Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

An areola/nipple surfical wound protector including a sterile pad having an upper surface, a lower non-stick surface and a centrally-located pad opening extending through it. A transparent cone-shaped nipple protector member having an outwardly-disposed flange at its base portion is secured via the flange to generally the upper pad surface and over the pad opening. The nipple protector member has an opening in its base portion, a dome with holes therethrough at its radially opposite end and an interior configured to receive the patient's nipple up through the opening and into the protector member. Spaced adhesive tape strips extend radially out from the pad for securing the pad and protector member to the patient's breast and over her nipple. Alternatively, the dome can be configured to be flatter on its upper surface and have a large medication opening through the center thereof and a surrounding rasied annular rim having a plurality of suture holes therethrough. The reconstructed nipple can then be sutured through the suture holes and relative to the protector member so that it stands up and can heal without slumping down or over. With the subject wound protector in place medications can be applied to the reconstructed nipple through this medication opening.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim