Patent Publication Number: US-2013245557-A1

Title: Medical Lanyard

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not Applicable 
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of Invention 
     This invention pertains to medical feeding tube devices. More particularly, this invention pertains to medical lanyards for securing a feeding tube port connector in a position for the reduction of patient discomfort related to feeding tubes and tensions associated therewith. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Feeding tube devices are commonly used to provide nutrients to patients that are incapable of consuming nutrients by swallowing food. Feeding tube use may be temporary for the treatment of acute conditions or lifelong for chronic conditions or disabilities. 
     Gastric feeding tubes are inserted through a small incision in the abdomen into the stomach. One type of gastric feeding tube is a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube. Gastric feeding tubes such as PEG tubes are often used for long-term enteral nutrition. 
     Gastric feeding tubes have typically been secured to the patient via an adhesive or bandage. The feeding tube extends from the patient&#39;s body and is attached to a feeding tube port connector. Another tube connects the feeding tube port connector to the nutrient supply package. In such circumstances, the feeding tube is vulnerable to being pulled out of the abdomen due to inadvertent removal or relocation of the nutrient supply. Additionally, temporarily disconnecting the nutrient supply leaves a lengthy feeding tube which must be accounted for when not attached. 
     In other situations, gastric feeding tubes have been secured to patients and/or patient clothing via safety pins, belts, and necklace type tethers that are detachable from the feeding tube. While reducing the reliance on an adhesive for maintaining the feeding tube in place, the adjustability of such methods has been less than desirable. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     According to one embodiment of the present invention, a medical lanyard for securing a feeding tube port connector in a position to reduce patient discomfort related to feeding tubes and tensions associated therewith is disclosed. The medical lanyard provides increased patient maneuverability, and protection against unintended removal of the feeding tube. 
     The medical lanyards disclosed herein are worn around a patient&#39;s neck or clipped to the patient&#39;s clothing. The medical lanyard securely suspends a feeding tube port connector and the corresponding feeding tube while providing for easy disconnect of the feeding tube/feeding tube port connector combination from either the necklace or the clip, or from the nutrient supply. The disclosed medical lanyards also provide for protection of the feeding tube stomach insertion point so that it is not compromised when tension is applied between the feeding tube/feeding port combination and either the remainder of the medical lanyard or the nutrient supply. 
     In one embodiment, a medical lanyard for securing a feeding tube port connector in a position to reduce patient discomfort due to feeding tube tension is disclosed. The medical lanyard includes (1) a first strap assembly including a first loop sized to fit around a patient neck, and an adjustment mechanism to adjust size of the first loop, (2) a second strap assembly including a second loop, and an O-ring sized for the feeding tube port connector to fit within the O-ring, wherein the second loop extends through the O-ring, and (3) a breakaway fastener for detachably connecting the second strap assembly to the first strap assembly, the breakaway fastener including a first portion in concert with the first loop, and a second portion in concert with the second loop, wherein the breakaway fastener is operable to detach the first portion and the second portion from each other upon an increased tension in the second strap assembly, and whereby when the second strap assembly is connected to the first strap assembly, the adjustment mechanism provides for adjusting the size of the first loop to vary length of the medical lanyard to locate the O-ring in proximity of a feeding tube entry point so that feeding tube tension is reduced. 
     In one embodiment the breakaway fastener further provides means for rotating the first portion and the second portion in relation to each other to provide a twisting operation between the first strap assembly and the second strap assembly. In one embodiment, the rotating means provides for lateral adjustment of the second strap assembly in relation to the first strap assembly. 
     Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the present invention will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description and be within the scope of the present disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above-mentioned features will become more clearly understood from the following detailed description read together with the drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a prior art illustration of a feeding tube port connector administered to a patient. 
         FIG. 2  is an embodiment of a medical lanyard for securing a feeding tube port connector to the patient. 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the medical lanyard of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is an alternative embodiment of a medical lanyard for securing a feeding tube port connector to a patient via a clip. 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded view of the medical lanyard of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is an illustration of an O-ring for securing a feeding tube port connector. 
         FIG. 7  is an illustration of one embodiment of a medical lanyard securing a feeding tube port connector. 
         FIG. 8  is an illustration of another embodiment of a medical lanyard securing a feeding tube port connector. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A medical lanyard is disclosed for securing a feeding tube port connector in position to reduce patient discomfort related to feeding tubes and tensions associated therewith. The medical lanyard also provides increased patient maneuverability, and protection against unintended removal of the feeding tube. 
     In particular, the medical lanyard secures a feeding tube port connector or other similar type connector for reduction of patient discomfort. For example, patient discomfort or even pain can occur at the feeding tube insertion point when a nutrient source or supply connected to a feeding tube is moved and causes a pulling or tension on the feeding tube. The present invention also reduces the likelihood of the feeding tube being inadvertently pulled from the stomach. 
     The medical lanyards disclosed herein are worn around a patient&#39;s neck or clipped to the patient&#39;s clothing. The medical lanyard securely suspends a feeding tube port connector and the corresponding feeding tube while providing for easy disconnect of the feeding tube/feeding tube port connector combination from either the necklace or the clip, or from the nutrient supply. The disclosed medical lanyards also provide for protection of the stomach insertion point of the feeding tube so that it is not compromised when tension is applied between the feeding tube/feeding tube port combination and either the remainder of the medical lanyard or the nutrient supply. 
       FIG. 1  is an illustration of a conventional feeding tube  20  administered to a patient  10 . The feeding tube  20  extends from one end at the stomach insertion point  30  to a feeding tube port connector  40 . The feeding tube  20  is often secured to the patient  10  at or near the feeding tube port connector  40  end via an adhesive bandage  50 . 
     Feeding tubes  20  are commonly used to provide nutrients to patients  10  that are incapable of consuming nutrients by swallowing food. Feeding tube use may be temporary during the treatment of acute conditions or its use may be lifelong for chronic conditions or disabilities. Gastric feeding tubes  20  are inserted through a small incision in the abdomen and into the stomach. This small incision is the stomach insertion point  30 . One type of gastric feeding tube  20  is a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube. Gastric feeding tubes  20  such as PEG tubes are often used for long-term enteral nutrition. 
     Gastric feeding tubes  20  have typically been secured to the patient  10  via an adhesive (or bandage)  50  that is applied to the feeding tube  20  and to a location on the patient&#39;s body in a manner intended to keep the feeding tube  20  and the feeding tube port connector  40  in place. This application of an adhesive  50  is often located near the feeding tube port connector  40  to prevent the feeding tube port connector  40  and/or nutrient supply from dangling. In such circumstances, the feeding tube  20  is vulnerable to being pulled from the abdomen due to any increased tension on the feeding tube  20 . Some events that increase tension on the feeding tube  20  include sudden patient movement, patient twisting, patient turning, inadvertent removal of the nutrient supply, and other events that directly or indirectly pull or snatch the feeding tube  20 . 
       FIG. 2  is an embodiment of a medical lanyard  200 -A for securing a feeding tube port connector  40  (see  FIG. 6 ) in position to reduce patient discomfort related to feeding tubes  20  and tensions associated with their use.  FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the medical lanyard  200 -A. The medical lanyard  200 -A is of a necklace type and is placed around the neck for securing the feeding tube port connector  40  to the patient  10 . The medical lanyard  200 -A includes a loop assembly  210 , an attachment assembly  220 , and a fastener  240 . In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener  240  is a breakaway fastener, and includes a female fastener  240   a  portion and a male fastener portion  240   b . The female fastener  240   a  and the male fastener  240   b  together provide for removably securing the attachment assembly  220  to the loop assembly  210  of the medical lanyard  220 -A. 
     The loop assembly  210  is a loop portion, or strap assembly, that includes a loop strap  212 , a stop  214 , an adjustment mechanism  216 , and a female fastener  240   a . The loop strap  212  is typically a cord, rope, string, or similar material. Those of skill in the art will readily appreciate that the loop strap  212  can be made from many materials, such as soft fabric, polyester, nylon, satin, silk, or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), among others. The loop strap  212  is a loop having sufficient length when stretched that it fits around the neck of a patient  10  while also providing enough slack that the attachment assembly  220  is positioned in the stomach area of the abdomen at one end, and enough slack for adjustment at the other end of the stretched out loop. In one embodiment, the loop strap  212  is one piece of material. In such an embodiment, the loop strap  212  extends through the stop  214  so that the stop  214  forms an end to the two sections of the loop strap  212 . The stop  214  provides a restraint so that the adjustment mechanism  216  does not slide off the loop strap  212 . In one embodiment, the stop  214  is round or cylindrical and includes a hole through which the loop strap  212  extends. In the illustrated embodiment, the stop  214  is a bead with a hole through which the loop strap  212  extends. In other embodiments, the stop  214  is any type material or mechanism to prevent the adjustment mechanism  216  from sliding past the end of the loop assembly  210 . In one embodiment, two ends of the loop strap  212  are attached to a female fastener  240   a  to form an opposite end to the stop  214  end of the loop strap  212 . That is, the loop strap  212  is essentially folded in half with a stop  214  at one end and with a female fastener  240   a  at the opposite end. In other embodiments, the stop  214  is any mechanism for defining or separating the strap into two portions. In another embodiment, the loop strap  212  is a single piece of circular material having no ends. In such an embodiment, the fastener  240  is of a type suitable for enclosing a portion of the loop strap  212  without regard for “threading” the loop strap  212  through an opening. For example, one such fastener  240  clamps to the loop strap  212 . Those of skill in the art will readily appreciate that other such fasteners  240  are also suitable for use with such an embodiment. 
     An adjustment mechanism  216 , or slide, is attached to the loop strap  212  so that each section of the loop strap  212 , separated by the stop  214 , extends through the adjustment mechanism  216 . That is, the stop  214  divides the loop strap  212  into two portions. The adjustment mechanism  216  divides the loop assembly  210  into two loops. The loop adjacent the fastener  240  is the larger of the two and is placed around the neck of the patient  10 . The adjustment mechanism is adjusted toward or away from the stop  214  to adjust the effective length of the medical lanyard  200 -A. Sliding the adjustment mechanism  216  toward the stop  214  increases the size of the loop adjacent the fastener  240 , effectively lengthening the medical lanyard  200 -A. Sliding the adjustment mechanism away from the stop  214  decreases the loop adjacent the fastener  240 , effectively reducing the length of the medical lanyard  200 -A. Lengthening the medical lanyard  200 -A (increasing the loop adjacent the fastener  240 ) effectively moves the position of the feeding tube port connector  40  lower (with the patient in a standing or sitting position) on the patient&#39;s torso, that is distal to the patient&#39;s head. 
     The adjustment mechanism  216  can be any type device having an opening through which the separate sections of the loop strap  212  extend together. The adjustment mechanism  216  provides for the separate sections of the loop strap  212  to fit securely and together through the adjustment mechanism  216  so that the adjustment mechanism  216  does not slide inadvertently. That is, the separate sections of the loop strap  212  fit snugly within the adjustment mechanism  216  so that the adjustment mechanism  216  does not slide on its own. The adjustment mechanism  216  has the capability to slide so that the respective loops formed by the loop strap  212  increase or decrease in size depending upon the direction of motion. 
     The attachment assembly  220  includes an attachment strap  222 , a male fastener  240   b , and an O-ring  230 . Similar to the loop strap  212  discussed above, the attachment strap  222  is typically a cord, rope, string, or similar material, and forms a small loop that includes an O-ring  230 . Those of skill in the art will readily appreciate that the attachment strap  222  can be made from many materials, such as soft fabric, polyester, nylon, satin, silk, or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), among others. In the illustrated embodiment, the attachment strap  222  extends through the O-ring  230 . In this way the O-ring “hangs” from the attachment strap  222  during typical usage. The small loop combines with the O-ring  230  to support a feeding tube port connector  40 , such as a Y-port connector (see  FIG. 6  below). 
     In one embodiment, the O-ring  230  is rubber. In such an embodiment, the O-ring  230  is flexible enough to allow for insertion and removal of a feeding tube port connector  40 , while also providing enough snugness to maintain the feeding tube port connector  40  securely in place. It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the O-ring  230  may be many other materials providing characteristics of flexibility for insertion and removal of the feeding tube port connector  40  and also providing for maintaining the feeding tube port connector  40  securely in position. 
     The male fastener  240   b  of the attachment assembly  220  is secured to the female fastener  240   a  of the loop assembly  210  to form the medical lanyard  200 -A. Those of skill in the art will readily appreciate that the male fastener  240   b  and the female fastener  240   a  can be reversed without adversely impacting the functionality of the medical lanyard  200 -A. That is, the male fastener  240   b  can be attached to the loop strap  212  of the loop assembly  210 , and the female fastener  240   a  can be attached to the attachment strap  222  of the attachment assembly  220 . 
     The male fastener  240   b  and the female fastener  240   a  together form a breakaway type mechanism. That is, when tension is applied to the combination of the medical lanyard  220 -A and the feeding tube  20 , the breakaway functionality ensures that the stomach insertion point  30  of the feeding tube  20  is not compromised. The breakaway functionality of the fastener  240  also provides for easy detachment of the feeding tube  20 , via detaching the attachment assembly  220 , during tube cleaning for example. 
     In other embodiments of the necklace type medical lanyard  220 -A, the combination female fastener  240   a  and male fastener  240   b  are replaced by other type fasteners  240  that adjoin together to secure the attachment assembly  220  to the loop assembly  210 . In various embodiments, the fastener  240  is a breakaway buckle, a breakaway cord, a detachable clasp, or a snap, among others. Those of skill in the art will readily appreciate that there are numerous types of fasteners  240  that are capable of fastening to each other and also to the loop strap  212  and/or the attachment strap  222 , while also maintaining breakaway functionality to protect the integrity of the stomach insertion point  30  of the feeding tube  20 . 
     In another embodiment, the fastener  240  includes a rotational functionality. In such an embodiment, the female fastener  240   a  and the male fastener  240   b  connect in such a manner that either fastener portion is rotatable with respect to the other fastener portion. This provides a rotational or twisting operation between the loop assembly  210  and the attachment assembly  220 . This rotational functionality provides for increased lateral adjustment of the medical lanyard  200 -A. For example, rotation of the attachment assembly  220  relative to the loop assembly  210  allows for additional flexibility due to the orientation of the feeding tube  20  or of the nutrient supply. 
     The medical lanyard  220 -A is worn about a patient&#39;s neck so that the feeding tube  20  is suspended by the O-ring  230  at the end of the attachment assembly  220 . 
       FIG. 4  is an alternative embodiment of a medical lanyard  200 -B for securing a feeding tube  20  to a patient  10  and  FIG. 5  is an exploded view of the medical lanyard  200 -B. The medical lanyard  200 -B is a clip type lanyard and is secured via attachment of the clip  414  to an item such as clothing. Alternatively, the clip  414  is connected to other items as desired. The medical lanyard  200 -B includes a clip assembly  410  and an attachment assembly  220 . The attachment assembly  220  is as described above with reference to the necklace type lanyard. 
     The clip assembly  410  of the medical lanyard  200 -B includes a clip strap  412 , a clip  414 , and a female fastener  240   a ′. The clip strap  412  is typically a cord, rope, string, or similar material, suitable for supporting the attachment assembly  220 . In one embodiment, the clip strap  412  is one piece of material having two ends. Both ends of the clip strap  412  are attached to the female fastener  240   a ′. The clip  414  is attached at the midpoint between the ends of the clip strap  412 . In this way, the clip  414  separates the clip strap  412  into two separate portions having the clip  414  at one end of the clip assembly  410  and the female fastener  240   a ′ at the opposite end of the clip assembly  410 . The female fastener  240   a ′ is as described above. In one embodiment, the clip  414  includes an opening through which the clip strap  412  extends. Those of skill in the art will readily appreciate that there are numerous types of clips that include a variety of fasteners and openings for attaching to straps and the like. 
     In another embodiment, the clip strap  412  is a single piece of circular material having no ends. In such an embodiment, the fastener  240  is of a type suitable for enclosing a portion of the loop strap  212  without regard for “threading” the loop strap  212  through an opening. For example, one such fastener  240  clamps to the clip strap  412 . Those of skill in the art will readily appreciate that other such fasteners  240  are also suitable for use with such an embodiment. 
     The male fastener  240   b  of the attachment assembly  220  is secured to the female fastener  240   a ′ of the clip assembly  410  to form the clip type medical lanyard  200 -B. As noted above, those of skill in the art will readily appreciate that the male fastener  240   b  and the female fastener  240   a ′ can be reversed without adversely impacting the functionality of the medical lanyard  200 -B. That is the male fastener  240   b  can be attached to the clip strap  412  of the clip assembly  410 , and the female fastener  240   a ′ can be attached to the attachment strap  222  of the attachment assembly  220 . 
     As noted above, the male fastener  240   b  and the female fastener  240   a ′ together form a breakaway type fastener mechanism. When tension is applied to the combination of the medical lanyard  220 -B and the feeding tube  20 , the breakaway functionality ensures that the stomach insertion point  30  of the feeding tube  20  is not compromised. The breakaway functionality of the clasps  218 ′,  224  also provides for easy detachment of the feeding tube  20 , via detaching the attachment assembly  220  from the clip assembly  410 . 
     In other embodiments of the clip type medical lanyard  200 -B, the combination female fastener  240   a ′ and male fastener  240   b  are replaced by other type fasteners  240  that adjoin together to secure the attachment assembly  220  to the clip assembly  410 . In various embodiments, the fastener  240  is a breakaway buckle, a breakaway cord, a detachable clasp, or a snap, among others. Those of skill in the art will readily appreciate that there are numerous types of fasteners  240  that are capable of fastening to each other and also to the clip strap  412  and/or the attachment strap  222 , while also maintaining breakaway functionality to protect the integrity of the stomach insertion point  30  of the feeding tube  20 . 
     As described above, the fastener  240  includes a rotational functionality. In such an embodiment, the female fastener  240   a  and the male fastener  240   b  connect in such a manner that either fastener portion is rotatable with respect to the other fastener portion. This provides a rotational or twisting operation between the clip assembly  410  and the attachment assembly  220 . This rotational functionality provides for increased lateral adjustment of the medical lanyard  200 -A. For example, rotation of the attachment assembly  220  relative to the clip assembly  410  allows for additional flexibility due to the orientation of the feeding tube  20  or of the nutrient supply. 
     The clip type medical lanyard  200 -B is used by attaching the clip  414  to the clothing worn by the patient  10 . In one embodiment the clip  414  is attached to a hospital gown or other covering that is worn by the patient  10 . In such uses the clip can be attached in a manner that allows for support of the feeding tube  20  while otherwise minimizing inconvenience to the patient  10 . 
       FIG. 6  is an illustration of an O-ring  230  for securing a feeding tube port connector  40 . In the illustrated embodiment the feeding tube port connector  40  is a Y-port connector. The attachment strap  222  extends through the O-ring  230  so that the O-ring  230  “hangs” from the attachment strap  222 . The feeding tube port connector  40  fits securely within the O-ring  230 . 
       FIG. 7  is an illustration of one embodiment of a necklace type medical lanyard  200 -A securing a feeding tube port connector  40 .  FIG. 8  is an illustration of another embodiment of a clip type medical lanyard  200 -B securing a feeding tube port connector  40 . The feeding tube port connector  40  includes a connection point for a feeding tube  20  that is inserted into the stomach, and another connection point for an additional tube and/or nutrient supply. 
     The attachment assembly  220  secures the feeding tube port connector  40  via the O-ring  230  of the attachment assembly  220 . The attachment assembly  220  is connectable to either the loop assembly  210  of the necklace type medical lanyard  220 -A, or to the clip assembly  410  of the clip type medical lanyard  220 -B. The attachment assembly  220  is easily detachable from and re-attachable to the loop assembly  210  by disconnecting the male fastener  240   b  from the female fastener  240   a . Similarly, the attachment assembly  220  is detachable from and re-attachable to the clip assembly  410  by disconnecting the male fastener  240   b  from the female fastener  240   a′.    
     Detaching the attachment assembly  220  from the loop assembly  210  or from the clip assembly  410  provides for increased flexibility and maneuverability by the patient. 
     The medical lanyard  200  also provides support for the feeding tube  20  when not in use. The nutrient supply is disconnected by removing the additional tube from the feeding tube port connector  40 . In this way, a shorter feeding tube  20  assembly remains inserted into the stomach of the patient  10 . The patient  10  is not burdened with additional tubes extending from the feeding tube port connector  40 . The nutrients are removed via disconnecting the nutrient supply and/or tube from the feeding tube port connector  40 . The short feeding tube  20  remains in the stomach incision and connected to the feeding tube port connector  40 . The feeding tube port connector  40  is secured by the O-ring which hangs from the attachment strap  222  of the attachment assembly  220  which is either connected to the loop assembly  210  of a medical lanyard  200 , such as a necklace type medical lanyard  220 -A, or to the clip assembly  410  of a clip type medical lanyard  220 -B. In this way, the feeding tube port connector  40  remains connected to the feeding tube  20  which remains inserted in the stomach incision even when the nutrients are disconnected. The patient  10  maneuverability is greatly improved by easily disconnecting from additional nutrient supplies and/or tubes. 
     From the foregoing description, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that a medical lanyard  200  for securing a feeding tube  20  to a patient while increasing maneuverability and protecting against unwanted removal of the feeding tube  20  has been provided. 
     The medical lanyards  200  disclosed herein are worn around a patient&#39;s neck or clipped to the patient&#39;s clothing. The medical lanyard  200  securely suspends a feeding tube port connector  40  and the corresponding feeding tube  20  while providing for easy disconnect of the attachment assembly  220  (feeding tube port connector  40 /feeding tube  20  combination) from either the loop assembly  210  (necklace) or the clip assembly  410 , or from the nutrient supply and/or other tubes. The disclosed medical lanyards  200  also provide for protection of the feeding tube stomach insertion point  30  so that it is not compromised when tension is applied between the attachment assembly  220  and either the loop assembly  210  or the clip assembly  410 , or between the attachment assembly  220  and the nutrient supply and/or other tubes. 
     In one embodiment, the medical lanyards  200  disclosed herein provide for securing feeding tube port connectors  40  and the corresponding feeding tube  20  in manners that are easier to wear under clothing while increasing comfort for the patient. In one such embodiment, the straps  212 ,  222 ,  412  are made from soft fabric to reduce rubbing or pulling of hair. Additionally, the medical lanyards  200  disclosed herein are lightweight and loose fitting for increased comfort. By comparison with the use of adhesives or bandages, the embodiments of medical lanyards  200  disclosed herein are not sticky or painful to remove or disconnect from the patient. 
     While the present invention has been illustrated by description of several embodiments and while the illustrative embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of applicant&#39;s general inventive concept.