Abstract:
A bandage bag configure to provide the dual functions of holding a medical apparatus to a patient for daily wear and of serving as a waterproof bandage, especially for a catheter and its insertion site.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This application relates to a device for securing to a patient a medical apparatus that protrudes, in part, beyond the skin. The device carries or encloses the apparatus and also serves as a waterproof and/or protective bandage or dressing. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    A central venous catheter, or vascular access device, is a long, thin, flexible tube used to deliver to a patient medications, fluids, nutrients, or other materials over a long period of time, usually several weeks or more. 
         [0003]    The catheter can be placed in a large vein near the patient&#39;s heart, such as the superior vena cava, or another large vein in the arm, neck, or chest. The catheter provides several medical advantages. It can be left in place longer than an intravenous catheter, which is located in a vein near the skin surface. It can be utilized to quickly deliver medications that affect the heart, especially if an immediate response is desired. It can also be used to measure blood pressure in the superior vena cava, which can help diagnose certain heart problems. 
         [0004]    A peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line is a central venous catheter which is inserted into a peripheral vein, for example in the arm of a patient, and then threaded through progressively larger veins into the superior vena cava. PICC lines are the most popular way to administer outpatient therapy by a central vein. 
         [0005]    The handling of PICC lines in daily life can be difficult. Approximately seven inches of tubing and port will usually hang from the patient&#39;s arm and must be cared for. 
         [0006]    In addition, the catheter insertion site (where the PICC line is inserted), tubing, and port must be kept dry to prevent infection. Caring for the insertion site can be difficult. Nurses are trained to dress the insertion site with an antiseptic treatment and then place a clear protective adhesive over the area. On a periodic basis, the dressing is removed and the area is inspected, cleaned, and redressed. Removal of the adhesive can be painful. Finally, the PICC line is unsightly. Patients are discouraged from wearing long-sleeves, thus exposing a noticeable medical condition. 
         [0007]    Some methods have been used to combat only problems of bathing. One remedy is to use a tubular sleeve and seal it at both ends, leaving the insertion site inside the sleeve. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,276,364 discloses a waterproof sleeve with an elastomeric band at each end to seal the sleeve. In another variation, one end of the sleeve is permanently sealed. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,605,534 and 5,720,713 each comprise a large bag which encases the entire arm and is closed off with a flexible band at the open end. Such solutions are not optimal. These remedies allow for bathing only. In the case of the large bag-type method, one hand is necessarily covered up by it, which increases the difficulty of doing many things. None of these methods allow for an elegant solution to the problem of the daily dressing of a PICC line. In addition, these remedies are cumbersome and bulky. They are not bandages in any sense; they are only water-resistant “rain coats” for the arm. They are not designed for daily wear. 
         [0008]    There remains a need for a device which has the dual functions of holding medical apparatus (such as tubing and port) and of being able to serve as a protective bandage or dressing. Such a device should preferably restrict the patient&#39;s range of motion as little as possible, be light, and be easy to apply by oneself. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0009]    A first object is to provide an improved bandage bag device. 
         [0010]    A second object is to provide a bandage bag device comprising or consisting of a bag and a flap, the flap being connected to the bag. 
         [0011]    A third object is to provide a bandage bag device comprising or consisting of a bag and a flap, the flap being connected to the bag by a hinge. 
         [0012]    A fourth object is to provide a bandage bag device comprising or consisting of a bag and a flap, the flap being connected to the bag by a live hinge. 
         [0013]    A fifth object is to provide a bandage bag device comprising or consisting of a layer of flexible material. 
         [0014]    A sixth object is to provide a bandage bag comprising or consisting of a layer of flexible material, the layer comprising zones of different thickness. 
         [0015]    A seventh object is to provide a bandage bag comprising a layer of flexible material comprising or consisting of a pair of thicker zones connected together by a thinner zone defining a foldable hinge between the thicker zones. 
         [0016]    An eighth object is to provide a bandage bag comprising or consisting of a three dimensional layer of flexible material. 
         [0017]    Disclosed herein, in various embodiments, are bandage bags which have a dual function of holding or enclosing a medical apparatus protruding beyond the skin (i.e. tubing, ports, catheters, etc.) and serving as a bandage or dressing for daily wear. 
         [0018]    In one embodiment, the bandage bag comprises a rectangular or square enclosure or receptacle bag and two adhesive layers. The bag is open along a superior edge for placing medical apparatus therein. The first adhesive layer is placed on the anterior side of the bag along three edges: a first lateral edge, an inferior edge, and a second lateral edge. The second adhesive layer is placed on the posterior face of the bag along the superior edge. 
         [0019]    In additional embodiments, the bandage bag further comprises at least one wing which is located on the posterior face along the superior edge and is attached to a lateral edge such that the wing can be pivoted to extend laterally from the bag or to cover at least a portion of the second adhesive layer. In more specific embodiments, the at least one wing has a first side which contacts at least a portion of the second adhesive layer and has a third adhesive layer disposed on the first side. 
         [0020]    In further embodiments, the bandage bag has a total of two wings. One wing is attached to the first lateral edge and the other wing is attached to the second lateral edge. 
         [0021]    In still further embodiments, the bandage bag further comprises a removable backing or release layer shaped to cover the first adhesive layer. 
         [0022]    In other embodiments, further materials may be disposed on the anterior face of the bandage bag. These materials aid in treating and dressing the catheter insertion site. 
         [0023]    In still additional embodiments, alternative configurations, such as triangular, circular, elliptical, and other suitable shapes, can be utilized. The bandage bag may also be sized or shaped to meet or conform to the patient&#39;s specific body configurations. In such configurations, the adhesive layer(s) are preferably placed on the outer or peripheral edges of the bandage bag. 
         [0024]    Methods for using the bandage bag to contain medical apparatus and to form a protective and/or waterproof bandage or dressing over a catheter insertion site are also provided. The bandage bag is attached near the catheter insertion site with the second adhesive layer. Medical apparatus are placed inside the bag. The bag is then folded across a horizontal axis such that the catheter insertion site is covered by the anterior face of the bandage bag. The protective and/or waterproof bandage is then formed by attaching the bandage bag with the first adhesive layer such that it surrounds the insertion site. 
         [0025]    These and other non-limiting features or characteristics of the present disclosure will be further described below. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0026]    The following is a brief description of the drawings, which are presented for the purposes of illustrating the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein and not for the purposes of limiting the same. 
           [0027]      FIG. 1  is an anterior elevational view of an exemplary embodiment of the bandage bag. 
           [0028]      FIG. 2  is a posterior elevational view of an exemplary embodiment of the bandage bag wherein the bandage bag has two wings. 
           [0029]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view showing one use of the bandage bag. 
           [0030]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view showing the bandage bag when folded over as a waterproof bandage. 
           [0031]      FIG. 5  is a posterior elevational view of an exemplary embodiment of the bandage bag wherein the bandage bag has one wing. 
           [0032]      FIG. 6  is an anterior elevational view of an exemplary embodiment of the bandage bag wherein the opening of the bandage bag is sealed on the ends of the superior edge. 
           [0033]      FIG. 7  is an anterior elevational view of an exemplary embodiment of the bandage bag wherein an impregnated material is present on the anterior face of the bandage bag. 
           [0034]      FIG. 8  is an anterior elevational view of another exemplary embodiment of the bandage bag. 
           [0035]      FIG. 9  is a side elevational view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 8 . 
           [0036]      FIG. 10  is a posterior elevational view of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . 
           [0037]      FIG. 11  is an anterior elevational view of the embodiment of the bandage bag shown in  FIG. 8 . 
           [0038]      FIG. 12  is a partial broken away enlarged detailed view of the area of a portion of the bandage bag, as indicated in  FIG. 9 . 
           [0039]      FIG. 13  is a partial broken away enlarged detailed cross-sectional view of the bandage bag as indicated in  FIG. 8 . 
           [0040]      FIG. 14  is an anterior elevational view of a further exemplary embodiment of the bandage bag. 
           [0041]      FIG. 15  is a side elevational view of the embodiment of the bandage bag shown in  FIG. 14 . 
           [0042]      FIG. 16  is an anterior elevational view of an even further exemplary embodiment of the bandage bag. 
           [0043]      FIG. 17  is an anterior elevational view of a further exemplary embodiment of the bandage bag. 
           [0044]      FIG. 18  is a posterior elevational view of an even further exemplary embodiment of the bandage bag. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0045]    The exemplary embodiments of this application are more particularly described below with reference to the drawings. Although specific terms are used in the following description for clarity, these terms are intended to refer only to the particular structure of the various embodiments selected for illustration in the drawings and not to define or limit the scope of the application. The same reference numerals are used to identify the same structure in different Figures. The structures in the Figures are not drawn according to their relative proportions and the drawings should not be interpreted as limiting the application in size, relative size, or location. 
         [0046]      FIG. 1  is an anterior, or front, view of an exemplary embodiment of the bandage bag. The bandage bag  10  comprises an enclosure bag  20 . The enclosure bag  20  is open along a superior edge  30  and can be accessed through an opening  35  to place items, such as medical apparatus, inside the enclosure bag  20 . The enclosure bag  20  has a first lateral edge  40 , an inferior edge  50 , and a second lateral edge  60 . The anterior face  70  of the enclosure bag  20  is visible. A first adhesive layer  80  is disposed along the first lateral edge  40 , inferior edge  50 , and second lateral edge  60 . Note that the adhesive  80  does not completely cover the anterior face  70 , but only its edges. A removable backing  90  is shaped to cover the first adhesive layer  80  for ease and convenience in handling. The backing  90  is removed when the bandage bag  10  is used. 
         [0047]      FIG. 2  is a posterior, or back, view of an exemplary embodiment of the bandage bag. A second adhesive layer  130  is disposed along the superior edge of the posterior face  100 . Again, note the posterior face  100  is not completely covered by the adhesive layer  130 . In the depicted embodiment, the bandage bag  10  has two wings: a first wing  110  and a second wing  120 . The wings are located on the posterior face  100  along the superior edge  30 . Each wing is attached to a lateral edge such that the wing can be pivoted to extend laterally from the enclosure bag  20 . For example, the second wing  120  is attached to the second lateral edge  60  at the attachment point  135  and extends laterally. A third adhesive layer  140  is disposed upon the second wing  120 . The first wing  110  is shown covering approximately one-half of the second adhesive layer  130 . Part of the third adhesive layer  150  on the first wing  110  is visible. The wings are both extended laterally, from the enclosure bag  20 , and since they each have a third adhesive layer, can be secured to the arm. 
         [0048]      FIG. 3  is a diagram showing one use of the bandage bag. The diagram depicts the arm of a patient with a PICC inserted. The catheter  160  and the catheter insertion site  170  are visible on the arm. The anterior face of the bandage bag  10 , with the first adhesive layer  80  and the removable backing  90 , is also visible. Here, the bandage bag  10  is placed above the antecubital fossa (the fold of the elbow) and near the catheter insertion site  170 . The two wings  110  and  120  have been extended laterally to expose the second adhesive layer and the third adhesive layer of each wing; these adhesive layers attach the bandage bag to the arm of the patient. The medical apparatus  180  (tubing and port in this diagram) have been inserted into the bandage bag  10  through the bag opening  35 . The bandage bag is then folded across a horizontal axis  190  such that the catheter insertion site is covered by the anterior face of the bandage bag and the first adhesive layer  80  faces the arm. A waterproof bandage or dressing is formed by attaching the bandage bag  10  to the arm with the first adhesive layer  80 . A pocket will be formed on three sides by the first adhesive layer  80  and on the fourth side by the fold along the horizontal axis  190 . The catheter insertion site  170  is located within the pocket created by the fold. Note that the horizontal axis  190  may be located almost anywhere along the length of the bandage bag as long as the bag opening  35  is closed after the bandage bag has been folded. In practice, however, the horizontal axis  190  will generally be near the superior edge of the bandage bag. 
         [0049]      FIG. 4  shows the bandage bag after it has been folded over as a waterproof bandage. The posterior face  100  of the bandage bag  10  is now visible. The medical apparatus  180  and the catheter insertion site  170  are now segregated from the outside environment by the water-resistant seal. In particular, the catheter insertion site  170  is protected from moisture and other dirt or debris. This decreases the chance of infection, promoting faster healing and patient well-being. It also allows the patient to bathe and shower without hassle or worry. The bandage bag allows the tubing and port to be contained securely, eliminating the need for daily maintenance. The waterproof bandage is also easier to apply and covers a smaller portion of the arm than other larger non-bandage devices that are solely intended for use while bathing. Note that the elbow in particular is not covered, allowing the patient to have full range of motion. The insertion site is discreetly covered, so others cannot see the wound. The bandage bag is also thin and light, which allows the wearing of long-sleeve clothing. 
         [0050]      FIG. 5  is a posterior view of another exemplary embodiment of the bandage bag. This embodiment differs from that depicted in  FIG. 2  in that the bandage bag  10  has only one wing  110 . The wing  110  entirely covers the second adhesive layer  130  when folded against the superior edge  30  of the bandage bag. Here, the wing  110  is again attached to the first lateral edge  40 . A third adhesive layer  150  is disposed on one side of the wing  110 . 
         [0051]    The enclosure bag portion  20  of the bandage bag can be made from a flexible, waterproof material. Such materials may include cellophane-like materials, including, but not limited to, plastic, polymer, latex, or rubber. It may have any dimensions desired. In specific embodiments, the bag is square or rectangular (prior to being folded). In one specific embodiment, the bag has dimensions of about 8 cm in length and about 8 cm in width. The bag opening  35  generally runs along the entirety of the superior edge  30 . However, this is not required and the opening may be less than the entirety of the superior edge. For example, the bag opening may run only within the middle of the superior edge so that the superior edge is sealed at its ends (near the lateral edges) in some embodiments. When the bandage bag is folded over, the opening  35  will then be wholly contained within the waterproof pocket. 
         [0052]      FIG. 6  shows such an embodiment. In this anterior view of the bandage bag  10 , the bag opening  35  does not constitute the entirety of the superior edge. Instead, the superior edge is sealed at a first superior end  192  and a second superior end  194 . Each superior end adjoins a lateral edge  40  or  60 . The bag opening  35  runs only within the middle of the superior edge, from the first superior end  192  to the second superior end  194 . 
         [0053]    Generally, the adhesive used in the first, second, and third adhesive layers should be a medical-grade adhesive. The adhesive should also be water-resistant and non-irritating to the skin. 
         [0054]    In embodiments where the bandage bag does not have wings, a removable backing is provided to cover both the first and second adhesive layers. In exemplary embodiments, however, the bandage bag has at least one wing. The at least one wing is located on the posterior face along the superior edge and is attached to a lateral edge such that the wing can be pivoted to extend laterally from the bag or to cover at least a portion of the second adhesive layer. In the preferred embodiment, the bandage bag has a total of two wings, wherein one wing is attached to the first lateral edge and the other wing is attached to the second lateral edge. 
         [0055]    As can be seen in  FIG. 1 , the first adhesive layer  80  does not cover the whole of the anterior face  70 . If desired, other materials can be disposed on the anterior face of the bandage bag. Such materials would, once the bandage bag has been folded, be contained within the pocket containing the catheter insertion site  170 . For example, a water absorbent material could be placed there to soak up any moisture which might form inside the waterproof seal (for example, from condensation or sweat). Similarly, an antibiotic and/or antifungal impregnated material could be placed there to prevent any bacterial or fungal growth in or around the catheter insertion site. 
         [0056]      FIG. 7  is an anterior view of such an exemplary embodiment. Here, a material pad  196  is present on the anterior face  70  of the bandage bag  10 . This pad could be impregnated with an antibiotic and/or antifungal. It could also be water-absorbent. Although a material pad is depicted, a pad is not required to place such materials on the anterior face and is simply used here for clarity. Antibiotic or antifungal could be applied to the anterior face in a cream or paste, for example. 
         [0057]      FIG. 8  is an anterior, or front, view of another exemplary embodiment of the bandage bag  194 , in a condition prior to being applied to a patient. The bandage bag  194  comprises an enclosure bag  196 . The enclosure bag  196  includes a superior edge  230  on the anterior wall  222  of the enclosure bag  196  and a superior edge  232  on the posterior wall  224  of the enclosure bag  196  defining an opening  235  into a pocket  236 . The enclosure bag  196  can be accessed through the opening  235  to place items, such as medical apparatus, inside the enclosure bag  196 . The enclosure bag  196  has a first lateral edge  240 , an inferior edge  250 , and a second lateral edge  260 . The anterior face  270  of the enclosure bag  196  is visible. A first adhesive layer  280  is disposed along the first lateral edge  240 , inferior edge  250 , and second lateral edge  260 . Note that the adhesive  280  does not completely cover the anterior face  270 , but only its edges. A removable backing  290  is shaped to cover the first adhesive layer  280  for ease and convenience in handling. The backing  290  is removed when the bandage bag  194  is used. 
         [0058]    A flap  292  is provided at an upper portion of the enclosure bag  196 . Specifically, the flap  292  is defined by an upper wall portion  224   a  of the posterior wall  224  of the enclosure bag  196 . The flap  292  comprises a U-shaped member  294  comprising two spaced apart wings  294 A,  294 A connected together by a lower member portion  294 B. The wings  294 A,  294 A are oriented parallel to a longitudinal centerline  299  of the bandage bag  194 . 
         [0059]      FIG. 9  is a side elevational view of the bandage bag  194  shown in  FIG. 8 . The posterior wall  224  of the enclosure bag  196  is curved outwardly to define the pocket  236  to place items, such as medical apparatus, inside the enclosure bag  196 . The posterior side of the U-shaped member  294  is provided with an adhesive layer  296  and a removable backing  298 . 
         [0060]      FIG. 10  is a posterior, or back, view of the bandage bag  194  shown in  FIG. 8 , again in an open position (i.e. unfolded). A second adhesive layer  296  is disposed along the posterior side of the U-shaped member  294 . 
         [0061]      FIG. 11  is an anterior, or front, view of the bandage bag  194  shown in  FIG. 8  in a closed position (i.e. folded). A second adhesive layer  296  is disposed along the posterior side of the U-shaped member  294 . 
         [0062]      FIG. 12  is a partial broken away enlarged detailed cross-sectional view of the bandage bag  194 , as indicated in  FIG. 9 . The dimensions of the various layers is indicated in inches. The thicker anterior wall  222  is laminated to the thinner posterior wall  224  to define the inferior edge  250  and pocket  236 . 
         [0063]      FIG. 13  is a partial broken away enlarged detailed view of one of the live hinges  295 . There exists two live hinges  295 ,  295  defined between the ends  240 A,  260 A of the first lateral edge  240  and second lateral edge  260 , respectively, and the U-shaped member  294 . The two live hinges  295 ,  295  allow the enclosure bag  196  to be folded over the flap  292 . The two live hinges  295 ,  295  together with the upper portion of the posterior wall  224  of the enclosure bag  196  define a combined live hinge between the flap  292  and enclosure bag  196 . The axis of this combined live hinge is discontinuous with a hinge axis along a lower edge  294 C of the U-shaped member  294  being offset from a hinge axis of the two live hinges  295 ,  295 . 
         [0064]    In the open position (i.e. flap open) of the bandage bag  194  shown in  FIGS. 8-10 , the U-shaped member  294  is at least partially nested (e.g. slightly nested) within the lateral edges  240 ,  260  of the enclosure bag  196 . Specifically, the lower edge  294 C of the U-shaped member  294  is slightly nested within the lateral edges  240 ,  260  of the enclosure bag  196 . This is more clearly illustrated in  FIG. 12  showing the lower edge  294 C of the U-shaped member  294  being located slightly to the left a distance D relative to the edge  260 B of end  260   a  of the lateral edge  260 . 
         [0065]    In the closed position (i.e. flap closed) of the bandage bag  194  shown in  FIG. 11 , the U-shaped member  294  is at least partially (e.g. substantially nested or fully nested) within the end lateral edges  240 ,  260  of the enclosure bag  196 . Specifically, the U-shaped member  294  is fully nested within the lateral edges  240 ,  260  of the enclosure bag  196 . 
         [0066]    In use of the bandage bag  194  shown in  FIG. 8 , the U-shaped member is oriented with the wings  294 A,  294 A extending outwardly away from the enclosure bag  196  prior to be applied to the patient. The release backing  298  of the U-shaped member  294  of the bandage bag  194  is removed to expose the adhesive layer  296 , and then the U-shaped member  294  is applied to the skin of the patient adjacent the catheter insertion site  170  (similar as in  FIG. 3 ); however with the wings  294 A,  294 A of the U-shaped member  294  are positioned on either side of the catheter insertion site  170 . Then the medical apparatus  180  (similar as in  FIG. 3 , tubing and port) is inserted into the bandage bag  10  through the bag opening  235 . The release backing  290  of the edges  240 ,  260 ,  250  is removed, and then the enclosure bag  196  is bent along the live hinges  295 ,  295 , and then folded over the U-shaped member  294  anchored to the skin of the patient. The enclosure bag  196  folded along the live hinges  295 ,  295  covers and protects the catheter insertion site  170 . Thus, the live hinges  295 ,  295  are in a folded state when the enclosure bag  196  covers the catheter insertion site. 
         [0067]      FIG. 14  is an anterior, or front, view of a further exemplary embodiment of the bandage bag  310 , in a condition prior to being applied to a patient. The bandage bag  310  comprises an enclosure bag  320 . The enclosure bag  320  includes a superior edge  330  on the anterior wall  322  of the enclosure bag  320  and a superior edge  332  on the posterior wall  324  of the enclosure bag  320  defining an opening  335  into a pocket  336 . The enclosure bag  320  can be accessed through the opening  335  to place items, such as medical apparatus, inside the enclosure bag  320 . The enclosure bag  320  has a first lateral edge  340 , an inferior edge  350 , and a second lateral edge  360 . The anterior face  370  of the enclosure bag  320  is visible. A first adhesive layer  380  is disposed along the first lateral edge  340 , inferior edge  350 , and second lateral edge  360 . Note that the adhesive  380  does not completely cover the anterior face  370 , but only its edges. A removable backing  390  is shaped to cover the first adhesive layer  380  for ease and convenience in handling. The backing  390  is removed when the bandage bag  310  is used. 
         [0068]    A flap  392  is provided at an upper portion of the enclosure bag  320 . Specifically, the flap  392  is defined by an upper wall portion  324 A of the posterior wall  324  of the enclosure bag  320 . The flap  392  comprises a U-shaped member  394  comprising two spaced apart wings  394 A,  394 A connected together by a cross-member portion  394 B. The wings  394 A,  394 A are oriented parallel to a longitudinal centerline  399  of the bandage bag  310 . 
         [0069]      FIG. 15  is a side elevational view of the bandage bag  310  shown in  FIG. 14 . The posterior wall  324  of the enclosure bag  320  is curved outwardly to define the pocket  336  to place items, such as medical apparatus, inside the enclosure bag  320 . The posterior side of the U-shaped member  394  is provided with an adhesive layer  396  and a removable backing  398 . 
         [0070]    In use of the bandage bag  310  shown in  FIG. 14 , the U-shaped member is initially oriented with the wings  394 A,  394 A extending inwardly and into the enclosure bag  320  prior to be applied to the patient. The release backing  398  of the U-shaped member  394  of the bandage bag  310  is removed to expose the adhesive layer  396 , and then the flap  392  and U-shaped member  394  are folded outwardly and over, and then applied to the skin of the patient adjacent the catheter insertion site  170  (similar as in  FIG. 3 ); however with the wings  394 A,  394 A of the U-shaped member  394  are positioned on either side of the catheter insertion site  170 . Thus, in this embodiment (opposite to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 8 ), the flap  392  is opened by lifting the U-shaped member  394  and folding the flap  392  prior to being applied to the skin. Thus, the flap  392  is folded to an open position prior to application 
         [0071]    Then the medical apparatus  180  (similar as in  FIG. 3 , tubing and port) is inserted into the bandage bag  10  through the bag opening  335 . The release backing  390  of the edges  340 ,  360 ,  350  is removed, and then the enclosure bag  320  is folded over the U-shaped member  394  anchored to the skin of the patient. The enclosure bag  320  bends along the live hinges  295 ,  295 , and then covers and protects the catheter insertion site  170 . Thus, the live hinges  295 ,  295  are in an unfolded state when the enclosure bag  320  covers the catheter insertion site. 
         [0072]      FIG. 16  is an anterior, or front, view of an even further exemplary embodiment of the bandage bag  410 , in a condition prior to being applied to a patient. The bandage bag  410  comprises an enclosure bag  420 . The enclosure bag  420  includes a superior edge  430  on the anterior wall  422  of the enclosure bag  420  and a superior edge  432  on the posterior wall  424  of the enclosure bag  420  defining an opening  435  into a pocket  436 . The enclosure bag  420  can be accessed through the opening  435  to place items, such as medical apparatus, inside the enclosure bag  420 . The enclosure bag  420  has a first lateral edge  440 , an inferior edge  450 , and a second lateral edge  460 . The anterior face  470  of the enclosure bag  420  is visible. A first adhesive layer  480  is disposed along the first lateral edge  440 , inferior edge  450 , and second lateral edge  460 . Note that the adhesive  480  does not completely cover the anterior face  470 , but only its edges. A removable backing  490  is shaped to cover the first adhesive layer  480  for ease and convenience in handling. The backing  490  is removed when the bandage bag  410  is used. 
         [0073]    A flap  492  is provided at an upper portion of the enclosure bag  420 . Specifically, the flap  492  is defined by an upper wall portion  424 A of the posterior wall  424  of the enclosure bag  420 . The flap  492  comprises a U-shaped member  494  comprising two spaced apart wings  494 A,  494 A connected together by a cross-member portion  494 B. The wings  494 A,  494 A are oriented parallel to a longitudinal centerline  499  of the bandage bag  410 . 
         [0074]    In this embodiment, the enclosure bag  320  is provided with additional closure, for example, a resealable closure  425 . In the application of the resealable closure  425 , the resealable closure  425  is configured to repeatedly open and close the enclosure bag  320  even after being closed by folding the enclosure bag  320  over the flap  492  and U-shaped member  494  (i.e. after being fully applied to the patient and closed). The resealable closure  425  provides an alternate access to the catheter and port stored in the enclosure bag without opening the bandage bag by detaching the enclosure bag  420  from the patient&#39;s skin and then unfolding the enclosure bag  420  to expose the primary opening  435  to gain access to the catheter and port. 
         [0075]    The resealable closure  425 , for example, can be provided in the anterior wall  422 , and comprise a pair of inter-connectable edges  426 ,  426  defining a closable opening and a slide configured to open the edges apart or close the edges together like a ZIPLOCK type seal/closure. The slide is at least accessible, for opening and closing the edges  426 ,  426 , when the enclosure bag  420  is folded over the flap  492  and U-shaped member  494  when the bandage bag  410  is fully applied to the patient still allowing access to the catheter and port without unfolding the bandage bag  410 . The resealable enclosure  425  can also be applied to the embodiments of the bandage bag  194  shown in  FIG. 8 , bandage bag  310  shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , bandage bag  410  shown in  FIG. 17 , and bandage bag  510  shown in  FIG. 18 . 
         [0076]    Alternatively, the additional closure can be an opening defined by overlapping sections of the anterior wall  422 , an open provided with a flap (e.g. resealable flap with semi-permanent adhesive), or a breakable or frangible line or pattern provided in the anterior wall  422 . 
         [0077]    The bandage bag can be a unitary structure by forming (e.g. molding) and/or laminating layers or membranes of material together. For example, the bandage bag can be made of a 40A silicone elastomeric material. 
         [0078]    The bandage bag can be a relatively thin single layer or multiple layers of material. The resulting structure can be multiple zones, sections, portions, or areas of different or varying thickness. As shown in  FIG. 13  the resulting construction provides multiple zones of different thickness that changes discretely (i.e. discontinuous) between adjacent or contiguous zones. Alternatively, the zones can be made to change thickness in a continuous matter (e.g. tapering between zones). 
         [0079]      FIG. 17  is an anterior, or front, view of a further exemplary embodiment of the bandage bag  510 , in a condition prior to being applied to a patient. The bandage bag  510  comprises an enclosure bag  520 . The enclosure bag  520  includes a superior edge  530  on the anterior wall  522  of the enclosure bag  520  and a superior edge  532  on the posterior wall  524  of the enclosure bag  520  defining an opening  535  into a pocket  536 . The enclosure bag  520  can be accessed through the opening  535  to place items, such as medical apparatus, inside the enclosure bag  520 . The enclosure bag  520  has a first lateral edge  540 , an inferior edge  550 , and a second lateral edge  560 . The anterior face  570  of the enclosure bag  196  is visible. A first adhesive layer  580  is disposed along the first lateral edge  540 , inferior edge  550 , and second lateral edge  560 . Note that the adhesive  580  does not completely cover the anterior face  570 , but only its edges. A removable backing  590  is shaped to cover the first adhesive layer  580  for ease and convenience in handling. The backing  590  is removed when the bandage bag  510  is used. 
         [0080]    A flap  592  is provided at an upper portion of the enclosure bag  520 . Specifically, the flap  592  is defined by an upper wall portion  524 A of the posterior wall  524  of the enclosure bag  520 . The flap  592  comprises a U-shaped member  594  comprising two spaced apart wings  594 A,  594 A connected together by a lower member portion  594 B. The wings  594 A,  594 A are oriented parallel to a longitudinal centerline  599  of the bandage bag  510 . 
         [0081]    The bandage bag  510  is provided with a through hole  598 A in the anterior wall  522  to allow tubing to extend through the hole  598 A from inside the enclosure bag  520  to outside the bandage bag  510 . For example, the tubing can extend through the hole  598 A to the catheter insertion site or incision when the enclosure bag  520  is folded over the flap  592 . 
         [0082]      FIG. 18  is a posterior, or back, view of a further exemplary embodiment of the bandage bag  610 , in a condition prior to being applied to a patient. The bandage bag  610  comprises an enclosure bag  620 . The enclosure bag  620  includes a superior edge  630  on the anterior wall  622  of the enclosure bag  620  and a superior edge  632  on the posterior wall  624  of the enclosure bag  620  defining an opening  635  into a pocket  636 . The enclosure bag  620  can be accessed through the opening  635  to place items, such as medical apparatus, inside the enclosure bag  620 . The posterior face  672  of the enclosure bag  196  is visible. An adhesive layer  696  is disposed along the posterior side of the U-shaped member  694  for applying the bandage bag  610  to a patient. 
         [0083]    The bandage bag  610  is provided with a through hole  698 B in the posterior wall  624  to allow tubing to extend through the hole  698 B from inside the enclosure bag  620  to outside the bandage bag  610 . For example, the tubing extends through the hole  698 B to a location above or outside the bandage bag. 
         [0084]    The size and shape of the holes (i.e. hole  598 A ( FIG. 17 ) and/or hole  698 B ( FIG. 18 ) can be changed from that shown (e.g. large hole, smaller hole, different shaped hole, triangle-shaped hole, square-shaped hole, rectangular-shaped hole, custom-shaped hole). Further, the location of the holes can be changed or moved (e.g. anywhere on anterior side and/or posterior side of the enclosure bag). Further, multiple holes can be provide on one or both of the anterior side and/or posterior side of the enclosure bag (e.g. single hole on anterior side and single hole on posterior side of enclosure bag). 
         [0085]    While particular embodiments have been described, alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and substantial equivalents that are or may be presently unforeseen may arise to applicants or others skilled in the art. Accordingly, the appended claims as filed and as they may be amended are intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications variations, improvements, and substantial equivalents.