Perineal pad to apply cold therapy

Abstract

The present invention refers to a perineal pad (1) to apply cold therapy, the pad comprises a central zone A filled by a system of communicating vessels comprised of a network of communicating channels (3) that define a plurality of pouches (4) to be filled by a liquid, a watertight peripheral zone B that limits the central zone and an opening (2) to the outside in communication with the network of communicating channels (3). The network of communicating channels (3) and the plurality of pouches (4) form an anatomically compatible perineal cooling area. The present invention further refers to a method to apply cold therapy.

Description

Perineal dressing for cold therapy application.

[0001] The present invention relates to a perineal dressing for cold therapy application. State of the art

[0002] The use of cold therapy (cryotherapy) for pain and discomfort relief, as well as reduction of edema resulting from inflammatory processes associated with, for example, wounds such as surgical wounds or skin sutures (such as episiotomy), is widely known. Cooling pads with various types of fillings are already known. For example, application EP1101429A1 discloses a pad, a garment, and a helmet for applying cold therapy to selected areas.

[0003] For relief of perineal pain associated with conditions such as vulvar, penile, or anal surgery, or childbirth, cold therapy is recommended by international scientific societies such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists because it is effective in reducing and relieving pain, local discomfort, and reducing edema and inflammation.

[0004] Cold therapy is often applied using pads designed for other areas of the body, such as the back or neck, resulting in insufficient cold application and anatomical incompatibility. Given the anatomy of the perineal area and the difficulty of adapting existing materials to perineal anatomy, solutions such as ice packs or gloves filled with ice cubes are frequently used as backup solutions in hospitals. Other elements such as pads and other cold sources like ice packs or latex gloves, bags with various fillings, such as bags of peas, are also sometimes used for cold administration due to their adaptability. However, given the poor anatomical fit, these sources are not efficient in reducing pain or relieving symptoms resulting from conditions, surgery, or childbirth.For example, the use of ice packs or gloves filled with ice cubes makes it difficult to adapt to the local anatomy and causes discomfort because the size of the ice cubes is irregular, and often the cubes are too large and have sharp edges. To solve this problem, water is often added to the ice-filled bags or gloves in an attempt to make the application more malleable. However, this solution will reduce the effectiveness of the cold therapy by increasing the temperature of the glove or bag, not functioning as a true ice patch.

[0005] These solutions present other disadvantages. For example, applying a reusable pad compatible with hot or cold therapy generates discomfort as it heats up. Furthermore, being reusable, and having been in contact with biological products such as blood and possibly fecal matter, it has the disadvantage of potentially becoming a source of contamination, despite being sanitized (not sterilized). The application of instant ice packs, which are disposable, has the disadvantage of not providing cold for a sufficient amount of time and, being made of fragile material, frequently breaks.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a more effective solution for applying cold therapy to the perineal area. Description of the Invention

[0007] The present invention relates to a dressing (1) for applying cold to the perineal area comprising

[0008] - a central zone A filled by a system of communicating vessels comprising a network of communicating channels (3),

[0009] - a watertight peripheral zone B that limits the central zone A,

[0010] - an opening (2) to the outside in communication with the network of communicating channels (3) and

[0011] - means to close the opening to the outside,

[0012] wherein the network of communicating channels (3) defines a plurality of pockets (4) for filling with a liquid and the pockets (4) communicate with each other through the communicating channels (3), and

[0013] where the network of communicating channels (3) and the plurality of pouches (4) form an anatomically compatible perineal cooling area.

[0014] In one particular aspect, the invention relates to a dressing (1) for applying cold to the perineal area, as described above, wherein the liquid is a cooling, refrigerating or freezing liquid.

[0015] In a further particular aspect, the invention relates to a dressing (1) for applying cold to the perineal area, as described above, in which the liquid is selected from water, gel, glycol, mineral oils and a water-oil or water-gel mixture.

[0016] In one particular aspect, the invention relates to a dressing (1) for applying cold to the perineal area, as described above, wherein the means for closing the opening (2) to the outside are selected from knots, ties, springs, fasteners, adhesives or glue.

[0017] In a further particular aspect, the invention relates to a dressing (1) for applying cold to the perineal area, as described above, wherein the means for closing the opening (2) to the outside are a zip lock type closure (5).

[0018] In a particular aspect, the invention relates to a dressing (1) for applying cold to the perineal area, as described above, wherein the central area A comprises 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or between 10 and 20 pouches (4) in a direction transverse to the perineal area and 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 or between 20 and 40 pouches (4) in a direction longitudinal to the perineal area.

[0019] In one particular aspect, the invention relates to a dressing (1) for applying cold to the perineal area, as described above, and further comprising an outer envelope of disposable material.

[0020] In another aspect, the invention relates to a method for applying cold therapy to the perineal area, wherein the method comprises the steps of

[0021] - fill the dressing (1) described above with a liquid,

[0022] - Place the dressing (1) in the freezer until the liquid freezes.

[0023] In another aspect, the invention relates to a method for applying cold therapy to the perineal area, wherein the method comprises the steps of

[0024] - fill the dressing (1) in accordance with claims 1 to 7 with a liquid,

[0025] - Place the dressing (1) in the refrigerator until the liquid cools.

[0026] In another aspect, the invention relates to a method for applying cold therapy to the perineal area, as previously described, wherein the liquid is a cooling, refrigerating or freezing liquid.

[0027] In another, more specific aspect, the invention relates to a method for applying cold therapy to the perineal area, as described above, wherein the liquid is selected from water, gel, glycol, mineral oils, and a water-oil or water-gel mixture.

[0028] The following figures illustrate the principles and embodiments of the present invention. The figures are not intended to, and should not be construed as, limiting the scope of the present invention. Any alterations or adaptations of the illustrated features resulting from the normal activity of a person skilled in the art who possessed this description are considered within the scope of the claimed invention. Fig. 1

[0029] [Fig. 1] Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which the dressing has a shape adapted for the application of cold to relieve perineal pain associated with vulvar and anal conditions. Figure 1 shows a dressing 1 comprising a central zone A, a peripheral zone B, and an opening 2. The central zone has a network of communicating channels 3 that define pockets 4. The dressing in Figure 1 has a substantially rectangular shape for applying cold to the vulvar area and an oblong-shaped flap for applying cold to the anal area. Fig. 2

[0030] [Fig. 2] Figure 2 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which the dressing has a shape adapted for the application of cold to relieve perineal pain associated with vulvar conditions. Figure 2 shows a dressing 1 comprising a central zone A, a peripheral zone B, and an opening 2. The central zone has a network of communicating channels 3 that define pockets 4. The dressing in Figure 2 has a substantially rectangular shape for applying cold to the vulvar area. Fig. 3

[0031] [Fig. 3] Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which the dressing has a shape adapted for the application of cold to relieve perineal pain associated with vulvar, penile, or anal conditions. Figure 3 shows a dressing 1 comprising a central zone A, a peripheral zone B, and an opening 2. The central zone has a network of communicating channels 3 that define pockets 4. The dressing in Figure 3 has an essentially oblong shape for applying cold to the vulvar, penile, or anal area.

[0032] Figure 3 also presents a particular aspect of the invention, which consists of a zip-lock type closure 5. The presence of the closure is optional and is not exclusive to the dressing in Figure 3, and may be present in any other dressing according to the invention. Detailed description of the invention.

[0033] The dressing (1) of the invention is intended for the application of cold to relieve perineal pain.

[0034] The dressing (1) comprises a central zone A which in turn comprises a network of communicating channels (3) that define a plurality of pockets (4). The dressing also comprises a peripheral zone B, which joins the two sheets or layers of material that form the dressing (1) and which defines an outer boundary, impermeable and resistant to the passage of liquids.

[0035] The dressing (1) consists of two sheets or layers of waterproof material, joined together in the peripheral zone by a continuous seam and in the central zone by a discontinuous seam. In a particular embodiment, the material of the two sheets or layers forming the dressing (1) is plastic material.

[0036] The joining line can be formed by various techniques, including but not limited to techniques selected from the group formed by applying stitched points, applying welding or heat welding, ultrasound, applying glue or by heat fusion.

[0037] The entire central zone A of the dressing (1) is covered by a system of communicating vessels consisting of a network of communicating channels (3) and pockets (4).

[0038] The network of communicating channels (3) can be formed by, but is not limited to, applying stitches, welding, glue or fusion of the material from the central zone A of the dressing.

[0039] The network of communicating channels (3) divides the central zone into several individual portions or pockets (4). The communicating channels (3) allow the circulation of liquid throughout the central zone A of the dressing (1). In this way, the liquid that fills the pockets (4) circulates in and out of a pocket and between pockets, occupying the entire central zone A which is filled with liquid for the application of cold therapy.

[0040] The pockets (4) are defined by the network of communicating channels (3) in the central zone A. The central zone A comprises a system of communicating vessels that is delimited by the peripheral zone B which is watertight and common to the two sheets or layers of the dressing (1).

[0041] In a particular embodiment of the invention, the network of communication channels (3) defines pockets (4) with square, rectangular, triangular, rhomboid, circular, elliptical, or other shapes.

[0042] The communicating vessels system (3) occupies the entire central zone A of the dressing (1) in such a way that the central zone A of the dressing (1) is divided into a plurality of pockets (4) in a transverse, longitudinal and oblique direction.

[0043] The communicating vessels system occupies the entire central zone A of the dressing (1) in such a way that the central zone A of the dressing (1) is occupied by a plurality of divisions that communicate with each other in a transverse, longitudinal and oblique direction.

[0044] The communicating vessels system occupies the entire central zone A of the dressing (1) in such a way that the central zone of the dressing (1) is occupied by a plurality of pockets (4) which are delimited and communicate with each other through the network of communicating channels (3) in a transverse, longitudinal and oblique direction.

[0045] In one particular embodiment of the invention, the dressing consists of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 divisions in a direction transverse to the perineal area.

[0046] In another particular embodiment of the invention, the dressing is composed of 10 to 20 divisions in a direction transverse to the perineal area.

[0047] In a particular embodiment of the invention, the dressing (1) is composed of 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 divisions or pockets (4) in a longitudinal direction in relation to the perineal area.

[0048] In another particular embodiment of the invention, the dressing (1) is composed of 20 to 40 divisions or pockets (4) in a longitudinal direction in relation to the perineal area.

[0049] The network of communication channels (3) and the pockets (4) delimited by these channels in the central zone A make the dressing malleable and adaptable to the anatomy of the perineal zone.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the peripheral zone B that delimits the central zone A has rounded corners for better anatomical comfort.

[0051] The dressing (1) is also equipped with an opening (2) to the outside which is in communication with the network of communicating channels (3) of the central zone A. In this way, a liquid capable of cooling, refrigeration or freezing can be added to the inside of the dressing (1), filling the pockets (4) more or less.

[0052] In the context of the present invention, a liquid capable of being cooled, refrigerated or frozen is any liquid suitable for cryotherapy. By way of non-limiting example, a liquid capable of being cooled, refrigerated or frozen according to the invention is water, gel, glycol, mineral oils and a water-oil or water-gel mixture.

[0053] In one particular embodiment of the invention, the coolant is water.

[0054] In a particular embodiment of the invention, the coolant is cooled or refrigerated before being introduced into the dressing (1).

[0055] In a particular embodiment of the invention, the dressing (1) is placed in the freezer after the refrigerant liquid is added.

[0056] The opening (2) to the outside is fitted with means to be closed and to prevent leakage of the coolant. The means for closing the opening are selected from, but not limited to, a list comprising knots, loops, springs, fasteners, adhesives or glue.

[0057] In one particular embodiment of the invention, the opening has a zip lock type closure (5).

[0058] In a particular embodiment of the invention, the dressing (1) is made of a disposable material. In this embodiment, the dressing can only be used once and should not be placed in the freezer after use to avoid contamination.

[0059] The dressing (1) can be used alone or in conjunction with an outer wrap or envelope to protect the skin from the cold.

[0060] In one particular embodiment of the invention, the dressing (1) is inserted into an envelope of compatible dimensions and disposable material.

[0061] In another particular embodiment of the invention, the envelope is made of non-woven fabric, polypropylene, polypropylene and viscose or cotton fibers.

[0062] The dressing of the invention has application in various conditions such as postpartum edema, laceration, episiotomy or cesarean section scar, in vulvar, penile or anal conditions, namely hemorrhoids. The dressing of the invention can be used in perineal conditions in both females and males.

[0063] In one embodiment of the invention, the dressing has the shape shown in Figure 1 and is intended for the application of cold to relieve perineal pain associated with vulvar and anal conditions.

[0064] In one particular embodiment of the invention, the dressing has the shape shown in Figure 2 and is intended for the application of cold to relieve perineal pain associated with vulvar conditions.

[0065] In one particular embodiment of the invention, the dressing has the shape shown in Figure 3 and is intended for the application of cold to relieve perineal pain associated with vulvar, penile, or anal conditions. Examples

[0066] EXAMPLE 1 – Dressing for relief of the vulvar and anal area

[0067] The dressing is 210 mm long, 95 mm at its widest point and 75 mm at its narrowest point in the middle. The continuous border around the entire dressing is 5 mm.

[0068] Each division measures 15 x 15 mm. The opening is 45 mm in the area that comes into contact with the continuous boundary and 65 mm at the entrance opening.

Claims

A dressing (1) for applying cold to the perineal area, characterized by comprising - a central zone A filled with a system of communicating vessels comprising a network of communicating channels (3), - a watertight peripheral zone B that limits the central zone A, - an opening (2) to the outside communicating with the network of communicating channels (3) and - means for closing the opening to the outside, wherein the network of communicating channels (3) defines a plurality of pockets (4) for filling with a liquid and the pockets (4) communicate with each other through the communicating channels (3), and wherein the network of communicating channels (3) and the plurality of pockets (4) form an anatomically compatible perineal cooling area. Dressing (1) for applying cold to the perineal area according to claim 1 characterized in that the liquid is a cooling, refrigerating or freezing liquid. Dressing (1) for applying cold to the perineal area according to claim 1 or 2 characterized in that the liquid is selected from water, gel, glycol, mineral oils and a water-oil or water-gel mixture. Pense (1) for applying cold to the perineal area according to claims 1 to 3 characterized in that the means for closing the opening (2) to the outside are selected from among knots, ties, springs, fasteners, adhesives or glue. Penis dressing (1) for applying cold to the perineal area according to claims 1 to 4 characterized in that the means for closing the opening (2) to the outside are a zip lock type closure (5). Dressing (1) for applying cold to the perineal area according to the preceding claims characterized by the central area A comprising 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or between 10 and 20 pouches (4) in a direction transverse to the perineal area and 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 or between 20 and 40 pouches (4) in a direction longitudinal to the perineal area. Dressing (1) for applying cold to the perineal area according to any of the preceding claims characterized by further comprising an outer envelope of disposable material. Method for applying cold therapy to the perineal area characterized by comprising the steps of - filling the dressing (1) according to claims 1 to 7 with a liquid, - placing the dressing (1) in the freezer until the liquid freezes. Method for applying cold therapy to the perineal area characterized by comprising the steps of - filling the dressing (1) according to claims 1 to 7 with a liquid, - placing the dressing (1) in the refrigerator until the liquid cools. A method for applying cold therapy to the perineal area according to claims 8 or 9, characterized in that the liquid is a cooling, refrigerating or freezing liquid. A method for applying cold therapy to the perineal area according to claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the liquid is selected from water, gel, glycol, mineral oils, and a water-oil or water-gel mixture.

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