Product Profile
| 
| 
THE INVENTOR
The Inventor is a maker of customized Splints ranging from clubfoot splints, leg immobilizer, finger and wrist splints, arm splints, back brace, foot drop and wrist drop among others depending on the prescription of Orthopedic Doctors and Physical Therapists. The inventor employs the Fiberglass moulding process wherein soft and wet fiberglass is laid on the affected body part for moulding and allowed to harden for 3 minutes at the most. Exact contours of the affected body part are replicated forming now the frame of the desired Splint.
BACKGROUND
As Technology rapidly advances, it affects all aspects of the health care industry. One area that has been greatly impacted involves the pharmacologic development of life preserving fluids and medications, many of which are administered intravenously. Although there are numerous risks associated with accessing the venous system, the intravenous route is often the best, or only, route of choice. Many medications cannot be given orally or by other routes without losing their potency or becoming denatured. Or maybe, because of the health status of some patients who might have inconsistent absorption from the gastro-intestinal system. For patients whose muscle mass is reduced because of disease or damaged from repeated injections, intravenous infusion is often the best alternative.
THE NEED
After all of the preparatory steps have been taken, the Certified Medical Assistant or Nurse may initiate infusion therapy, maintain it, monitor the patient, and be responsible for discontinuing it. Securing the I.V. site is oftentimes troublesome and time consuming. If an I.V. site requires additional protection, as for a pediatric or combative patient, the common alternative is to use an armboard or any hard material like a carton wrapped underneath the palm to immobilize the wrist. In general, and for as long as the I.V. site is situated in the forearm within the vicinity of the flexion area, it is to the patient’s advantage to immobilize the wrist. Unnecessary movement may cause undue pain. In most cases, bulging or blistering may occur. In some instances where the infusion wrist is bended, constriction in the vein may disrupt or affect normal infusate flow. Again, for as long as there is movement particularly in the Flexion area, the I.V. site will always be at risk.
ARMBOARDS
The use of Armboards in protecting the I.V. Site has long been a Nursing practice since time immemorial. It has its disadvantage though, since armboards tend to restrict the patient’s extremity. In addition, it causes undue stress in the arm muscles. In some countries, the use of armboards are discouraged
(INS, 2000, Standard 36, S32) unless greatly necessary. Rolled washcloth or gauze roll is used instead to support the I.V. device and better position it and re-establish infusate flow.
INTRAVENOUS SPLINT
A Splint for all medical purposes, is a special Orthopedic device applied to immobilize an injured/fractured area of the human body to facilitate healing. In this case, Bodycast Intravenous Splint is a medical device designed specifically to protect the I.V. site in order not to disrupt intravenous medication. It is totally different from an armboard since Bodycast Intravenous Splint is anatomically designed in its functional position allowing optimum infusate fluid circulation while providing total patient comfort. If properly applied, it requires less maintenance thus it is both patient and nurse friendly.
The product is made of polypropylene plastic (recyclable) laid with soft hypo-allergenic fabric for both cushion and moisture absorbing function. A water-based, non-toxic adhesive is used to attach the fabric to the main body frame. The product is symmetrically molded to allow ambidextrous application.
The Bodycast Intravenous Splint is the first of its kind in the Philippines and in the whole world. Its medical acceptance has been proven for five (5) years of use in different Philippine Hospitals. It is highly sought by patients who were able to use it once. Even Doctors are using the products as an Ortho- Splint for minor wrist injuries.
The product is covered and protected by a Philippine Patent. Application for International Patent is presently under process.