Apparatus for Neonatal Medical Treatment
Apparatus are disclosed that permit positioning and restraint of medical equipment attached to an infant, as well as positioning and swaddling of the infant, to achieve close contact between the infant and a caregiver. An example apparatus includes: (a) a base having a first edge and a second edge that extend between a first end and a second end, wherein the base defines a foot pouch at the first end, (b) first and second lateral extensions each having a proximal end and a distal end, where the proximal ends of the first and second lateral extensions are coupled to the first and second edge of the base, respectively, (c) a head extension coupled to the second end of the base, and (d) at least one restraint coupled to one or more of the base, the first lateral extension, the second lateral extension, the head extension and the foot pouch.
This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/942,912, filed Feb. 21, 2014, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUNDPatients receiving medical care need medical equipment in the form of hoses, tubes, wires, conduits, and numerous other kinds of physical structures necessary to provide needed medical intervention and monitoring. Adult patients can usually be taught how to move about without disrupting the connections between the patient's body and the medical equipment. Children, on the other hand, particularly infants, react spontaneously to their environment and move or flinch in reaction to touch, discomfort, or other sensations. These natural responses require special consideration when moving or adjusting the position of an infant or child.
Neonatal care is a particular example of situations requiring special consideration for holding and touching a patient. Infants that are in the neonatal unit of a hospital require constant connections to intricate medical equipment that must be maintained at all times. Infants move about, of course, even in their neonatal beds, but most medical equipment is sufficiently stably attached to the infant patient that an infant's movements cannot disconnect the medical equipment. A different scenario arises, however, when a caregiver attempts to hold a neonatal patient outside the infant's bed, such as when a parent of the infant visits the neonatal care unit. The parent and the infant benefit greatly from the touch and comfort afforded by holding and close cuddling of the infant, as well as from optional skin-to-skin contact, afforded by a practice known as “kangaroo care.” In kangaroo care, the caregiver holds the infant close to the caregiver's skin so that the baby is warmed and secured in a very natural way outside an incubator, while medical equipment is still connected to the infant patient's body. The physiological and psychological benefits of kangaroo care are a key component of proper medical intervention and healing of an infant patient.
In order to engage in kangaroo care, an infant undergoing medical intervention via connected medical equipment typically must be moved from an incubator or crib. When a parent or caregiver moves, holds, or cuddles an infant patient, achieving a close skin-to-skin contact and engaging in kangaroo care may cause the medical equipment to become disconnected from the infant. This in turn may disrupt the medical instrumentation providing treatment and diagnostic services for the infant.
Known devices intended to alleviate the risk of disconnecting medical equipment when holding or transporting an infant in neonatal care include neonatal carriers and holders that have rigid or at least semi-rigid elements that secure the medical equipment to the child and peripheral machines. These kinds of devices may be cumbersome and heavy and their rigid nature prevents intimate engagement or kangaroo care between the caregiver and the child.
SUMMARYApparatus are described herein for positioning and restraining medical equipment attached to an infant to allow a caregiver to hold an infant receiving treatment in a close and intimate way with skin-to-skin contact, while maintaining the connections between the medical equipment and the infant. Specifically, example embodiments generally relate to an apparatus having a base with a front patient-facing surface to receive an infant. The base is coupled to lateral extensions, a head extension, a foot pouch and/or a foot support and restraints may in turn be coupled to the base or to the extensions. The restraints may be configured to receive and safely secure medical equipment attached to the infant patient. The extensions advantageously may be wrapped around the medical equipment, may be rolled or folded to position the infant in a neonatal bed or during kangaroo care, may be used to swaddle the infant in the bed or during kangaroo care or may be secured underneath a caregiver's arms during kangaroo care. Some embodiments may also include a foot pouch to receive the infant's feet and a portion of the infant's legs, which has the benefit of making the infant feel more safe and secure and of positioning the infant during kangaroo care, for example. Other embodiments may beneficially include a foot support that may be used to elevate the infant's legs or feet in a bed and may be used to prevent the infant from sliding down during kangaroo care, for example.
In one aspect, an example apparatus involves: (a) a base having a first edge and a second edge that extend between a first end and a second end, wherein the base defines a foot pouch at the first end, (b) a first lateral extension having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the first lateral extension is coupled to the first edge of the base, (c) a second lateral extension having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the second lateral extension is coupled to the second edge of the base, (d) a head extension coupled to the second end of the base, and (e) at least one restraint coupled to one or more of the base, the first lateral extension, the second lateral extension, the head extension and the foot pouch.
In another aspect, an example apparatus involves: (a) a base having a first edge and a second edge that extend between a first end and a second end, (b) a first lateral extension coupled to the first edge of the base and a second lateral extension coupled to the second edge of the base, (c) a foot support coupled to the first end of the base, wherein the foot support protrudes from a front surface of the base, (d) a head extension coupled to the second end of the base, and (e) at least one restraint coupled to one or more of the base, the first lateral extension, the second lateral extension, the head extension and the foot support.
In a further aspect, an example apparatus involves: (a) a base having a first edge and a second edge that extend between a first end and a second end, wherein the base defines a foot pouch at the first end, (b) a first lateral extension coupled to the first edge of the base and a second lateral extension coupled to the second edge of the base, (c) a head extension coupled to a second end of the base, and (d) at least one restraint-connector defining a cavity, where in the at least one restraint-connector is coupled to one or more of the base, the first lateral extension, the second lateral extension, the head extension and the foot pouch.
Example methods and systems are described herein. It should be understood that the words “example,” “exemplary,” and “illustrative” are used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment or feature described herein as being an “example,” being “exemplary,” or being “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or features. The example embodiments described herein are not meant to be limiting. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated herein.
As used herein, the term “medical equipment” means any portion of or attachment to a machine or device related to healthcare monitoring, diagnosis, treatment, or the like, including but not limited to sensors, conduits, cables, hoses, tubes, wires, dispensers, and intravenous lines commonly referred to as IVs.
The present embodiments advantageously provide a blanket-like apparatus for positioning and restraining medical equipment attached to an infant to allow a caregiver to hold an infant receiving treatment in a way that provides security, warmth and stability for an infant or small child, while maintaining the connections between the medical equipment and the infant. The blanket-like apparatus may also aid with positioning an infant or small child in a desirable physical location and orientation such as in a neonatal bed or while engaged in intimate contact with a caregiver. Further, the arrangement of the apparatus permits an infant to be easily moved from a neonatal treatment bed and does not interfere with skin-to-skin contact between the infant and the caregiver. The invention will be more readily understood by reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals indicate like elements in all the Figures. Referring now to
In addition, in one embodiment, the base 105 may define a foot pouch 150 at the first end 120. The foot pouch 150 may be used to encircle an infant's feet providing a sense of security to the infant while the infant is lying down and to retain the infant within the blanket-like apparatus 100 during kangaroo care, for example. The foot pouch 150 may also be used to elevate or support an infant's feet while the infant is lying down. The foot pouch 150 may be made of the same material as the base 105.
In various embodiments, the blanket-like apparatus may include a foot support 155. In one embodiment, the foot support 155 may be coupled to the first end of the base 105, such that the foot support 155 protrudes from the front surface 106 of the base 105. In another embodiment, the foot support 155 may be coupled to the foot pouch 150, such that the foot support 155 protrudes from a front surface 151 of the foot pouch 150. The foot support 155 may be used to elevate or support an infant's feet while the infant is lying down. The foot support 155 may also be used to engage the infant's feet when the infant and apparatus 100 are in contact with a caregiver and may prevent the infant from sliding downward when held upright in a vertical or angled position. In one embodiment, the foot support 155 may include a filler material such as molded or extruded foam that is covered with the same material as that of the base 105. In one embodiment, the foam may be removable to aid in washing of the blanket-like apparatus 100. In another embodiment, the foot support 155 may be made of the same material as the base 105 such that the material may be rolled or folded over on itself one or more times and fixed in place.
The blanket-like apparatus 100 may also include a first lateral extension 130 and a second lateral extension 135, each having a proximal end 131, 136 and a distal end 132, 137. The proximal ends 131, 136 of the first and second lateral extensions 130, 135 may be coupled to the first edge 110 and the second edge 115 of the base 105, respectively. The blanket-like apparatus 100 may further include a head extension 145 coupled to the second end 125 of the base 105. As shown in
In one embodiment, the apparatus 100 may also include at least one restraint 160 coupled to the base 105, the first lateral extension 130, the second lateral extension 135, the head extension 145 and/or the foot pouch 155. In one embodiment, as shown in
In one embodiment, the apparatus 100 may include at least one restraint-connector 165 coupled to the base 105, the first lateral extension 130, the second lateral extension 135, the head extension 145 and/or the foot pouch 150. In one embodiment, the restraint-connectors 165 may define a cavity or opening 166 for coupling to a restraint 160. For example, as shown in
In one embodiment, as shown in
In operation, medical personnel may attach medical equipment (not shown) to the apparatus 100 via the restraints 160 so that medical equipment connected to an infant is entirely secure when the infant is lifted out of the bed. The caregiver has the option to then roll or fold the extensions 130, 135, 145, 170 over the medical equipment and over the infant like a blanket. In this way medical equipment may be held securely in place with respect to the infant patient and apparatus 100. In the examples shown, the restraints 160 may attach the medical equipment to the head extension 145 and to one or both of lateral extensions 130, 135. The head extension 145 may restrain one portion of one piece of medical equipment via restraint 160, while lateral extensions 130, 135 roll or fold over the medical equipment as shown in
The above detailed description describes various features and functions of the disclosed apparatus with reference to the accompanying figures. While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
Claims
1. An apparatus, comprising:
- a base having a first edge and a second edge that extend between a first end and a second end, wherein the base defines a foot pouch at the first end;
- a first lateral extension having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the first lateral extension is coupled to the first edge of the base;
- a second lateral extension having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the second lateral extension is coupled to the second edge of the base;
- a head extension coupled to the second end of the base; and
- at least one restraint coupled to one or more of the base, the first lateral extension, the second lateral extension, the head extension and the foot pouch.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
- a foot extension having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end of the foot extension is coupled to one or both of the first end of the base and the foot pouch, wherein the distal end of the foot extension is coupled to at least one connector and at least one reciprocal connector is coupled to the proximal end of the foot extension, the foot pouch or a back surface of the base.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one restraint is coupled to a front surface of one or more of the base, the first lateral extension, the second lateral extension, the head extension and the foot pouch.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one restraint comprises (i) a pair of ties, (ii) a hook and loop fastener, (iii) a pair of ties having reciprocal connectors, (iv) a foam extrusion defining a cavity along the length of the extrusion, wherein a slit extends between the cavity and an outer surface of the extrusion and the slit extends along the length of the extrusion, (v) cable ties or (vi) an outer shell that defines a cavity, wherein the outer shell is configured to have a top surface having both an open position and a closed position relative to a bottom surface, a bead or protrusion on an exterior of the bottom surface of the outer shell, a flexible extension leg having a first end coupled to the exterior of the bottom surface of the outer shell and a second end extending toward and biased against the bead or the protrusion, a locking mechanism configured to hold the top surface of the outer shell in the closed position and a foam liner coupled to an interior surface of the outer shell.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one restraint comprises a plurality of restraints.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the plurality of restraints are arranged at the proximal ends of the first and second lateral extensions.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
- a restraint-connector coupled to one or more of the base, the first lateral extension, the second lateral extension, the head extension and the foot pouch, wherein the at least one restraint is releasably coupled to the restraint-connector.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first and second lateral extensions and the head extension are each separately foldable or rollable.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
- a foot support coupled to the foot pouch, wherein the foot support protrudes from a front surface of the foot pouch.
10. An apparatus, comprising:
- a base having a first edge and a second edge that extend between a first end and a second end;
- a first lateral extension coupled to the first edge of the base and a second lateral extension coupled to the second edge of the base;
- a foot support coupled to the first end of the base, wherein the foot support protrudes from a front surface of the base;
- a head extension coupled to the second end of the base; and
- at least one restraint coupled to one or more of the base, the first lateral extension, the second lateral extension, the head extension and the foot support.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising:
- a foot extension having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end of the foot extension is coupled to one or both of the first end of the base and the foot support, wherein the distal end of the foot extension is coupled to at least one connector and at least one reciprocal connector is coupled to the proximal end of the foot extension, the foot support or a back surface of the base.
12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the at least one restraint is coupled to a front surface of one or more of the base, the first lateral extension, the second lateral extension, the head extension and the foot support.
13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the at least one restraint comprises (i) a pair of ties, (ii) a hook and loop fastener, (iii) a pair of ties having reciprocal connectors, (iv) a foam extrusion defining a cavity along the length of the extrusion, wherein a slit extends between the cavity and an outer surface of the extrusion and the slit extends along the length of the extrusion, (v) cable ties or (vi) an outer shell that defines a cavity, wherein the outer shell is configured to have a top surface having both an open position and a closed position relative to a bottom surface, a bead or protrusion on an exterior of the bottom surface of the outer shell, a flexible extension leg having a first end coupled to the exterior of the bottom surface of the outer shell and a second end extending toward and biased against the bead or the protrusion, a locking mechanism configured to hold the top surface of the outer shell in the closed position and a foam liner coupled to an interior surface of the outer shell.
14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the at least one restraint comprises a plurality of restraints.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the plurality of restraints are arranged at the proximal ends of the first and second lateral extensions.
16. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising:
- a restraint-connector coupled to one or more of the base, the first lateral extension, the second lateral extension, the head extension and the foot support, wherein the at least one restraint is releasably coupled to the restraint-connector.
17. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first and second lateral extensions and the head extension are each separately foldable or rollable.
18. An apparatus, comprising:
- a base having a first edge and a second edge that extend between a first end and a second end, wherein the base defines a foot pouch at the first end;
- a first lateral extension coupled to the first edge of the base and a second lateral extension coupled to the second edge of the base;
- a head extension coupled to a second end of the base; and
- at least one restraint-connector defining a cavity, where in the at least one restraint-connector is coupled to one or more of the base, the first lateral extension, the second lateral extension, the head extension and the foot pouch.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising:
- a restraint coupled to the at least one restraint connector.
20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the restraint is removably coupled to the at least one restraint connector.
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 20, 2015
Publication Date: Aug 27, 2015
Inventors: Lauren M. Kirkland (Asheville, NC), Randolph Brian Kirkland (Asheville, NC)
Application Number: 14/628,196