U.S. patent application number 12/647515 was filed with the patent office on 2010-12-09 for catheter tray, packaging system, and associated methods.
Invention is credited to Deborah B. Adler, Kenneth S. Chua, Jack E. Maze, Alberto C. Savage, Arlene Siavelis, Jennifer E. Tomes.
Application Number | 20100311026 12/647515 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42710705 |
Filed Date | 2010-12-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100311026 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tomes; Jennifer E. ; et
al. |
December 9, 2010 |
Catheter Tray, Packaging System, and Associated Methods
Abstract
A tray (100) for accommodating a coiled medical device, such as
a catheter assembly (700), includes a first compartment (101), a
second compartment (102), and a third compartment (103). The
catheter assembly (700) and devices associated with a
catheterization procedure, such as syringes (701,702) containing
sterile water and lubricating jelly and a specimen container (703)
can be disposed within the tray. Printed instructions (1001) can be
included with the tray (100). When a CSR wrap (1000) is disposed
about the tray (100), the printed instructions can be placed atop
the CSR wrap (1000) but beneath an outer sterile wrap (1002). The
printed instructions (1001) can include a patient portion (1202)
that is detachably coupled to a health care services portion (1201)
such that it can be taken home with the patient after the
procedure.
Inventors: |
Tomes; Jennifer E.;
(Mundelein, IL) ; Adler; Deborah B.; (New York,
NY) ; Chua; Kenneth S.; (Glenview, IL) ; Maze;
Jack E.; (Long Grove, IL) ; Savage; Alberto C.;
(Buffalo Grove, IL) ; Siavelis; Arlene;
(Northbrook, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PHILIP H. BURRUS, IV
460 Grant Street
Atlanta
GA
30312
US
|
Family ID: |
42710705 |
Appl. No.: |
12/647515 |
Filed: |
December 27, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12495148 |
Jun 30, 2009 |
|
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12647515 |
|
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|
61183629 |
Jun 3, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
434/262 ;
206/571 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 25/002 20130101;
A61B 42/00 20160201; A61B 50/33 20160201; A61B 90/90 20160201; A61B
50/30 20160201; A61M 2207/10 20130101; A61M 27/00 20130101; A61B
46/00 20160201; A61B 2050/3008 20160201; A61B 2050/3015
20160201 |
Class at
Publication: |
434/262 ;
206/571 |
International
Class: |
G09B 23/28 20060101
G09B023/28; A61B 19/02 20060101 A61B019/02 |
Claims
1. An instruction manual configured for inclusion with a tray
configured to accommodate a catheter assembly and corresponding
medical devices, the instruction manual comprising: a health care
services portion comprising instructions for using the catheter
assembly and the corresponding medical devices on a patient; and a
patient portion, detachably coupled to the health care services
portion and separated from the health care services portion by a
perforation.
2. The instruction manual of claim 1, wherein the health care
services portion comprises instructions printed thereon for
preparing the catheter assembly and for inserting the catheter
assembly into the patient.
3. The instruction manual of claim 2, wherein the health care
services portion comprises instructions printed thereon for
preparing a catheter insertion workspace and for securing a drain
bag to a support.
4. The instruction manual of claim 3, wherein the health care
services portion further comprises instructions printed thereon for
emptying the drain bag and instructions for obtaining a urine
sample.
5. The instruction manual of claim 1, wherein the patient portion
comprises instructions printed thereon for reducing a chance of
contracting an infection from using the catheter assembly.
6. The instruction manual of claim 5, wherein the patient portion
comprises a description printed thereon comprising symptoms of
infections associated with use of catheter assemblies.
7. The instruction manual of claim 6, wherein the patient portion
comprises an informational section configured such that a health
care provider's name and contact information may be written
thereon.
8. The instruction manual of claim 1, wherein the instructions for
using the catheter assembly and the corresponding medical devices
on the patient comprise illustrations showing how to use the
catheter assembly and the corresponding medical devices.
9. The instruction manual of claim 1, wherein the instructions for
using the catheter assembly and the corresponding medical devices
on the patient comprise an instruction to detach the patient
portion and to give the patient portion to the patient.
10. The instruction manual of claim 9, wherein the instruction
manual is configured as a tri-section, accordion style bi-folded
pamphlet.
11. A catheter package assembly with instructions, comprising a
tray having at least a first compartment having at least one
syringe disposed therein and a second compartment having a catheter
assembly disposed therein, wherein the tray is sealed with a wrap;
an instruction manual comprising a health care services portion and
a detachably coupled a patient portion; and a thermally sealed bag
disposed about the tray, wherein the instruction manual is disposed
outside the wrap and within the thermally sealed bag.
12. The catheter package assembly of claim 11, wherein the tray
comprises: a contoured surface defining at least three compartments
separated by barriers and a perimeter wall, the at least three
compartments comprising: the first compartment comprising a first
compartment base member having at least one stair-stepped contour;
the second compartment comprising a second base member; a first
barrier separating the first compartment from the second
compartment, wherein the first barrier defines a first opening
between the first compartment and the second compartment, the first
opening having a first opening depth; a third compartment
comprising a third base member; and a second barrier separating the
second compartment from the third compartment, wherein the second
barrier defines a second opening between the second compartment and
the third compartment, the second opening having a second opening
depth.
13. The catheter package assembly of claim 11, wherein the wrap
comprises a CSR wrap.
14. The catheter package assembly of claim 13, wherein the CSR wrap
is folded about the tray.
15. The catheter package assembly of claim 11, wherein the
instruction manual comprises a tearable perforation configured for
separating the health care services portion from the patient
portion.
16. The catheter package assembly of claim 11, wherein the
instruction manual is configured as a tri-section, accordion style
bi-folded pamphlet, with the health care services portion disposed
atop the patient portion such that the patient portion is disposed
adjacent to the wrap.
17. The catheter package assembly of claim 16, wherein the
instructions comprise an instruction to detach the patient portion
and to give the patient portion to a patient.
18. The catheter package assembly of claim 11, wherein the
instruction manual comprises suggestions for preventing infections
corresponding to catheter use.
19. A method of using a catheter package assembly, comprising:
opening a thermally sealed bag disposed about a tray having a
catheter assembly disposed therein; accessing an instruction manual
comprising a health care services portion and a patient portion
detachably coupled thereto; removing a sealing wrap to reveal the
catheter assembly; and detaching the patient portion from the
health care services portion, thereby transforming the instruction
manual from a unitary object to a two-piece object.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising delivering the
patient portion to the patient.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority and benefit under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) from U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/183,629,
filed Jun. 3, 2009. This application is a continuation in part of,
and therefore claims priority to, U.S. patent application Ser. No.
12/495,148, filed Jun. 30, 2009.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] This invention relates generally to storage containers for
medical devices, and more particularly to a storage container for a
long, flexible medical implement, such as a catheter, and related
medical devices, as well as an instruction manual included
therewith.
[0004] 2. Background Art
[0005] Medical devices, including surgical instruments, supplies,
and so forth, are generally shipped from manufacturer to medical
services provider in sterile packaging. For example, a scalpel may
be shipped to a surgeon in a plastic, vacuum-sealed, sterile
package. Similarly, bandages may be shipped in paper, plastic, or
paper composite sterile wrappers. When the medical services
provider is ready to use the medical supply, the sterile package is
removed. The medical services provider then uses the object in
accordance with the procedure being performed.
[0006] While conventional packaging works well for objects having a
generally unchanging form factor, special considerations have to be
taken into consideration for some medical supplies. By way of
example, catheter assemblies and other flexible equipment is
generally shipped in a coiled configuration. Once the sterile
packaging is removed, the catheter must be uncoiled prior to use.
Care must be taken in shipping, unwrapping, and using the catheter.
For instance, if a catheter is inadvertently bent, kinked, or
otherwise damaged, it may no longer be suitable for use.
Compounding this issue, catheters are available in a variety of
lengths ranging from 100 centimeters to over 250 centimeters.
[0007] Traditional catheters are packaged, for example, in
individual packaging. The catheter and card are then sealed in a
sterile plastic wrap. These catheters are prone to damage in
shipment, storage, and when being unpacked, as the card and wrap
provide little physical protection.
[0008] Some manufacturers have started shipping catheters and other
similar devices in flat plastic trays. For example, U.S. Pat. No.
6,068,121 to McGlinch teaches one such tray. The tray has several
specifically contoured loops such that one universal tray will
accommodate several different sized catheters. Such packaging
presents a problem, however, in that large amounts of storage space
are taken with a universal tray, especially when a relatively short
catheter is shipped therein. Additionally, when in use, these trays
occupy large amounts of a medical service provider's sterile
workspace or table, leaving little room for related components,
such as lubricants, fluid bags, and so forth.
[0009] There is thus a need for an improved container for flexible
medical devices or catheters that facilitates more effective and
simpler deployment of the device during a procedure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals
refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the
separate views and which together with the detailed description
below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve
to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain various
principles and advantages all in accordance with the present
invention.
[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a top, front, right perspective view of
one embodiment of a tray for a catheter or similar assembly in
accordance with embodiments of the invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates a top, front, left perspective view of
one embodiment of a tray for a catheter or similar assembly in
accordance with embodiments of the invention.
[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates a top plan view of one embodiment of a
tray for a catheter or similar assembly in accordance with
embodiments of the invention.
[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates a front elevation view of one embodiment
of a tray for a catheter or similar assembly in accordance with
embodiments of the invention.
[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates a cut-away, left elevation view of one
embodiment of a tray for a catheter or similar assembly in
accordance with embodiments of the invention.
[0016] FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom plan view of one embodiment of a
tray for a catheter or similar assembly in accordance with
embodiments of the invention.
[0017] FIG. 7 illustrates a top, front, right perspective view of
one embodiment of a tray for a catheter or similar assembly, with a
catheter and corresponding procedural devices disposed therein, in
accordance with embodiments of the invention.
[0018] FIG. 8 illustrates a top plan view of one embodiment of a
tray for a catheter or similar assembly, with a catheter and
corresponding procedural devices disposed therein, in accordance
with embodiments of the invention.
[0019] FIG. 9 illustrates a transparent, front elevation view of
one embodiment of a tray for a catheter or similar assembly, with a
catheter and corresponding procedural devices disposed therein, in
accordance with embodiments of the invention.
[0020] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of
a tray for a catheter or similar assembly, with a catheter and
corresponding procedural devices disposed therein, along with
instructions and packaging, in accordance with embodiments of the
invention.
[0021] FIG. 11 illustrates a method of manufacturing one embodiment
of a tray for a catheter or similar assembly, with a catheter and
corresponding procedural devices disposed therein, in accordance
with embodiments of the invention.
[0022] FIG. 12 illustrates one embodiment of printed instructions
in accordance with embodiments of the invention.
[0023] FIG. 13 illustrates one embodiment of printed instructions
in accordance with embodiments of the invention.
[0024] FIGS. 14-19 illustrate exemplary panels of printed
instructions in accordance with embodiments of the invention.
[0025] FIG. 20 illustrates a physical configuration of printed
instructions in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention.
[0026] FIG. 21 illustrates a method in accordance with embodiments
of the invention.
[0027] Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the
figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not
necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of
some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to
other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0028] Embodiments of the invention are now described in detail.
Referring to the drawings, like numbers indicate like parts
throughout the views. As used in the description herein and
throughout the claims, the following terms take the meanings
explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise: the meaning of "a," "an," and "the" includes plural
reference, the meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on." Relational
terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be
used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity
or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such
relationship or order between such entities or actions. Also,
reference designators shown herein in parenthesis indicate
components shown in a figure other than the one in discussion. For
example, talking about a device (10) while discussing figure A
would refer to an element, 10, shown in figure other than figure
A.
[0029] Embodiments of the present invention provide a tray
configured to accommodate a coiled medical device such as a
catheter or catheter assembly. In addition to accommodating the
coiled medical device, embodiments of the present invention are
also configured to contain devices and materials intended for use
with the coiled medical device.
[0030] Using a catheter assembly as an example, when a catheter
assembly is inserted into a patient, sterile water may be used to
inflate the catheter. Additionally, the catheter may be coated in a
lubricating jelly prior to insertion into the patient. Fluids and
other samples may then be monitored and obtained from the patient
via the catheter. Embodiments of the present invention provide a
single container configured to accommodate not only the catheter
assembly and fluid bag, but also syringes containing sterile water
or lubricants. Further, the tray can accommodate a sterile specimen
jar for capturing samples taken from the patient via the
catheter.
[0031] In addition to simply accommodating these corresponding
medical devices, in one embodiment the tray is configured to
provide the medical services provider with mnemonic devices
instructing them in which order to use each device. For example, a
compartment containing syringes, in one embodiment, includes an
inclined, stair-stepped bottom member to present the plungers of
each syringe at an easy to reach angle and at different heights
based upon order of use.
[0032] Another advantage of embodiments of the present invention is
that compartments have multi-purpose functionality. For example, in
one embodiment, a container configured to accommodate a syringe
having lubricating jelly disposed therein is also configured to be
used as a lubricating jelly applicator. A medical services provider
first dispenses the lubricating jelly into the syringe compartment.
The medical services provider then passes the catheter from another
compartment through an opening in a barrier separating the
compartments into the lubricating jelly. As such, the tray not only
serves as a shipping and storage container for an assembly of
devices used with a catheter procedure, but also as an application
device to assist a medical services provider in using those
products together.
[0033] Turning now to FIGS. 1-6, illustrated therein are views of
one embodiment of a tray 100 configured to accommodate a catheter
assembly in accordance with embodiments of the invention. FIG. 1
illustrates a top, front right perspective view of the tray 100.
FIG. 2 illustrates a top, front, left perspective view of the tray
100. FIG. 3 illustrates a top plan view of the tray 100. FIG. 4
illustrates a front elevation view of the tray 100. FIG. 5
illustrates a cut-away, left elevation view of one embodiment of a
tray 100. Likewise, FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom plan view of the
tray 100. For simplicity of discussion, these figures will be
referred to collectively with like reference numerals referring to
identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate
views.
[0034] The tray 100, in one embodiment, is formed by a contoured
surface 104 that defines the various features and compartments of
the tray 100. The contoured surface 104 of the tray 100 can be
manufactured in various ways. For example, in one embodiment, the
tray 100 can be thermally formed on a mold from a soft
thermoplastic, such as styrene or polystyrene. In another
embodiment, the tray 100 can be injection molded. In another
embodiment, the tray can be poured on a mold using a quick setting
plastic, epoxy, or resin. Other methods of manufacture will be
obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of
this disclosure.
[0035] Exemplary dimensions for one embodiment of the tray 100 are
as follows: The length 112 can be between nine and twelve inches,
such as ten inches. One illustrative length 112 may be 10.380
inches. Similarly, the width 113 can be between eight and eleven
inches, such as nine inches. One illustrative width 113 is 9.250
inches. The height 114 can be between one and three inches. One
illustrative height 114 is 1.750 inches.
[0036] In one embodiment, the tray 100 includes three main
compartments: a first compartment 101, a second compartment 102,
and a third compartment 103. The first compartment 101 is separated
from the second compartment 102 by a first barrier 105. The second
compartment 102 is separated from the third compartment 103 by a
second barrier 106.
[0037] In one embodiment, the compartments are open from the top of
the tray 100--the top being opposite the base members of the tray
100--and are bounded on the bottom by a first base member 107, a
second base member 108, and a third base member 109. The
compartments are bounded on the sides by a perimeter wall 110. In
the illustrative "open top" embodiment of FIG. 1, the perimeter
wall 110 ends in a horizontal flange 111 extending substantially
orthogonally from the perimeter wall 110. It will be clear to those
of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure
that embodiments other than that shown in FIG. 1 are possible
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For
instance, the top of the tray 100 could have a hinged or
snap-coupled lid that is opened or removed to reveal the
compartments there beneath.
[0038] In one illustrative embodiment, the tray 100 is configured
to hold or otherwise accommodate all of the necessary devices and
materials to perform a catheter-based procedure on a patient. Said
differently, the tray 100 is configured to hold not only the
catheter assembly, but the medical devices corresponding to
catheter use as well. Using one illustrative procedure as an
example, the following devices will be used: a syringe holding
sterile water, a syringe holding lubricating jelly or another
equivalent lubricant, a catheter assembly, skin cleansing or
preparation materials, and a specimen jar. The various compartments
and features of the tray 100 shown in FIGS. 1-6 will be described
for use with these devices. As will be described in more detail
below, additional objects can be included with the tray, such as
one or more towels, a drape to cover the patient, rubber gloves,
hand sanitizing materials, swab sticks, a securement device, a
Foley insert tag, a printed instruction pamphlet, and so forth. The
syringe holding sterile water, syringe holding lubricating jelly,
catheter assembly, and specimen jar are used for illustration
purposes only, as it will be clear that other objects may be added
to or substituted for these objects. Further, subsets of these
objects may be used.
[0039] In one embodiment suitable for procedures using the syringe
holding sterile water, syringe holding lubricating jelly, catheter
assembly, and specimen jar, in one embodiment, the tray 100 is
configured such that these objects are ordered in accordance with
their use during the procedure. For example, in one embodiment the
tray 100 includes a first compartment 101 for accommodating one or
more syringes, a second compartment 102 for accommodating the
catheter assembly, and a third compartment 103 for accommodating
the specimen jar. These devices stowed in the various compartments
will be illustrated and described with respect to FIGS. 7-10 below.
The discussion of FIGS. 1-6 will include the features of the tray
100 that make the tray 100 suitable for accommodating these
devices.
[0040] For example, in one embodiment the first compartment base
member 107 includes a stair-stepped contour 115 suitable for
accommodating a plurality of syringes at different heights. For
example, a first step portion 116 of the stair-stepped contour 115
may be at a different height within the tray 100 than a second step
portion 117 of the stair-stepped contour. In the illustrative
embodiment of FIGS. 1-6, the first step portion 116--which is
disposed farther from the first barrier 105 than the second step
portion 117--is shallower than the second step portion 117. Said
differently, the second step portion 117 is disposed at a greater
depth within the tray 100 than the first step portion 116.
[0041] The stair-stepped contour 115 can be used as mnemonic device
when multiple syringes are stored within the first compartment 101.
For example, it may be intuitive that a syringe placed on a higher
step portion may need to be used first. This intuition is further
enforced when the higher step portion is disposed farther to the
left in a left-to-right usage configuration. Thus, a user receives
a mnemonic reminder to use a syringe disposed on the first step
portion 116 prior to a syringe disposed on the second step portion
117, as it is both higher and farther to the left.
[0042] Where syringes are stowed in the first compartment 101, the
first compartment base member 107 can further be configured for
syringe ease of use. For example, in one embodiment the first
compartment base member 107 is inclined relative to other
compartment base members. In the illustrative embodiment of FIGS.
1-6, the second compartment base member 108 and third compartment
base member 109 are substantially coplanar with each other.
Further, the second compartment base member 108 and third
compartment base member 109 are generally flat in these views,
although it will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art
having the benefit of this disclosure that contours could be
incorporated into one or both of these base members.
[0043] In this illustrative embodiment, however, the first
compartment base member 107 is configured to be inclined relative
to one or both of the second compartment base member 108 and third
compartment base member 109. As such, the stair-stepped contour 115
forms a ramp upon which syringes may be placed so that the plunger
of each syringe is predisposed to project upward and out of the
tray 100. Said differently, the stair-stepped contour 115 is
configured such that the first step portion 116 and the second step
portion 117 are disposed in a non-parallel orientation relative to
the second compartment base member 108. This configuration makes it
easier for a medical services provider to grasp the syringes and
remove them from the tray 100.
[0044] The first compartment base member 107 may include other
features suitable for accommodating one or more syringes as well.
In one embodiment, one or both of the first step portion 116 and
second step portion 117 include recesses 118,119 for accommodating
a syringe flange. These recesses 118,119 generally function to
prevent the syringes from sliding lengthwise within the first
compartment 101. Similarly, in one embodiment one or both of the
first step portion 116 and the second step portion 117 include
protrusions 120 that help to prevent the syringes from sliding
laterally within the first compartment 101.
[0045] In one embodiment, one or both of the first barrier 105 and
the second barrier 106 include openings disposed therein. In the
illustrative embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-6, the first barrier 105
includes a first opening 121 between the first compartment 101 and
the second compartment 102. Similarly, the second barrier 106
includes a second opening 122 between the second compartment 102
and the third compartment 103. Each of these openings has an
opening depth associated therewith. Similarly, each opening has an
opening width associated therewith. In the illustrative embodiment
of FIGS. 1-6, the first opening 121 is bounded by a first opening
base member 129 and two inclined first opening side members
127,128, while the second opening 122 is bounded by a second
opening base member 131, an inclined second opening side member
130, and the perimeter wall 110.
[0046] While the opening depths can be the same, in one embodiment
the opening depths are different. For example, in the illustrative
embodiments of FIGS. 1-6, the first opening 121 has a first opening
depth 123 that is less than the second opening depth 124 of the
second opening 122. Similarly, in one embodiment the opening widths
are different. For example, in the illustrative embodiments of
FIGS. 1-6, the first opening 121 has a first opening width 125 that
is less than the second opening width 126 of the second opening
122. Such a disparity in opening depths and widths, as well as the
inclusion of inclined opening side members, provides an advantage
in some applications.
[0047] For instance, in many catheter procedures a pair of
syringes--such as syringes having a one-half inch diameter--fits
easily into the first compartment 101 when the tray 100 is made
with the illustrative dimensions set forth above. However, some
procedures require one or more of the syringes to be larger. For
example, some syringes are larger in diameter. These larger
syringes are capable of nesting within the first opening 121 and
second opening 122. The inclined opening side members prevent the
syringe from moving lengthwise, while the disparate opening heights
present the plunger of the syringe to the medical services provider
for easy removal from the tray 100.
[0048] The stair-stepped contour 115, working in tandem with the
first opening 121, gives the tray additional advantages over prior
art catheter containers. For instance, when the first compartment
101 has a first compartment base member 107 configured with a
stair-stepped contour 115, the first compartment 101 can be used as
a lubricant applicator for the catheter.
[0049] Specifically, the medical services provider may dispense the
lubricating jelly along the second step portion 117. As the second
step portion 117 is lower in the tray 100 than the first step
portion 116, the second step portion 117 serves as a channel in
which the lubricating jelly may spread. A medical services provider
may then pass the catheter through the first opening 121, through
the channel formed by the second step portion 117, i.e., along the
second step portion 117 through the dispensed lubricating jelly,
and out the top of the tray 100 to the patient. This feature of the
tray 100 greatly eases the application of lubricating jelly to the
catheter when compared to prior art solutions. In one embodiment,
the tray 100 is packaged with printed instructions showing the
medical services provider how to apply lubricating jelly in this
manner. The printed instructions will be described in more detail
below with respect to FIGS. 12-23.
[0050] This particular feature highlights another advantage of the
"compartmentalized" structure of various embodiments of the
invention. As the tray 100 includes multiple compartments, various
tasks associated with a catheterization procedure can be completed
while keeping the catheter within the tray 100. The ability to keep
the catheter in the tray 100 reduces the risk that the catheter or
corresponding devices will be contaminated with bacteria or
microbes on other objects within the procedure room. For example,
when the first compartment 101 is used to apply lubricating jelly
to the catheter, the lubricating jelly can be applied while the
catheter is contained within the tray 100, thereby reducing the
risk that the catheter will become contaminated. This
correspondingly reduces the risk of infection for the patient
receiving the catheter.
[0051] Prior art systems, for example such as those in which the
catheterization procedure components are shipped in separate
containers, may contribute to substandard techniques in that the
catheter can become contaminated when moving it from its shipping
container. Consequently, the patient can be at an elevated risk of
infection as the catheter is moved from one tray to another.
Embodiments of the present invention solve this problem by
providing a single level tray 100 with compartments. Further, in
one embodiment the first compartment 101 includes the first opening
121 so the catheter can stay in place during and after lubrication.
By having easy access to the components disposed in the single
level tray 100, the medical services provider can more easily
prepare and use the components within the tray 100. This helps to
minimize the risk of contaminating the patient or the sterile field
during the procedure.
[0052] In one embodiment, the second step portion 117 is configured
to be inclined at a shallower angle than the first step portion 116
in at least a portion opposite the recess 119 from the first
opening 121. When configured in such a fashion, the second step
portion 117 includes a "cutdown" so that the catheter can stay
within the channel both during and after lubrication.
[0053] Additionally, the catheter can be placed in both the first
opening 121 and second opening 122 during lubrication. When
positioned in this configuration, the second opening 122 helps to
align the catheter with the first opening for easy passage through
the lubrication channel formed by the second step portion 117.
[0054] The tray 100 of FIGS. 1-6 includes additional advantages
over prior art catheter packaging as well. For example, in one
embodiment, instructions 132 or other graphical indicia can be
printed, placed upon, or molded into the horizontal flange 111. In
one embodiment, compartment designations can be placed above each
compartment to ensure the medical services provider uses the
correct device or material at the correct time. In another
embodiment, expiratory dates for materials or devices disposed
within the tray 100 may be placed on the horizontal flange 111. It
will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having the
benefit of this disclosure that the invention is not so limited.
Any number of various text or picture combinations can be printed
on, placed upon, or molded into various parts of the tray. For
instance, graphical indicia can be applied to the compartment base
members in addition to the horizontal flange 111. Note that the
horizontal flanges, in one embodiment, can terminate in downwardly
protruding vertical flanges for increased stability during the
printing process.
[0055] Another advantage of the tray 100 is that its
compartmentalized configuration helps to reduce the risk of
contaminating a patient or compromising the sterile nature of the
components stored in the tray 100. Since both the catheter assembly
and medical devices corresponding to catheter use are stored within
the same tray 100, the risk of cross-contamination between sterile
work areas and non-sterile spaces is minimized. Further, by having
the catheter assembly and the devices corresponding to catheter use
stowed in a one-level tray rather than a multi-level, stacked
configuration, the medical services provider can more easily
prepare and use the catheter and corresponding devices disposed
within the tray 100.
[0056] Turning now to FIGS. 7-9, illustrated therein is a tray
having a catheter assembly 700, syringes 701,702, and a specimen
container 703 stored therein as a catheter packaging system in
accordance with one embodiment of the invention. As with FIGS. 1-6,
FIGS. 7-9 will be referred to collectively with like reference
numerals referring to identical or functionally similar elements
throughout the separate views. FIG. 7 illustrates a top, front,
right perspective view of the catheter packaging system, while FIG.
8 illustrates a top plan view of the catheter packaging system.
FIG. 9 illustrates a transparent, front elevation view of the
catheter packaging system.
[0057] The illustrative catheter packaging system of FIGS. 7-9
includes a tray 100 having a first compartment 101, a second
compartment 102, and a third compartment 103. In this illustrative
embodiment, the first compartment 101 is configured to accommodate
syringes 701,702. The second compartment 102 is configured to
accommodate a coiled medical device, such as catheter assembly 700.
The third compartment 103 is configured to accommodate the specimen
container 703. The third compartment 103 can accommodate other
materials as well, including skin sanitizers and cleansing liquids,
solutions, or gels, securement devices for securing the catheter to
the patient, labels to affix to the catheter for indicating the
date the catheter was placed in the patient, and so forth. As
mentioned above, additional devices corresponding to catheter use,
including towels, drapes, rubber gloves, and so forth, can be
disposed in the tray 100 as well. As an illustration of this
flexibility, a towel 704 is disposed beneath the catheter assembly
700.
[0058] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, each compartment of the tray
100 includes a compartment base member. Further, each compartment
is separated by a barrier having an opening therein. A first
barrier 105 having a first opening 121 therein separates the first
compartment 101 from the second compartment 102. Similarly, a
second barrier 106 having a second opening 122 therein separates
the second compartment 102 from the third compartment.
[0059] Syringes 701,702 are disposed in the first compartment, with
one syringe 701 being supported at a different elevation within the
tray than the other syringe 702. The different elevations can be
relative to each syringe 701,702, or to other components of the
tray 100, such as the second compartment base member 108. Said
differently, one syringe 701 is supported by the first compartment
base member 107 at a shallower depth within the tray 100 than the
depth of the second compartment base member 108. Further, where the
first compartment base member 107 is inclined relative to other
base members, one or both syringes 701,702 will be supported in a
non-parallel configuration relative to the second compartment base
member 108. This is most readily seen in FIG. 9.
[0060] As noted above, some medical procedures will call for more
materials than can be accommodated by a syringe capable of fitting
within the first compartment 101. For such procedures, the tray 100
can be packed with larger syringes. A large syringe (not shown) can
be supported laterally within the tray 100 when it is placed across
the tray 100 such that it lies within both the first opening 121 of
the first barrier 105 and the second opening 122 of the second
barrier 106. Such a syringe will pass across the top of the
catheter assembly 700, but will be held in place by the side
members of each opening.
[0061] Turning now to FIG. 10, illustrated therein is an exploded
view of the tray 100 having the catheter assembly 700, a pair of
syringes 701,702, and a specimen container 703 disposed therein.
While only a specimen container 703 is shown as being disposed in
the third compartment, note that additional items could also be
included within the third compartment, including swab sticks, a
catheter securement device, and tags or labels that may be affixed
to other medical devices associated with the patient and in
particular a urinary drain bag, wherein the label includes
information regarding the catheter and it application to the
patient, such as a Foley insertion tag. Also, note that the pair of
syringes 701,702 can be configured as shown in FIG. 10, or
alternatively can be both inserted in the first compartment, as
described above. In the configuration of FIG. 10, rather than
having both syringes 701,702 disposed within the first compartment
101, one syringe 702 is disposed laterally in the first opening 121
and the second opening 122 of the first barrier 105 and second
barrier 106, respectively. This configuration is illustrative
only.
[0062] Once the necessary components are disposed within the tray
100, the tray can be sealed with a CSR wrap 1000 to keep the
internal components sterile. In one embodiment, the CSR wrap 1000
is folded about the tray 100 for sealing, and can be
correspondingly unfolded to reveal the tray 100. Once unfolded, the
CSR wrap 1000 can then be used in the catheter insertion process.
For example, an unfolded CSR wrap 1000 can be used to provide a
sterile field in which the tray 100 sits for unloading and
subsequent use.
[0063] Printed instructions 1001 can then be attached or disposed
upon or within the tray 100. In one embodiment, the printed
instructions 1001 include a health care services portion and a
patient portion, as will be shown in FIGS. 12-13 below. The health
care services portion can include instructions telling the health
care services provider, for example, how to set up a sterile or
otherwise clean work environment, how to prepare the catheter
assembly 700 disposed within the tray, how to use the other devices
within the tray, how to insert the catheter, how to secure the
drainage bag to the catheter, how to empty the drainage bag, how to
obtain a urine sample, and so forth. The instructions can include
pictures or illustrations showing visually how the various steps
should be done as well.
[0064] The patient portion can include helpful suggestions or
instructions for the patient. The patient portion can be detachably
coupled to the health care services portion, such as by a
perforated line that is easily torn to separate the patient portion
from the health care services portion. In one embodiment, the
patient portion, being attached to the health care services
portion, serves as a reminder for the healthcare provider to give
it to the patient. Examples of suggestions or instructions that may
be included in the patient portion include information on what a
catheter is, what the patient should understand about the catheter,
how to reduce the chance of getting an infection, information about
infections commonly associated with catheters, symptoms of
infections commonly associated with catheters, and suggestions for
home use of the catheter assembly 700. In one embodiment, the
health care services portion may include an instruction for the
health care services provider to detach the patient portion from
the health care services portion and instructions to discuss the
patient portion with the patient. In one embodiment, the patient
portion may have a fill-in-able area for the healthcare provided to
write in the patient's name, physician's name and telephone number
and any other information appropriate to a patients and there
particular circumstance on already on the patient portion.
[0065] The health care services portion can tell the medical
services provider how to perform a standard catheterization
procedure. For instance, in one embodiment, the tray 100 is
equipped with an adhesive label that can be used to identify the
patient or specimen in the specimen container 703. Further, a label
can be included to mark or otherwise identify the material in the
fluid bag attached to the catheter. Such labels can include
pre-printed fields, such as date, time and name. Further the
printed instructions 1001 can notify the medical services provider
that the devices disposed within the tray 100 are ordered
corresponding to use during the catheterization procedure.
[0066] In another embodiment, the printed instructions 1001 can
inform the medical services provider of special instructions. For
instance, in one embodiment the printed instructions 1001 can
inform the medical services provider not to leave a catheter in a
patient for more than forty-eight hours without a physician's
approval. Where the printed instructions 1001 include such
information, the labels included in the tray 100 may have
pre-printed fields for the time of insertion that can be filled in
by the medical services provider performing the catheterization
procedure.
[0067] Once the printed instructions 1001 have been affixed to, or
placed with, within, or atop the tray 100, the assembly can be
sealed in a sterile wrap 1002 such as a thermally sealed bag.
Inclusion of a sterile wrap allows the instructions to be included
with the tray assembly, yet outside the CSR wrap 1000. In this
embodiment the sterile wrap 1002 contains the tray, the
instructions 1001, and the CSR wrap 1000. In one embodiment the
printed instructions 1001 are disposed atop the CSR wrap 1000 such
that the health care services portion of the printed instructions
1001 is disposed on the top of the printed instructions 1001, with
the patient portion being disposed adjacent to the CSR wrap 1000,
such as when the printed instructions 1001 are configured as an
accordion-style folded instruction pamphlet. While the printed
instructions 1001 of one embodiment are configured as a folded,
printed, separate article disposed atop the CSR wrap 1000, it will
be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit
of this disclosure that the invention is not so limited. For
example, in one embodiment the sterile wrap 1002 can be optional.
In one embodiment, rather than including separate printed
instructions 1001, the instructions for use can be printed on the
CSR wrap 1000 as well. In one embodiment, the sterile wrap 1002 is
transparent, allowing the printed instructions to be read through
the transparent material.
[0068] In yet another embodiment, the printed instructions are
coupled to the outside of the plastic sterilization pouch. The
instructions may be in the accordion style form or may be in a book
style form. The book style form may have a temporary adhesive to
holds the book in a closed configuration until use, peeled open by
the user.
[0069] Turning now to FIG. 11, illustrated therein is a method 1100
for manufacturing a packaged catheter assembly in accordance with
embodiments of the invention. At step 1101, the manufacturer
provides a tray (100) having at least a first compartment (101) for
accommodating one or more syringes (701,702) and a second
compartment (102) for accommodating a flexible medical device, such
as a catheter assembly (700). As noted above, in one embodiment the
first compartment (101) will have a first compartment base member
(107) having an inclined, stair-stepped contour (115). The first
compartment (101) and second compartment (102) can be separated by
a first barrier (105) having an opening (121) therein.
[0070] Once the tray (100) is procured, the manufacturer can
dispose at least one syringe (701) in the first compartment (101)
at step 1102. In one embodiment, as determined at decision 1104, a
second syringe (702) will be disposed in the first compartment
(101) at step 1105. In another embodiment, the second syringe (702)
will be disposed laterally within the first opening (121) and,
where present, a second opening (122) at step 1106.
[0071] At step 1103, the manufacturer will place the catheter
assembly (700) in the second compartment (102). Other components
may be disposed in the tray (100) as well, including a specimen
container (703) in a third compartment (103) at step 1107, towels,
drapes, printed instructions, and so forth.
[0072] At step 1108, the tray (100) is sealed. At optional step
1109, the manufacturer can enclose printed instructions (1001). In
one embodiment, the printed instructions (1001) will direct a user
to discharge contents of at least one syringe into the first
compartment (101) and to pass at least a portion of the catheter
assembly (700) through the opening and into the contents to
lubricate the catheter.
[0073] At step 1110, the manufacturer can place a sterile wrap
about the tray (100) and the printed instructions (1001), where
included. At step 1111, the completed assembly can be shipped to a
medical services provider.
[0074] Turning now to FIGS. 12-13, illustrated therein is one
embodiment of the printed instructions 1001 in accordance with
embodiments of the invention. The printed instructions 1001 can be
configured as an instruction manual suitable for inclusion with a
tray (100) as described above. FIG. 12 illustrates a view of a
first side of the instruction manual, while FIG. 13 illustrates a
view of a second side of the instruction manual.
[0075] In one embodiment, the printed instructions 1001 are
configured as a two-portion instruction manual having a health care
services portion 1201 and a patient portion 1202. In the
illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 12-13, the patient portion 1202 is
detachably coupled to the health care services portion 1201, and is
thus separated from the health care services portion 1201, by a
perforation 1203. For example, where the printed instructions 1001
are configured as a printed material on a paper-based stock, the
perforation 1203 can be a perforated line running along a dimension
of the printed instructions 1001 such that the printed instructions
1001 can be easily torn along the perforation 1203 to separate the
patient portion 1202 from the health care services portion
1201.
[0076] In one embodiment, the printed instructions 1001 are
configured as a plurality of panels 1204,1205,1206,1301,1302,1303.
As will be shown in FIG. 20, in one embodiment the printed
instructions 1001 can be configured as an instruction manual that
is formed with an accordion-style fold, with each of the panels
1204,1205,1206,1301,1302,1303 forming a page of the instruction
manual. In the illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 12-13, panels
1204,1205 and panels 1301,1302 form the health care services
portion 1201, while panels 1206,1303 form the patient portion.
Panels 1206,1303 are separated from panels 1204,1205 and panels
1301,1302 by the perforation 1203 such that the patient portion
1202 is tearably separable from the health care services portion
1201.
[0077] In one embodiment, the health care services portion 1201
includes instructions 1304 for using the catheter assembly and
other corresponding medical devices disposed within the
accompanying tray. The instructions 1304 can include text and/or
figures or illustrations showing how to use the catheter assembly
and corresponding medical devices on the patient, as well as
instructions on preparation, taking samples, preventing infection,
and so forth. The instructions 1304, in one embodiment, also
include an instruction to detach the patient portion 1202, give the
patient portion 1202 to the patient, as well as an instruction to
discuss the information disposed on the patient portion 1202 with
the patient.
[0078] Similarly, the patient portion 1202 may also include
instructions 1305 and/or helpful suggestions for the patient who is
undergoing the catheterization procedure. For instance, this
information can include any one or more of the following: a
description of what a catheter is, what the patient should know
about the catheter, how to reduce the chance of getting an
infection from the catheterization procedure, what infections
commonly associated with catheterization procedures typically are,
the symptoms associated with infections commonly associated with
catheterization procedures, and information about using the
catheter at home. Additionally, the patient portion 1202 may
include custom information as well. For example, in one embodiment
the patient portion 1202 includes an informational section
configured such that the health care service provider's name and
contact information can be written thereon. It will be clear to
those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this
disclosure that the invention is not so limited. For example,
additional types of health care service instructions or patient
instructions or suggestions can also be included.
[0079] Turning now to FIGS. 14-19, illustrated therein are
exemplary panels 1204,1205,1206,1301,1302,1303. These panels
1204,1205,1206,1301,1302,1303 are intended to illustrate exemplary
instructions for the health care services portion (1201) and
patient portion (1202) of an illustrative instruction manual for a
catheter assembly and corresponding medical devices included with
an accompanying tray (100). It will be clear that these panels
1204,1205,1206,1301,1302,1303 and the information printed thereon
can be varied in any number of ways without departing from the
spirit and scope of the invention as described herein and recited
in the following claims. For example, the number of panels can be
varied. Additionally, the information printed thereon can be
condensed, expanded, or altered without departing from the spirit
and scope of the invention. Also, the exemplary information may be
moved from the panels shown to other panels, as a particular
application may warrant.
[0080] Beginning with FIG. 14, illustrated therein is one exemplary
panel 1204. In one embodiment, panel 1204 will be configured such
that when the catheter package assembly within which the
instruction manual is disposed is initially opened, panel 1204 will
be readily viewable. For example, where the catheter package
assembly is assembled as shown in FIG. 10 above, once the sterile
wrap (1002) is removed, the panel 1204 will be viewable prior to
removal of the CSR wrap (1000).
[0081] Panel 1204 can include general information about the
catheter assembly and corresponding medical devices disposed within
the tray. For example, this information can include part number
information 1401, trade name information 1402, and manufacturer
information 1403. A diagram 1404 of the contents of the package
assembly may be included as well. The illustrative diagram 1404 of
FIG. 14 illustrates a tray 100 having a catheter assembly 700 and
corresponding medical devices disposed therein. The corresponding
medical devices of this illustrative embodiment include a pair of
syringes 701,702 and a specimen container 703. Additionally swab
sticks 1408, a catheter securement deice 1409, a Foley insert tag
1410, vinyl gloves 1411, a fenestrated drape 1411, an underbuttocks
drape 1413, and a hand sanitizer 1414 solution or wipe are disposed
within the tray 100.
[0082] In addition to a diagram 1404, panel 1204 can also include a
written description 1407 of the elements included in the tray 100.
Further, sterility information 1407 can be included. Panel 1204 can
even include instructional material 1406 on how to use the
instruction manual as well.
[0083] Turning now to FIG. 15, illustrated therein is one
embodiment of panel 1301. As will be described below with respect
to FIG. 20, in one embodiment the printed instructions (1001) are
configured as an accordion-style folded instruction manual. In such
a configuration, panel 1301 can be disposed on the back of panel
1204. Panel 1301 will therefore be visible upon a health care
services provider opening the instruction manual.
[0084] Panel 1301 can include instructions for using the catheter
assembly and the corresponding medical devices. As can be seen from
this illustrative embodiment, panel 1301 can include instructions
for setting up a clean work area. The instructions can include
text, pictures, illustrations, or combinations of these.
[0085] In one embodiment, the instructions for setting up a clean
work area include a hygiene performance step 1501, which may
include instructions to wash hands, optionally put on gloves (which
at this step can be non-sterile gloves), and so froth. The
instructions may then include information on opening the remainder
of the catheter package assembly. For instance, in FIG. 15 step
1502 indicates that the health care provider should remove the CSR
wrap (1000), which in this case is folded about the tray (100).
Note that in this illustrative embodiment, as the CSR wrap (1000)
is folded about the tray (100), removal of the CSR wrap (1000) by
unfolding creates a sterile field about the tray (100).
[0086] Step 1503 then instructs the health care provide to pick up
the underbuttocks of the patient and to place the underbuttocks
wrap beneath the patient. Step 1504 then instructs the health care
provider to use the hand sanitizing solution provided with the
catheter package assembly.
[0087] As with other panels shown in FIGS. 14-19, the various
panels may include suggestions 1505 for preventing a catheter
associated urinary tract infection. Some of this information is
illustratively shown in FIG. 15. It will be understood that this
information can be placed on one or more panels.
[0088] In addition to information for setting up a clean work area,
in one embodiment panel 1301 includes instructions for preparing
the catheter assembly (700) as well. For example, step 1506
instructs the health care services provider to don sterile gloves,
as the hands were sanitized at step 1504. Step 1507 tells the
health care services provider to place the fenestrated drape with a
shiny side down on the patient without contaminating the sterile
gloves donned at step 1506. Step 1508 instructs the health care
services provider to test the balloon of the catheter assembly with
the water-filled syringe stored in the first compartment. Step 1508
also instructs the health care services provider to leave the
syringe connected to the catheter assembly.
[0089] Step 1509 then provides instructions on using the first
compartment of the tray as a lubricant application chamber as
described above. Specifically, in this illustrative embodiment,
step 1509 instructs the health care services provider to inject the
lubricating jelly found in the second syringe of the first
compartment into the first compartment. Step 1509 also instructs
the health care services provider to pass the tip of the catheter
through the first opening in the wall separating the first
compartment and second compartment into the lubricating jelly,
thereby lubricating the tip of the catheter.
[0090] Turning now to FIG. 16, illustrated therein is an exemplary
embodiment of panel 1302. The instructions printed thereon continue
to provide the health care services provider with information
regarding use of the catheter assembly. For example, in one
embodiment, this information includes instructions on inserting the
catheter.
[0091] At step 1601, the instructions direct the health care
services provider to tear open the swab stick package and to use
the swab sticks to clean the patient from the top down. The
instruction also notes that each swab stick is intended for one use
only to properly maintain the sterile field. Step 1602 directs the
health care services provider to initiate the catheterization
process by inserting the catheter assembly into the patient. Steps
1603 and 1604 continue this process as shown in FIG. 16.
[0092] Step 1605 directs the health care services provider to
secure the drainage bag to the catheter assembly. Step 1606 directs
the health care services provider to clean up upon completion of
the catheterization process. Step 1607 provides instructions on
completing the label on the Foley insertion tag included with the
catheter package assembly and attaching it to the tubing or drain
bag attached to the catheter assembly.
[0093] At step 1608, the health care services provider is
instructed to detach the patient portion (1202) from the health
care services portion (1201) by tearing the two apart along the
perforation (1203). Step 1609 further instructs the health care
services provider to discuss the patient information printed upon
the patient portion (1202) with the patient. Step 1609 instructs
that documentation of the entire procedure should be completed.
[0094] Turning now to FIG. 17, illustrate therein is one embodiment
of panel 1303, which represents a first side of the patient portion
(1202). This panel 1303 includes information 1701 describing what a
catheter is and why a catheter might be used. The panel 1303 also
includes information 1702 describing what the patient should know
regarding catheters and catheter use. For example, this information
1702 might notify the patient that the health care services
provider should wash hands prior to inserting the catheter, and
that it is acceptable to ask them to do so if they have not done so
before the patient.
[0095] The panel 1303 also includes information 1703 regarding how
the patient can reduce the chances of getting an infection. This
information 1703 can include a statement that the patient should
wash their hands prior to touching the catheter assembly. The
information 1703 may also include a statement that the drainage bag
should always be kept at a level beneath the patient's navel, and
that the patient should inform a helper when the bag is more than
half full.
[0096] Turning to FIG. 18, illustrated therein is one embodiment of
panel 1206. In this illustrative embodiment, panel 1206 forms the
second side of the patient portion (1202) of the instruction
manual, and accordingly, includes additional information that a
patient may wish to know when using a catheter assembly.
[0097] By way of example, information 1801 informs the patient as
to what common infections associated with catheter use are and how
they are contracted. Information 1802 provides symptoms of these
common infections, such as fever, blood in the urine, burning or
painful urination, or frequent or more urgent urination after
catheter removal. Information 1803 informs the patient of what they
should know prior to going home after a catheter procedure.
[0098] Information 1804 comprises an informational section
configured such that a health care provider's name and contact
information may be written thereon. This is helpful to the patient
in the event that the symptoms recited in information 1802 should
arise after the procedure, in that the patient has readily
available access to the information required to contact a physician
or other health care provider. An advantage of having this
information 1804 on the patient portion (1202) when the patient
portion (1202) is detachable is that the patient can take it with
them upon completion of the procedure.
[0099] Turning now to FIG. 19, which is a portion of the health
care services portion (1201), illustrated therein is one embodiment
of panel 1205 that provides additional health services information.
For example, information 1901 for emptying the drain bag and
information 1902 describing how to obtain a urine sample can be
included.
[0100] Turning now to FIG. 20, illustrated therein is one physical
configuration in which the printed instructions 1001 can be
delivered along with the catheter package assembly in accordance
with embodiments of the invention. FIG. 20 is but one of many
configurations, and embodiments of the invention are not to be
limited in this respect, as FIG. 20 is illustrative only.
[0101] In FIG. 20, the printed instructions 1001 are configures as
a tri-section, accordion style bi-folded panel. Three sections
2000,2001,2002 are folded in an accordion style, with two folds
2003,2004 existing between the sections 2000,2001,2002. When the
printed instructions 1001 are configured as shown in FIGS. 12-13,
folding the printed instructions 1001 in this manner allows the
health care services portion 1201 to be disposed atop the patient
portion 1202. Further, when the printed instructions are disposed
atop a CSR wrap (1000) as shown in FIG. 10, by disposing the
patient portion 1202 adjacent to the CSR wrap (1000), the health
care services provider removing the sterile wrap (1002) off of the
catheter package assembly will be assured of seeing the health care
services portion 1201 first.
[0102] Turning now to FIG. 21, illustrated therein is a method 2100
of using the printed instructions (1001) as described herein. At
step 2101, a health care services provider removes the sterile wrap
(1002) disposed about the catheter package assembly. Where the
catheter package assembly is configured as shown in FIG. 10,
removal of the sterile wrap (1002) will reveal the printed
instructions (1001). Where the printed instructions (1001) are
configured as described in FIG. 20, with the patient portion (1202)
disposed adjacent to the CSR wrap (1000), the health care services
provider will see the health care services portion (1201)
first.
[0103] At step 2102, the health care services provider accesses the
printed instructions (1001) and begins to read the panels, which in
one embodiment are panels configured in accordance with those
described in FIGS. 14-19 above.
[0104] At step 2103, the health care services provider removes the
CSR wrap (1000), which in one embodiment is then used to create a
sterile field about the tray (100). At step 2104, the health care
services provider prepares the workspace, which in one embodiment
may be in accordance with steps (1501,1502,1503,1504) of panel
(1301) in FIG. 15. At step 2105, the health care services provider
prepares the catheter, which in one embodiment may be in accordance
with steps (1506,1507,1508,1509) of panel (1301) as described in
FIG. 15.
[0105] At step 2106, the health care services provider inserts the
catheter. In one embodiment, this can be in accordance with steps
(1601,1602,1603,1604) of panel (1302) as described in FIG. 16. At
step 2107, the health care provider secures the drain bag to the
catheter assembly, which can be in accordance with steps
(1605,1606,1607) described with respect to FIG. 16.
[0106] At step 2108, the health care services provider detaches the
patient portion (1202) of the printed instructions (1001) from the
health care services portion (1201). In one embodiment, this occurs
by tearing the patient portion (1202) from the health care services
portion (1201) along the perforation (1203), thereby transforming
the printed instructions (1001) or instruction manual from a
singular or unitary object into a two-piece object consisting of
the patient portion (1202) and the health care services portion
(1201). As described, above, the health care services provider may
then discuss the patient portion (1202) with the patient and
further give the patient portion (1202) to the patient to take home
after the procedure.
[0107] In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments of the
present invention have been described. However, one of ordinary
skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes
can be made without departing from the scope of the present
invention as set forth in the claims below. Thus, while preferred
embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described,
it is clear that the invention is not so limited. Numerous
modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents
will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the
spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the
following claims. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to
be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and
all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope
of present invention. The benefits, advantages, solutions to
problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage,
or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be
construed as a critical, required, or essential features or
elements of any or all the claims.
* * * * *