Patent ID: 12220347

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

“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 20% 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.1illustrates a warming system100comprising a patient108(shown in the standing position) wearing a warming system200comprising a clinical garment112and a plurality of pneumatic convective devices (e.g.,110). The warming system100can also include a pocket104as described further herein.

The patient108may be in a doctor's office in an out-patient facility, or any other suitable location. The clinical garment112is shown with connecting lines that illustrate how it would be attached to the patient108. While various sizes of patients can exist, patient can preferably mean a statistically average adult human male. An end158of an air hose160is connected to the pneumatic convective device110may be received with the hose card130to provide a stream of pressurized, thermally treated air directed into the device110through inlet port117. A flap144can extend off of a portion of the clinical garment112that, when the flap144is lifted, the inlet port127and the hose card130as exposed, through an opening. Access to the hose card130can also be on the front of the clinical garment112if there is no gown opening. The other end of the air hose160is connected to a warming unit162that can provide a stream of pressurized, thermally controlled air to the device. Warming units and components can be commercially available as model675, model775, or model875under the trade designation Bair Hugger. A second pneumatic convective device102can be present which is associated with the warming system200and removed before or during a preoperative procedure as described herein.

In at least one embodiment, the second pneumatic convective device102can be contained in a sealed package. A sealed package can be a covering that contains the second pneumatic convective device102. In at least one embodiment, the sealed package can be a plastic packaging. The entire sealed package can be releasably attached to the clinical garment112.

The clinical garment112can 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 garment112can be associated with a first pneumatic convective device that is not recloseable fastener (meaning cannot be removed without causing irreparable damage to the clinical garment112) 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 garment112and 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 (model622).

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 surface152and 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 garment112is a disposable gown that is configured to be single-use by a patient before the clinical garment112is 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.2illustrates warming system200. The warming system200comprises a warming device comprising a clinical garment202having a pocket104disposed on at least a portion thereon. In at least one embodiment, the clinical garment202can 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 garment202can 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 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90% of the total surface area (e.g., inner or outer surface218, body and sleeves208) of the clinical garment202.

In at least one embodiment, the clinical garment202can be structured similarly to the clinical garment112as described herein except without the openings. The clinical garment202can have body portion222and sleeves208. The body portion222can have outer surface218.

The clinical garment202can have a neck opening204and a hemline210. The clinical garment202can have at least one opening into the clinical garment202. For example, a rear slit212through the clinical garment202can create an opening for a patient to easily remove the clinical garment202. Fastening devices216can fasten opposing ends of the rear slit212together to provide for ease in securing the clinical garment112to 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 slit212that can be brought together and fastened to hold the clinical garment112to the patient. Another method attachment shown is a plurality of strings positioned along opposing sides of the rear slit212that can be tied together for hold the clinical garment112to the patient. Other fastening devices216described 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 portion222can be separated into a torso portion214that aligns with a patient's torso, in particular the anterior torso of the patient. The torso portion214can be established by a traverse plane of the patient and can vary depending on the patient. The dimension236from the neck opening204to the traverse plane of the patient can be no greater than 32 inches, no greater than 30 inches, or no greater than 28 inches. The dimension238from the neck opening204to the hemline210(along a longitudinal axis240from a nadir of the neck opening204) can be from 30 inches to 56 inches. Preferably, the dimension238can be from 40 to 46 inches.

In at least one embodiment, the body portion222can further be divided into one or more regions. For example, the body portion222can be intersected by line which can divide the body portion222into the torso portion214and the leg portion. The line can align with the transverse plane, or axial plane of a patient. For example, the torso portion214can correspond to the superior part of the patient and the leg portion can correspond to the inferior part of the patient.

The sleeves208can have a diameter. In at least one embodiment, the diameter can vary from the armhole end near the torso portion214vs the cuff end near the hands of the patient. In at least one embodiment, the diameter can be 6-15 inches, 8-15 inches, 10-15 inches, or 10-14 inches near the cuff end.

In at least one embodiment, the clinical garment202can include a pocket104dimensioned to receive pneumatic convective device102(which is recloseable fastener). The pneumatic convective device102can be in a fully-folded configuration or a partially-folded configuration as described further herein.

In at least one embodiment, the pocket104can be formed from a sheet of material224and the outer surface218. The sheet of material224is formed from a sheet of material that can be the same as the clinical garment202. Sheet of material224can be attached to the clinical garment202anywhere on the body portion222(e.g., region242) but preferably on the torso portion214, and most preferably on the front portion (defined by the chest of the patient). In at least one embodiment, the sheet of material224can be within 10 inches of any portion of the neck opening204. Alternatively, the pocket104can be placed on an inner surface206of the clinical garment202as described further herein.

The sheet of material224can be attached via an adhesive or stitching along any portion of the pocket sheet perimeter234, including along at least a portion or even the entire pocket sheet perimeter234.

In at least one embodiment, the sheet of material224is attached with a fastening device to the clinical garment202adjacent to or at the sheet edge246and sheet edge244and the sheet edge232. The sheet edge230can be unattached to form a pocket opening248. In at least one embodiment, the pocket opening248can be dimensioned to remove the pneumatic convective device102without damaging the fastening device between clinical garment202and sheet edge246, sheet edge244, or sheet edge232. In one example, the unattached portion of the sheet edge230can be at least 60 percent, at least 70, at least 80, or at least 90 percent of a width dimension250(which is perpendicular to the pocket axis228) of the sheet of material224. In at least one embodiment, the width dimension250can be between 4 and 15 inches.

The sheet of material224can also be attached to the clinical garment202along the sheet edge230, sheet edge232, and sheet edge244(e.g., along two length dimensions and one width dimension) and unattached to the clinical garment202at sheet edge246. Although not shown, the sheet of material224can 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 material224can have a sheet edge230and sheet edge232that are opposing and oriented along the pocket axis228. The pocket axis228can be established by the pocket opening248. In at least one embodiment, the angle formed between the pocket axis228and longitudinal axis240is no greater than 90 degrees (i.e., oriented vertically).

The distance from sheet edge230to sheet edge232(e.g., a length dimension) can be larger than that of the distance between sheet edge246and sheet edge244(e.g., a width dimension250) of the sheet of material224. In at least one embodiment, the sheet of material224can 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 material224can form a pocket cavity226which can support, contain, or even entomb the pneumatic convective device102on the outer surface218. A user can break the line of weakness of the sheet edge232to extract the pneumatic convective device102from pocket cavity226.

In at least one embodiment, the pocket104can be an internal pocket, i.e., with pocket cavity226disposed proximate the inner surface206. In at least one embodiment, the internal pocket can have an exterior opening to access the pneumatic convective device102.

FIG.3illustrates an example of a pocket300. The pocket300can be envelope-shaped. For example, the pocket300can have a flap portion306and a sheet of material304. The flap portion306can overlap a portion of the sheet of material304sufficient to secure a pneumatic convective device contained in the pocket cavity therein.

In at least one embodiment, the flap portion306can include a tip314that can engage with a face of the sheet of material304. As shown the flap portion306is triangular with a minor vertex being approximately 45 degrees. The dimension308can be from the tip314to the flap end310along a pocket axis. Example dimensions for dimension308can be between 4 and 8 inches or 5 to 7 inches.

The pocket300can also include a dimension302from the flap end310to the end316. The pocket300can also have a perimeter312that is established by both the flap portion306at flap end310and the sealed portions of sheet of material304.

In at least one embodiment, the perimeter312can include sheet edge318, sheet edge320, sheet edge322, and flap edge324. One or more seals (either continuous or non-continuous) can bind the sheet of material304or flap portion306to 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 1 cm. As shown, fastened region326, fastened region328, fastened region330can seal the sheet of material304to the clinical garment, leaving an unsealed section proximate flap end310to form a pocket opening. The fastened region332can secure a portion of the flap portion306.

FIG.4-FIG.6show a warming system400that includes a clinical garment402and a pneumatic convective device502.

As shown inFIG.4, a clinician418can access the pneumatic convective device on the inner surface at cover flap416. The warming system400can have a longitudinal axis410oriented lengthwise along a major medial axis of the clinical garment402.

In at least one embodiment, the clinical garment402also includes a pocket414positioned below the transverse plane (toward the legs) of a patient. The pocket414is outside of the cover flap416leading to a pneumatic convective device. In at least one embodiment, portions of the pocket414are mounted to the outer surface426as described herein. The pocket414is 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 15 inches, at least 18 inches, at least 20 inches, at least 22 inches, or at least 26 inches. At least one side can be openable. In at least one embodiment, the pocket414can have dimensions between 17 and 340 cubic inches. The pocket414can also have a surface area between 35 and 170 square inches. The thickness of the pocket414(when full) can be no greater than 2 inches, no greater than 1 inch, no greater than 0.5 inch, or no greater than 0.3 inches. The length dimension can be from 7 to 17 inches. The width dimension can be from 5 to 10 inches.

The pocket414can include a sheet of material404and a flap portion406. The sheet of material404can 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 cavity422in which a pneumatic convective device is inserted. The sheet of material404can be fastened to the clinical garment402via a fastening device to form the fastened region adjacent to the perimeter420. The width dimensions and a length dimension can be fastened, and the indented region can be unfastened.

In at least one embodiment, the flap portion406can include a tip408. The flap portion406can be fastened to the clinical garment402along a width dimension such that the tip408moves freely. A pocket axis412can be oriented along the pocket cavity422such that the opening direction is established by the pocket axis412. The tip408and a pocket nadir424of the pocket414can form the pocket axis412. In at least one embodiment, the pocket axis412and longitudinal axis410form an angle no greater than 90 degrees.

FIG.5illustrates the warming system400with the pocket414in an open position. The flap portion406can be extended so that the tip408is moved in the direction of the pocket axis to expose a pocket opening506formed by the sheet of material404and clinical garment402that leads to a pocket cavity422formed by the sheet of material404. The pneumatic convective device502is shown in a fully-folded configuration and placed in the pocket cavity422. The indented region504can facilitate the removal of the pneumatic convective device502.

FIG.6illustrates the warming system400with the pneumatic convective device502removed from the pocket cavity422. In use, a clinician418can first lift tip408from indented region504. In at least one embodiment, the tip408can be attached to indented region504via an adhesive. After the tip408is lifted, then the pneumatic convective device502is exposed. A clinician can grab and remove the pneumatic convective device502from pocket cavity422. Optionally, a portion of the pneumatic convective device502can be attached to the clinical garment402with a recloseable fastener fastening device.

FIG.7-FIG.11illustrate an embodiment of a warming system700. The warming system700can be similar to warming system400except the pocket704has a different orientation and position. The warming system700can include a clinical garment702having a pocket704. The pocket704can be mounted on the outer surface of the clinical garment702. In at least one embodiment, the clinical garment702can have a longitudinal axis706that is oriented from the neck opening722to the hemline724.

The pocket704can be oriented for a side opening. For example, the pocket axis708can follow the opening orientation of the flap portion712. The pocket axis708is shown approximately 90 degrees from the longitudinal axis706. In at least one embodiment, the pocket axis708is established by the tip710of the flap portion712and the pocket nadir718. As shown, the length dimension714, and width dimension716of a sheet of material726can be sealed or fastened to the clinical garment702and one of the width dimensions can be left open.

In use, the tip710can be releasably sealed to a portion of the sheet of material224such that a clinician720can open the flap portion712to remove a pneumatic convective device. In another embodiment, the tip710can be unsealed such that it can be pulled up by the clinician720.

FIG.8illustrates an open pocket704with the flap portion712folded up to reveal a pocket opening806formed by the sheet of material726. The sheet of material726of pocket704can have an indented region804to facilitate removal of the pneumatic convective device802from the pocket704as shown inFIG.9. The pneumatic convective device802is shown in a partially-folded configuration.

FIGS.19A-Billustrates a warming system1900similar to warming system700except that the pocket is formed from a portion of the clinical garment1902itself. For example, at least one fabric panel of the clinical garment1902can be folded over to create a pocket1904therein. The top edge1906of the panel can be attached permanently or detachably to the shoulder of the clinical garment1902to form the pocket1904therein. This pocket1904is shown as having openings1908on both sides and is closed on two sides. The pocket1904is aligned with the sleeves1912meaning that at least an axis running through both sleeves orthogonal to the longitudinal dimension (e.g., along longitudinal axis like in706) of the gown also intersects the pocket1904. In at least one embodiment, the pocket axis of the pocket1904can be similar to the pocket axis708in that it is oriented across the chest and along the sleeves1912. The pocket1904can be configured to retain a pneumatic convective device1910. In at least one embodiment, the volume (or internal surface area) of the pocket1904can be at least 1.5, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, or 2.3 times the volume (of internal surface area) of the folded pneumatic convective device1910. In another embodiment, an opening of the pocket1904can be at least 1.0, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, or 1.5 times the smallest cross sectional area of the folded pneumatic convective device1910.

FIG.10illustrates the warming system700with two pneumatic convective devices. One pneumatic convective device is in a fully-folded configuration1002and the other pneumatic convective device is in a partially-folded configuration1004.FIG.10illustrates 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 pocket704.

The fully-folded configuration1002can be formed by folding the pneumatic convective device at least 3 times, or at least 4 times which may form at least 3 or at least 4-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 20% 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 2 inches, no greater than 1 inch, no greater than 0.5 inches.

The thickness of the partially-folded configuration can be no greater than 1 inch, no greater than 0.5 inches, or no greater than 0.3 inches. 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 1 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 40% 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.11-FIG.16illustrate a warming system1100. The warming system1100can have a clinical garment1108with a pocket formed from a pneumatic convective device1104on an inner side (i.e., patient facing).

In at least one embodiment, the clinical garment1108can have an optional insulative material1106attached thereon. As shown, the insulative material1106is fixedly attached to the inner surface1116of the clinical garment1108. The clinical garment1108can also have a neck opening1110for a patient's neck. In at least one embodiment, a portion of the neck opening1110is configured to contact the collarbone of a patient.

The clinical garment1108can also have a pneumatic convective device1104disposed thereon. As shown, the pneumatic convective device1104is permanently or releasably attached to the inner surface1116. For example, a perimeter seal1114can bond a portion of the pneumatic convective device1104on three sides (except for a pocket opening1118) to the optional insulative material1106and the clinical garment1108. A pocket1120can be formed from the bonded three sides between the pneumatic convective device1104and the clinical garment1108and an unbound pocket opening1118formed from an edge of pneumatic convective device1104and a portion of the insulative material1106or clinical garment1108. The pneumatic convective device1104can have an inlet1102for receiving warmed air from a convective warming unit.

A pneumatic convective device1112can be placed in the pocket opening1118such that it can be easily removed. In at least one embodiment, pneumatic convective device1112is not secured to the clinical garment1108. The pneumatic convective device1112can be either in a fully-folded configuration or a partially-folded configuration but is shown in the partially-folded configuration.

FIG.12illustrates the outer surface1202of the clinical garment1108. From the outer surface1202, a tab element1204can be visible. The tab element1204can be configured to attach to the pneumatic convective device1112and facilitate removal of the pneumatic convective device1112from the pocket1120. The tab element1204is shown in the folded down position over a neck opening1110and releasably attached to the outer surface of the clinical garment to remain out of the way during wear by a patient.

FIG.13illustrates a clinician1302applying a pulling force to the tab element1204. The pulling force can be sufficient to remove the pneumatic convective device1112gradually and from the neck opening1110.

FIG.14illustrates the pneumatic convective device1112being pulled from a first position to a second position beyond the neck opening1110.

FIG.15illustrates the pneumatic convective device1112in a partially-folded configuration and being completely removed from the pocket1120.

FIG.16illustrates the pneumatic convective device1112in a deployed configuration. The pneumatic convective device1112can be used by the clinician1302during a surgical procedure and the clinical garment1108can be removed for later use.

FIG.17illustrates a warming system1700that is similar to warming system1100except that the pocket opening1714opens from the bottom portion of the clinical garment1706. The clinical garment1706has a neck opening1712and a hemline1704opposite the neck opening1712. The clinical garment1706can have a pneumatic convective device1708fixedly attached thereon along a perimeter seal1716. The perimeter seal1716can leave at least one region near the hemline1704that is unsealed. The unsealed region can form a pocket opening1714dimensioned to receive a pneumatic convective device1710. The pneumatic convective device1710can have an integral tab element1702. In at least one embodiment, the pneumatic convective device1710is in a partially-folded configuration. In at least one embodiment, the pneumatic convective device1710can be a lithotomy-style blanket sold by 3M. For example, the pneumatic convective device1710can transition between an upper-body-style blanket and a lithotomy-style blanket.

FIG.18illustrates a flowchart of a method1800of applying therapeutic warming to a patient.

The method1800can begin at block1802. In block1802, 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 block1804, 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 2 hours, within 1 hour, or within 30 minutes before anesthesia.

The warming device can help to pre-warm the patient before the anesthesia sufficient to maintain normothermia during anesthesia. Optionally, block1804can 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 block1804can 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 block1806, 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 10 minutes, or within 5 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 5 minutes before, at least 10 minutes before the start of anesthesia. In another embodiment, the changing can occur during anesthesia of the patient.

In block1808, 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 300 watts, at least 350 watts, or at least 400 watts at a hose end. In at least one embodiment, the power consumption of the convective warming unit can be at least 1400 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 46° C., but preferably at least 37 degrees C. The airflow at the hose-end, prior to the air entering the pneumatic convective device, may be between 5-15 CFM, at least 20 CFM, at least 30 CFM, or even 30-50 CFM. The pressure inside the pneumatic convective device may range of 0.05 to 1.2 inches H2O.

Block1810to block1814can be optional. In block1810, 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 block1812, 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.

In block1814, the clinician can apply heat to the patient through the first pneumatic convective device attached to the warming device. The heat can be such that the patient is comfort warmed during the post-operative period of the perioperative period. The post-operative period can generally be in the third location. In at least one embodiment, the heat can be for comfort warming during block1814. For example, the heat can be no greater than 500 watts, no greater than 400 watts, or no greater than 200 watts.

List of Illustrative Embodiments

1. A warming system (or kit), comprising:

a warming device, comprising: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, wherein the body portion includes sleeves sized and positioned for receiving the patient's arms, wherein the body portion includes a torso portion adapted to cover an anterior torso of a patient;a first pneumatic convective device disposed adjacent to the inner surface; andan opening formed in the clinical garment for admitting a stream of pressurized, warmed air into the first pneumatic convective device; anda second pneumatic convective device in a fully-folded configuration or partially-folded configuration and disposed within a portion of the clinical garment.
2. The warming system (or kit) of embodiment 1, wherein the second pneumatic convective device is disposed on the outer surface.
3. The warming system (or kit) of embodiment 2, wherein the second pneumatic convective device is releasably attached to the outer surface of the warming device on the torso portion.
4. The warming system (or kit) of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein a portion of the second pneumatic convective device is releasably attached to the clinical garment along a longitudinal axis.
5. The warming system (or kit) of any of the preceding embodiments, further comprising a convective warming unit configured to provide the stream of pressurized, warmed air to the opening having a heat transfer of at least 300 watts.
6. The warming system (or kit) of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the body portion further includes a neck opening and a hemline, a rear slit extending from the neck opening to a hemline and fastening devices near the rear slit for attaching opposing sides of the rear slit, a longitudinal axis extends from the neck opening to the hemline.
7. The warming system (or kit) of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the second pneumatic convective device is in a sealed package.
8. The warming system (or kit) of embodiment 7, wherein the sealed package has a volume of no greater than 40 cubic inches when the second pneumatic convective device is in a fully-folded configuration.
9. The warming system (or kit) of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein a thickness of the fully-folded configuration is no greater than 1 inch and a thickness of partially-folded configuration is no greater than 0.5 inch.
10. The warming system (or kit) of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the warming device comprises a pocket.
11. The warming system (or kit) of embodiment 10, wherein the pocket is dimensioned to receive the sealed package.
12. The warming system (or kit) of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the warming device comprises a pocket dimensioned to receive a portion of the second pneumatic convective device without head space.
13. The warming system (or kit) of embodiment 12, wherein the pocket has a pocket opening that has an openable circumference of at least 15 inches.
14. The warming system (or kit) of embodiment 13, wherein the pocket opening has at least one dimension that is at least 7 inches.
15. The warming system (or kit) of embodiment 12, wherein the pocket is internal to the clinical garment and accessible via the outer surface.
16. The warming system (or kit) of embodiment 15, wherein the outer surface has a pocket opening that is dimensioned to receive the second pneumatic convective device in a fully-folded configuration or a partially-folded configuration.
17. The warming system (or kit) of embodiment 12, wherein the pocket comprises a first sheet of material having a first pocket end, a second pocket end and a side portion, wherein the first sheet of material is attached to the clinical garment at the second pocket end and the side portion.
18. The warming system (or kit) of embodiment 17, wherein the first pocket end comprises an indented region.
19. The warming system (or kit) of embodiment 17, wherein the first sheet of material is fastened to the clinical garment along a fastened region of the first sheet of material using a fastening device.
20. The warming system (or kit) of embodiment 19, wherein the fastening device is a fixed fastener.
21. The warming system (or kit) of embodiment 19, wherein the fastened region is continuous along a perimeter of the first sheet of material.
22. The warming system (or kit) of embodiment 19, wherein the first sheet of material has a line of weakness disposed proximate to the first pocket end.
23. The warming system (or kit) of embodiment 17, wherein the first sheet of material is unattached or releasably attached to the clinical garment at the first pocket end to form a pocket opening.
24. The warming system (or kit) of embodiment 17, wherein the pocket comprises a second sheet of material forming a flap over a portion of the first sheet of material, the second sheet of material having a first flap end and a second flap end, the first flap end is attached proximate the first pocket end and is releasably attached to the first sheet of material.
25. The warming system (or kit) of embodiment 24, wherein the second flap end comprises a tip that is configured to engage the first sheet of material.
26. The warming system (or kit) of embodiment 17, wherein the first pocket end and the second pocket end form a pocket axis, wherein an angle formed between the pocket axis and the longitudinal axis is less than 90 degrees.
27. The warming system (or kit) of embodiment 17, wherein the first pocket end is oriented toward a neck opening.
28. The warming system (or kit) of embodiment 17, wherein the pocket is located within 10 inches of a portion of the neck opening.
29. The warming system (or kit) of embodiment 12, wherein a portion of the pocket intersects the longitudinal axis.
30. The warming system (or kit) of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the warming device further comprises an insulative material, wherein the insulative material has an R-value of between 1.5 and 3 R, inclusive.
31. The warming system (or kit) of embodiment 30, wherein the clinical garment has a first side and a second side, the first side has a first garment surface area, that includes the body portion and the sleeves, the insulative material has a second surface area, the second surface area is at least 15% of the first garment surface area.
32. The warming system (or kit) of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the pocket is formed on an inner side of the warming device.
32a. The warming system (or kit) of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the pocket is formed from a portion of the clinical garment.
32b. The warming system (or kit) of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the pocket has two openings.
32c. The warming system (or kit) of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the pocket is proximate to the sleeves of the clinical garment.
32d. The warming system (or kit) of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the pocket is aligned with the sleeves of the clinical garment.
33. The warming system (or kit) of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first pneumatic convective device is fixedly attached to the clinical garment or portion thereof along a perimeter seal to form the pocket.
34. The warming system (or kit) of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the perimeter seal is adjacent to an edge of the first pneumatic convective device.
35. The warming system (or kit) of embodiment 34, wherein the first pneumatic convective device is not attached proximate the neck opening to form a pocket opening between the clinical garment or insulative material and an edge of the first pneumatic convective device.
36. The warming system (or kit) of embodiment 35, wherein the second pneumatic convective device comprises a tab element accessible on the outer surface of the clinical garment.
37. The warming system (or kit) of embodiment 30, wherein the warming device has a warming device weight and the second pneumatic convective device has a pneumatic convective device weight, the pneumatic convective device weight is no greater than 50 percent of the warming device weight.
38. The warming system (or kit) of embodiment 30, wherein the insulative material is disposed on the inner surface of the clinical garment.
39. The warming system (or kit) of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein one of the sleeves has a slit, and a recloseable fastener configured to releasably attach opposing sides of the slit.
40. The warming system (or kit) of embodiment 39, wherein the recloseable fastener selected from the group consisting of buttons, string, snaps, repositionable adhesive, hook and eye elements, double-sided adhesive, hook and loop elements, and rivets.
41. The warming system (or kit) of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the clinical garment comprises a non-woven material.
42. The warming system (or kit) of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the clinical garment is formed from an insulative material.
43. The warming system (or kit) of any of the preceding embodiments, further comprising a patient, wherein the pocket is positioned on an upper half of the transverse plane of the patient.
44. A method comprising:providing the warming system (or kit) of embodiment 1 to embodiment 43 to a patient;allowing the patient to wear the warming device in a first configuration within 2 hours before anesthesia during a preoperative period and in a first location;changing the warming device to a second configuration at least 10 minutes before, at least 5 minutes before, or during anesthesia of a patient at a second location;applying heat via a pneumatic convective device to the patient during an operative period.
45. The method of embodiment 44, wherein the first configuration of the warming device comprises a first pneumatic convective device fixedly attached to the clinical garment and a pocket with the second pneumatic convective device contained therein; andthe method further comprises applying heat to the patient through the first pneumatic convective device via the convective warming unit for at least 10 minutes.
46. The method of embodiment 45, wherein changing the warming device comprises removing the second pneumatic convective device from the pocket of the warming device, wherein the second configuration of the warming device comprises no second pneumatic convective device in the pocket;wherein the pneumatic convective device is the second pneumatic convective device.
47. The method of embodiment 44, further comprising:removing the warming device from the patient during the operative period.
48. The method of embodiment 47, further comprising:covering the patient with the warming device in the second location; andapplying convective heat through the first pneumatic convective device of the warming device in a third location.