Abstract:
A collapsible patient isolation pod for preventing flow of contaminants to or from a patient is disclosed. The isolation pod is preferably fabricated at least partially from a transparent, biochemically resistive material and includes a flexible enclosure that is configurable to receive a contaminated patient therein. The top is maintained spaced apart from the bottom such that the top is maintained out of physical contact with a contaminated patient received in the enclosure. The isolation pod has a plurality of wide, gloved access points to allow easy, multiple access points to a patient. A central connection manifold for oxygen, intravenous connections, or other fluids, may optionally be provided. Ventilation is provided within the isolation chamber with a negative pressure ventilation system and filtration on the air input near the patient&#39;s head, and provides filtration on output near the patient&#39;s feet. An integral pocket underneath the isolation pod may be provided to allow for a spine board or stretcher to be used. The invention provides a patient isolation system that permits health care providers safe and relatively unencumbered access to the isolated patient.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]     This application is based upon and claims benefit of copending and co-owned U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/690,034 entitled “Collapsible Patient Isolation Pod”, filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Jun. 13, 2005 by the inventors herein, the specification of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     This invention relates generally to an isolation system for transporting a patient, and more particularly to a system and method for protecting the patient against exposure to a hazardous environment, and protecting persons aiding the patient against contamination from the patient.  
         [0004]     2. Background of the Prior art  
         [0005]     Typically, when a person is injured and becomes a victim in a contaminated environment, such as occurs in a chemical warfare confrontation, the victim is placed within an enclosure for transportation to a medical facility. Ideally, the enclosure is manufactured of a material that inhibits or prevents the transfer of contaminants from the ambient environment to the victim and from the victim to caregivers, such as medical personnel.  
         [0006]     In many cases, it is imperative that medical treatment be given to the patient immediately. However, in order to administer treatment, it is preferred that the patient be isolated and transported into an enclosure within which medical personnel may work on the patient, or additional means must be provided for allowing access to the patient without introducing contaminants into the enclosure containing the patient and without risking contamination of the medical personnel. In this regard, it is desirable to isolate the patient from the environment when the environment contains substances that may be detrimental to the medical patient. For example, if the patient has suffered severe blood loss or is experiencing difficulty breathing, then it is desirable to prevent the patient from breathing dust, engine exhaust, smoke, etc. It is also desirable to isolate the medical patient from the environment when bacteriological, chemical and/or radiological hazards are present, as may occur during battlefield conditions. Similarly, it is desirable to isolate a contaminated patient to ensure that such contamination is not spread to the medical personnel providing treatment.  
         [0007]     There are many devices and structures available in the art for isolating a patient for protection against additional exposure to a hazardous environment while monitoring the patient as well as isolating the potentially infectious patient from caregivers to prevent exposure and/or contamination. Many such devices are directed to use with an individual patient who is exposed to ambient contamination from, for example, chemical, biological, infectious agent, environmental, and radiation sources.  
         [0008]     Unfortunately, prior art apparatuses currently available for treating the patient in the field are generally ineffective in providing an environment conducive to the administration of medical treatment, and can thus cause treatment to be delayed until the patient is transported to an adequate medical facility, which is frequently not readily accessible. Such prior art apparatuses are further generally deficient in providing an environment where both the patient and medical personnel treating the patient are protected from contaminants, let alone actually facilitate the removal of contaminants already present on the skin and/or clothes of the casualty victim.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0009]     Disclosed is a collapsible patient isolation pod that provides protection against further contamination of the patient, and against cross contamination of the surrounding environment to allow transport of victims from an incident scene to a more advanced medical treatment facility with a minimum of risk to the healthcare provider. With reference to a particularly preferred embodiment, a plurality of flexible arches along the length of the isolation pod supports a vinyl enclosure above the patient and provides a voluminous work/patient space. The isolation pod has a plurality of wide, gloved access points to allow easy, multiple access points to a patient. A negative pressure ventilation system provides filtration on the air input, preferably situated near the patient&#39;s head, and also provides filtration on output, preferably situated near the patient&#39;s feet to prevent recontamination of the patient while providing longitudinal airflow. A snorkel is provided to enable wires or tubes to be connected inside the enclosure while maintaining a seal from the environment. Optionally, a central push/pull connection manifold for oxygen, intravenous connections, or other fluids, enables quick and simple connect/disconnects with self-closing internal valves. One or more service sleeves may be provided to enable materials and equipment to be passed into or out of the enclosure while maintaining a seal from the environment. Several wide belts with handgrips may be provided on each side to enable staff to transport and safely maneuver a patient in the isolation pod. Likewise, straps may be provided to enable attachment of the isolation pod to a stretcher or gurhey. Internal restraint straps may also be provided to hold a patient securely within the isolation pod. An optional integral pocket can be provided on the bottom of the isolation pod to allow for a spine board or stretcher to be used in combination with the isolation pod. The isolation pod provides a patient isolation system that permits health care providers relatively unencumbered access to the isolated patient.  
         [0010]     In some embodiments, an isolation pod is provided to supply an emergency, short-term, single patient, isolation pod utilizing lightweight materials and airtight sealing. The isolation pod can be constructed of materials that allow it to be decontaminated after use yet can be easily stored and quickly set up.  
         [0011]     In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, an isolation pod is provided having a negative pressure, filtered ventilation air system that stays clean and can be re-used. The ventilation system should be easily configurable and use replaceable parts.  
         [0012]     The various features of novelty that characterize the invention will be pointed out with particularity in the claims of this application. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0013]     The above and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention are considered in more detail, in relation to the following description of embodiments thereof shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:  
         [0014]      FIG. 1  shows a plan view of an isolation pod according to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0015]      FIG. 2  shows a side elevational view of the isolation pod of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0016]      FIG. 3  shows an end elevational view of the isolation pod of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0017]      FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of the isolation pod of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0018]      FIG. 5  shows a frontal view of a guide loop mechanism for use with the isolation pod of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0019]      FIG. 6  shows an illustration of a rib connecting mechanism for use with the isolation pod of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0020]      FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b  shows an enlarged portion of  FIG. 3 , illustrating a rib attachment mechanism for use with the isolation pod of  FIG. 1 ; and  
         [0021]      FIG. 8  shows an illustration of a wall fitting for use with the isolation pod of  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS  
       [0022]     The invention summarized above and defined by the enumerated claims may be better understood by referring to the following description, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numbers are used for like parts. This description of an embodiment, set out below to enable one to build and use an implementation of the invention, is not intended to limit the enumerated claims, but to serve as a particular example thereof. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the conception and specific embodiments disclosed as a basis for modifying or designing other methods and systems for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent assemblies do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention in its broadest form.  
         [0023]     Referring to the drawings,  FIGS. 1-4  show an isolation pod, indicated generally as  5 , according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention. The isolation pod  5  comprises an enclosure  8  of suitable length having a left portion  11 , a right portion  12 , and a base sheet  15  forming a main chamber  18  that is preferably sized to receive an average-sized person therein. The left portion  11  and right portion  12  are substantially rectangular shaped, having two long sides, such as  11   a,    11   b,    12   a,  and  12   b,  respectively, and two short sides, such as  11   c,    11   d,    12   c,  and  12   d,  respectively, and are attached on one of the long sides  11   a,    12   a  to the base sheet  15  by appropriate means, such as sewing, or ultrasonic or radio frequency (RF) welding. Base sheet  15  is likewise substantially rectangular shaped. In use, and by way of non-limiting example, the isolation pod  5  may measure approximately 76-inches long by approximately 27-inches wide by approximately 17-inches high. The enclosure  8  is suitably made from a flexible chemical-resistant material such as  16 -gage polyvinyl chloride (PVC) that is heavy duty and puncture resistant. However, it will be appreciated that any thickness of material may be selected as desired for a particular application. Further, the enclosure  8  may be made from material, either in its entirety or in portions thereof, that can be seen through, such as clear vinyl or clear or colored PVC. This permits a contaminated patient in the main chamber  18  to see outside the enclosure  8  and permits the patient to be seen by medical care providers and other people outside the enclosure  8 .  
         [0024]     End panels  21 ,  22 ,  23 ,  24  are substantially shaped as a quarter of a circle and attached at a bottom edge, such as  26 ,  27  shown in  FIG. 3 , to the base sheet  15  by suitable means. The curved portion, such as  31 ,  32  shown in  FIG. 3 , of the end panels  21 ,  22  is attached to the short sides  11   c,    12   c  of left and right portions  11 ,  12 . In a similar manner, the curved portion of end panels  23 ,  24  is attached to the short sides  11   d,    12   d  of left and right portions  11 ,  12 . The remaining long side  11   b,    12   b  of left and right portions  11 ,  12  and the remaining side of end panels  21 ,  22 ,  23 ,  24  are provided with a closure mechanism, such as hook-and-loop closures or a sealed zipper seam  35 .  
         [0025]     A lightweight support frame is preferably established by the placement of a plurality of flexible ribs, such as  38 ,  39 , each preferably passed through a plurality of guide loops  42  formed at select locations on the interior of the left and right portions  11 ,  12 . By way of non-limiting example, the ribs  38 ,  39  are preferably approximately 1-inch wide by approximately 14-inch thick by approximately 27-inches long. Other sizes can be used. The length of the ribs is selected such that it will not extend over the edge of the base sheet  15  in the folded, storage configuration.  
         [0026]     Referring to  FIG. 5 , the guide loops  42  comprise a back portion  45  and a rigid ring portion  48 . The guide loops  42  are integrally formed on or anchored to the interior of the left and right portions  11 ,  12  by heat sealing, adhesives, or other conventional techniques. The ribs  38 ,  39  are slidably engaged in the guide loops between the ring portion  48  and the back portion  45 .  
         [0027]     As shown in  FIG. 6 , a connecting housing  50  is provided to releasably join oppositely deployed ribs. The connecting housing  50  is suitably made of plastic or nylon approximately 3-inches long by approximately 2-inches wide by approximately ¾-inch thick. Other sizes can be used and one skilled in the art will select appropriate sizes for the ribs  38 ,  39  and the connecting housing  50 . Each rib  38 ,  39  is slidably engaged with a slot  53  provided on opposite sides of connecting housing  50 . Slots  53  are sized and configured to enable ribs  38 ,  39  to slidably engage therein. Optionally, one or more rib members  38  and  39  may be rigidly attached to connecting housing  50 .  
         [0028]     In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of flexible spines, such as  90 ,  91 , may be operatively engaged between adjacent ribs  38 ,  39  to provide longitudinal stability. Slots  93 ,  94  may be provided on opposite sides of connecting housing  50 , sized and configured to enable spines  90 ,  91  to slidably engage therein. The longitudinal spines  90 ,  91  are sized and configured to extend between adjacent connecting housings  50  in the support frame. When the isolation pod  5  is closed, the longitudinal spines  90 ,  91  are preferably positioned directly under the closure seam  35 .  
         [0029]      FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b  illustrate alternate arrangements of rib attachment mechanisms. In  FIG. 7   a,  rib  39  is provided with a detent  55  on its lower end. The detent  55  is sized and configured to enable the lower end of rib  39  to be slid between the ring portion  48  and the back portion  45  of guide loop  42  and releasably held in place. The detent  55  prevents removal of the rib  39  at least during normal use. The guide loop  42  should be the lower most guide loop on the left and right portions  11 ,  12 .  FIG. 7   b  shows an optional alternate configuration. Rib  39  may be hingedly attached to the ring portion  48  of guide loop  42 . A lower part  56  of rib  39  is curved around the ring portion  48  to form a hook  59  that can rotate about ring portion  48 .  
         [0030]     It is preferred to deploy the supporting flexible ribs, such as  38 ,  39 , and spines  90 ,  91  on the inside of the isolation pod  5 . Due to evacuation of air from the interior of the main chamber  18 , a negative pressure is developed, which would tend to collapse an unsupported enclosure  8  about a patient sealed therein. Consequently, the use of a supporting frame is desirable.  
         [0031]     To open the enclosure  8 , the sealed zipper seam  35  ( FIG. 1 ) is opened and the left and right portions  11 ,  12  are splayed open by preferably sliding the PVC material and guide loops  42  into an open position along ribs  38 ,  39 . The end panels  21 ,  22 ,  23 ,  24 , being connected to their respective left and right portions  11  and  12  are likewise folded toward the side of the enclosure  8 . Spines  90 ,  91  may be removed from the connecting housing  50 . One or more of ribs  38 ,  39  then may be removed from the connecting housing  50 , and ribs  38 ,  39  may be pivoted outward from the main chamber  18 . To configure the isolation pod  5  for storage, the PVC material is extended onto the ribs  38 ,  39  without the ribs being connected in the connecting housing  50 . Ribs  38 ,  39  and each of the left and right portions  11 ,  12  are laid flat onto the base sheet  15  and the isolation pod  5  can be folded into a storage box, bag or the like. The ribs  38 ,  39  need not be removed from the guide loops  42 . The spines are disconnected from the connecting housing  50  and also laid flat onto the base sheet  15  to be folded in for storage.  
         [0032]     To further facilitate caregiver activities such as decontamination, cleaning, airway management, and the like, the enclosure  8  includes a plurality of glove ports  62  having tear resistant gloves  65  of conventional construction and composition. The gloves  65  are sealed to the enclosure  8  by means of, for example, a cam and groove ring that is known in the art. When glove ports  62  are fitted with gloves  65 , an operator standing outside of the enclosure  8  is able to manipulate the contents within the main chamber  18 . The gloves  65  are of pliable, chemical-resistant material, such as latex or other material used in the biohazards industry. The gloves  65  include a reinforced portal and tubular sleeves to allow for patient treatment without exposure of the patient to the environment outside of the enclosure  8 , or exposure of caregivers to contaminants on the patient. Alternatively, when it is desired to perform an intricate medical procedure, such as an autopsy within the main chamber  18 , surgical-quality or examination-quality gloves are preferably used.  
         [0033]     Optionally, a centrally located manifold  68  may be disposed on at least one of the left and right portions  11 ,  12 . The manifold  68  comprises a plurality of push/pull connections having self-closing internal valves to enable air, oxygen, intravenous connections, or other fluids to be administered to a patient within the enclosure  8 . It may further permit wires for monitoring devices, such as an electrocardiogram, or devices for monitoring other vital signs to be connected to the contaminated patient. Each push/pull connection has a fitting on the outside of the manifold for attaching a tube or the like. On the inside, a similar fitting enables a tube to attach to the manifold  68  inside the enclosure  8 . The push/pull connections are designed to have an internal seal when the connection is pushed in. Once a tube or other connection is attached, the fitting is pulled out to open the internal seal. The manifold  68  enables quick and simple connect/disconnect of tubes and other lines. In a preferred embodiment, the internal seal permits flow in only one direction.  
         [0034]     In a preferred embodiment, a hollow snorkel  69  may be provided on at least one of end panels  21 ,  22 ,  23 ,  24 . The snorkel  69  enables passage of tubes for intravenous or oxygen lines and/or wires for monitoring devices or powered equipment into the interior of chamber  18 . A strap  70  is used to seal the snorkel  69 . Strap  70  may include hook-and-loop fasteners to seal upon itself and maintain the snorkel  69  closed.  
         [0035]     The interior of enclosure  8  is usually maintained at a negative pressure through use of at least one fan  72  that pulls a suction on the main chamber  18  through a high efficiency filter  75 , which is located within the chamber  18 . Such filter  75  may be a HEPA filter for filtering particulate, an OVAG filter for filtering organic vapor, acid, or gas, or combinations of HVAC and OVAG. In a preferred embodiment, a long-life battery  73  ( FIG. 4 ) powers fan  72 . The battery  73  is preferably a Lithium polymer rechargeable battery or a Nickel-Cadmium rechargeable battery, and is preferably removably held on an outer wall of one of end panels  21 ,  22 ,  23 ,  24 , such as by use of a hook-and-loop fastener arrangement. Other types of batteries can be used. A charging port for the battery  73  may also be provided.  
         [0036]     Air is allowed to enter the main chamber  18  through one or more high efficiency filters  76 ,  77 , which are located outside the enclosure  8 . Filters  76 ,  77  decontaminate the air entering the main chamber  18  and filter  75  decontaminates the air exiting the chamber  18 . Various types and numbers of filters can be used. Fan  72  and filters  75 ,  76 ,  77  are connected to the isolation pod  5  through a wall fitting  78 , such as shown in  FIG. 8 . Wall fitting  78  is designed to have internal threads  79 , on the inside of the wall fitting  78  for receiving externally threaded components, such as a filter. The wall fitting  78  also has external threads  80 , on the outside of the fitting  78  for receiving internally threaded components, such as a hose, a fan assembly, or other component.  
         [0037]     Fan  72  is preferably sized to enable airflow of approximately  3 - 6  cubic feet per minute (CFM) through the main chamber  18 , which will enable the air to be changed in the chamber  18  approximately twelve times per hour. In a particularly preferred embodiment, airflow monitors (not shown) may track the turnover rate of air within chamber  18 . When a patient is in the main chamber  18 , it is preferred that airflow, providing ventilation inside the chamber  18 , enters the chamber  18  near the patient&#39;s head and exits near the patient&#39;s feet in such a manner that it enables refreshed air to pass through the chamber  18  and washes over the patient in a head-to-toe direction such that rapid removal of toxic and infectious residues is facilitated. This further minimizes potential contamination of the patient&#39;s respiratory system and helps to cool and relax the patient. In some embodiments, a respirator unit, such as a powered air purifying respirator or pressurized source of clean air can be connected directly to the main chamber  18  at any of the wall fittings  78 .  
         [0038]     In some embodiments, the ventilation can be configured to create a positive pressure environment inside the enclosure  8  for burn patients or other immune compromised patients.  
         [0039]     Bottom sheet  15  may be constructed of any appropriate material that can be attached to the left and right portions  11 ,  12  and the end panels  21 ,  22 ,  23 ,  24 . The bottom sheet  15  should be, at least, waterproof and may be reinforced. Optionally, a second bottom sheet  81  ( FIG. 2 ), having substantially the same shape and size as bottom sheet  15  may be disposed under the bottom sheet  15  and attached only along the long sides of the bottom sheets  15  and  81 , thus forming a sleeve  83  that is open on the short side ends of the isolation pod  5 . The sleeve  83  enables a spine board or stretcher (not shown) to be inserted therein, between the bottom sheet  15  and the second bottom sheet  81 . The spine board or stretcher may provide rigidity for transporting a patient in the isolation pod  5 .  
         [0040]     Referring to  FIG. 4 , several wide belts  96  may be provided in appropriate positions under the bottom sheet  15  to provide a means to lift the isolation pod  5 , or to attach it to a stretcher or gurney. Handgrips, such as  98 , on each side of the isolation pod  5  may be provided to enable staff to transport and maneuver a patient in the isolation pod  5 . Furthermore, a plurality of internal restraining straps  99  may be disposed inside the main chamber  18  to hold a patient securely within the isolation pod  5 .  
         [0041]     In an alternate embodiment, an antechamber  86  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) having additional high efficiency filters  88 ,  89  may be disposed on an end of the isolation pod  5 . Such filters  88 ,  89  may be HEPA filters for filtering particulate, OVAG filters for filtering organic vapor, acid, or gas, or combinations of HVAC and OVAG. The antechamber  86  should be separately openable from the main chamber  18  to allow materials to be placed into the antechamber  86  without exposing the main chamber  18  to possible contamination from the outside environment. The materials can be sealed in the antechamber  86  and filters  76 ,  77  may clean any contaminated air that entered the antechamber  86  when it was opened. After a sufficient amount of time, the main chamber  18  can be opened to the antechamber  86  and the materials can be moved into the main chamber  18 . The antechamber  86  may be provided with glove ports and gloves (not shown) to facilitate moving the materials between the main chamber  18  and the antechamber  86 . If an antechamber  86  is provided, then the second bottom sheet  81 , if provided, should preferably extend to the end of the antechamber  86 .  
         [0042]     Preferably, the isolation pod  5  is provided with at least one pass-through sleeve  100  that may be attached to an end panel  21 ,  22 ,  23 ,  24  to allow instruments or equipment to enter the main chamber  18 . The pass-through sleeve  100  may open on the attached end and releasably sealed on the remaining, unattached end. Alternatively, a separate filter may be provided in a removably end cap that selectively opens and closes pass-through sleeve  100 . A strap having hook-and-loop fasteners, similar to strap  70 , may be used to seal the pass-through sleeve  100  to maintain the sleeve  100  closed. Other means to releasably close the sleeve  100  may be used. Objects to be passed into the main chamber  18  are placed into the sleeve  100 . Using one of the gloves  65 , an operator outside the enclosure  8  can squeeze the sleeve between the object and the open end to form a seal. The closure on the sealed end can be opened and the object removed inside the main chamber  18 . The sleeve can then be resealed with the object remaining inside the enclosure  8 .  
         [0043]     In some embodiments, a sealed specimen sleeve  105  may be provided. The specimen sleeve  105  is preferably attached to a left or right side portion  11 ,  12  and has a sealed bottom. Optionally, the specimen sleeve may be provided a selectively openable bottom, such as by way of a zipper or similarly configured closure. A specimen from inside the main chamber  18  can be placed in the specimen sleeve  105  and sealed therein by heat sealing, adhesive, an additional zipper-type closure, or other appropriate means. A portion of the specimen sleeve  105  holding the specimen can then optionally be detached from the isolation pod  5  so that the specimen, while remaining sealed, can be transported to another location for testing, analysis, or other work. The specimen sleeve  105  should continue to maintain a seal with the enclosure  8 .  
         [0044]     All of the sleeves  69 ,  100 ,  105  described herein may be sealed to the isolation pod  5  by ultrasonic or radio frequency welding. Heat sealing, adhesives, or other conventional techniques may also be used.  
         [0045]     The isolation pod  5  described herein can be used with a live patient to maintain a sealed environment in order to prevent the spread of contamination. In an alternate embodiment, the isolation pod  5  can be used to perform autopsies without compromising the environment.  
         [0046]     The invention has been described with references to a preferred embodiment. While specific values, relationships, materials and steps have been set forth for purposes of describing concepts of the invention, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the basic concepts and operating principles of the invention as broadly described. It should be recognized that, in the light of the above teachings, those skilled in the art can modify those specifics without departing from the invention taught herein. Having now fully set forth the preferred embodiments and certain modifications of the concept underlying the present invention, various other embodiments as well as certain variations and modifications of the embodiments herein shown and described will obviously occur to those skilled in the art upon becoming familiar with said underlying concept. It is intended to include all such modifications, alternatives and other embodiments insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or equivalents thereof. It should be understood, therefore, that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically set forth herein. Consequently, the present embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.