Protective head covering with neck support for anesthetized patient and method therefor

A head and neck covering is cut from a flat sheet of foam material to form a body portion of the head and neck covering. The foam material has a first surface cut to form an eye region, mouth region and neck region. The foam material has a second surface opposite the first surface which is continuous other than an opening for intubation. The foam material is compliant so that the body portion conforms to contours of the head and neck of the anesthetized patient. A closure mechanism is attached to the body portion for securing the head and neck covering around the anesthetized patient. The foam material reduces a potential for trauma to the head and neck of the anesthetized patient. A plurality of channels is formed in the foam material. Warm fluid is circulated through the channels to reduce heat loss for the patient.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to medical devices and, more particularly, to a protective head covering with neck support for an anesthetized patient.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

People routinely undergo surgery for treatment of a variety of medical conditions. In many cases, the patients are placed under general anesthesia for the surgical procedure. While under general anesthesia, the patient is unconscious and cannot respond or react to external stimuli or conditions. In some surgical procedures, there is a potential for these external conditions to cause trauma to the patient. For example, during certain orthopaedic surgical procedures, the surgeon must exert considerable pressure on various parts of the body, e.g., to the arms, legs, shoulder, and torso. In addition, the surgeon uses a variety of instruments during the procedure. The pressure on the body and use of surgical instruments create the potential for unintentional trauma to the patient, particularly to the head, face, ears, eyes, and neck area. The patient may receive pressure marks or sores from direct contact with surgical instruments and body positioning techniques. Any pressure applied to the ocular structures, even a short time, can cause damage or blindness to the eye. The body is typically covered at most by a blanket or cloth, which provides minimal protection.

Another challenge is the task of rolling the patient over from a supine position to a prone position on the operating table or from a cart onto the operating table. Depending on the procedure, the patient may be intubated, which creates a risk of neck injury during the roll-over process. After the procedure, the patient must again be rolled off the operating table onto a gurney. Still anesthetized, the risk of neck injury is again present if the head is not properly supported and manipulated during patient movement.

If an emergency develops while the patient is in the prone position, requiring the patient to be rolled to the supine position, valuable time can be lost trying to properly support the patient without injury to the neck, and without crimping the airway supply tubing and monitoring equipment communicating through the nose and mouth of the patient.

One approach found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,490,737 involves a molded helmet, which partially covers the patient's face and head. The helmet is particularly designed for procedures with the patient in the prone position and, in fact, the helmet can be rigidly mounted to the operating table, as shown in FIG. 8 of U.S. Pat. No. 6,490,737. However, in the prone position, the forehead and chin areas are exposed to continuous pressure by the weight of the patient's own head. If not relieved by regular movement of the face to allow blood flow, the pressure can cause localized ischemia to the chin and forehead area. In addition, the helmet leaves the eyes, cheeks, nose, and back of the head exposed and vulnerable to objects smaller than the openings in the helmet. The helmet is molded to a rigid form factor so the head is likely to shift in position relative to the helmet.

In the anesthetized state, the patient is unable to respond or react to any of these conditions. The surgeon, anesthesiologist, and surgical staff must be constantly aware of patient safety to avoid unnecessary trauma.

The operating room is typically maintained at a low temperature, in part for the comfort and alertness of the surgical team. The patient may experience body heat loss in the low temperature environment. The torso and upper and lower extremities are typically covered by a blanket for warmth. However, a significant amount of heat can be lost passively through the head and neck. A surgical cap can reduce some heat loss, but typically does not cover the face and certainly does not remove the potential for injury.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A need exists to protect the head and neck of the patient from external conditions to avoid unnecessary trauma. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the present invention is a head and neck covering for an anesthetized patient comprising a flat sheet of foam material cut to form a body portion of the head and neck covering. The foam material has a first surface cut to form an eye region, mouth region, and neck region. The foam material has a second surface opposite the first surface, which is continuous other than an opening for intubation. The foam material is compliant so that the body portion conforms to contours of the head and neck of the anesthetized patient. A closure mechanism is attached to the body portion for securing the head and neck covering around the anesthetized patient.

In another embodiment, the present invention is a head covering for an anesthetized patient comprising a flat sheet of foam material cut to form a body portion of the head covering. The foam material has a first surface cut to form an eye region and mouth region. The foam material has a second surface opposite the first surface which is continuous. A closure mechanism is attached to the body portion for securing the head covering around the anesthetized patient.

In another embodiment, the present invention is a head covering for an anesthetized patient comprising a foam material having a first surface cut to form an eye region and mouth region. The foam material has a second surface opposite the first surface which is continuous. An elastic material is integrated with the foam material for securing the head covering around the anesthetized patient.

In another embodiment, the present invention is a method of making a head and neck covering for an anesthetized patient comprising the steps of providing a flat sheet of foam material, and cutting the foam material to form a body portion of the head and neck covering. The foam material has a first surface cut to form an eye region, mouth region and neck region. The foam material has a second surface opposite the first surface which is continuous other than an opening for intubation. The method further includes the step of attaching a closure mechanism to the body portion for securing the head and neck covering around the anesthetized patient.

In another embodiment, the present invention is a method of making a head covering for an anesthetized patient comprising the steps of providing a flat sheet of foam material, and cutting the foam material to form a body portion of the head covering. The foam material has a first surface cut to form an eye region and mouth region. The foam material has a second surface opposite the first surface which is continuous. The method further includes the step of attaching a closure mechanism to the body portion for securing the head covering around the anesthetized patient.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

InFIG. 1, patient10is shown in a supine position on operating table12. Anesthesiologist14places patient10under general anesthesia in preparation for surgery. In the anesthetized state, patient10is unconscious and cannot respond or react to external stimuli or conditions. Surgeon16performs the surgical procedure on patient10. In some surgical procedures, such as orthopaedic procedures, surgeon16must exert considerable pressure on various parts of the body, e.g., to the arms, legs, shoulder, and torso. In addition, surgeon16uses a variety of instruments during the procedure. The pressure on the body and use of surgical instruments create the potential for unintentional trauma to the patient, particularly to the head, face, ears, eyes, and neck area.

FIG. 2shows a protective head covering20formed from a flat sheet of medical grade open-cell or closed-cell foam material22having sufficient density and thickness to absorb or cushion external forces, e.g., medical instruments and human induced pressure points. Head covering20isolates the head and neck of patient10from iatrogenic trauma. In particular, head covering20protects the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, cheeks, chin, forehead, back, top and sides of the head, and other facial epidermis of patient10. In one embodiment, foam material22has a thickness ranging from 10-30 millimeters (mm). Foam material22is compliant and readily conforms to the contour of the head and neck of patient10. Foam material22is waterproof and disposable.

Foam material22has an inside surface24for epidermis contact, and outside surface26opposite surface24. The surfaces24-26of foam material22can be treated with a secondary material, such as cloth, neoprene, or silicone, to prevent allergic reactions and improve handling and application of head covering20.FIG. 3shows foam material22as having multiple layers laminated or joined to create the desired protective and compliant properties. Each layer of foam material22can have a different density. The innermost layer23adjacent to the face of patient10may be soft and conforming, while the outermost layer25has sufficient density to protect against impact or pressure.

The sheet of foam material22is cut along lines28with a laser, water cutting jet, hot-knife, stamping, die cutting, or other tool to produce body portion29having shape and dimensions necessary to conform to the head and neck of patient10. In particular, portions of foam material22are retained or removed from body portion29by the cutting process to form facial region30, recessed eye and nose region32, recessed mouth region36, recessed ear region38, neck region40, and back of head region42, as shown inFIG. 4a. Neck region40has padding44for additional neck support.FIG. 4bshows outside surface26of head covering20. After the cutting process, a plurality of closure mechanisms48, e.g., straps, Velcro, laces, and fasteners, can be attached around a perimeter of foam material22in appropriate locations to secure head covering20to the head and neck of patient10.

In one application, as shown inFIG. 5a, surface24of region42is brought into contact with the back of the head of patient10so that region40is disposed over the neck of the patient. Head covering20is wrapped around the front of the head and neck of patient10and closure mechanism48is secured so that the patient's eyes and nose are centered under recessed region32, the patient's mouth is centered under recessed region36, and the patient's ears are centered under recessed region38, as shown inFIG. 5b. The compliant property of head covering20causes surface24to conform to the contours of the head, face, and neck of patent10. Once secured in place with closure mechanism48, head covering20is unlikely to shift due to the continuous and substantial contact between surface24and the head and face of patient10.

The flat sheet of foam material20has advantages over the molded helmet, as found in the prior art. The flat nature of sheet22is less costly to manufacture and more convenient to package for shipment and storage. Head covering20is compliant and readily conforms around most head dimensions, i.e., one size fits all. Once applied, head covering20is less likely to shift in position.

FIG. 6ashows another embodiment of the protective head covering. Head covering60is formed from a flat sheet of medical grade open-cell or closed-cell foam material having sufficient density and thickness to absorb or cushion external forces, e.g., medical instruments and human induced pressure points. Head covering60isolates the head and neck of patient10from iatrogenic trauma. In particular, head covering60protects the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, cheeks, chin, forehead, back, top and sides of the head, and other facial epidermis of patient10. In one embodiment, the foam material has a thickness ranging from 10-30 mm. The foam material is compliant and readily conforms to the contour of the head and neck of patient10. The foam material is waterproof and disposable.

The foam material has an inside surface62for epidermis contact.FIG. 6bshows outside surface63, opposite surface62. The surfaces62and63of the foam material can be treated with a secondary material, such as cloth, neoprene, or silicone, to prevent allergic reactions and improve handling and application of head covering60. The foam material may have multiple layers laminated or joined to create the desired protective and compliant properties. For example, the innermost layer adjacent to the face of patient10may be soft and conforming, while the outermost layer has sufficient density to protect against impact or pressure. Regions76of surface63are clear or opaque to enable observation of the eyes of patient10which aids in alignment of head covering60.

Head covering60has facial region64, recessed eye region66, recessed nose region68, recessed mouth region70, chin region71, recessed ear region72, and neck region74. Any external pressure or force applied to surface63is distributed over an area to avoid injury to any specific body part. The recessed regions provide spacing to avoid direct contact or pressure on the eye, noise, mouth, etc. A plurality of closure mechanisms78, e.g., straps, Velcro, laces, and fasteners, can be attached around a perimeter of the foam material in appropriate locations to secure head covering60to the head and neck of patient10.

In one application, as shown inFIG. 7a, surface62of region64is brought into contact with the face of patient10so that region74is disposed over the neck of the patient. Head covering60is wrapped around the back of the head and neck of patient10and closure mechanism78is secured so that the patient's eyes are centered under recessed region66, the patient's nose is centered over recessed region68, the patient's mouth is centered under recessed region70, the patient's chin is aligned with region71, and the patient's ears are centered under recessed region72, as shown inFIG. 7b. The compliant property of head covering60causes surface62to conform to the contours of the head, face, and neck of patient10. Once secured in place with closure mechanism78, head covering60is unlikely to shift due to the continuous contact between surface62and the head and face of patient10. The outside surface63can be continuous other than an opening for intubation tube79to the air passage of patient10. Therefore, all areas of the patient's head and neck are isolated from external conditions to reduce the risk of trauma.

FIG. 8ashows another embodiment of the protective head covering. Head covering80is formed from a flat sheet of medical grade open-cell or closed-cell foam material having sufficient density and thickness to absorb or cushion external forces, e.g., medical instruments and human induced pressure points. Head covering80isolates the head and neck of patient10from iatrogenic trauma. In particular, head covering80protects the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, cheeks, chin, forehead, back, top and sides of the head, and other facial epidermis of patient10. In one embodiment, the foam material has a thickness ranging from 10-30 mm. The foam material is compliant and readily conforms to the contour of the head and neck of patient10. The foam material is waterproof and disposable.

The foam material has an inside surface82for epidermis contact.FIG. 8bshows outside surface83, opposite surface82. The surfaces82and83of the foam material can be treated with a secondary material, such as cloth, neoprene, or silicone, to prevent allergic reactions and improve handling and application of head covering80. The foam material may have multiple layers laminated or joined to create the desired protective and compliant properties. For example, the innermost layer adjacent to the face of patient10may be soft and conforming, while the outermost layer has sufficient density to protect against impact or pressure. Regions96of surface83are clear or opaque to enable observation of the eyes of patient10which aids in alignment of head covering80.

Head covering80has facial region84, recessed eye region86, recessed nose region88, recessed mouth region90, recessed chin region91, recessed ear region92, and recessed neck region94. Any external pressure or force applied to surface83is distributed over an area to avoid injury to any specific body part. The recessed regions provide spacing to avoid direct contact or pressure on the eye, noise, mouth, etc. A metal or plastic zipper98and closure mechanism100is attached to secure head covering80to the head and neck of patient10.

In one application, as shown inFIG. 9, surface84of region82is brought into contact with the face of patient10so that region94is disposed over the neck of the patient. Head covering80is wrapped around the back of the head and neck of patient10and zipper98and closure mechanism100are closed so that the patient's eyes are centered under region86, the patient's nose is centered over region88, the patient's mouth is centered under region90, the patient's chin is aligned with recessed region91, and the patient's ears are centered under region92. The compliant property of head covering80causes surface82to conform to the contours of the head, face, and neck of patent10. Once secured in place with zipper98and closure mechanism100, head covering80is unlikely to shift due to the continuous contact between surface82and the head and face of patient10. The outside surface83can be continuous other than an opening for intubation tube102to the air passage of patient10. Therefore, all areas of the patient's head and neck are isolated from external conditions to reduce the risk of trauma.

FIG. 10ashows another embodiment of the protective head covering. In this case, head covering104is formed as a tube or hood having a surface106made from medical grade open-cell or closed-cell foam material having sufficient density and thickness to absorb or cushion external forces, e.g., medical instruments and human induced pressure points. The surface106is continuous other than an opening for intubation tube108to the air passage of patient10. Region110is stretchable or mesh material, such as spandex, elastane, or other synthetic fiber or fabric made from a polymer containing polyurethane. Stretchable material110is integrated with surface106to allow head covering104to be fitted over the head of patient10, as shown inFIG. 10b. Head covering104isolates the head and neck of patient10from iatrogenic trauma. In particular, head covering104protects the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, cheeks, chin, forehead, back, top and sides of the head, and other facial epidermis of patient10. The foam material is compliant and readily conforms to the contour of the head and neck of patient10. The foam material is waterproof and disposable.

The foam material has an inside surface for epidermis contact and an outside surface for protection, similar toFIGS. 8a-8b.FIG. 11shows another embodiment with foam material120having outer surface122and inner surface124. An air bladder or cavity126is disposed between outer surface122and inner surface124. By pumping air or fluid into bladder126, the inner surface124is pressed against the head and neck of patient10to provide a conformal fit, as shown inFIGS. 7b,9, and10b.

In another embodiment shown inFIG. 12, foam material130has multiple layers laminated or joined to create the desired protective and compliant properties. For example, the outermost layer132is a dense material to protect against impact or pressure. The innermost layer134is soft and conforming to the contour of the head and neck of patient10. An intermediate layer136contains a memory cell material which expands with introduction of air or fluid. The inner surface134is pressed against the head and neck of patient10to provide a conformal fit. Any external pressure or force applied to surface132is distributed over an area to avoid injury to any specific body part.

The operating room is typically maintained at a low temperature, e.g., 20-24° C., in part for the comfort and alertness of the surgical team. The patient may experience body heat loss and become hypothermic in the low temperature environment. To minimize heat loss through the head and face during medical procedures, the head covering is made with foam material140containing a plurality of channels or tubing142, as shown inFIG. 13. Warm fluid is circulated through channels142to transfer heat to patient10. For example, thermal flow control144circulates heated fluid through tube146and channels142, as shown inFIG. 14. The warm fluid minimizes heat loss and provides comfort for patient10in the post anesthesia care unit (PACU), decreases chance of infection, improves blood clotting, and reduces blood loss.