GB2363076A

GB2363076A - Arm support

Info

Publication number: GB2363076A
Application number: GB0107666A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robert Paling
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2000-04-07
Filing date: 2001-03-28
Publication date: 2001-12-12
Also published as: GB0107666D0; GB0008449D0

Abstract

A support for aiding the positioning of a patient's arm during extraction of a blood sample comprises a peripheral concave channel having at least three straight sections interconnected by curved sections. The channel is adapted to engage the forearm and the straight sections are of different lengths to enable the apparent height of the support to be varied. A web may extend across the space between the sections of the channel and may include holes or brackets to support associated equipment.

Description

1 2363076 SUPPORT The invention relates to a support, aiding the

positioning of a patient's arm, during the act of extracting a blood sample (phlebotomy) in such a way that is comfortable for the patient and operator. Allowing clear access to the blood vessel, while keeping the patient's arm both straight and steady.

The act of taking a blood sample can necessitate the use of a special technique by the operator. However, the overwhelming majority of blood tests are taken from the crease of the arm at the elbow (antecubital fossa) by time honoured technique. Common problems associated with blood taking can be associated with arm positioning. In the preparation for taking blood it is beneficial to have the arm supported, As the elbowjoint acts as a hinge joint, moving in only one plane (up and down), the mechanics can act as either ally or hindrance to extracting blood Successfully.

If the elbow joint is over extended the tissues over the antecubital fossa will be too stretched, intern compressing the blood vessel being sought. Equally, too little extension will cause the elbow crease to have lax tissue over it, subsequently making it difficult to detect and anchor the required blood vessel.

The arm of the patient undergoing phlebotomy is often supported by a means and in areas that does not promote either comfort or steadiness. An objective of this invention is to enable the operator during the act of phlebotomy to obtain the optimum arm position which allows the vein to be seen and felt more easily. Useful positioning of the arm will enhance visualisation, and using gravity to hold the arm in a downward direction the arm is maintained in a steady position, independent of the patient's efforts.

The arm support gives additional benefits even after phlebotomy has been completed. Keeping the arm straight with pressure on the puncture site will help to minimize bruising and ensure patient comfort.

The present invention is a support comprising a peripheral channel having at least three straight sections, interconnected by curved sections. Embodiments of this invention provide a flexible, light weight and portable arm support. Capable of being used independently with either right or left arm. The arm support is capable of height adjustment and as such can be used in a variety of situations to accommodate the needs of individual operators i.e. nursing and ancillary staff e.g. paramedics, phlebotomists to list a few, during the act of taking a blood sample from patient's (children, young and mature adults of either gender).

The arm support is made of plastic materials, aMowing cleaning and decontamination with disinfectant solutions.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a side view of the whole arm support; Figure 2 & 2a are respectively transverse and longitudinal section through the arm support showing the curvature; & Figure 3 shows the height adjustment feature of the arm support; Figure 4 illustrates the arm support in use as explained.

As shown in figure 1, the arm support comprises a non-symmetrical shaped housing to enable height adjustment; figure 3, incorporating a concave curved peripheral channel; figure 2, to accommodate the curvature of a patient's arm.

In this embodiment the support is essentially triangular having three straight channel sections, interconnected by curved sections. The straight sections are all of unequal lengths and two of them are at right angles.

The patient's arm is supported around the elbow using the arm support; figure 4. To enable the operator during the act of blood taking to obtain the optimum arm positioning, height adjustment; figure 3, can be achieved by rotating the arm support around its circumference.

The elbow joint which acts as a hinge joint is positioned into the arm support; figure 4, during the act of taking a blood sample, to obtain the optimum arm position which allows the vein to be seen and felt more easily; figure 4, while useful positioning of arm support; figure 3, and the arm support; figure 4, will enhance visualisation and using natural gravity holding the arm in a downward direction; figure 4, enables the arm to be maintained in a steady position.

The invention provides a flexible, light weight and portable support, capable of being used with either right or left arm; figure 4. The arm support is capable of height adjustment because of the different lengths of the straight sections; figure 3, and as such can be used in a variety of situations to accommodate the needs of individual operators and patients.

Current preparation requirements for the taking of blood samples require the patient to extend their am-4 with the wrist or hand resting on a surface to stabilise any movement. However, it is very rare for the elbow itself to be supported, consequently the situation often results in the opposite of what is desired i.e. straight and steady. Using the arm support; figure 4, will address this issue.

In respect to phlebotomy, the expertise of an individual can be broad or specific, depending on the area of speciality. However, one aspect runs common at all levels, that is the act of actually getting blood from a patient with the minimum of trauma and as quickly as possible. This invention aims to achieve this.

The embodiment described may be modified by providing a web extending across the space between the sections of the channel, and the web may include holes or brackets to support equipment; blood hiking paraphernalia, associated with phlebotomy.

In a further modification more than three channel sections are provided to permit a greater range of height adjustment.

Claims

CLAIN4S

1. A support comprising a peripheral channel having At least three straight sections interconnected by curved sections.

2. A support as claimed in claim 1, in which there are three straight sections of which two are mutually perpendicular.

3. A support as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, in which the straight sections are unequal in length,

4. A support as claimed in any preceding claim, farther comprising a web extending between the sections.

5. A support as claimed in claini 4, in which the web has hole therein.

6. A support substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.