Method and apparatus for the reduction of soft tissue injury in a femorally catheterized patient

摘要

Soft tissue injury in a recuperating patient who has an implanted object or guide tube in a femoral incision is avoided or substantially reduced by preventing or reducing hip flexure. Hip flexure is avoided or reduced by immobilizing the knee of the leg in which the femoral incision has been made. The knee is immobilized by a device which prevents flexure of the knee. The knee is further immobilized by positionally fixing the knee, thereby preventing medial, anterior and posterior movements. An orthopedic knee immobilizer is utilized to prevent knee flexure. The orthopedic knee immobilizer is connected to a strap which in turn is fixed to the bed or surface upon which the recuperating patient lies. In this manner, unconscious or involuntary movements made during sleep which might otherwise cause severe hematomas in the groin or near the femoral incision are substantially avoided.