Method and Apparatus for Retention of Adipose Tissue

Abstract

A tissue retention system to assist in maintaining adipose tissue on a patient in a displaced position during a medical procedure to provide access to a body region of the patient includes a flexible anchor pad having a pad length and a pad width. The anchor pad may include a pad body with an adhesive surface thereon, the adhesive being configured to selectively adhere to a patient's skin. The anchor pad also may include an opposing first attachment surface facing away from the adhesive surface. The tissue retention system also may include a flexible tension member having a second attachment surface.

1 . A tissue retention system to assist in maintaining adipose tissue on a patient in a displaced position during a medical procedure to provide access to a body region of the patient, the tissue retention system comprising:
 a flexible anchor pad having an anchor pad width and an anchor pad length, and having an anchor pad area defined at least partially by the width and length, the anchor pad comprising:
 a pad body with an adhesive surface thereon, the adhesive being configured to selectively adhere to a patient's skin; and 
 an opposing first attachment surface facing away from the adhesive surface, the first attachment surface including one of a hook and loop portion of a hook and loop fastener; 
   a flexible tension member having a distal portion and a proximal portion, the flexible tension member having a second attachment surface disposed adjacent the distal portion, the second attachment surface including the other of the hook and loop portion of a hook and loop fastener, the tension member having a tension member width less than the anchor pad width and less than the anchor pad length, wherein the flexible tension member is sized to cooperate with the anchor pad to define an overlap area less than the size of the anchor pad area, such that loading onto the anchor pad from the tension member is distributed over an area of the skin greater than the area of the overlap of the first and second attachment surfaces, the hook and loop fastener of the first and second attachment surfaces having a 135 degree closure peel strength within the range of about 1-10 oz/inch width.   
   
   
       2 . The tissue retention system of  claim 1 , wherein the tension member comprises a third attachment surface disposed adjacent the proximal portion, the third attachment surface being configured to be anchored at a location spaced from the anchor pad. 
   
   
       3 . The tissue retention system of  claim 1 , wherein the size ratio of the overlap area to the anchor pad area is within a range of 1:1.5 to 1:5. 
   
   
       4 . The tissue retention system of  claim 1 , wherein the size ratio of the overlap area to the anchor pad area is within a range of 1:2 to 1:4. 
   
   
       5 . The tissue retention system of  claim 1 , wherein the anchor pad is in the shape of one of a rectangle and a circle. 
   
   
       6 . The tissue retention system of  claim 1 , wherein the tension member has a tension member width in the range of about 2.5-3.5 inches and the pad width is greater than about  5  inches. 
   
   
       7 . The tissue retention system of  claim 1 , wherein the one of a hook and loop portion of a hook and loop fastener on the anchor pad covers substantially the entire first attachment surface and the other of the hook and loop fastener on the tension member covers substantially the entire second attachment surface,
 such that the first attachment surface is configured to attach to the second attachment surface of the tension member at substantially any overlapping position.   
   
   
       8 . The tissue retention system of  claim 1 , further including a second anchor pad with an attachment surface similar to said flexible pad first attachment surface, said second anchor pad attachment surface releasably engageable with said tension member at a second location along the tension member, whereby tension force on said tension member can be adjusted by changing the distance along said tension member between the flexible anchor pad and the second anchor pad. 
   
   
       9 . The tissue retention system of  claim 1 , wherein the anchor pad adhesive surface has an adhesion to LDPE at 180 degrees peel strength within the range of 20-50 oz/inch width. 
   
   
       10 . A tissue retention system to assist in maintaining adipose tissue on a patient in a displaced position during a medical procedure to provide access to a body region of the patient, the tissue retention system comprising:
 a flexible anchor pad having an anchor pad width and an anchor pad length, and having an anchor pad area defined at least partially by the width and length, the anchor pad comprising:
 a pad body with an adhesive surface thereon, the adhesive being configured to selectively adhere to a patient's skin; and 
 an opposing first attachment surface facing away from the adhesive surface, the first attachment surface including one of a hook and loop portion of a hook and loop fastener, said one of a hook and loop portion of a hook and loop fastener covering substantially the entire first attachment surface; 
   a flexible tension member having a distal portion and a proximal portion, and having a length greater than the anchor pad length and greater than the anchor pad width, the flexible tension member having a second attachment surface disposed adjacent the distal portion, the second attachment surface including the other of the hook and loop portion of a hook and loop fastener and being configured to selectively attach to the first attachment surface of the anchor pad.   
   
   
       11 . A tissue retention system to assist in maintaining adipose tissue on a patient in a displaced position during a medical procedure to provide access to a body region of the patient, the tissue retention system comprising:
 a flexible anchor pad having a maximum anchor pad width and a maximum anchor pad length, and having an anchor pad area defined at least partially by the maximum width and length, the anchor pad comprising:
 a pad body with an adhesive surface thereon, the adhesive being configured to selectively adhere to a patient's skin; and 
 an opposing first attachment surface facing away from the adhesive surface, the first attachment surface including one of a hook and loop portion of a hook and loop fastener; 
   a flexible tension member having a distal portion and a proximal portion, and having a second attachment surface disposed adjacent the distal portion, the second attachment surface including the other of the hook and loop portion of a hook and loop fastener, the tension member having a minimum tension member width less than one of the maximum anchor pad width and length, the hook and loop fastener of the first and second attachment surfaces having a 135 degree closure peel strength within the range of about  1 - 8  oz/inch width.   
   
   
       12 . The tissue retention system of  claim 11 , wherein the hook and loop fastener of the first and second attachment surfaces having a 135 degree closure peel strength within the range of about 2-6 oz/inch width. 
   
   
       13 . The tissue retention system of  claim 11 , wherein the anchor pad has adhesive properties to LDPE at 180 degree peel strength within the range of 20-50 oz/inch width. 
   
   
       14 . The tissue retention system of  claim 11 , wherein the flexible tension member is sized to cooperate with the anchor pad to define an overlap area less than the size of the anchor pad area, such that loading onto the anchor pad from the tension member is distributed over an area of the skin greater than the area of the overlap of the first and second attachment surfaces. 
   
   
       15 . The tissue retention system of  claim 11 , wherein the flexible tension member is a laminate including a flexible polyethylene outer material adhered to a body portion. 
   
   
       16 . A kit for maintaining adipose tissue on a patient in a displaced position during a medical procedure to provide access to a body region of the patient, the kit comprising:
 a plurality of flexible anchor pads each having an anchor pad width and an anchor pad length, and having an anchor pad area defined at least partially by the width and length, at least one of the anchor pads comprising:
 a pad body with an adhesive surface thereon, the adhesive being configured to selectively adhere to a patient's skin; and 
 an opposing first attachment surface facing away from the adhesive surface, the first attachment surface including one of a hook and loop portion of a hook and loop fastener; 
   a flexible tension member having a distal portion and a proximal portion, the flexible tension member having a second attachment surface disposed adjacent the distal portion, the second attachment surface including the loop of the hook and loop fastener,   the tension member having a tension member width less than the anchor pad width and less than the anchor pad length, wherein the flexible tension member is sized to cooperate with the anchor pad to define an overlap area less than the size of the anchor pad area, such that loading onto the anchor pad from the tension member is distributed over an area of the skin greater than the area of the overlap of the first and second attachment surfaces.   
   
   
       17 . The kit of  claim 16 , comprising four anchor pads of substantially identical construction and an envelope sized to receive the four anchor pads therein to separate the anchor pads from the tension member within the kit. 
   
   
       18 . The kit of  claim 16 , comprising two anchor pads of substantially identical construction, and wherein the anchor pads and the tension member are sterile. 
   
   
       19 . The kit of  claim 16 , wherein the anchor pads and the tension member are latex free. 
   
   
       20 . A tissue retention system to assist in maintaining adipose tissue on a patient in a displaced position during a medical procedure to provide access to a body region of the patient, the tissue retention system comprising:
 a flexible anchor pad comprising:
 a pad body with an adhesive surface thereon, the adhesive being configured to selectively adhere to a patient's skin; and 
 an opposing first attachment surface facing away from the adhesive surface, the first attachment surface including one of a hook and loop portion of a hook and loop fastener; 
   a flexible tension member having a distal portion and a proximal portion and a size different than a size of the anchor pad, the flexible tension member comprising:
 an outer material; 
 a body portion adjacent the outer material; and 
 a second attachment surface forming a surface opposing the outer material and being disposed adjacent the distal portion, the second attachment surface including the other of the hook and loop portion of a hook and loop fastener, 
   wherein the flexible tension member has elongation properties and the adhesive of the anchor member has adhesive properties when attached to a patient's skin, such that when the first and second attachment surfaces are fastened, the tension member elongates under tension loads before the adhesive on the anchor pad damages the patient's skin.   
   
   
       21 . The tissue retention system of  claim 20 , wherein the elongation properties of the flexible tension member are based upon a width, a thickness, and a material of the outer material and the body portion. 
   
   
       22 . The tissue retention system of  claim 20 , wherein the anchor pad has adhesive properties to LDPE at 180 degree peel strength within the range of 20-50 oz/inch width. 
   
   
       23 . The tissue retention system of  claim 20 , wherein the tension member is formed of a material having a material yield strength less than a material yield strength of the anchor pad. 
   
   
       24 . A method of maintaining adipose tissue on a patient in a displaced position during a medical procedure to provide access to a body portion of the patient with a tissue retention system, the method comprising:
 adhesively adhering directly to a patient's skin adjacent the adipose tissue an adhesive surface of an anchor pad, the anchor pad having a pad length and a pad width, the anchor pad having an opposing first selective attachment surface facing away from the adhesive surface, the first selective attachment surface including a hook portion of a hook and loop fastener;   attaching a first portion of a tension member having a second selective attachment surface to the first selective attachment surface of the anchor pad, the second selective attachment surface including a loop portion of the hook and loop fastener;   displacing adipose tissue from a natural position to a displaced position; and   maintaining the adipose tissue in the displaced position with the tension member.   
   
   
       25 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein maintaining the adipose tissue in the displaced position with the tension member includes loading the tension member in tension such that the tension member applies a loading force on the anchor pad at an angle less than  45  degrees measured from the first selective attachment surface of the anchor pad. 
   
   
       26 . The method of  claim 25 , including laying the patient in a prone position, and wherein the steps of adhering, displacing, attaching, and maintaining are performed without lifting the limbs, the torso, or the head of the patient. 
   
   
       27 . The method of  claim 13 , further including:
 adhesively adhering a second anchor pad directly on the patient; and   attaching a second portion of the tension member to the second anchor pad.   
   
   
       28 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein adhesively adhering a second anchor pad directly on the patient includes adhering the second anchor pad on or about the patient's shoulder. 
   
   
       29 . The method of  claim 24 , further including:
 adhesively adhering a second anchor pad to a fixed surface; and   attaching a second portion of the tension member to the second anchor pad.   
   
   
       30 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein adhesively adhering a second anchor pad to a fixed surface includes adhering the second anchor pad to a surgical table or bed. 
   
   
       31 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein pad width is greater than the pad length and wherein adhesively adhering includes orienting the anchor pad so that the width is transverse to the desired direction of tissue displacement. 
   
   
       32 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein the stop of attaching a first portion of a tension member occurs prior to displacing adipose tissue. 
   
   
       33 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein the patient's skin adjacent the adipose tissue includes the abdomen, and wherein adhesively adhering includes placing the anchor pad on the abdomen of the patient. 
   
   
       34 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein the patient's skin adjacent the adipose tissue includes the thigh, and wherein adhesively adhering includes placing the anchor pad on the thigh of the patient. 
   
   
       35 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein the patient's skin adjacent the adipose tissue includes the breast, and wherein adhesively adhering includes placing the anchor pad on the breast of the patient. 
   
   
       36 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein the patient's skin adjacent the adipose tissue includes the buttocks, and wherein adhesively adhering includes placing a first anchor pad on the right buttocks of the patient and placing a second anchor pad on the left buttocks of the patient. 
   
   
       37 . A method of maintaining a pannus on a patient in a displaced position during a medical procedure to provide access to a body region of the patient with a tissue retention system, the method comprising:
 adhesively adhering directly to a patient's abdomen an adhesive surface of a first anchor pad, the first anchor pad having a pad length and a pad width, the first anchor pad having an opposing first selective attachment surface facing away from the adhesive surface;   adhesively adhering a second anchor pad at an anchoring location spaced from the first anchor pad;   attaching a first portion of a tension member having a second selective attachment surface to the first selective attachment surface of the anchor pad without adhesively adhering the tension member directly to the patient's skin;   displacing adipose tissue on the abdomen from a natural position to a displaced position;   attaching a second portion of the tension member to the second anchor pad so that the tension member is in tension between the first and the second anchor pads; and   maintaining the adipose tissue in the displaced position with the tension member.   
   
   
       38 . The method of  claim 37 , wherein adhesively adhering includes placing the anchor pad on the skin that is under the fold of the lower abdomen of the patient. 
   
   
       39 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein adhesively adhering a second anchor pad to an anchoring location includes adhesively adhering to one of an operating table and the patient's skin. 
   
   
       40 . The method of  claim 37 , wherein adhesively adhering a second anchor pad to a surface includes adhesively adhering to the second anchor pad to a shoulder of the patient. 
   
   
       41 . The method of  claim 37 , wherein displacing adipose tissue from a natural position to a displaced position is performed after attaching the first portion of the tension member to the first selective attachment surface of the anchor pad, and includes pulling on the tension member to displace the adipose tissue. 
   
   
       42 . The method of  claim 37 , comprising:
 adjusting the displaced adipose tissue, including:   detaching the support member from one of the first and second anchor pads;   further displacing the adipose tissue; and   reattaching the tension member to the one of the first and second anchor pads.   
   
   
       43 . The method of  claim 37 , comprising:
 positioning the patient in a supine position; and   wherein adhesively adhering a second anchor pad at an anchoring location spaced from the first anchor pad includes disposing the second anchor pad at a location selected to cooperate with the tension member to at least partially alleviate the weight of the adipose tissue on the patient's lungs.   
   
   
       44 . A method of maintaining adipose tissue on a thigh of a patient in a displaced position during a medical procedure to provide access to a body region of the patient with a tissue retention system, the method comprising:
 adhesively adhering directly to a patient's thigh an adhesive surface of a first anchor pad, the first anchor pad having a pad length and a pad width, the first anchor pad having an opposing first selective attachment surface facing away from the adhesive surface;   adhesively adhering a second anchor pad at an anchoring location spaced from the first anchor pad;   attaching a first portion of a tension member having a second selective attachment surface to the first selective attachment surface of the anchor pad without adhesively adhering the tension member directly to the patient's skin;   displacing adipose tissue on the thigh from a natural position to a displaced position;   attaching a second portion of the tension member to the second anchor pad so that the tension member is in tension between the first and the second anchor pads; and   maintaining the adipose tissue in the displaced position with the tension member.   
   
   
       45 . A method of maintaining a breast on a patient in a displaced position during a medical procedure to provide access to a body region of the patient with a tissue retention system, the method comprising:
 adhesively adhering directly to a patient's breast an adhesive surface of a first anchor pad, the first anchor pad having a pad length and a pad width, the first anchor pad having an opposing first selective attachment surface facing away from the adhesive surface;   adhesively adhering a second anchor pad at an anchoring location spaced from the first anchor pad;   attaching a first portion of a tension member having a second selective attachment surface to the first selective attachment surface of the anchor pad without adhesively adhering the tension member directly to the patient's skin;   displacing adipose tissue on the breast from a natural position to a displaced position;   attaching a second portion of the tension member to the second anchor pad so that the tension member is in tension between the first and the second anchor pads; and   maintaining the adipose tissue in the displaced position with the tension member.   
   
   
       46 . A method of maintaining buttocks on a patient in a displaced position during a medical procedure to provide access to a body region of the patient with a tissue retention system, the method comprising:
 adhesively adhering directly to a patient's right buttocks an adhesive surface of a first anchor pad, the first anchor pad having a pad length and a pad width, the first anchor pad having an opposing first selective attachment surface facing away from the adhesive surface;   adhesively adhering directly to a patient's left buttocks an adhesive surface of a second anchor pad, the second anchor pad having a pad length and a pad width, the second anchor pad having an opposing first selective attachment surface facing away from the adhesive surface;   attaching a first portion of a first tension member having a second selective attachment surface to the first selective attachment surface of the first anchor pad without adhesively adhering the tension member directly to the patient's skin;   attaching a first portion of a second tension member having a second selective attachment surface to the first selective attachment surface of the second anchor pad without adhesively adhering the tension member directly to the patient's skin;   displacing adipose tissue on the buttocks from a natural position to a displaced position; and   maintaining the adipose tissue in the displaced position with the tension member.   
   
   
       47 . A method of maintaining adipose tissue on a patient in a displaced position with a tissue retention system during a child birthing procedure to provide access to the abdominal region of the patient, the method comprising:
 removing a backing from a flexible anchor pad to expose an adhesive surface of the anchor pad, the anchor pad having an opposing first attachment surface facing away from the adhesive surface;   adhesively adhering directly to the patient's lower abdomen the adhesive surface of the anchor pad;   attaching a first portion of a tension member having a second selective attachment surface to the first selective attachment surface of the anchor pad;   displacing adipose tissue from a natural position to a displaced position using the support member to pull the anchor pad and abdomen;   scrubbing the abdomen with a cleanser; and   maintaining the adipose tissue in the displaced position with the tension member.   
   
   
       48 . A method of maintaining adipose tissue on a patient in a displaced position with a tissue retention system during a femoral catheterization procedure to provide access to the femoral region of the patient, the method comprising:
 adhesively adhering directly to a patient's skin adjacent the adipose tissue on a patient's thigh an adhesive surface of an anchor pad, the anchor pad having an opposing first selective attachment surface facing away from the adhesive surface;   attaching a first end of a tension member having a second selective attachment surface to the first selective attachment surface of the anchor pad;   displacing adipose tissue from a natural position to a displaced position;   maintaining the adipose tissue in the displaced position with the tension member;   cleansing a portion of the femoral region of the patient; and   introducing a needle through the cleansed portion of the femoral region of the patient.   
   
   
       49 . A method of applying pressure to a femoral artery on a patient after a femoral catheterization procedure, the method comprising:
 adhesively adhering directly to a patient's skin adjacent adipose tissue on a patient's thigh an adhesive surface of an anchor pad, the anchor pad having an opposing first selective attachment surface facing away from the adhesive surface;   attaching a first end of a tension member having a second selective attachment surface to the first selective attachment surface of the anchor pad; and   applying force through the tension member to the anchor pad to apply pressure to the femoral region of the patient.   
   
   
       50 . A kit for performing a catheterization procedure on a patient having an excess of adipose tissue in an abdominal region of the patient, comprising:
 a needle sized to puncture the patient's skin;   a flexible hollow tube for threading through the femoral artery;   a flexible anchor pad having a length and width, the anchor pad comprising:
 a pad body with an adhesive surface thereon, the adhesive being configured to selectively adhere to a patient's skin adjacent the adipose tissue; and 
 an opposing first attachment surface facing away from the adhesive surface, the first attachment surface including one of a hook and loop portion of a hook and loop fastener; 
   a flexible tension member having a second attachment surface, the second attachment surface including the other of the hook and loop portion of a hook and loop fastener, the tension member having a width less than the width and less than the length of the anchor pad such that loading onto the anchor pad from the support member is distributed over an area of the skin greater than the area of the overlap of the first and second attachment surfaces.   
   
   
       51 . A kit for a medical professional performing a medical procedure, comprising:
 a cotton tip applicator;   pads;   gauze;   suction tubing;   a Foley catheter;   a plurality of anchor pads each having a pad length and a pad width, each anchor pad comprising:
 a pad body with an adhesive surface thereon, the adhesive being configured to selectively adhere to a patient's skin; and 
 an opposing first attachment surface facing away from the adhesive surface, the first attachment surface including hook portion of a hook and loop fastener; 
   a tension member having a second attachment surface, the second attachment surface including a loop portion of a hook and loop fastener, the tension member having a tension member width less than the pad width and less than the pad length of the anchor pad such that loading onto the anchor pad from the support member is distributed over an area of the skin greater than the area of the overlap of the first and second attachment surfaces.   
   
   
       52 . The kit of  claim 40 , comprising:
 a bulb syringe; and   a cord clamp.   
   
   
       53 . A tissue retention system to assist in maintaining adipose tissue on a patient in a displaced position during a medical procedure, the tissue retention system comprising:
 a flexible anchor pad having a pad length and a pad width, the anchor pad comprising:
 a pad body with an adhesive thereon, the adhesive being configured to selectively adhere to adipose tissue a patient's skin; and 
 an opposing first attachment surface facing away from the adhesive surface; 
   a flexible tension member having a second attachment surface sized differently than the first attachment surface and being configured to selectively attach to the first attachment surface.   
   
   
       54 . A method of maintaining adipose tissue on a patient in a displaced position during a medical procedure to provide access to a body portion of the patient with a tissue retention system, the method comprising:
 adhesively adhering directly to a patient's skin an adhesive surface of an anchor pad, the anchor pad having an opposing first selective attachment surface facing away from the adhesive surface;   attaching a first portion of a tension member having a second selective attachment surface to the first selective attachment surface of the anchor pad without adhesively adhering the tension member directly to the patient's skin;   displacing adipose tissue from a natural position to a displaced position; and   maintaining the adipose tissue in the displaced position with the tension member.