Adjustable Compression Mastectomy Recovery Garment With Drain Loops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mastectomy bras lack adjustable compression and secure tubing management for post-operative patients, leading to increased risk of complications and discomfort during recovery.
Innovation Solution
A wearable garment with adjustable compression bands and secure drain tube management, featuring a hook-and-eye mechanism, zipper, and removable straps for variable compression and easy access to surgical sites, along with internal pockets for ice packs and breast prostheses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mastectomy bra is designed with fixed compression, then the structure is simple, but it cannot provide variable compression needed during different stages of recovery
Solution Approach 1:
The compression band is designed to be adjustable and removable, allowing the compression level to be dynamically changed based on the patient's recovery stage. The band can be fastened at different positions or removed entirely, transforming the static compression garment into a dynamic system that adapts to changing physiological needs during recovery.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression function is segmented into a separate, removable band component rather than being integrated into the entire garment structure. This allows the compression element to be independently adjusted or removed without affecting the rest of the bra, providing variable compression while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Reliability
If drain tubes are left exposed or loosely managed, then the garment structure is simple, but the risk of tube displacement and complications increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drain tubes are nested within dedicated channels or pockets integrated into the bra structure. The tubes are routed through defined pathways that keep them organized and secure, preventing displacement while maintaining a relatively simple overall garment design. The nesting approach allows multiple tubes to be managed within the bra's existing structure.
3Ease of operation
If the bra is made with non-removable components, then the structure is stable, but access to surgical sites and drainage devices becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The compression band and drainage management components are designed to be removable or detachable from the main bra structure. This allows these functional elements to be taken out for cleaning, adjustment, or replacement without compromising the integrity of the bra itself. The extraction of these components maintains structural stability while significantly improving ease of operation and access to surgical sites.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Reduces the risk of complications and enhances comfort by providing adjustable compression and secure drain tube management, allowing for easy monitoring and access to surgical sites without removing the garment.
Implementation Method 1
a fastening system configured to secure the outer edges of the two front panels together, wherein the fastening system comprises a hook-and-eye mechanism and a zipper
Implementation Method 2
a removable compression band configured to provide a compressive force about the wearer and comprising: elastomeric material
Implementation Method 3
a compression band configured to provide a compressive force about the wearer
Implementation Method 4
a drain loop strap attached to each of the two front panels for holding a drain tube against the wearer
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is a wearable garment for recovery of a wearer after the wearer has undergone a surgical procedure, the wearable garment having an outer shell including at least a back panel and two front panels that, when the wearable garment is worn about a wearer, have outer edges that are adjacent to each other, a fastening system configured to secure the outer edges of the front panels together, wherein the fastening system comprises a hook and eye mechanism and a zipper, thereby securing the wearable garment about the wearer, a compression region that provides a compressive force about the wearer; straps that hold the wearable garment about the wearer, and a drain loop strap attached to each of the front panels for holding a drain tube in a coiled configuration against the wearer.