US20120167287A1

US20120167287A1 - Self-securing sterile gown

Info

Publication number: US20120167287A1
Application number: US12/981,994
Authority: US
Inventors: Carl Nee-Kofi MOULD-MILLMAN
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-12-30
Filing date: 2010-12-30
Publication date: 2012-07-05

Abstract

A self-securing sterile gown comprises a gown body. A first sleeve and a second sleeve are coupled with the gown body. A first strap attached to the first back portion terminates within a sterile field of the self-securing sterile gown at a first free end. A second strap attached to the second back portion terminates within the sterile field of the self-securing sterile gown at a second free end.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention are related to the field of surgical gowns.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Currently, most hospitals use one type of surgical gown for all procedures. These surgical gowns typically open from the rear and require an assistant to secure the gown from the rear in order to maintain a sterile field. While this process is acceptable in most instances in the hospital, in emergency rooms and emergent in-patient situations it can be a hindrance to rapidly performing procedures which are established standards for patient care.
Often, patients admitted to emergency rooms are in life threatening situations and require immediate, and sometimes invasive, medical procedures. Ideally, both the patient and the caregivers attending to the patient should be prepared in order to establish a sterile field in which to treat the patient. However, the time needed for the doctors and nurses to scrub in and put on surgical gowns may delay critically needed care for the patient. Thus, in these “crash” situations, caregivers are forced to balance the requirements for establishing and maintaining a sterile field in which to treat the patient with the immediate needs of the patient.
In these circumstances, doctors often choose to simply put on a pair of gloves and begin treating the patient due to the severity of the patient's condition. Doing so increases the risk of infection to the patient. This is of particular concern lately due to the emergence of medication-resistant pathogens. Additionally, if tubes or lines are inserted into the patient in these conditions, at some future time new lines will have to be inserted in a sterile fashion. Not donning a full surgical gown also exposes the doctors and other caregivers to potentially hazardous bodily fluids from the patient. Examples of the transmission of AIDS and hepatitis to caregivers from infected patients are well known in the medical community. Finally, treating a patient without establishing and maintaining a sterile environment puts the hospital in violation of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements and can expose the hospital and doctors to regulatory sanction and/or to litigation from the patient, or patient's family.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. Unless specifically noted, the drawings referred to in this description should be understood as not being drawn to scale.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a self-securing sterile gown in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of a self-securing sterile gown in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of a self-securing sterile gown in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a self-securing sterile gown in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the present invention will be described in conjunction with the following embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the present invention to these embodiments alone. On the contrary, the present invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents which may be included within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed description of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present invention.
Embodiments of the present invention comprise a self-securing sterile gown, or “crash gown,” which a user can quickly put on and secure without the necessity of assistance by another. While doing so, the user can still maintain the integrity of the sterile field. As a result, the user can begin treatment of a patient more rapidly without sacrificing established standards of medical care and/or existing safety standards. This is especially advantageous in situations in which any delay in providing treatment can be life-threatening.
FIG. 1 is a front view of a self-securing sterile gown 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, self-securing sterile gown 100 comprises gown body 101 having a front portion 105. A first sleeve 110 and a second sleeve 115 are coupled with gown body 101. Also shown in FIG. 1 are a first back portion 120 and a second back portion 125. In embodiments of the present invention, gown body 101 is made from a material that is resistant or impervious to liquid or particulate matter in accordance with applicable regulations and standards. In embodiments of the present invention, self-securing sterile gown 101 is sterilized in accordance with current standards and regulations. In one embodiment, self-securing sterile gown is packaged in a sterile packaging which is impervious to solids, liquids, and aerosols and which can be autoclaved after sealing to kill pathogens inside of the packaging.
As shown in FIG. 1, a first glove 111 is coupled with first sleeve 110 and a second glove 116 is coupled with sleeve 115. In other words, first glove 111 and second glove 116 are permanently attached to first sleeve 110 and second sleeve 116 respectively and are integral components of self-securing sterile gown 100. This is in contrast to currently manufactured surgical gowns in which the sleeves typically terminate in a cuff which provides a snug fit to the wrist of the wearer. In embodiments of the present invention, first glove 111 and second glove 116 are sterile surgical quality gloves that are compliant with relevant regulations regarding materials standards of manufacture and storage. Material qualities of first glove 111 and second glove 116 in one embodiment include being impervious to liquids, flexibility and the ability to stretch, and resistance to breakage, cracking, or fracture under reasonable applications of force.
In one embodiment, self-securing sterile gown 100 is manufactured in 4 standard sizes similar to other medical wear (e.g., small, medium, large, and extra large). In one embodiment, the size of first glove 111 and second glove 116 are selected based upon the size self-securing sterile gown 100 itself. Thus, if self-securing sterile gown 100 is a small size, first glove 111 and second glove 116 are standard size 5.5 gloves. If self-securing sterile gown 100 is a medium size, first glove 111 and second glove 116 are standard size 6.5 gloves. If self-securing sterile gown 100 is a large size, first glove 111 and second glove 116 are standard size 7.5 gloves. Finally, if self-securing sterile gown 100 is an extra large size, first glove 111 and second glove 116 are standard size 8.5 gloves. It is noted that in another embodiment, if self-securing sterile gown 100 is a small size, first glove 111 and second glove 116 are standard size 6.5 gloves. Using “oversized” gloves may facilitate putting self-securing sterile gown 100 on more rapidly as a wearer may find it difficult to push his/her hand through first sleeve 110 into first glove 111 in one motion. Alternatively, some wearers may simply prefer a different sizing combination to suit their preferences.
For the purposes of the present invention, the term “sterile field” is the region of self-securing sterile gown 100 extending from the frontal chest region to the waist and from the shoulder region of first sleeve 110 and second sleeve 115 to first glove 111 and second glove 116 respectively. Areas outside the sterile field are considered non-sterile. Due to the time constraints imposed in emergency medical situations, donning surgical gloves adds time to an already time consuming process and can require the assistance of another person to prevent violating the integrity of the sterile field.
Current medical guidelines require that the integrity of the sterile field is maintained at all times to prevent wound contamination. Therefore, when putting on a sterile gown, a doctor or other caregiver often requires help in fastening the gown to avoid putting their hands and arms into a non-sterile area such as the rear of a surgical gown where the ties or other fasteners for securing the gown are located. This necessitates that an assistant help the caregiver in donning the surgical gown and securing it from the rear. Additionally, doctors and caregivers often require an assistant in donning surgical gloves while maintaining the sterile field. As described previously, the process of establishing the sterile field, and necessity for an assistant in securing the surgical gown, delays critically needed medical procedures in emergency situations. In embodiments of the present invention, coupling gloves 111 and 116 with first sleeve 110 and second sleeve 115 respectively allows caregivers to put self-securing sterile gown 100 without necessitating external assistance when donning gloves 111 and 116. Additionally, the wearer can keep first glove 111 and second glove 116 within the sterile field at all times while putting on self-securing sterile gown 100.
Additionally, self-securing sterile gown 100 comprises a self-securing system 150 comprising first strap 130 and second strap 135. In general, self-securing system 150 permits a user to put on self-securing sterile gown 100 and secure it without violating the integrity of the sterile field and without the need for external assistance. For the purposes of the present invention, the term “securing” means that a user can secure fasteners of self-securing sterile gown 100 and adjust them such that self-securing sterile gown 100 will fit them in a desired manner while permitting free use of both hands. It is recognized that the desired manner of fit will differ with each individual wearing self-securing sterile gown 100. In general, the wearer will likely prefer that self-securing sterile gown 100 does not restrict their movements, but will also not shift or fall from their bodies in a manner which violates the integrity of the sterile field.
In one embodiment, first strap 130 and second strap 135 extend through holes in front portion 105. The first free end 131 and second free end 136 of first strap 130 and second strap 135 respectively are terminated in the sterile field of self-securing sterile gown 100. It is noted that before being worn, first free end 131 and second free end 136 may be removeably coupled with front portion 105 of self-securing sterile gown 100. In other words, a temporary adhesive, or hook-and-pile fasteners may keep first free end 131 and second free end 136 in place prior to a wearer putting on self-securing sterile gown 100. As will be described in greater detail below, a user can put on self-securing sterile gown 100 and, using first strap 130 and second strap 135 of self-securing system 150, secure self-securing sterile gown 100 to their body. Again, this is performed by the wearer of self-securing sterile gown 100 himself/herself without the need for assistance and is performed while keeping the hands of the wearer of self-securing sterile gown 100 within the sterile field.
Also shown in FIG. 1 is a face shield 155 which is coupled with gown body 101 such as on front portion 105. In embodiments of the present invention, face shield 155 is for protecting the wearer's face, nose, and mouth from airborne secretions (e.g., solids, fluids, aerosols, etc.) from a patient and to protect the patient from airborne secretions from the wearer of self-securing sterile gown 100. In general, face shield 155 is made of a clear, lightweight material (e.g., plastic) which is substantially impervious to liquid or particulate matter. Additional properties of face shield 155 may include anti-reflective coatings and/or anti-fogging coatings.
As shown in FIG. 1, face shield 155 is coupled with gown body 101 in the clavicle region and is configured to cover the neck and face region of a wearer of self-securing sterile gown 100. In one embodiment, face shield is further extended to partially wrap around a wearer's head and cover, or partially cover, the ear region as well. In embodiments of the present invention, face shield 155 is coupled with self-securing system 150 so that face shield 155 is not deployed until a wearer has pulled first strap 130 and second strap 135 in order to secure self-securing sterile gown 100. For example, first strap 130 and second strap 135 may be threaded through grommets extending through face shield 155 so that when first strap 130 and second strap 135 are pulled, the grommets are pulled down and face shield 155 essentially flips up into position in front of the face of the wearer. Alternatively, the outside edges of face shield 155 may be made of a semi-rigid material which will assume a predetermined shape when self-securing sterile gown 100 is removed from its packaging. It is noted that face shield 155 is optional in embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, in one embodiment, face shield 155 is sized according to the size of self-securing sterile gown 100 itself. For example, if self-securing sterile gown 100 is either a small or medium sized gown, face shield 155 may be sized approximately sixteen inches by sixteen inches. However, if self-securing sterile gown 100 is either a large or extra large gown, face shield 155 may be sized eighteen inches by eighteen inches.
Also shown in FIG. 1 are first pocket 160 and second pocket 165 which are disposed in respective shoulder regions on the front of gown body 101. In embodiments of the present invention, first pocket 160 and second pocket 165 are oriented so that the openings (e.g., opening 161 and opening 166 respectively) are within the sterile field of self-securing sterile gown 100. Furthermore, first pocket 160 and second pocket 165 are configured to facilitate inserting a wearer's hand into the pocket.
In embodiments of the present invention, a wearer can insert his/her hands into first pocket 160 and second pocket 165 to adjust the fit of self-securing sterile gown 100 onto their body without removing his/her hands from the sterile field. For example, a wearer can adjust the positioning of first strap 130 and second strap 135 over his/her shoulders after putting on self-securing sterile gown 100 using first pocket 160 and second pocket 165. In one embodiment, first pocket 160 and second pocket 165 terminate within the sterile field such as at the top of the shoulders, or lower. Again, this facilitates putting on self-securing sterile gown 100 without the need for assistance and thus speeds the process of providing urgently needed medical care.
FIG. 2 shows a rear view of self-securing sterile gown 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows first back portion 120 and second back portion 125 of self-securing sterile gown 100. It is noted that in one embodiment, first back portion 120 and second back portion 125 comprise separate panels of self-securing sterile gown 100 which are sewn to front portion 105. In another embodiment, first back portion 120, second back portion 125, and front portion 105 simply designate different portions of a single piece of material.
In FIG. 2, first strap 130 is coupled at a fixed end 132 and routed through a plurality of loops 133. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, fixed end 132 is attached to gown body 101 in an area corresponding to the clavicle region of the wearer when self-securing sterile gown 100 is worn. First strap 130 is then routed through a hole 134 such that first free end 131 is located within the sterile field of self-securing sterile gown 100. It is noted that hole 134 can be covered by a flap of material to further insure the integrity of the sterile field of self-securing sterile gown 100. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, first strap 130 is covered by loop 133 in the region proximate to hole 134. Additionally, loop 133 can be extended and sewn to gown body 101 to totally enclose hole 134 from the rear. This facilitates maintaining the sterile field as the portions of first strap 130 which are pulled from the front are covered by loop 133 when a wearer first puts on self-securing sterile gown 100. As shown in FIG. 2, first strap 130 is routed above sleeve opening 112 into which a wearer inserts his or her right arm when putting on self-securing sterile gown 100. It is appreciated that the left side of self-securing sterile gown 100 is similarly configured.
When a wearer wants to put on self-securing sterile gown 100, he/she will open the sterile packaging in which self-securing sterile gown 100 is stored. Self-securing sterile gown 100 is folded in a manner such that sleeve opening 112, and a similar sleeve opening to second sleeve 115, are visible and accessible to the wearer. The wearer will insert his/her arms into the sleeve openings. As the wearer continues to push his/her arms into their respective sleeves, the wearer will eventually push his/her hand into first glove 111 and second glove 116. Thus, the wearer will put on his/her gloves while keeping his/her hands within the sterile field. It is noted that while this is occurring, the wearer can allow self-securing sterile gown 100 to unfold to its full length.
The wearer can then grasp first free end 131 and second free end 136 of first strap 130 and second strap 135 respectively. By pulling on first free end 131 and second free end 136, first strap 130 and second strap 135 will begin to tighten. Due to the configuration of loops 133, the force of the tightening of first strap 130 and second strap 135 will cause first back portion 120 and second back portion 125 to fold back and around to enclose the wearer within self-securing sterile gown 100.
Again, this is performed by the wearer of self-securing sterile gown 100 without the need for external assistance and while keeping the wearer's hands within the sterile field. The wearer can then tie first strap 130 and second strap 135 in front of self-securing sterile gown 100 to finish the securing process. Alternatively, first free end 131 and second free end 136 may be coupled to front portion 105 using hook-an-pile fasteners disposed on first strap 130 and second strap 135. This allows securing first free end 131 and second free end 136 in a manner which prevents them from repeatedly moving around within, or outside of, the sterile field. As shown in FIG. 2 first strap 130 is configured to be disposed above the wearer's shoulder when worn. Thus, first strap 130 and second strap 135 support the weight of self-securing sterile gown 100 on the wearer's shoulders when worn. It is noted that in one embodiment, additional straps and/or fasteners may be disposed upon first back portion 120 and/or second back portion 125 to further secure self-securing sterile gown 100 to the wearer. It is appreciated that to maintain the sterile field these additional straps would be secured with the assistance of another. However, there is no necessity for the use of these additional straps and/or fasteners in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
As previously described, in one embodiment when first strap 130 and second strap 135 are pulled, face shield 155 is deployed and covers the neck and face region of the wearer and possibly the ears as well. Finally, if the wearer has secured self-securing sterile gown 100, for example by tying first strap 130 and second strap 135 together, the user can insert his/her hands into first pocket 160 and second pocket 165 to adjust the fit of self-securing sterile gown 100. Again, while the user is performing this adjustment to the fit of self-securing sterile gown 100, his/her hands remain within the sterile field. Thus, the wearer has put on self-securing sterile gown 100 without the need for assistance by another person and without violating the integrity of the sterile field. As a result, urgent medical care can be initiated more quickly without compromising standards for sanitation and safety.
FIG. 3 is a rear view of a self-securing sterile gown 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 3, fixed end 132 of first strap 130 is attached to the top rear portion of first back portion 120. First strap 130 is routed through loops 133 over sleeve opening 112 of first sleeve 110 and through hole 134 to the front of gown body 101. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, first strap 130 is covered by loop 133 in the region proximate to hole 134. Additionally, loop 133 can be extended and sewn to gown body 101 to totally enclose hole 134 from the rear. This facilitates maintaining the sterile field as the portions of first strap 130 which are pulled from the front are covered by loop 133 when a wearer first puts on self-securing sterile gown 100. Again, when a wearer wants to put on self-securing sterile gown 100, he/she will open the sterile packaging in which self-securing sterile gown 100 is stored. The wearer will insert his/her arms into the sleeve openings. As the wearer continues to push his/her arms into their respective sleeves, the wearer will eventually push his/her hand into first glove 111 and second glove 116.
The wearer can then grasp first free end 131 and second free end 136 of first strap 130 and second strap 135 respectively. By pulling on first free end 131 and second free end 136, first strap 130 and second strap 135 will begin to tighten. Due to the configuration of first strap 130, second strap 135, and loops 133 the force of the tightening of first strap 130 and second strap 135 will cause first back portion 120 and second back portion 125 to fold back and around to enclose the wearer within self-securing sterile gown 100. Furthermore, the configuration of first strap 130 and 135 will cause the weight of self-securing sterile gown 100 to be transmitted to the wearer's shoulders via first strap 130 and second strap 135.
Again, the wearer of self-securing sterile gown 100 performs this procedure without the need for external assistance and while keeping the wearer's hands within the sterile field. The wearer can then tie first strap 130 and second strap 135 in front of self-securing sterile gown 100 to finish the securing process. It is noted that the disposition of first strap 130, second strap 135, and loops 133 are intended to illustrate embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention to these embodiments alone.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method 400 for manufacturing a self-securing sterile gown in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In operation 401, a sterile gown body is fabricated. As described above, self-securing sterile gown 100 comprises gown body 101 comprising front portion 105, first back portion 120, and second back portion 125. Furthermore, first sleeve 110 and second sleeve 115 are coupled with gown body 101. In embodiments of the present invention, first glove 111 and second glove 116 are coupled with first sleeve 110 and second sleeve 115 respectively. First pocket 160 and second pocket 165 are disposed at the front of gown body 101 in the regions of the shoulders and face shield 155 is coupled with the front of gown body 101 in embodiments of the present invention.
In operation 402, the sterile gown body is provided with a self-securing system configured to permit securing the self-securing sterile gown without assistance and without violating a sterile field of the self-securing sterile gown. As shown in FIG. 1, self-securing system 150 comprises first strap 130 and second strap 135. In embodiments of the present invention, first strap 130 and second strap 135 are configured to permit a wearer to put on self-securing sterile gown 100 without the need for assistance by another and without violating the sterile field of self-securing sterile gown 100. In other words, not violating the sterile field of self-securing sterile gown 100 means that the wearer is not required to move his/her hands from the front of self-securing sterile gown 100 in the region between his/her waist to his/her shoulders in order to secure self-securing sterile gown 100 and/or adjust the fit of self-securing sterile gown 100.
Embodiments of the present invention, a self-securing sterile gown, are thus described. While the present invention has been described in particular embodiments, it should be appreciated that the present invention should not be construed as limited by such embodiments, but rather construed according to the following claims.

Claims

1. A self-securing sterile gown comprising:

a gown body;

a first sleeve and a second sleeve coupled with said gown body;

a first strap attached to a first back portion of said gown body and terminating within a sterile field of said self-securing sterile gown at a first free end; and

a second strap attached to a second back portion of said gown body and terminating within said sterile field of said self-securing sterile gown at a second free end.

2. The self-securing sterile gown of claim 1 wherein said first strap is attached to a top portion of said first back portion and said second strap is attached to a second top portion of said second back portion.

3. The self-securing sterile gown of claim 1 further comprising:

a first glove coupled with said first sleeve and a second glove coupled with said second sleeve.

4. The self-securing sterile gown of claim 3 wherein the size of said first glove and said second glove is selected based upon the size of said self-securing sterile gown.

5. The self-securing sterile gown of claim 3 further comprising:

a face shield coupled to the front of said gown body and configured to cover a neck region and a face region.

6. The self-securing sterile gown of claim 1 wherein said first strap is configured to fit over a shoulder when said self-securing sterile gown is worn and wherein said second strap is configured to fit over a second shoulder when said self-securing sterile gown is worn.

7. The self-securing sterile gown of claim 1 further comprising:

a first pocket located at a first frontal shoulder region of said gown body adjacent to said first sleeve; and

a second pocket located at a second frontal shoulder region of said gown body adjacent to said second sleeve.

8. The self-securing sterile gown of claim 7 wherein said first pocket and said second pocket comprise openings which are located within said sterile field of said self-securing sterile gown and are configured to facilitate inserting a hand into said first pocket and said second pocket.

9. A self-securing sterile gown comprising:

a gown body;

a first sleeve and a second sleeve coupled with said gown body;

a first glove coupled with said first sleeve and a second glove coupled with said second sleeve; and

a self-securing system coupled with said gown body and configured to permit securing said self-securing sterile gown without assistance and without violating a sterile field of said self-securing sterile gown.

10. The self-securing sterile gown of claim 9 wherein said self-securing system comprises:

a first strap attached to a first back portion of said gown body and terminating within a sterile field of said self-securing sterile gown at a first free end within a sterile field of said self-securing sterile gown; and

11. The self-securing sterile gown of claim 10 wherein said first strap is attached to a top portion of said first back portion and said second strap is attached to a second top portion of said second back portion.

12. The self-securing sterile gown of claim 10 wherein said first strap is configured to fit over a shoulder when said self-securing sterile gown is worn and wherein said second strap is configured to fit over a second shoulder when said self-securing sterile gown is worn.

13. The self-securing sterile gown of claim 9 further comprising:

14. The self-securing sterile gown of claim 9 further comprising:

15. The self-securing sterile gown of claim 14 wherein said first pocket and said second pocket comprise openings which are located within said sterile field of said self-securing sterile gown and are configured to facilitate inserting a hand into said first pocket and said second pocket.

16. A method for manufacturing a self-securing sterile gown, said method comprising:

fabricating a sterile gown body; and

providing said sterile gown body with a self-securing system configured to permit securing said self-securing sterile gown without assistance and without violating a sterile field of said self-securing sterile gown.

17. The method of claim 16 further comprising:

providing said sterile gown body with a first sleeve and a second sleeve coupled with said sterile gown body;

providing said first sleeve with a first glove coupled with said first sleeve; and

providing said second sleeve with a second glove coupled with said second sleeve.

18. The method of claim 17 further comprising:

providing said sterile gown body with a first pocket located at a first frontal shoulder region of said sterile gown body adjacent to said first sleeve, said first pocket comprising a first opening located within said sterile field of said sterile gown body; and

providing said sterile gown body with a second pocket located at a second frontal shoulder region of said sterile gown body adjacent to said second sleeve, said first pocket comprising a second opening located within said sterile field of said sterile gown body.

19. The method of claim 16 further comprising:

providing said sterile gown body with a face shield coupled to the front of said sterile gown body and configured to cover a neck region and a face region.

20. The method of claim 16 wherein said configuring said sterile gown body with a self-securing system further comprises:

providing a first strap attached to said a first back portion of said sterile gown body and terminating within said sterile field of said self-securing sterile gown at a first free end within a sterile field of said self-securing sterile gown and wherein said first strap is configured to fit over a shoulder when said self-securing sterile gown is worn; and

providing a second strap attached to a second back portion of said sterile gown body and terminating within said sterile field of said self-securing sterile gown at a second free end wherein said second strap is configured to fit over a second shoulder when said self-securing sterile gown is worn.