Appeal No. 1998-2029 Page 10 Application No. 08/258,643 sealed after the completion of the surgical procedure so that the fluid will not escape from the bag as the drape is being removed from the patient. Morris further discloses that there may be a drainage tube 35 in the lower, closed end of the bag 19 to drain excess fluid from the bag 19. Morris further teaches (column 4, lines 18- 41) that [t]he drape is folded into a compact size to allow the drape to be aseptically placed in position on the patient. The drape is preferably folded so that the incise film 16 is on the outer surface of the folded drape. When placing the drape on the patient, the release sheet 26 is removed from the adhesive surface of the film 16, and the film is secured to the skin of the patient over the operative site. The drape is then unfolded and spread over the patient's body. After the drape is unfolded, the paper insert 27, covering the upper surface of the film 16, is removed and discarded. The initial surgical incision is made through the fenestration 33 in the film. The metal strip 25 is then bent in an appropriate shape to insure the opening 21 is maintained in communication with the fluid collection bag 19. The bag 19 may be conveniently placed between the patient's legs, out of the way of the surgical staff. Any fluid from the site of the incision is directed by the flaps 17 through the opening 21 in the drape and into the fluid collection bag 19. When the surgical incision is to be closed, the release sheet 24 on the flap 22 of the bag is removed, and the flap 22 is secured to the upper surface of the drape, sealing the fluid collection bag.Page: Previous 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 NextLast modified: November 3, 2007