Compression Garment with Quick-Release Tension Bands for Surgical Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing post-surgical garments fail to provide adequate quick access to surgical sites, sufficient compressive force for pain relief, and effective prevention of infection, especially in the days immediately following surgeries like open-heart, abdominal, and mastectomy procedures, where patients have exposed tubes and leads.
Innovation Solution
A comfortable, adjustable compression garment with quick-release tension bands and antimicrobial pads that allows for easy access to surgical sites, provides customizable compressive force, and incorporates antimicrobial materials to prevent infection, featuring a low vertical profile and breathable design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prior art thorax support devices are used to provide compression and support, then pain relief and stability are improved, but quick access to surgical sites and chest for emergency resuscitation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The garment is divided into multiple independent compression panels (first panel, second panel, third panel, fourth panel) that can be independently adjusted and released. This segmentation allows quick access to surgical sites by releasing only specific panels rather than removing the entire garment, resolving the contradiction between providing continuous compression support and enabling rapid emergency access.
Solution Approach 2:
The garment incorporates adjustable and releasable compression panels with fastening mechanisms that allow dynamic modification of compression levels and quick access. The panels can be independently adjusted to provide appropriate compression while maintaining the ability to rapidly access surgical sites when needed, transforming a static support device into a dynamic system that adapts to different medical needs.
2Reliability
If prior art abdominal binders are used to encircle the abdomen, then compression and back support are improved, but breathability and comfort deteriorate due to blocked heat and air exchange
Solution Approach 1:
The garment utilizes breathable fabric materials that allow heat and air exchange between the compression panels and the patient's skin. The fabric structure provides porosity that enables thermal regulation and moisture wicking, preventing heat buildup and skin irritation while maintaining effective compression and back support, thus resolving the contradiction between mechanical support and thermal comfort.
3Ease of operation
If loose immobilizing harnesses are used as in Heart Hugger, then ease of operation is improved, but sufficient compressive force for pain relief deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The garment applies compression locally through specific panels positioned at key anatomical locations (anterior chest, posterior back, lateral sides) rather than uniform loose harnessing. Each panel can be independently adjusted to provide targeted compressive force where most needed for pain relief, while maintaining ease of operation through simple fastening mechanisms. This localized compression approach resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and sufficient compressive force.
Data Source
AI summary
A compression fabric garment with a low vertical profile, composed from comfortable and breathable compressive fabric, with high-strength polymer quick-release tension bands, and antimicrobial fabric portions is disclosed. Embodiments of the present disclosure may include a post-surgical compression garment for relief after open-heart surgery, mastectomy, abdominal surgery, or other surgery, equipped with at least one quick-release tension band to apply tension laterally across the body where the front of the garment is configured to flip downwards to provide quick access to a chest, or other, surgical incision site without fully removing the garment.