Adjustable Pressure Bandage for Pacemaker Wound Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pressure bandages after pacemaker implantation restrict patient movement and comfort due to excessive pressure on the chest, leading to discomfort and increased risk of edema or inflammation, while also requiring frequent reapplication and potentially irritating the skin.

Innovation Solution

A pressure bandage design featuring a chest strap with adjustable Velcro pads and a shoulder strap that can be sewn at an angle, equipped with a recess for neck comfort and skin-friendly adhesive or semi-permeable films, allowing for customizable pressure distribution and reduced skin contact, enabling greater freedom of movement and minimizing edema risk.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a sandbag is placed over the adhesive bandage to create pressure on the surgical wound, then the risk of edema is reduced, but the patient is forced to lie down the whole time which is extremely strenuous and uncomfortable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveedema preventionVSAvoidpatient mobility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The bandage system transitions from a static sandbag configuration to a dynamic, adjustable bandage that can be worn in various positions (supine, sitting, standing). The adjustable straps and compressable materials allow the bandage to maintain pressure while adapting to different patient positions and movements, eliminating the need for constant supine positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The bandage uses compressable materials and adjustable tension mechanisms that allow modification of pressure parameters. The system can adjust the degree of compression to maintain effective edema prevention while reducing excessive pressure that would cause discomfort or respiratory impairment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If conventional plasters are used to secure the bandage, then the bandage maintains its position, but the patient's skin is irritated and the application is unpleasant

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebandage position stabilityVSAvoidskin irritation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The bandage introduces intermediary elements between the skin and the securing mechanism. Soft, skin-friendly materials and distributed fastening points replace direct adhesive contact, reducing skin irritation while maintaining bandage position through mechanical securing rather than chemical adhesion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The bandage employs flexible, soft materials that conform to the skin surface while providing a comfortable interface. The thin, pliable structure allows the bandage to maintain contact and position without the need for harsh adhesives, combining stability with skin protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If the pressure on the chest is increased to secure the bandage, then the bandage maintains its position, but the patient's breathing is impeded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebandage position stabilityVSAvoidbreathing restriction
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The bandage applies pressure locally and selectively rather than uniformly across the entire chest. The compressed materials and adjustable straps concentrate force where needed for stability while leaving other areas relatively pressure-free, allowing breathing movements to occur without excessive restriction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The bandage system allows dynamic adjustment of pressure levels and adapts to respiratory movements. The flexible materials and adjustable mechanisms enable the bandage to maintain position during breathing cycles without imposing rigid, restrictive pressure that would impede respiratory function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2929863B1Compression bandage
Publication Date: 2018.02.21 OSTREICHER ULRICH
  • EP2929863B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2929863B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2929863B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Pressure bandage (10) for pressing a compressor (14) or a compress against one side of a patient's chest (15) after pacemaker implantation, comprising a chest band (11) around the chest, wherein hook-and-loop pads (17) are attached to one of the two ends of the chest band (11) on its opposite sides, or a double-sided hook-and-loop pad (33) is attached to one of the opposite sides at one of the two ends, and a shoulder band (12) around a shoulder, the shoulder band (12) being attached to the chest band (11) with one end between the two ends of the chest band (11) off-center, wherein a further double-sided hook-and-loop pad (16) is provided for fixing the other end of the shoulder band (12) to the chest band (11), so that the shoulder band (12) can be guided over either the left or the right side of the chest by turning the pressure bandage (10).