Post-Surgery Brassiere with Fixation Element for Catheter Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bras cannot securely hold and immobilize boost-treatment devices during and after radiation therapy for breast cancer, leading to discomfort, movement issues, and complications in radiation dose delivery.
Innovation Solution
A post-surgery brassiere with side openings and a fixation element, such as a hook-and-loop fastener, to prevent rotation and movement of boost-treatment device tubes, along with adaptations for JP drains, including a retaining ring for secure attachment and drainage support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional bras are worn during boost treatment, then patient comfort and support are provided, but the catheters cannot be securely held and may rotate or migrate
Solution Approach 1:
The brassiere is divided into functional zones: a back band with aperture for catheter passage, a base band with fixation element for secure attachment, and cup portions for breast support. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function - the aperture region manages catheter stability while the base band provides secure fixation, resolving the contradiction between reliability and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation element (hook-and-loop fastener) acts as an intermediary between the brassiere and the catheters/tubes. It provides a secure mechanical connection that prevents rotation and migration while maintaining patient comfort through adjustable, non-invasive attachment. This intermediary mechanism directly addresses the catheter stability issue without compromising comfort.
2Reliability
If tab closures are used to secure drainage tubes, then the aperture size is reduced to better secure tubes, but rotation of tubes extending through the aperture cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation element extends perpendicular to the plane of the back band, creating a third dimension for tube securing. Instead of relying solely on the horizontal tab closure at the aperture level, the fixation element provides vertical engagement below the back band, preventing tube rotation through a different spatial dimension. This adds security without increasing closure mechanism complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If the boost-treatment device moves or rotates, then radiation dose delivery consistency is compromised, but additional radiation planning and treatment delays are required
Solution Approach 1:
The brassiere with fixation element is applied to the patient before radiation treatment begins, securing the catheters in their planned positions. This preliminary action prevents device movement and rotation during the treatment course, ensuring consistent dose delivery without the need for additional radiation planning or treatment delays. The fixation is established in advance to maintain precision throughout treatment.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple catheters extend under the axilla region, then radiation can be delivered to the tumor bed, but patient experiences back pain and discomfort due to lack of breast support
Solution Approach 1:
The brassiere performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support to the breasts to prevent sagging and reduce back pain, creates an organized pathway for multiple catheters through the aperture, and secures the devices in place. This multi-functionality addresses both the treatment capability requirement and the patient comfort issue, making the system adaptable to post-surgical radiation needs while eliminating harmful discomfort.
Data Source
AI summary
A post-surgery bra includes an aperture appropriately sited to so that tubes from a boost-treatment device or drain implanted in a wearer of the bra protrude therethrough. The post-surgery bra includes a fixation element for immobilizing the tubes of the boost-treatment device that protrude through the aperture. In some embodiments, the post-surgery bra also includes a retaining ring, which is coupled to the bra below the breast cup nearest to the aperture and which is openable and closeable for engaging and securing a loop of material that extends from the collection bulb of the drain.