptacle reduces complexity of the device which means that it is cheap and easy to manufacture, in a khinw. it is a robust: system that is less likely to fail than a complex locking system.It is preferred that the magnets are located on the lid.It is preferred that the magnets are located on the Nd and the lower base surface of the receptacle.It is preferred that the first device is a guide wire. It is preferred that the second device is apparatus for suturing and / or dressing a wound. This apparatus may include dressings, stitch or other suture devices, or adhesive.It is preferred that the disabling mechanism includes means to indicate to a user (hat it has been used. The indicating means may comprise a transparent part. This is a simple and advantageous means to indicate that the first device is properly positioned and rata ined by the de vi ce after Insertion .According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of carrying out a procedure comprising the use of at least first and second devices, the method comprising the steps of using the first device, applying the first device to adisabling mechanism to a How use of the second device, and using the second device. it is preferred that the method comprises a medical procedure. h is preferred that the method comprises an invasive surgical procedure.It is preferred that the method comprises the step of rendering the first device incapable of reuse by the step of applying it to release the second device.According to a third aspect of the invention there is- provided a kit for carrying out a procedure comprising the safety device of the first aspect of the invention and the second device.According to a fourth aspect of the Invention there is provided a method of manufacturing the safety device according to the first aspect of the invention.The invention will further be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which,Figure 1 is a perspective view of apparatus according to the invention;Figure 2 is a plan view of the apparatus of figure I; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a base of the apparatus of figure I :Figure 4 is a perspective view of a lid of the apparatus of figure ItFigure 5 is a perspective view of a part of (he lid of the apparatus of figure I;Figure. 6 is a perspective view of the apparatus ol figure I in a first position;Figure 7 is a perspective view of the apparatus of figure 1 in a second position; Figure 8 is a perspective view of a second: embodmtent of apparatus according to the invention; andFigure 9 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of apparatus according to the invention.Referring to the drawings there is illustrated safety apparatus L for use in a procedure comprising at least first and second devices, the apparatus comprising a disabling mechanism 2 that is adapted to relcasably prevent use of the said second des 'n.e until release therefrom by the first device. In this example the apparatus I is intended for use in a Seidinger Technique catheter insertion procedure. Thus in this example the first device is a guide wire and the second device can be any or all of the devices used thereafter in the procedure, namelydressings, stitch or other suture devices, or adhesive.Referring to. Figure I , the disabling mechanism 2 takes the form of a rectangular box formed from an injection moulded plastics material. The box 2 includes integrally moulded base 3, sides 4 and front and back, sides 7 and 8 that define an opening. A lid 5 eontpk'ulv closes the opening. V can be ,<tn from figure I . foa-n dw fid 5 h; dosed it fits flush n ith the top edges 6 of the sides 4 v. idrin the -tpemng and w ith rath a small gap therebetween. The fid is attached to the box by hinge pins (not shown). Figures 3 and 6 show the interior volume of the box 2:. The back side 8 is lower, relative to the other three sides 4, 7 and its top edge 9 includes a flange 10 that extends' inwardly towards the inferior volume. Sides 4 are provided with through holes I I above flange 10. Front side 7 has substantially the same vertical extent as sides 4 but also includes a flange 12, but in this case the flange 12 includes a first flat land 13 in the same plane as the top edges 6 of the sides 4, and a second fiat land 14 in the same plane as flange 10. In some embodiments, the flat land 14 may be a recessed shelf. figures 4, 5 and 6 show details of the lid 5. The fid 5 comprises a substam ialiy rectangular moulded plastics plate, including an upper surfece 15, a lower surface 16 and a hinge formation 17, Hinge formation 17 comprises an elongate body 18 integrally formed at and extending downwardly (in use) from the lower surface 16 of the lid adjacent Its back edge. The hinge formation 17 includes a blind bore 19 extending inwardly as viewed from each end (figure 4). As its front edge the lid 5 is provided with two paraliel channels 20 spaces equally from and parallel to a longitudinally extending crural axis. The channels 20 extend about one tenth of the longitudinal extent of the fid. Each channel 20 includes a floor 21 thatslopes downwardly, as viewed, at angle Of about 30 degrees from the level of the upper surface 15 of the lid towards apertures 22 that open out through the lower surface 16.A guide wire retaining channel 23 is located on the lower Surface 16 of the lid 5. In this embodiment the guide wire retaining channel 23 comprises an elongate moulded plasties tube which includes first and second linear sections 24, 25 connected by a curved section 26. The tube includes a through bore 27 that extends its entire length: u^d is dimensioned to accommodate a guide wire. The tube is attached to the b >\wr surface:16 of the lid so that each end of the through bore 27 Is in register with an aperture 22 of the channels 20. Ths through bore 27 is configured to be a. few centimetres shorter than the length of the guide wire with which it is intended to be used. As will be appreciated,different configurations- of guide wire retaining channel 23 can be provided, for example, bx forming an open channel in the fovx^r SUJ UKX to the lid arm covering it with a simple flat cover (Figure 8).The guide w:re rthnning channel 23 must he huge enough fo uev»'!nmodate allsizes and gauges of guide wires which may be used, allowing for ease of passage of the guide wire.As can be seen from figures 6 and 7, when the lid 5 is in the closed position its front and rear edges are supported upon flange lb and land 14 so that the lid cannot fall Into the box. The lid 5 can be made to be a simple interference fit with the sides. back and front 4, 7, 8 when it is in the closed position, or alternatively a latch mechanism can be provided. In a second embodiment, the lid may be secured in the closed position using magnets. In this embodiment (shown- in Figure 8), a magnet 30 is provided on both the front lower lid 5 and the recessed shelf or land 14 io hold the recessed lid in the closed position. In use, the box 2 is provided to a user including dressings, stitch or other suture devices, or adhesive. The lid 5 is closed and cannot easily be opened because of frictional forces. After use of a guide wire, the user must insert the guide wire into the guide Wire retaining Jxmnel 23 fo feeding 11 into one of inc channel* 26mat it passes around ihe curved section 26 and reappears from the other channel 217. The guide wire Itself can then be used to apply upward pressure to the lid to open it and gain access to the contents.From the above description it will appreciated that in this embodiment the invention provides a box or container or packaging that is locked dosed and requires the wire to be placed in the proximity oil placed on or inserted into a hole in the box which unlocks the box and allows the clinician access to the contents. The description of catheter placement as described above, indicates that a clin’v'an who has forgotten to remove the wire, would normally proceed to stitch or otherwise secure the wire to the patient’s skin and place a sterile dressing over the insertion site. Using the currentinvention, the dressing and / or the stitch or other suture devices, or adhesives required to complete the procedure could only be, accessed if the clinician uses the guide wire to open the container, This means theguide wire must have been removed.One alternative embodiment of the invention has a hole in which the end of the wire is- threaded Which manually pushes and unlocks a locking mechanism.A further embodiment of the invention has a slot that the side of the wire can be slotted into to manually push elements which, will unlock the container. A further embodiment of the invention has a. pathway for a. wire which encircles or partially encircles the container and an encircling or partially encircling wire can be pulled tight by both ends to enable friction to pull open the locking mechanism.A further embodiment of the invention is a packaging for a stitch or other suture dew ucs that w difficult to open unless a wire is placed through a hole thereby enabling the package t> < be easily ripped open.A hi'thej embodiment of the uu enl i's Ms sn -memoy mtch.mwo Out mips the guide wire so rh«t it cannot be semoved thetebv preventing thv v linieian from using lhe guide wire prior to catheter placement to open the invention.A further embodiment of the Invention can be sterilised to enable it to be used within a sterile field.In a further embodiment shown in Figure 9, the guide wire retaining channel 23 is located in a separate component affixed to the lower surface lo of the lid 5. In this embodiment, the guide wire retaining channel 23 c.-mpnxcs a .separate plate 40 which slots into hooks 41. The guide wire retaining channel comprises a channel which includesfirst and second linear sections 24, 25 connected by a curved section 26. The tube includes a through bore 27 that extends its entire length and is dimensioned toaccommodate a guide wire. The through bore 27 is in register with an aperture 22 of the channels 20 -(not shown) on the upper surface of the lid 5 such that the guide wire may be inserted through the channels 20 (not shown) on the upper surface of the lid 5 and into the guide wire retaining channel 23 in the plate 40.In order to test the efficacy of this approach an experiment was pcrhnmi'd as fellow>:Materials and Methods: A Safety Procedure Pack (SPP) was prepared consisting of a box 2 containing the stitch, stitch holder and anti microbial dressing required to complete the procedure. 'The SPP had a recessed lid which" could only be opened by inserting a aireW-re into a hfoo rebedeo "iiworthere" U nb 'Krt app’> red ..no written consent, doctors experienced in independent GVG placement were randomised to routine practice (RP) or SPP groups. All were presented with a scenario whereby a colleague who was mid-CVC insertion had been called away to an emergency. ih.i tic* rani - were asked l- sab \ < unplete lire pnxedure I be tretmk.5medU bac the CVC inserted w ith the guide w ire let', inim-luminalh in the distal lumen. \ isibk- this -ugh the transparent tubing to the hub and retrievable -with forceps from the hub. No guidewire was present on the trolley or in the otherwise empty sharps bin. A cardio monitor showed ectopic beats. If specifically asked, the only information that the junior assistant knew was that the SPP was a new safety procedure pack recently introduced: info the hospital containing the sutures and dressings which could be used as a sharps repository after placement.Results and Discussion: The SEP completely prevented guidewire retention iJhPn RP v 0% SEP retention, n=20, p<(),001 by Fishers Exact test). In the control RP group 8 completed simulation of suturing, dressing and returning the patient to the ward with the guidewire left in place. In the SEP group participants underwent searches of combinations of trolley, floor, sharps bin and domestic bin before the realisation of the I nlre- luminal location of die wire. Ah n tres wue eventual ix renuoed without e-nrelK.dticns A structured questionnaire for the SPP group examined feedback for their first use of the SEP. All participants indicated the SEP improved practice in terrnS: of guidewire safety.convenience and sharpsAwe disposal safety.Cnndnsions: The SPP was 100% saecessfi.d in preventing the never event ofCVC guidewire retention alongside facilitating normal insertion.

Claims

UClaims1, A safety apparatus for use in a procedure comprising at least first and second devices, wherein the first device and second device are .for use in a medical procedure, the apparatus comprising a disabling mechanism that is adapted to releasable retain and thereby prevent use of the said second device until release by a release procedure using the first device.2, A safety device according to claim I, wherein the first and second devices comprise devices for use in an invasive surgical procedure.3, A safety device according to claims I or 2, wherein the disabling mechanism is adapted to render the second said device inoperable until release by the first device.

4. A -safety device according to any one of the preceding claims^ wherein the disabling mechanism may be adapted to substantially enclose the second said device to prevent its use.

5. A safety device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the disabling mechanism is adapted to retain the first said device as part of the release procedure for the second '.aid dev ice.

6. A safety device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the disabling mechanism is adapted such that release of the second device is only achieved upon and os as a Rowlt m' substantial etukwuc o1the first sad do ser tn the ihsabbag mechanism.

7. A safety device according to:any one of the preceding claims, wherein the disabling mechanism comprises a receptacle having an opehable and closable lid, a first interior volume adapted to contain the second said device, and a lock mechanism for the lid that is only operable by use of the first said device.

8. A safety device according to claim 7, wherein the disabling mechanism comprisesa second Interior volume adapted to retain and suh-siantially enclose the tlr.st said device when the lock mechanism has been actuated.

9. A safety device according to claim 8, wherein the shape of the second interior volume substantially corresponds to the shape of the first said device.

10. A safety device according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the second interior volume forms a channel within the: lid.1 1. A - afi'A d?\ ' c Ai C.-o’Psg te daan 10 tht’tm rhe Jvte'.el has a f'*<, .mestme ku the first device to enter the second interior volume and a second aperture for the first device to exit the second interior volume.

12. A safety device according to claims 8 to 1 I, wherein the second interior volume is loop or arch shaped.13 A safety device according to claims 7 to 12, wherein the receptacle comprises a lower bass: surface, at least four side walks, and the lid to define the first interior volume^ wherein the openable and closable lid has ati open configuration and a closed wol'igm item,surface with the at least four side walls of the teceptac-le such as to prevent opening of the lid without the first device, 14. A safety device according to claims 7 to 13, wherein the locking mechanism comprises magnets.I ■" \ $,4ek do ice iteota ng to d.u u s I uhesun thethe hd 16. A saietx dev ice according to claims 13 to 15, therein magnets arc located on the lid and the lowei base surface of the receptacle,17 X $:tetj dev ice accetding to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the disabling mechanism includes means to indicate to a user that it has been used.

18. A sakm Jewaccording to claim 10. wherein the indicating means comprises a transparent part.

19. A safety device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first device is a guide wire.

20. A safety device according to any one of the preceding defess. wherein the second device Is apparatus for suturing and / or dressing a wound.

21. A safety device substantially as described herein with reference to the examples and drawings.

22. A method of carrying out a procedure comprising the use of at least first and second devices, the method comprising the steps of Using the first device, applying the first device to a disabling mechanism to release the second device, and using the second device.

23. A method according to claim 22. wherein the;method comprises an invasive surgical procedure.

24. A method according to claim 22 and claim 23, wherein method comprises the step of rendering the first device incapable- of reuse by the step of applying it to release the second device.

25. A method acc’ >rdmg u> am one <A the preceding Jaime wherein the ih -u dc<. ke is a guide wire.

26. A method, according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second device: is apparatus for suturing and / or dressing a wound.

27. A method substantially as described herein with reference to the examples and drawings.

28. A kii for carrying out a procedure. comprising the safety apparatus of ciaims 1 to 20 and the second device.

29. A kit according to claim 22 further comprising the first device.

30. A kit substantially as described herein with reference to the examples and drawings.

31. A method ol manul acun ing the safot) device accofo »v 'e Jaims 1 to 21,32. A method of manufacturing a safety device substantially as described herein with reference to the examples and drawings.

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