Umbilical Splint and Method of Use

Abstract

A use of an umbilical splint for shaping an umbilicus after an abdominal operation is described. The umbilical splint may comprise an insertion portion extending in a longitudinal direction and terminating at an insertion end for insertion into the umbilicus. Furthermore, the insertion portion may comprise a bulbous section near the insertion end. The bulbous section may be operable to apply pressure to a tissue of the umbilicus after the abdominal operation. The insertion portion may have different cross-sectional shapes including circular and oval. Finally, the insertion portion may be configured to engage the umbilicus such that the umbilical splint is retained within the umbilicus.

1 . Use of an umbilical splint for shaping an umbilicus after an abdominal operation, the umbilical splint comprising:
 an insertion portion extending in a longitudinal direction and terminating at an insertion end for insertion into the umbilicus;   wherein the insertion portion comprises a bulbous section near the insertion end,   wherein the bulbous section is operable to apply pressure to a tissue of the umbilicus after the abdominal operation, and   wherein the insertion portion is configured to engage the umbilicus such that the umbilical splint is retained within the umbilicus.   
     
     
         2 . The use of the umbilical splint as in  claim 1 , wherein the insertion portion is used to counteract scar contracture of the umbilicus by applying pressure to a scar. 
     
     
         3 . The use of the umbilical splint as in  claim 1 , wherein the bulbous section has a bulbous circumference and the insertion portion further comprises:
 a retaining section having a retaining circumference,   wherein the bulbous section is between the retaining section and the insertion end, and   wherein the retaining circumference is less than the bulbous circumference.   
     
     
         4 . The use of the umbilical splint as in  claim 3 , wherein a ratio of the bulbous circumference to the retaining circumference is between 1.0 and 1.4. 
     
     
         5 . The use of the umbilical splint as in  claim 3 , wherein the bulbous circumference is substantially ovular in shape. 
     
     
         6 . The use of the umbilical splint as in  claim 3 , wherein the retaining section is configured to engage a lip of the umbilicus. 
     
     
         7 . The use of the umbilical splint as in  claim 3 , wherein the umbilical splint further comprises an external flange coupled to the insertion portion, the external flange comprising:
 an underside surface facing the insertion end of the insertion portion, and   an exterior surface, opposite the underside surface.   
     
     
         8 . The use of the umbilical splint as in  claim 7 , wherein the underside surface faces towards the insertion end for contacting an abdominal tissue surrounding the umbilicus. 
     
     
         9 . The use of the umbilical splint as in  claim 8 , wherein the longitudinal direction of the insertion end is normal to the underside surface of the external flange; and
 wherein the underside surface of the external flange lays against the abdominal tissue surrounding the umbilicus and the external flange extends beyond an opening of the umbilicus.   
     
     
         10 . The use of the umbilical splint as in  claim 1 , wherein the umbilical splint further comprises a medicament applied to the insertion portion. 
     
     
         11 . The use of the umbilical splint as in  claim 1 , wherein the umbilical splint further comprises a silicone gel sheet applied to the insertion portion. 
     
     
         12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . (canceled) 
     
     
         22 . A method of post-operative care comprising:
 inserting an umbilical splint into an umbilicus after an abdominal operation, the umbilical splint comprising an insertion portion extending in a longitudinal direction and terminating at an insertion end;   retaining the umbilical splint within the umbilicus using a retaining section of the insertion portion to engage the umbilicus;   applying pressure to the umbilicus using a bulbous section of the insertion portion to shape the umbilicus after the abdominal operation; and   maintaining the umbilical splint within the umbilicus for a period of time until the umbilicus has healed from the abdominal operation.   
     
     
         23 . The method of post-operative care as claimed in  claim 22 , wherein the umbilical splint is used to counteract scar contracture of the umbilicus by applying pressure to a scar.