Fistula Sleeve Segmented Design for Pressure-Free Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional garments and accessories fail to provide adequate protection for arteriovenous fistulas, as they exert pressure, are not snugly fitting, and do not allow easy access for dialysis and daily care, increasing the risk of injury and infection.
Innovation Solution
A fistula sleeve with a wrist gripping region and an adjustable forearm covering region that securely fits around the arm without applying pressure, featuring semi-rigid securement strips and a double-layered fabric design for protection and easy access, allowing the forearm segment to be opened for dialysis and daily care.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional garments and accessories are used to cover the fistula, then the fistula is protected from injury, but pressure is exerted on the fistula which can restrict blood flow and damage the fistula
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve is divided into multiple segments including a fistula opening, wrist opening, and multiple panels that can be independently positioned and secured. This segmentation allows the sleeve to conform to the arm's contours without exerting concentrated pressure on the fistula, while still providing comprehensive protection against injury.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve features a smooth inner lining specifically at the fistula opening area to minimize friction and pressure on the fistula, while the outer surface and other areas can have different textures and properties for protection and comfort. This local differentiation ensures the fistula area receives specialized care without compromising overall protection.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the sleeve is made to fit snugly around the forearm, then protection is improved, but access to the fistula for dialysis and daily care becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve includes a dedicated fistula opening that is separate from the wrist opening and other sleeve components. This segmentation allows the fistula area to remain accessible for dialysis needle insertion and daily care while the rest of the sleeve remains securely fitted to provide protection. The fistula opening can be easily accessed without removing or adjusting the entire sleeve.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the sleeve uses elastic bands to secure around the arm, then the sleeve stays in place, but pressure is applied to the arm which can compress tissues and restrict blood flow
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using continuous elastic bands that wrap around the arm, the sleeve uses discrete elasticated panels and adjustable fasteners positioned at specific locations (wrist opening, panels). This segmented approach provides secure positioning while distributing pressure points and avoiding continuous compression around the arm, thereby maintaining blood flow and tissue health.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve incorporates adjustable fasteners and flexible panel constructions that allow the fit to be dynamically adjusted to match the arm's varying circumference. This dynamic adjustment capability ensures the sleeve remains stable and secure without requiring excessive elastic tension that would compress tissues and restrict blood flow.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the sleeve material is made smooth and snug, then protection from snagging is improved, but the sleeve may bind or kink around the fistula area
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve is constructed with multiple panels that are joined together, allowing each panel to move independently. This segmentation prevents the material from binding or kinking around the fistula area, as the panels can adjust to the arm's contours and fistula shape without creating sharp folds. The smooth inner lining of each panel still provides protection from snagging while the segmented construction maintains material flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a fistula sleeve for covering and protecting a fistula on the inside of an arm. The sleeve grips the wrist and adjustably and snuggly fits around the wider contours of the arm without imparting pressure on the fistula. The sleeve partially opens to expose the fistula for dialysis and daily care. A narrower wrist region secures around the wrist. An elongated forearm region wraps around the forearm, and a smooth central region covers the fistula. The wrist and forearm regions are independently secured. Securement strips have semi-rigid backings that stiffen the side portions of the sleeve help secure and remove the sleeve with one hand, and form a spine to help maintain the alignment of the sleeve on the arm. A double layer of material is stitched together along its perimeter, while the inner layer is free to slide relative to the outer layer in the smooth central area that engages the fistula. The sleeve stretches laterally to grip and secure around the wrist, while allowing the forearm portion to snuggly fit around the contours of the forearm and accommodate the fistula in a non-pressure generating manner.