| abstract |
A retainer encircling the neck of a patient and retaining a tracheotomy or endotracheal tube in position on the patient. An elongated, elastic, foam-filled body is designed to project around the nape of the neck of the patient. An elongated tape tab extends from each end of the foam-filled body and includes hook means, such as Velcro, securely attached adjacent the end of each tape. The tapes are designed to project through the slots in tracheotomy or endotracheal tube base permitting the tapes to be folded back over a portion of the fabric covering of the elastic, foam-filled body in contact and secure to the body for attaching the tracheotomy or endotracheal tube in the desired position. The elastic body is covered with a stretch, knit fabric having a flannel-like outer surface which is particularly adaptable to contact and engage Velcro tabs. Some of the principal advantages of the device of this invention are ease of securing the device around the neck of the patient with a one-handed operation and the soft, elastic foam-filled body is comfortable to skin contact and does not rub or chafe the skin. The elastic characteristic permits expansion to compensate for swelling or contraction of the neck of the patient. The device facilitates in maintaining the sterile environment on and around tracheotomy, endotracheal, and intubation tubes. |