Surgical Drape with Chevron Fenestration for Anatomical Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical drapes with fenestrations often fail to accurately locate and position anatomical points of interest during procedures, particularly in bariatric surgeries, leading to unnecessary exposure of the patient and potential compromise of the sterile field.
Innovation Solution
A surgical drape with a uniquely configured fenestration that 'points' out the xiphoid process, featuring intersecting sides forming acute and obtuse angles, allowing for precise location of incision sites without repositioning, along with integral arm board covers and a secondary fenestration for varied applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If standard shaped fenestrations (rectangular or circular) are used in surgical drapes, then the manufacturing process is simple and the drape construction is straightforward, but the ability to accurately locate and position anatomical points of interest is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The fenestration employs an asymmetric five-sided configuration with specific angle relationships (acute angles at two vertices, obtuse angles at three vertices) to create a unique geometric pattern that corresponds to specific anatomical landmarks. This asymmetric design enables precise location of the xiphoid process and incision sites while maintaining a relatively simple single-piece construction approach.
2Ease of operation
If the fenestration is positioned to accurately locate anatomical points, then the surgical site access is improved, but the patient exposure increases and sterile field may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The fenestration design concentrates the opening precisely at the anatomical point of interest (xiphoid process) with specific geometric proportions (acute angles at the xiphoid level, obtuse angles at lateral points) to provide optimal surgical access while minimizing the overall opening area. This localized precision reduces unnecessary patient exposure and maintains sterile field integrity compared to larger or mispositioned openings.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fenestrations are added for multiple surgical sites, then the adaptability for complex procedures is improved, but the drape construction complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drape is constructed as a single integrated piece with one five-sided fenestration that can accommodate multiple surgical sites through its geometric design. The five-sided configuration with specific angle relationships allows the same opening to serve multiple purposes (camera entry, trocar entries, xiphoid access) without requiring separate fenestrations, thereby maintaining construction simplicity while achieving procedural versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical drape has a fenestration configured to aid in identifying an anatomical point of interest and positioning the fenestration at the surgical site. In one preferred form, the surgical drape has a chevron-shaped fenestration for positioning the fenestration relative to the xiphoid process region of a patient, which is useful for establishing the sterile field in certain bariatric procedures. An anesthesia screen at a head of the drape extends laterally to the sides of the base sheet forming the fenestration and defines integral arm board covers. The lateral ends of the anesthesia sheet are sealed in part to close the ends of the arm board covers. A secondary base sheet defining a smaller, secondary fenestration is releasably attached to the base sheet so that the fenestrations can be aligned with one another. Various instrument and chord management features are also included. A method of making the drape is also disclosed.