Post-operative vest

Abstract

The invention relates to a variable tension chest support for use by patients having undergone thoracic surgery. The chest support may be worn directly on the skin of a patient and comprises a band of stretchable material (1) and one or more grips (6) which are wholly or partially concealed within pockets (4) with which the patient may alter the tension of the chest encircling band. The device allows a patient to modify the level of tension applied to the chest, thus managing their recovery process, while providing a basic level of support at all times the support is in use.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to providing chest support to patients having undergone invasive thoracic surgery. In particular, the present invention relates to a surgical chest support for patients having undergone surgery requiring opening of the chest cavity. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Following thoracic surgery, for example open heart surgery, a patient normally suffers considerable pain caused by any movement of the chest, in particular when the patient breaths or coughs. Following the severe trauma of thoracic surgery, the ribs, sternum, and the muscles must be adequately supported in order to allow the region to heal. It is important, however, that the mobility of the chest is maintained and deep breathing and coughing are extremely important for the patient in order to both avoid lung infections and to aid in the healing process. [0003] A number of devices have been employed to provide support for thoracic surgery patients. For example, rigid splints have been...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a post-operative chest support that allows patients to have a basic level of tension around their chest while also giving them the ability to adjust the tension as required. This is important because patients need to have constant support while breathing and coughing, but they also need to have some freedom of movement. The chest support is comfortable for patients to wear and can be adjusted easily. It is non-irritating to the skin, sterile, and can be used in the operating room. The chest support is made from a flexible material that can stretch up to 200% of its untensioned length. It is designed to provide additional support for the chest and can be adjusted to the patient's needs. The chest support can be adjusted while the patient is awake and can be worn with a vest garment. It is also designed to have anatomically compliant portions to support the patient's breasts. The chest support can be adjusted using manual tension varying means and is preferably made from a flexible material that can stretch up to 200% of its untensioned length."

Problems solved by technology

Following thoracic surgery, for example open heart surgery, a patient normally suffers considerable pain caused by any movement of the chest, in particular when the patient breaths or coughs.

These devices have drawbacks such as the device does not allow the patient to breath freely or do not provide sufficient support.

Patients are often inhibited from doing so as the severe trauma to the chest gives a feeling of weakness in the chest, and consequently contributes to the insecurity of the patient.

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