Flo.
Flo is a medical device that is re-designed to replace the traditional Jackson-Pratt Drain bags overcoming problems faced by patience during their recovery period.
Problems with Post-Surgical drain bags
Infection: Signs of infection include pain, swelling, redness, pus, foul odor, or fever, Fluid leak: A fluid leak or malfunction in the drain system may occur,
Tube issues: The tube may become loose or blocked, or it may dislodge,
Drainage changes: A sudden change in the color or smell of the drainage may occur.
Current Solutions
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Using skin barrier creams or adhesive-free dressings to prevent irritation at the contact points.
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Applying padding around the tubing or drainage site to reduce pressure on the skin.
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Ensuring the bag is positioned comfortably and secured to avoid pulling on the tubing.
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Regularly repositioning the bag and tube to prevent prolonged pressure on one area.
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Choose hypoallergenic adhesives to reduce the risk of skin reactions.
The Problem
Limited Accessibility
Psychological Impact
Patient Cohort
Patients often find it difficult to move freely with JP drains, especially if they need to wear them for extended periods. The drain tubes can get tangled, and the collection bulb can be cumbersome during activities like walking, sleeping, or showering.
The JP drain collection bulb is often visible under clothing, which can be distressing for patients, especially in social situations. Patients report discomfort from the bulb pressing against their body during normal activities.
JP drains are used in approximately 60-70% of surgical procedures that involve large wound sites or fluid accumulation risks (e.g., abdominal, breast, and orthopedic surgeries).
In breast reconstruction surgery alone, over 80% of patients receive JP drains to manage post-surgical fluid.
A JP drain uses suction to gradually draw fluid from your wound. It has three basic parts: A flattened end with holes that goes inside your wound so fluid can seep in. Flexible tubing that allows fluid from the wound to travel to a collection bulb outside your body.
Understanding How it works?
Personal Experience
“5 weeks of this drain bag hanging off of my body was nothing but uncomfortable - bathing, daily activities, movement, and being cautious all the time”
HOW SHE MANAGED?
Keep them from dangling
“ When I woke up in the hospital, I discovered the three drains pinned to the super ace bandage that encircled my chest. Each was numbered, because the contents of each bulb need to be measured each day. This is the simplest — and least expensive — way to manage the drains: use large safety pins to attach each bulb to your clothes. “
POST SURGERY LIFE
Going out in public with your JP drains
“ Regardless of whether you have one drain or four, you’re going to want button up not pull-over-your-head shirts to wear. Whether you have pinned the drains to your clothing or use a post-surgical camisole, considered adding oversized to that requirement as the number of drains increases.
I chose Hawaiian shirts, some from my husband’s side of the closet and some from Goodwill.
When you’re getting dressed, be careful not to let the drain tubes catch on anything. “
“ If you normally sleep on your back, sleeping with the drains will be a non-event (relatively speaking).
If you normally sleep on your side, not so much.
The first week, I slept on my back, even though it’s not the best sleeping position for my sleep apnea (even with a CPAP). Eventually, I was able to sleep somewhat on my side by using a pillow for support. However, even at two weeks, I was not comfortable sleeping flat; I used a wedge pillow. And slept in 3-4 hour bursts/shifts.
You are likely to wake up — at least momentarily — if you turn over. “
POST SURGERY LIFE
Sleeping with your JP drains
Concept Sketching
Bringing Concept to life
Design Engineering
Hygiene and Safety:
Completely enclosed system prevents fluid contamination or spills.Single-use tubing simplifies sterilization and reduces infection risk
Patient Comfort:
Gentle pumping action minimizes discomfort caused by abrupt fluid movement or excessive suction.
Efficiency:
Can operate automatically at scheduled intervals, reducing the need for manual intervention.
Power Requirements:
Peristaltic pumps are relatively low-power devices, suitable for battery operation in wearable systems.