TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a medical device system for use in treatment or monitoring a patient, such as for distributing a fluid to a patient e.g. by intravenous infusion and/or for monitoring a function of a patient e.g. for monitoring blood pressure and/or heart rhythm.

BACKGROUND Patients are often subjected to repeating or continuous treatments over a certain time period. Normally a patient when hospitalized is subjected to IV treatment in which they receive liquid and optionally medicine into a vein. Some patients are subjected to monitoring e.g. hemodynamic monitoring, blood pressure monitoring, blood oxygen saturation monitoring, blood glucose monitoring, cardiac monitoring or other types of medical monitoring.

Patients that are subjected to such treatments and/or monitoring are often required to be substantially immobilized, because the medical device for providing the treatment and/or monitoring is difficult to move around

For example in respect of IV treatment it is normally necessary to elevate the IV bag with liquid and medicine, so the liquid can flow into the vein. For IV treatments, IV poles are generally used. IV treatments and IV poles are a significant part of both patients and the healthcare staffs everyday life in many different departments of hospitals.

A disadvantage with the IV pole occurs when nurses and paramedics have to mobilize patients. It often happens that the hospital staff has to allocate additional resources to mobilize patients.

Furthermore the IV poles occupies a lot of space in the wards and causes the staff poor working conditions due to the fact that they are either in unpleasant working positions or have to adjust the IV poles height to cause the liquid to run faster.

Patients who are dependent of an IV pole may also increase problems with coordination among interdisciplinary staff such as nurses, occupational therapists and physiotherapists at the hospitals. Waiting time can occur, if per example a patient must retrain and at the same time complete an IV treatment.

Another frequent issue hospitals have, is that there is lack of IV poles with wheels. This means that patients are limited in their activities and will therefore need to remain in bed because of their dependence of the IV pole.

It is therefore not unusual, that patients are kept unnecessary long time in bed, which again can lead to unnecessary immobilization and increase the risk of bedsores.

Furthermore, IV poles reduce opportunities for children to participate in games and other activities due to dependence of IV poles.

Initiation of births frequently takes place while a pregnant woman is given IV treatment. In this situation, mobilization of the pregnant would be an absolute advantage, because she then would be able to move around freely until the birth has really started. In acute accidents or treatment of patients outside hospitals and ambulance, it is often required that a person acts as an IV pole.

There have been many attempts to provide a bag pump, which does not require a pole.

US 2017/0119958 discloses a bag pump for dispensing a liquid from a compressible bag to a patient. The bag pump disclosed does not require to be held elevated and thus make it much simpler for a patient to be moved or to move around. However, it is still difficult to handle the bag pump both for the patient and for the hospital staff. US 6,669,668 describes a medication delivery container that is preconfigured to administer an infusion therapy upon activation by a pump mechanism. The container has a handle for carrying the pump.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION An objective of the present invention is to provide a medical device system for treating and/or monitoring a patient, which system is simple to handle both for a patient and for hospital staff, such as nurses, occupational therapists and physiotherapists at the hospital.

In an embodiment it is an objective to provide a medical device system for treating and/or monitoring a patient, which in addition can be easily adapted from one patient to another.

In an embodiment it is an objective to provide a medical device system for treating and/or monitoring a patient, which system is simple to handle by patients having different physical disabilities and which system at the same time makes it simple for the staff to handle the system when the patient are subjected to physical treatment and/or are immobilized for resting or for being transported.

This and other objects have been solved by the invention or embodiments thereof as defined in the claims or as described herein below. It has been found that the invention or embodiments thereof have a number of additional advantages, which will be clear to the skilled person from the following description.

The present invention relates to a medical device system suitable for being carried by a patient. The medical device system comprises a medical device apparatus and a set of straps comprising at least two main straps. The medical device apparatus has a top portion, a bottom portion below said top portion, a front side and a rear side and a first and a second side panel connecting said front side and said rear side. The apparatus comprises at least a first and a second top portion strap connecting structure arranged at the top portion of the medical device and at least a first and a second bottom portion strap connecting structure arranged at the rear side adjacent to the first and the second side panel respectively, or at the first and the second side panel respectively. Each of the two main straps has a first end portion adapted to be connected to the first and the second top portion strap connecting structure, respectively, and each of the two main straps has a second end portion adapted to be connected to the first and the second bottom portion strap connecting structure, respectively. The first end portions of the main straps are connectable to the first and the second top portion connecting structure and/or the second end portions of the main straps are connectable to both the first and the second bottom portion connecting structures.

Thus, the main straps can be mounted in a substantially parallel configuration or a crossing configuration on the rear side of the medical device apparatus, The main straps can be releasable connected with the medical device apparatus and can be replaced by another set of straps.

The medical device apparatus may have a "box-like" appearance. The "box- like" appearance does not necessarily means that the sides are planer and connected with angles of 90 degrees and that opposing sides are parallel. However, in an embodiment the top portion and the bottom portion, can be construed as forming a top and a bottom of the box. The front side, the rear side, and the first and the second side panel form the sides of the box. The first and the second side panel connect the front side and side rear side and are located opposite to each other. The side panels may be substantially planar or have a curved shape. The front side and the rear side, which are also opposite to each other and connected by the first and the second side panel, and the front side and the rear side can be substantially parallel.

However, the front side and the rear side can also have curved shapes. The front side, the rear side, and the first and the second side panel can be made from the same or different material, selected from e.g. plastics and metal. It should be emphasized that the term "comprises/comprising" when used herein is to be interpreted as an open term, i.e. it should be taken to specify the presence of specifically stated feature(s), such as element(s), unit(s), integer(s), step(s) component(s) and combination(s) thereof, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other stated features.

The term "substantially" should herein be taken to mean that ordinary product variances and tolerances are comprised.

In the same way the terms "vertical", and "horizontal" are relative terms that applies when the medical device apparatus is arranged with the top portion upwards.

Throughout the description or claims, the singular encompasses the plural unless otherwise specified or required by the context.

All features of the inventions and embodiments of the invention as described herein including ranges and preferred ranges may be combined in various ways within the scope of the invention, unless there are specific reasons not to combine such features.

The terms "top portion" and "bottom portion" are to be construed as relative terms and do not necessarily imply that the medical device is required to have the top portion above the bottom portion. However, the medical device will usually, but not always have the top portion above the bottom portion when carried.

The set of straps comprises at least two main straps, and the straps are made from flexible material, such as e.g. woven cotton, leather or from polymer material such as polyurethane, polyester, polyamide (e.g. Nylon) or silicon containing polymers (e.g. silicone).

The top portion strap connecting structures and the bottom portion strap connecting structure is made from durable material. The material may be the same material from which the top portion and the bottom portion is made, however, the materials may also be different. The material can e.g. be selected from metallic material, such as stainless steel or polymer material such as polyethylene (PE) or polyvinylchloride (PVC). In an embodiment the end portions of the straps which are adapted for connection to the strap connecting structures are preferably made from the same material as the strap connecting structures.

In an embodiment of the medical device system the medical device apparatus comprises a rigid box structure forming at least the rear side and the first and second side panels, preferably the rigid box structure forming at least the front side, the rear side and the first and second side panels. The top portion and the bottom portion may close the structure. The embodiment provides a structure in which a medical item can be stored and in which the risk of damage is reduced. The sides of the rigid box structure are not necessarily planar, the sides may also be curved. The rigid box structure may also be a combination of planar and curved surfaces. As the rear side in some embodiments are intended for contact with a patient's bag it may be equipped with a soft cover which may be removable.

A high degree of symmetry may facilitate production of the apparatus and also improve the visual appearance of the apparatus. Thus, in an

embodiment the rear side of the medical device apparatus is substantially symmetrical along a vertical symmetry line. The vertical symmetry line extending from the top portion to the bottom portion on the rear side of the apparatus divides the rear side into two substantially identically, but inverted parts. Due to the symmetry, the rear side is relatively easy to adapt for contact with a patients bag and the patient can carry the apparatus on his back by means of the straps.

For the purpose of providing an apparatus which can be carried relatively easy and with a high degree of comfort, the medical device system also provides an embodiment where the first and the second top portion strap connecting structures are arranged at each respective side of the vertical symmetry line. In an embodiment, the first and the second bottom portion strap connecting structures are arranged at each respective side of the vertical symmetry line. This embodiment also serves to provide an apparatus, which can be carried relatively easy and with a high degree of comfort. In the above embodiments, the main straps can be attached to be

substantially parallel.

In an embodiment, the first and the second bottom portion strap connecting structures are arranged at each respective first and a second opposite side panels. This embodiment allows the main straps to be attached to the apparatus in manner so the apparatus can be worn by a patient with a high degree of comfort.

The invention also provides embodiments with main straps having a length allowing that the apparatus can be worn by a patient in a comfortable manner. Thus, in an embodiment of the medical device system the main straps have substantially equal length, preferably the length of each main strap is at least about 10 cm longer than the minimum distance between at least one of the top portion strap connecting structures and one of the bottom portion strap connecting structures, such as at least about 20 cm longer, such as at least about 30 cm longer, such as at least about 40 cm or more longer.

In an embodiment the length of each main strap is up to about 5 times the largest distance between at least one of the top portion strap connecting structures and one of the bottom portion strap connecting structures, such as up to about 4 times, such as up to about 3 times, such as up to about 2 times the largest distance between at least one of the top portion strap connecting structures and one of the bottom portion strap connecting structures.

The set of straps should be able to connect to the medical device apparatus and an embodiment each of the end portions of the main straps comprises an end connection structure adapted for being connected to at least one of the top portion strap connecting structures and/or the bottom portion strap connecting structures, preferably a first end connection structure of one of the main straps is identical to a first end connection structure of another one of the main straps. The end connection structure can be made from metallic material or polymer material, and preferably the strap end connection structures should be releasable from the top or bottom connecting structures on the medical device apparatus.

In an embodiment the end connection structures of the main straps are identical. Thus, all the connection structures are identical and all the strap connection structures are identical. This embodiment facilitates the use and also the manufacturing of the medical device system.

Thus, in the embodiment the first and the second top portion strap

connecting structures are identical and the first and the second bottom portion connecting structures are identical.

The connection structures may also be different from each other, e.g. in a pair of straps the connection structure in a first end may be different from the connection structure at the second end. Such an embodiment ensures that e.g. asymmetric straps can be attached correctly to the medical device apparatus. In an embodiment, the connection structures may all be different from each other.

In an embodiment of the medical device system each connection structure of the main straps is adapted for being connected to at least one of the top portion strap connecting structures and/or the bottom portion strap connecting structures by a click lock, clips, snap hook or carabiner. The connection can also be made by use of tactic® or PALS and MOLLE gear. The embodiment provides a very easy connection of the main straps to the apparatus. In an embodiment the medical device system can be arranged in a first configuration comprising that the first end portion of one of the straps is connected to the first top portion strap connecting structure, the second end portion of this strap is connected to the first bottom portion strap connecting structure, the first end portion of another one of the straps is connected to the second top portion strap connecting structure and the second end portion of the another strap is connected to the second bottom portion strap connecting structure. In this embodiment the straps are substantially parallel along the rear side of the apparatus. Consequently, the main straps are not crossing each other.

The medical device system also provides an embodiment where the apparatus can be carried with a strap crossing the patients breast where the medical device system can be arranged in a second configuration comprising that the first end portion of one of the straps is connected to the first top portion strap connecting structure and the second end portion of this strap is connected to the second bottom portion strap connecting structure or where the first end portion of one of the straps is connected to the second top portion strap connecting structure and the second end portion of this strap is connected to the first bottom portion strap connecting structure. Thus, the medical apparatus can be carried by use of one strap only.

In an embodiment the medical device system can be arranged in a third configuration comprising that the first end portion of one of the straps is connected to the first top portion strap connecting structure and the second end portion of the strap is connected to the second top portion strap connecting structure. In this embodiment, the strap may form a handle so the apparatus can be carried like a bag, either in the hand or over the shoulder.

In an embodiment, the medical device system can be arranged in a fourth configuration where the set of straps comprises a center strap with a longitudinal centerline substantially parallel with the vertical symmetry line of the rear side. The center strap is mounted such that in unloaded condition the center strap extends along the rear side from an attachment point on the top portion to a fixation position on the rear side above the bottom portion.

The medical device system provides an embodiment where the center strap is releasable fixed to the rear side at the fixation position by means of an opening in the center strap interacting with a pin, a button or similar attached to the rear side.

In an embodiment the rear side of the medical device system comprises a depression adapted for housing the center strap, preferably when the center strap is in unloaded condition. In this embodiment the center strap is kept safe when not in use and cannot be catch by devices in the environment.

In an embodiment the center strap can be released from the fixation position and an opening in the center strap allow the center strap to be attached to hold means, such as a hook. This embodiment allows the medical device apparatus to be mounted on e.g. a IV pole.

The medical device system also provides an embodiment where the center strap can be released from the fixation position and adapted to form a loop by means of an opening in the center strap and a pin or button fastened to the center strap. The loop makes it possible to e.g. mount the medical device apparatus to a bedside, such as a bedside on a hospital bed.

In an embodiment of the medical device system, the set of straps comprises at least one strap accessories adapted to be mounted on a strap, such as tube holder or a medical information holder. A tube holder may e.g. hold and guide a tube used in IV treatment. A medical information holder can hold information about a medical treatment, e.g. in analog form (paper or plastic card) or in electronic form. The strap accessories can be mounted on the strap by means of a clips device and be used for e.g. holding cards with medical information or to guide a tube, e.g. a tube from a IV bag. In an embodiment, the medical device apparatus the front side is made from transparent material. The front side of transparent material makes it possible to inspect the content of the apparatus. If the apparatus e.g. contains a bag for IV treatment, it is easy to see how much liquid remains in the bag. The medical device system according to the present invention also comprises an embodiment wherein the bottom portion comprises at least one opening. Such an embodiment is e.g. suitable if the medical device apparatus houses a IV bag for IV treatments. The tube connected with the bag can be lead through the opening to the patient.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention will now be described in further details with reference to drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a embodiment of a medical device apparatus;

Figure 2 shows a patient carrying the medical device apparatus;

Figure 3 shows a configuration of straps to carry medical device apparatus; Figure 4 shows use of a center strap;

Figure 5 shows an alternative use of a center strap;

Figure 6 shows possible point of attachment on a hospital bed;

Figure 7 shows possible point of attachment on a wheel chair;

Figure 8 shows a strap with locking and adjustment means;

Figure 9 shows a tube guide; and

Figure 10 shows a system according to the invention.

The drawings are only intended to illustrate the principles of the invention and are not necessarily dimensionally stable or accurate. The same reference numbers are used for the same parts in the drawings. Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a medical device apparatus 1 which can be used in the medical device system according to the invention. The apparatus 1 comprises a lid 2 with a transparent surface. During use the lid 2 is mounted in the box portion 3. The box portion 3 comprises a handle 4 and an inner cradle 5 in which three rollers 6, 7 and 8 are mounted. The rollers can e.g. be used to squeeze liquid from a IV treatment bag to provide treatment to a patient. The box portion 3 also comprises an upper and a lower indicator 9 and 11, and, 10 and 12, respectively. The box portion 3 also comprises release buttons 13, 14 serving to release the lid 2 from the box portion 3.

Figure 2 shows a patient carrying 15 the medical device apparatus 1 on the bag 16.

The medical device apparatus 1 comprises a top portion 21 (including handle 4), a bottom portion 22, and a front side 23 comprising a transparent cover, The apparatus also comprises a first side panel 25 and a second side panel 26. The apparatus 1 is equipped with straps 31 and 32, which is attached to the rear side of the apparatus. The strap 31 constitutes a first main strap, and the strap 32 constitutes a second main strap.

The medical device apparatus 1 can be worn by the patient in a very comfortable manner while the patient 15 receives IV treatment via tube 60 which is connected to a IV bag in the apparatus 1 and the tube 60 exits the bottom portion 22 of the medical device apparatus through an opening in the bottom portion (not visible).

Figure 3 shows the apparatus 1 with a strap 31 configured such that a patient can carry the apparatus 1 over one shoulder. In this configuration the strap 31 is attached to the rear side 24 via a second top portion connecting strap structure 42 and a first bottom portion connecting strap structure 43.

The rear side 24 also comprise a first top portion connecting strap structure 41 and a second bottom portion connecting strap structure (not visible) which are not in use in this configuration. The strap 31 is shown with a tube holder 71 and a click lock 61, which shall be described in further details below.

Moreover, the rear side 24 also comprises a center strap 33 attached to the rear side 24 by attachment means 45. The center strap 33 comprises and opening 34 and a buttom 35 which can interact with the opening 34.

In figure 3 the center strap 33 is in unloaded condition and is housed in a depression 40 in the rear side 24 of the apparatus 1.

Figure 4 shows the apparatus 1 with the center strap 33 in loaded condition, i.e. the center strap 33 carries the weight of the medical device apparatus, The center strap 33 has been released from the rear side of the apparatus 1 and attached to a hook 81 of a IV pole by means of the opening 34 in the strap 33.

Figure 5 also shows the medical device apparatus 1 with the center strap 33 in loaded condition. In this configuration the center strap 33 has been released from the rear side of the apparatus 1 and adapted to form a loop 39 by means of the opening 34 and the button 35 on the strap 33.

The loop 39 is attached to a bedside 92, which can be the bedside of a hospital bed.

In figure 6 is shown a hospital bed 91 with possible bedside position 92a, 92b, 92c and 92d where the medical device apparatus can be placed by means of the center strap 33.

It is also possible to mount the medical device apparatus on other devices. Figure 7 shows a wheel chair 101 and possible positions 102a, 102b and 102c to place the medical device apparatus. Thus, the medical device system of the present invention provides a high degree of freedom for use, and also offers more freedom for a patient which is treated with e.g. IV treatment. Figure 8 shows a strap 31 consisting of two parts 31a and 31b assembled by means of a click lock 61. The strap part 31b further comprises an adjustment buckle 62 to adjust the length of the strap 31.

Figure 9 shows a closer look on a tube holder 71. The tube holder 71 is mounted to the strap 31 by the clip device 72. The tube holder further comprises two lip parts 73a and 73b between which a tube can be placed and fixed by the squeezing action of the lip parts 73a and 73b.

Figure 10 shows a system according to the invention. The medical device system comprises a medical device apparatus 1 to which two main straps 31 and 32 are attached. In the figure the main strap 31 is attached with its second end to a first bottom portion connecting structure 46 located on the first side panel 25. The first end of the strap 31 can be attached to the first top portion connecting structure 41 of the apparatus 1.

The main strap 32 is attached to a second top portion connecting structure 42 with its first end. The second end of the main strap 32 can be attached to a second bottom portion connecting structure (not visible) on the apparatus.

Thus, the main straps 31 and 32 can be used by a patient to carry the medical device apparatus 1 on the bag. The main strap 31 is mounted with a tube holder 71 which can be used to fix a tube, e.g. during IV treatment.lt is, thus, clear from the above description that the present invention provides a medical device system suitable for being carried by a patient, which system comprises a medical device apparatus and a set of straps comprising at least two main straps. The straps can be connected to the medical device apparatus at several positions and allowing the patient to carry the medical device apparatus in several ways such that the medical device apparatus can be worn in a comfortable manner.