BANDAGE FOR MONITORING SWELLING AT A SELECTED SITE ON THE BODY OF A PATIENT AND METHOD OF MONITORING SWELLING AT A SELECTED SITE ON THE BODY OF A PATIENT

摘要

A bandage and method of use for monitoring a selected site, e.g., an IV site, of a patient is provided. The bandage includes a first section, a second section, a bridge section, and associated electronic circuitry. The first section is secured to the skin of a patient on one side of the selected site. The second section is secured to the skin of the patient on the other side of the selected site. The bridge section is expandable. The electronic circuitry includes a detection component, e.g., a breakable electronic link or a strain gauge, mounted on the bridge section. The electronic circuitry provides an electrical signal, e.g., an alarm signal, in response to the expansion of the bridge section as determined by the detection component.