Post-operative Sternum and Breast Support Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Postoperative complications such as deep sternal wound infections, pulmonary complications, and persistent pain are prevalent in patients who have undergone sternotomy procedures, particularly in fuller-sized women and obese patients, due to inadequate external support and positioning of the breasts, which increases stress on the sternum wound and hinders proper healing.
Innovation Solution
A sternum and breast device providing continuous adjustable external lateral support, with adjustable breast positioning to prevent gravity-induced stress and heat/moisture accumulation, while allowing for wound access without fully opening the device, using a chest encircling band, elongate bands, and breast encapsulating units with adjustable straps and slits for secure fit and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If internal stainless steel wires, bands, or plates are used to close the sternum, then the sternum can be held together internally, but the soft tissue of the sternum wound is not strong enough to support the sternum during excessive strain activities such as coughing, sneezing, or exercising
Solution Approach 1:
The external support device acts as a counterbalancing structure that provides opposing force to the internal steel wires. The device includes rigid or semi-rigid components that distribute and bear the lateral forces generated during coughing, sneezing, and exercising, preventing these forces from concentrating on the internal closure and soft tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The support device is divided into multiple segments including lateral support elements, breast support elements, and connecting components. This segmentation allows each element to independently address specific force vectors and stress points, providing comprehensive support while maintaining flexibility in the overall structure.
2Ease of operation
If breast tissue is allowed to hang freely under gravity, then patient comfort is maintained, but the gravity force pulls the tissue downwards and laterally causing significant stress on the fresh sternum wound and internal closure devices
Solution Approach 1:
The breast support elements provide an upward counterbalancing force to offset the gravitational pull on breast tissue. These elements are positioned to lift and support the breast tissue, preventing it from pulling downward and laterally on the sternum wound and internal closure devices during activities such as coughing and sneezing.
Solution Approach 2:
The device provides localized support specifically at the breast tissue-sternum interface where the harmful gravitational forces are applied. The breast support elements are strategically positioned to counteract gravity's effect on breast tissue without requiring full-body immobilization, allowing patient comfort while protecting the critical wound area.
3Reliability
If the sternum is supported laterally from the external side, then postoperative complications can be prevented, but the device complexity increases with multiple bands, straps, and adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed as an integrated system where a single support structure performs multiple functions: providing lateral support to the sternum, supporting the breast tissue, distributing forces across the chest wall, and preventing postoperative complications. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate devices while maintaining comprehensive protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates adjustable straps, buckles, and fastening mechanisms that allow dynamic adaptation to different patient anatomies and healing stages. The support elements can be adjusted in tension and position to optimize the balance between providing sufficient lateral support and maintaining patient comfort, thereby managing complexity through adaptability rather than fixed rigid structures.
4Manufacturing precision
If breast support is provided to prevent gravity-induced stress, then wound healing is promoted, but heat and moisture accumulation may occur between the breast tissue and support device
Solution Approach 1:
The breast support elements are constructed from porous or breathable materials that allow air circulation and moisture vapor transmission between the breast tissue and the device. This porosity prevents heat and moisture accumulation while maintaining the mechanical support function, thereby promoting wound healing without creating a thermally hostile environment.
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
The device reduces the risk of postoperative complications by providing sustained external support during coughing, sneezing, and straining, promotes better wound healing, maintains breast support during care, and preserves patient dignity, thereby decreasing healthcare costs and improving recovery outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
a chest encircling band of stretchable material having first and second ends, the chest encircling band being sized to extend around the chest of the patient
Implementation Method 2
overlapping surfaces having a first adjustable attachment member to secure the chest encircling band about the patient's chest
Data Source
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AI summary
A support device for providing external support for a patient's chest and breast after the patient has undergone a surgical procedure in the thoracic region. The support device includes a chest band and first and second elongate under-bust/shoulder bands. Each of the under-bust/shoulder bands includes an under-bust portion and a shoulder strap portion. The support device includes first and second connectors attached to the shoulder strap portions of the second and first elongate bands, respectively. A lower portion of a first breast encapsulating unit is attached to the under-bust portion of the first under-bust/shoulder band and an upper portion is attached to the first connector. A lower portion of a second breast encapsulating unit is attached to the under-bust portion of the second under-bust/shoulder band and an upper portion is attached to the second connector.