Patent Description:
Inflatable pneumatic warming blanket or cover devices are adapted especially for use with supine persons and are typically deployed by being laid directly on a person lying on a bed, a gurney, or a surgery platform, so as to drape over or cover some portion of the person. Because these devices are designed to cover and hang about or over a supine person, they are not easily or readily deployed on persons who are standing, sitting, reclining or moving. In particular, inflatable blankets are not suitable in a clinical setting in which it is desirable to warm a patient, and also necessary that the patient be able to move about and between various postures. In addition, there are a variety of clinical settings in which patient warming is desirable, with each setting requiring its own unique access to patient anatomy that may not be afforded by an inflatable blanket. For example, examination or treatment of a patient in a post anesthesia care unit (PACU) could call for access to patient lines in the chest area, setting IV's in the arm, application of a stethoscope to the back and/or side, or application of a blood pressure cuff. Further, patient mobility throughout a clinic, nursing home, hospice care, or a hospital is highly desirable, but would be severely curtailed with use of inflatable blankets. For example, transporting a patient to an x-ray or MRI location in a wheelchair, would be made problematic with an inflatable blanket.

Gowns including pneumatic convective devices are also known and provide warmth to patients in a perioperative environment. For example, convective gowns can be used in a preoperative setting, i.e., before surgery and typically while waiting in a different room from the operating room, as comfort warming or in a ward. Such gowns are not necessarily designed for prewarming, which can be useful in preventing anesthesia- related hypothermia. Gowns including pneumatic convective devices are described in <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>. Gowns for medical purposes or components therefor are described in <CIT>.

Warming devices can be used in a preoperative period and a separate pneumatic convective device can be used in the operative period. This can result in waste of clinician time as some can be searching for the separate pneumatic convective devices during the operative period. By having a warming device and a pneumatic convective device packaged together as system, comfort and therapeutic warming can both be facilitated without loss of clinician resources or attention.

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a warming system including a warming device. The warming device includes a clinical garment comprising a body portion adapted to cover a portion of a patient, an inner surface for facing the patient, and an outer surface for facing away from the patient. The body portion includes sleeves sized and positioned for receiving the patient's arms and a torso portion adapted to cover an anterior torso of a patient. A first pneumatic convective device can be disposed adjacent to the inner surface of the clinical garment. The pneumatic convective device can include an opening formed in the clinical garment for admitting a stream of pressurized, warmed air into the first pneumatic convective device. The warming system can also have a second pneumatic convective device in a fully-folded configuration or partially-folded configuration and disposed on a portion of the clinical garment.

Additional aspects of the present disclosure relate to warming the patient.

"Clinical garment" refers to a garment that is typically used to temporarily clothe a person in a clinical setting while awaiting and undergoing treatment. Clinical garments include hospital gowns, robes, bibs, and other equivalents. The clinical setting may be a medical, dental, or veterinary office or clinic, a hospital, or any facility or institution that provides treatment to patients.

"Fully-folded configuration" refers to at least three folds. The surface area of one face is no greater than <NUM>% of the total surface area of the pneumatic convective device.

"Patient" refers to a human undergoing a surgical procedure. Dimensions of the patient are established by the median value of a statistically relevant number of patients.

"Width dimension" refers to a dimension measured perpendicular from an axis of a particular body. For example, a width dimension of a pocket refers to the measurement along an axis which is perpendicular to the pocket axis. A width dimension of a gown refers to the measurement along an axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

"Length dimension" refers to a dimension measured parallel to a longitudinal axis of a particular body. For example, a length dimension of a pocket refers to the measurement along the pocket axis. A length dimension of a gown refers to the measurement along the longitudinal axis.

"Fastening device" refers to a device or technique that fastens two sheets together.

"Recloseable fastener" refers to a type of fastening device to allow repositioning of an article from a first application surface to a second application surface without damaging either the article or the first or second application surface.

"Fixed fastener" refers to a fastening device that will damage the underlying material if separated.

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a warming system comprising a warming device. The warming device includes a clinical garment and a pocket disposed or formed thereon or therein. The pocket is dimensioned to receive a pneumatic convective device such as a patient warming blanket that can be accessed by a clinician.

<FIG> illustrates a warming system <NUM> comprising a patient <NUM> (shown in the standing position) wearing a warming system <NUM> comprising a clinical garment <NUM> and a plurality of pneumatic convective devices (e.g., <NUM>). The warming system <NUM> can also include a pocket <NUM> as described further herein.

The patient <NUM> may be in a doctor's office in an out-patient facility, or any other suitable location. The clinical garment <NUM> is shown with connecting lines that illustrate how it would be attached to the patient <NUM>. While various sizes of patients can exist, patient can preferably mean a statistically average adult human male. An end <NUM> of an air hose <NUM> is connected to the pneumatic convective device <NUM> may be received with the hose card <NUM> to provide a stream of pressurized, thermally treated air directed into the device <NUM> through inlet port <NUM>. A flap <NUM> can extend off of a portion of the clinical garment <NUM> that, when the flap <NUM> is lifted, the inlet port <NUM> and the hose card <NUM> as exposed, through an opening. Access to the hose card <NUM> can also be on the front of the clinical garment <NUM> if there is no gown opening. The other end of the air hose <NUM> is connected to a warming unit <NUM> that can provide a stream of pressurized, thermally controlled air to the device. Warming units and components can be commercially available as model <NUM>, model <NUM>, or model <NUM> under the trade designation Bair Hugger. A second pneumatic convective device <NUM> can be present which is associated with the warming system <NUM> and removed before or during a preoperative procedure as described herein.

In at least one embodiment, the second pneumatic convective device <NUM> can be contained in a sealed package. A sealed package can be a covering that contains the second pneumatic convective device <NUM>. In at least one embodiment, the sealed package can be a plastic packaging. The entire sealed package can be releasably attached to the clinical garment <NUM>.

The clinical garment <NUM> can be configured similar to the commercially available Bair Hugger Warming Gown except with a pocket dimensioned to receive a recloseable fastener pneumatic convective device. The clinical garment <NUM> can be associated with a first pneumatic convective device that is not recloseable fastener (meaning cannot be removed without causing irreparable damage to the clinical garment <NUM>) as found in patient warming gowns. The first pneumatic convective device can be a contained bladder separate from the clinical garment as found in the Bair Hugger Warming Gown or the first pneumatic convective device can be formed with a portion of the clinical garment <NUM> and an air permeable sheet. The recloseable fastener pneumatic convective device can be commercially available under the trade designation Bair Hugger and examples include a multi-position upper body warming blanket (model <NUM>).

In at least one embodiment, the clinical garment can be made from a woven cloth, such as cotton, or a non-woven such as spunbond-meltblown-spunbond material (SMS), and the seals between the portion of its inside surface <NUM> and an optional extruded layer of a laminate sheet may be formed by a gluing, a heating, or an ultrasonic process. Examples of non-woven material include any one or more of polyester, cotton, rayon, polypropylene, and wood pulp. Examples of extruded synthetic material include polypropylene, polyesters, and polyurethanes. In at least one embodiment, the clinical garment can be treated with a material to make a portion of the clinical garment air impermeable. In at least one embodiment, the clinical garment <NUM> is a disposable gown that is configured to be single-use by a patient before the clinical garment <NUM> is disposed as medical waste.

The clinical garment described in the above and in below-described embodiments may be a standard gown, a modified gown or a special purpose gown. The gowns may have rear openings, front openings or other openings suitable openings, such as a head opening in a poncho type gown. One type of gown shown in the figures has a rear opening which is configured to open in the rear of a patient.

<FIG> illustrates warming system <NUM>. The warming system <NUM> comprises a warming device comprising a clinical garment <NUM> having a pocket <NUM> disposed on at least a portion thereon. In at least one embodiment, the clinical garment <NUM> can have an insulative material disposed thereon. As used herein, the term warming device can include any clinical garment and associated device such as a fixedly attached pneumatic convective device but generally not a removable pneumatic convective device.

An insulative clinical garment <NUM> can be particularly advantageous in situations where a pneumatic convective device and the associated warming unit may not be practical. In at least one embodiment, the insulative material can have a surface area that is at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>% of the total surface area (e.g., inner or outer surface <NUM>, body and sleeves <NUM>) of the clinical garment <NUM>.

In at least one embodiment, the clinical garment <NUM> can be structured similarly to the clinical garment <NUM> as described herein except without the openings. The clinical garment <NUM> can have body portion <NUM> and sleeves <NUM>. The body portion <NUM> can have outer surface <NUM>.

The clinical garment <NUM> can have a neck opening <NUM> and a hemline <NUM>. The clinical garment <NUM> can have at least one opening into the clinical garment <NUM>. For example, a rear slit <NUM> through the clinical garment <NUM> can create an opening for a patient to easily remove the clinical garment <NUM>. Fastening devices <NUM> can fasten opposing ends of the rear slit <NUM> together to provide for ease in securing the clinical garment <NUM> to the patient as well as allowing for ease in adjusting the size of the clinical garment to accommodate various different size wearers. For example, snap buttons or hook-and-loop positioned along opposing sides of the rear slit <NUM> that can be brought together and fastened to hold the clinical garment <NUM> to the patient. Another method attachment shown is a plurality of strings positioned along opposing sides of the rear slit <NUM> that can be tied together for hold the clinical garment <NUM> to the patient. Other fastening devices <NUM> described herein can include fixed fastener or fixed methods such as ultrasonic or thermal welding, adhesive, or recloseable fastener or releasable methods such as snaps, repositionable adhesive, hook and loop elements, double-sided adhesive, snaps, rivets, and any and all equivalents thereof.

In at least one embodiment, the body portion <NUM> can be separated into a torso portion <NUM> that aligns with a patient's torso, in particular the anterior torso of the patient. The torso portion <NUM> can be established by a traverse plane of the patient and can vary depending on the patient. The dimension <NUM> from the neck opening <NUM> to the traverse plane of the patient can be no greater than <NUM>,<NUM>, no greater than <NUM>,<NUM>, or no greater than <NUM>,<NUM>. The dimension <NUM> from the neck opening <NUM> to the hemline <NUM> (along a longitudinal axis <NUM> from a nadir of the neck opening <NUM>) can be from <NUM>,<NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM>. Preferably, the dimension <NUM> can be from <NUM>,<NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM>.

In at least one embodiment, the body portion <NUM> can further be divided into one or more regions. For example, the body portion <NUM> can be intersected by line which can divide the body portion <NUM> into the torso portion <NUM> and the leg portion. The line can align with the transverse plane, or axial plane of a patient. For example, the torso portion <NUM> can correspond to the superior part of the patient and the leg portion can correspond to the inferior part of the patient.

The sleeves <NUM> can have a diameter. In at least one embodiment, the diameter can vary from the armhole end near the torso portion <NUM> vs the cuff end near the hands of the patient. In at least one embodiment, the diameter can be <NUM>,<NUM> - <NUM>,<NUM>, <NUM>,<NUM> - <NUM>,<NUM>, <NUM>,<NUM> - <NUM>,<NUM>, or <NUM>,<NUM> - <NUM>,<NUM> near the cuff end.

In at least one embodiment, the clinical garment <NUM> can include a pocket <NUM> dimensioned to receive pneumatic convective device <NUM> (which is recloseable fastener). The pneumatic convective device <NUM> can be in a fully-folded configuration or a partially-folded configuration as described further herein.

In at least one embodiment, the pocket <NUM> can be formed from a sheet of material <NUM> and the outer surface <NUM>. The sheet of material <NUM> is formed from a sheet of material that can be the same as the clinical garment <NUM>. Sheet of material <NUM> can be attached to the clinical garment <NUM> anywhere on the body portion <NUM> (e.g., region <NUM>) but preferably on the torso portion <NUM>, and most preferably on the front portion (defined by the chest of the patient). In at least one embodiment, the sheet of material <NUM> can be within <NUM>,<NUM> of any portion of the neck opening <NUM>. Alternatively, the pocket <NUM> can be placed on an inner surface <NUM> of the clinical garment <NUM> as described further herein.

The sheet of material <NUM> can be attached via an adhesive or stitching along any portion of the pocket sheet perimeter <NUM>, including along at least a portion or even the entire pocket sheet perimeter <NUM>.

In at least one embodiment, the sheet of material <NUM> is attached with a fastening device to the clinical garment <NUM> adjacent to or at the sheet edge <NUM> and sheet edge <NUM> and the sheet edge <NUM>. The sheet edge <NUM> can be unattached to form a pocket opening <NUM>. In at least one embodiment, the pocket opening <NUM> can be dimensioned to remove the pneumatic convective device <NUM> without damaging the fastening device between clinical garment <NUM> and sheet edge <NUM>, sheet edge <NUM>, or sheet edge <NUM>. In one example, the unattached portion of the sheet edge <NUM> can be at least <NUM> percent, at least <NUM>, at least <NUM>, or at least <NUM> percent of a width dimension <NUM> (which is perpendicular to the pocket axis <NUM>) of the sheet of material <NUM>. In at least one embodiment, the width dimension <NUM> can be between <NUM>,<NUM> and <NUM>,<NUM>.

The sheet of material <NUM> can also be attached to the clinical garment <NUM> along the sheet edge <NUM>, sheet edge <NUM>, and sheet edge <NUM> (e.g., along two length dimensions and one width dimension) and unattached to the clinical garment <NUM> at sheet edge <NUM>. Although not shown, the sheet of material <NUM> can have an indented region. In at least one embodiment, the sheet of material can be a pneumatic convective device as described further herein.

The sheet of material <NUM> can have a sheet edge <NUM> and sheet edge <NUM> that are opposing and oriented along the pocket axis <NUM>. The pocket axis <NUM> can be established by the pocket opening <NUM>. In at least one embodiment, the angle formed between the pocket axis <NUM> and longitudinal axis <NUM> is no greater than <NUM> degrees (i.e., oriented vertically).

The distance from sheet edge <NUM> to sheet edge <NUM> (e.g., a length dimension) can be larger than that of the distance between sheet edge <NUM> and sheet edge <NUM> (e.g., a width dimension <NUM>) of the sheet of material <NUM>. In at least one embodiment, the sheet of material <NUM> can have a line of weakness such as a perforation, a physically weaken area that is configured to break upon an applied force. For example, the sheet of material <NUM> can form a pocket cavity <NUM> which can support, contain, or even entomb the pneumatic convective device <NUM> on the outer surface <NUM>. A user can break the line of weakness of the sheet edge <NUM> to extract the pneumatic convective device <NUM> from pocket cavity <NUM>.

In at least one embodiment, the pocket <NUM> can be an internal pocket, i.e., with pocket cavity <NUM> disposed proximate the inner surface <NUM>. In at least one embodiment, the internal pocket can have an exterior opening to access the pneumatic convective device <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a pocket <NUM>. The pocket <NUM> can be envelope-shaped. For example, the pocket <NUM> can have a flap portion <NUM> and a sheet of material <NUM>. The flap portion <NUM> can overlap a portion of the sheet of material <NUM> sufficient to secure a pneumatic convective device contained in the pocket cavity therein.

In at least one embodiment, the flap portion <NUM> can include a tip <NUM> that can engage with a face of the sheet of material <NUM>. As shown the flap portion <NUM> is triangular with a minor vertex being approximately <NUM> degrees. The dimension <NUM> can be from the tip <NUM> to the flap end <NUM> along a pocket axis. Example dimensions for dimension <NUM> can be between <NUM>,<NUM> and <NUM>,<NUM> or <NUM>,<NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM>.

The pocket <NUM> can also include a dimension <NUM> from the flap end <NUM> to the end <NUM>. The pocket <NUM> can also have a perimeter <NUM> that is established by both the flap portion <NUM> at flap end <NUM> and the sealed portions of sheet of material <NUM>.

In at least one embodiment, the perimeter <NUM> can include sheet edge <NUM>, sheet edge <NUM>, sheet edge <NUM>, and flap edge <NUM>. One or more seals (either continuous or non-continuous) can bind the sheet of material <NUM> or flap portion <NUM> to the clinical garment. The fastened regions can be formed using any fastening device but is preferably non-removable or permanent fastening device such as ultrasonic welding, or adhesive. The seals can be adjacent to the edge meaning within <NUM>. As shown, fastened region <NUM>, fastened region <NUM>, fastened region <NUM> can seal the sheet of material <NUM> to the clinical garment, leaving an unsealed section proximate flap end <NUM> to form a pocket opening. The fastened region <NUM> can secure a portion of the flap portion <NUM>.

<FIG> show a warming system <NUM> that includes a clinical garment <NUM> and a pneumatic convective device <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, a clinician <NUM> can access the pneumatic convective device on the inner surface at cover flap <NUM>. The warming system <NUM> can have a longitudinal axis <NUM> oriented lengthwise along a major medial axis of the clinical garment <NUM>.

In at least one embodiment, the clinical garment <NUM> also includes a pocket <NUM> positioned below the transverse plane (toward the legs) of a patient. The pocket <NUM> is outside of the cover flap <NUM> leading to a pneumatic convective device. In at least one embodiment, portions of the pocket <NUM> are mounted to the outer surface <NUM> as described herein. The pocket <NUM> is dimensioned and configured to hold a recloseable fastener pneumatic convective device in a fully-folded configuration or a partially-folded configuration. In at least one embodiment, a pocket opening can be distinguished from a hand opening as can be found in hoodie-type pockets in that the pocket opening (formed from two sheets) has a circumference of at least <NUM>,<NUM>, at least <NUM>,<NUM>, at least <NUM>,<NUM>, at least <NUM>,<NUM>, or at least <NUM>,<NUM>. At least one side can be openable. In at least one embodiment, the pocket <NUM> can have dimensions between <NUM>,<NUM> and <NUM>,<NUM> dm<NUM>. The pocket <NUM> can also have a surface area between <NUM>,<NUM> and <NUM>,<NUM><NUM>. The thickness of the pocket <NUM> (when full) can be no greater than <NUM>,<NUM>, no greater than <NUM>,<NUM>, no greater than <NUM>,<NUM>, or no greater than <NUM>,<NUM>. The length dimension can be from <NUM>,<NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM>. The width dimension can be from <NUM>,<NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM>.

The pocket <NUM> can include a sheet of material <NUM> and a flap portion <NUM>. The sheet of material <NUM> can be a sheet with an indented region configured to facilitate removal of the enclosed pneumatic convective device. The indented region and the fastened regions can define a pocket cavity <NUM> in which a pneumatic convective device is inserted. The sheet of material <NUM> can be fastened to the clinical garment <NUM> via a fastening device to form the fastened region adjacent to the perimeter <NUM>. The width dimensions and a length dimension can be fastened, and the indented region can be unfastened.

In at least one embodiment, the flap portion <NUM> can include a tip <NUM>. The flap portion <NUM> can be fastened to the clinical garment <NUM> along a width dimension such that the tip <NUM> moves freely. A pocket axis <NUM> can be oriented along the pocket cavity <NUM> such that the opening direction is established by the pocket axis <NUM>. The tip <NUM> and a pocket nadir <NUM> of the pocket <NUM> can form the pocket axis <NUM>. In at least one embodiment, the pocket axis <NUM> and longitudinal axis <NUM> form an angle no greater than <NUM> degrees.

<FIG> illustrates the warming system <NUM> with the pocket <NUM> in an open position. The flap portion <NUM> can be extended so that the tip <NUM> is moved in the direction of the pocket axis to expose a pocket opening <NUM> formed by the sheet of material <NUM> and clinical garment <NUM> that leads to a pocket cavity <NUM> formed by the sheet of material <NUM>. The pneumatic convective device <NUM> is shown in a fully-folded configuration and placed in the pocket cavity <NUM>. The indented region <NUM> can facilitate the removal of the pneumatic convective device <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the warming system <NUM> with the pneumatic convective device <NUM> removed from the pocket cavity <NUM>. In use, a clinician <NUM> can first lift tip <NUM> from indented region <NUM>. In at least one embodiment, the tip <NUM> can be attached to indented region <NUM> via an adhesive. After the tip <NUM> is lifted, then the pneumatic convective device <NUM> is exposed. A clinician can grab and remove the pneumatic convective device <NUM> from pocket cavity <NUM>. Optionally, a portion of the pneumatic convective device <NUM> can be attached to the clinical garment <NUM> with a recloseable fastener fastening device.

<FIG> illustrate an embodiment of a warming system <NUM>. The warming system <NUM> can be similar to warming system <NUM> except the pocket <NUM> has a different orientation and position. The warming system <NUM> can include a clinical garment <NUM> having a pocket <NUM>. The pocket <NUM> can be mounted on the outer surface of the clinical garment <NUM>. In at least one embodiment, the clinical garment <NUM> can have a longitudinal axis <NUM> that is oriented from the neck opening <NUM> to the hemline <NUM>.

The pocket <NUM> can be oriented for a side opening. For example, the pocket axis <NUM> can follow the opening orientation of the flap portion <NUM>. The pocket axis <NUM> is shown approximately <NUM> degrees from the longitudinal axis <NUM>. In at least one embodiment, the pocket axis <NUM> is established by the tip <NUM> of the flap portion <NUM> and the pocket nadir <NUM>. As shown, the length dimension <NUM>, and width dimension <NUM> of a sheet of material <NUM> can be sealed or fastened to the clinical garment <NUM> and one of the width dimensions can be left open.

In use, the tip <NUM> can be releasably sealed to a portion of the sheet of material <NUM> such that a clinician <NUM> can open the flap portion <NUM> to remove a pneumatic convective device. In another embodiment, the tip <NUM> can be unsealed such that it can be pulled up by the clinician <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an open pocket <NUM> with the flap portion <NUM> folded up to reveal a pocket opening <NUM> formed by the sheet of material <NUM>. The sheet of material <NUM> of pocket <NUM> can have an indented region <NUM> to facilitate removal of the pneumatic convective device <NUM> from the pocket <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The pneumatic convective device <NUM> is shown in a partially-folded configuration.

<FIG> illustrates a warming system <NUM> similar to warming system <NUM> except that the pocket is formed from a portion of the clinical garment <NUM> itself. For example, at least one fabric panel of the clinical garment <NUM> can be folded over to create a pocket <NUM> therein. The top edge <NUM> of the panel can be attached permanently or detachably to the shoulder of the clinical garment <NUM> to form the pocket <NUM> therein. This pocket <NUM> is shown as having openings <NUM> on both sides and is closed on two sides. The pocket <NUM> is aligned with the sleeves <NUM> meaning that at least an axis running through both sleeves orthogonal to the longitudinal dimension (e.g., along longitudinal axis like in <NUM>) of the gown also intersects the pocket <NUM>. In at least one embodiment, the pocket axis of the pocket <NUM> can be similar to the pocket axis <NUM> in that it is oriented across the chest and along the sleeves1912. The pocket <NUM> can be configured to retain a pneumatic convective device <NUM>. In at least one embodiment, the volume (or internal surface area) of the pocket <NUM> can be at least <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> times the volume (of internal surface area) of the folded pneumatic convective device <NUM>. In another embodiment, an opening of the pocket <NUM> can be at least <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> times the smallest cross sectional area of the folded pneumatic convective device <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the warming system <NUM> with two pneumatic convective devices. One pneumatic convective device is in a fully-folded configuration <NUM> and the other pneumatic convective device is in a partially-folded configuration <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates the size difference between the two folding patterns and are used for illustration. In at least one embodiment, one or both pneumatic convective devices can be disposed in the pocket <NUM>.

The fully-folded configuration <NUM> can be formed by folding the pneumatic convective device at least <NUM> times, or at least <NUM> times which may form at least <NUM> or at least <NUM>-fold creases. In at least one embodiment, the fully-folded configuration can result in a folded face of one of the folded sections of the pneumatic convective device. The folded face can have a first surface area and the entire pneumatic convective device can have a second surface area. The first surface area is no greater than <NUM>% than the second surface area. In at least one embodiment, the fully-folded configuration can result in a thickness that is at least four times, or at least five times the thickness of an unfolded pneumatic convective device (as measured from a side-cross section in a flaccid state). In at least one embodiment, the thickness of the fully-folded configuration can be no greater than <NUM>,<NUM>, no greater than <NUM>,<NUM>, no greater than <NUM>,<NUM>. The thickness of the partially-folded configuration can be no greater than <NUM>,<NUM>, no greater than <NUM>,<NUM>, or no greater than <NUM>,<NUM>. The thickness of the partially-folded configuration can be half of the thickness of the fully-folded configuration.

The partially-folded configuration can be formed by folding the pneumatic convective device at least <NUM> time. In at least one embodiment, the partially-folded configuration can result in a folded face of one of the folded sections of the pneumatic convective device having a first surface area that is at least <NUM>% of the second surface area of the pneumatic convective device. In at least one embodiment, the partially-folded configuration can result in a thickness that is at least two or at least three times the thickness of an unfolded pneumatic convective device (as measured from a side-cross section in a flaccid state).

<FIG> illustrate a warming system <NUM>. The warming system <NUM> can have a clinical garment <NUM> with a pocket formed from a pneumatic convective device <NUM> on an inner side (i.e., patient facing).

In at least one embodiment, the clinical garment <NUM> can have an optional insulative material <NUM> attached thereon. As shown, the insulative material <NUM> is fixedly attached to the inner surface <NUM> of the clinical garment <NUM>. The clinical garment <NUM> can also have a neck opening <NUM> for a patient's neck. In at least one embodiment, a portion of the neck opening <NUM> is configured to contact the collarbone of a patient.

The clinical garment <NUM> can also have a pneumatic convective device <NUM> disposed thereon. As shown, the pneumatic convective device <NUM> is permanently or releasably attached to the inner surface <NUM>. For example, a perimeter seal <NUM> can bond a portion of the pneumatic convective device <NUM> on three sides (except for a pocket opening <NUM>) to the optional insulative material <NUM> and the clinical garment <NUM>. A pocket <NUM> can be formed from the bonded three sides between the pneumatic convective device <NUM> and the clinical garment <NUM> and an unbound pocket opening <NUM> formed from an edge of pneumatic convective device <NUM> and a portion of the insulative material <NUM> or clinical garment <NUM>. The pneumatic convective device <NUM> can have an inlet <NUM> for receiving warmed air from a convective warming unit.

A pneumatic convective device <NUM> can be placed in the pocket opening <NUM> such that it can be easily removed. In at least one embodiment, pneumatic convective device <NUM> is not secured to the clinical garment <NUM>. The pneumatic convective device <NUM> can be either in a fully-folded configuration or a partially-folded configuration but is shown in the partially-folded configuration.

<FIG> illustrates the outer surface <NUM> of the clinical garment <NUM>. From the outer surface <NUM>, a tab element <NUM> can be visible. The tab element <NUM> can be configured to attach to the pneumatic convective device <NUM> and facilitate removal of the pneumatic convective device <NUM> from the pocket <NUM>. The tab element <NUM> is shown in the folded down position over a neck opening <NUM> and releasably attached to the outer surface of the clinical garment to remain out of the way during wear by a patient.

<FIG> illustrates a clinician <NUM> applying a pulling force to the tab element <NUM>. The pulling force can be sufficient to remove the pneumatic convective device <NUM> gradually and from the neck opening <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the pneumatic convective device <NUM> being pulled from a first position to a second position beyond the neck opening <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the pneumatic convective device <NUM> in a partially-folded configuration and being completely removed from the pocket <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the pneumatic convective device <NUM> in a deployed configuration. The pneumatic convective device <NUM> can be used by the clinician <NUM> during a surgical procedure and the clinical garment <NUM> can be removed for later use.

<FIG> illustrates a warming system <NUM> that is similar to warming system <NUM> except that the pocket opening <NUM> opens from the bottom portion of the clinical garment <NUM>. The clinical garment <NUM> has a neck opening <NUM> and a hemline <NUM> opposite the neck opening <NUM>. The clinical garment <NUM> can have a pneumatic convective device <NUM> fixedly attached thereon along a perimeter seal <NUM>. The perimeter seal <NUM> can leave at least one region near the hemline <NUM> that is unsealed. The unsealed region can form a pocket opening <NUM> dimensioned to receive a pneumatic convective device <NUM>. The pneumatic convective device <NUM> can have an integral tab element <NUM>. In at least one embodiment, the pneumatic convective device <NUM> is in a partially-folded configuration. In at least one embodiment, the pneumatic convective device <NUM> can be a lithotomy-style blanket sold by <NUM>. For example, the pneumatic convective device <NUM> can transition between an upper-body-style blanket and a lithotomy-style blanket.

<FIG> illustrates a flowchart of a method <NUM> of applying therapeutic warming to a patient. This method does not form part of the claimed subject-matter.

The method <NUM> can begin at block <NUM>. In block <NUM>, the warming system described herein can be provided to the patient. A manufacturer can provide one or more of the components of the warming system to the clinician who can further provide it to the patient according to the instructions of the manufacturer. In block <NUM>, the clinician can allow the patient to wear the warming device that can include at least a first pneumatic convective device. The patient can wear the warming device during a preoperative period of a perioperative period. For example, the patient can preferably wear the warming device within <NUM> hours, within <NUM> hour, or within <NUM> minutes before anesthesia.

The warming device can help to pre-warm the patient before the anesthesia sufficient to maintain normothermia during anesthesia. Optionally, block <NUM> can also include applying heat to the patient via a first pneumatic convective device that is fixedly attached to the warming device. The clinician can activate an active convective heat modality for the warming device. The heat application during block <NUM> can result in pre-warming prior to anesthesia. In at least one embodiment, the warming device can contain a passive modality for pre-warming the patient and reducing heat losses. For example, the warming device can also have an insulative material that can reduce heat loss by the patient.

In at least one embodiment, the clinician can place the warming device onto the patient in a first location. For example, the first location can be dependent on hospital configurations, but the first location can be a separate surgical waiting area, a patient recovery room, or preoperative bay. Preferably, the first location can have a power outlet.

In block <NUM>, the clinician can change the warming device from a first configuration to a second configuration before anesthesia in a second location. In at least one embodiment, the second location is an operating theatre, or operating room where the surgery is taking place. In at least one embodiment, the first location and the second location are the same. For example, pre-warming of the second configuration can be related to a feature of the warming device. For example, the second configuration can be an opened pocket, a removable pneumatic convective device, or a deployment of a pneumatic convective device. The changing to the second configuration can also occur during the operative period of the perioperative period. In at least one embodiment, the operative period can begin within <NUM> minutes, or within <NUM> minutes before anesthesia is delivered and continue while the patient is anesthetized.

In at least one embodiment, the changing of the warming device configurations can occur at least <NUM> minutes before, at least <NUM> minutes before the start of anesthesia. In another embodiment, the changing can occur during anesthesia of the patient.

In block <NUM>, the clinician can apply heat to the patient during the operative period. The total amount of heat is dependent on the clinician preferences; however, the convective warming unit can be capable to output at least <NUM> watts, at least <NUM> watts, or at least <NUM> watts at a hose end. In at least one embodiment, the power consumption of the convective warming unit can be at least <NUM> watts. The heat applied can be sufficient to maintain normothermia of a patient. In at least one embodiment, the heat can be applied through the warming device or from a separate pneumatic convective device that is attached thereon. The temperature at the hose-end, prior to the air entering the pneumatic convective device, may range from ambient to up to <NUM>° C, but preferably at least <NUM> degrees C. The airflow at the hose-end, prior to the air entering the pneumatic convective device, may be between <NUM>,<NUM>-<NUM>,<NUM><NUM>/h, at least <NUM>,<NUM><NUM>/h, at least <NUM>,<NUM><NUM>/h, or even <NUM>,<NUM> - <NUM>,<NUM><NUM>/h. The pressure inside the pneumatic convective device may range of <NUM>,<NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM> kPa.

Block <NUM> to block <NUM> can be optional. In block <NUM>, the clinician can remove the warming device from the patient during the operative period. For example, during a surgical procedure, the warming device can interfere with some surgical procedures (such as an abdominal incision). Thus, to provide warming, the warming device can be removed to expose a surgical treatment area, and optionally apply the heat via a separate pneumatic convective device that is part of the warming system. The warming device can be set aside for later use.

In block <NUM>, the clinician can retrieve the warming device and cover the patient with the warming device. For example, after the surgical procedure is over, but while the patient is anesthetized, the clinician can cover the patient for modesty in the second location. After the patient is covered, then the patient can be transported to a third location. The third location can be a post-operative recovery bay (i.e., PACU) or a patient room. In at least one embodiment, the separate pneumatic convective device can be discarded.

Claim 1:
A warming system (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), comprising:
a warming device, comprising:
a clinical garment (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprising a body portion (<NUM>) adapted to cover a portion of a patient, an inner surface (<NUM>) for facing the patient, and an outer surface (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) for facing away from the patient, wherein the body portion (<NUM>) includes sleeves (<NUM>) sized and positioned for receiving the patient's arms, wherein the body portion (<NUM>) includes a torso portion adapted to cover an anterior torso of a patient;
a first pneumatic convective device (<NUM>) disposed adjacent to the inner surface; and
an opening (<NUM>) formed in the clinical garment for admitting a stream of pressurized, warmed air into the first pneumatic convective device (<NUM>); and
a second pneumatic convective device (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) in a fully-folded configuration (<NUM>) or partially-folded configuration (<NUM>) and disposed on a portion of the clinical garment (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), characterized in that
the warming device comprises a pocket (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) dimensioned to receive the second pneumatic convective device (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), the pocket (<NUM>) is formed on an inner side of the warming device, the first pneumatic convective device (<NUM>) is fixedly attached to the clinical garment (<NUM>) or portion thereof along a perimeter seal (<NUM>) to form the pocket (<NUM>).