Surgical Drape With Selectively Detachable Barrier

Abstract

The present technology is directed to a surgical drape which decreases the likelihood of infection by protecting the surgical site both during and after the operation. Further, the present technology can be used in conjunction with a fluid-collection system for surgical procedures which result in a large volume of fluid to be collected from the surgical site.

1 - 34 . (canceled) 
     
     
         35 . A method of performing surgery, comprising:
 applying a surgical drape to a patient via an adhesive material on a patient side of the surgical drape, the surgical drape having perforations at least partially surrounding a surgical site, the perforations being disposed in a grid configuration;   making an incision in the patient at the surgical site directly through the surgical drape;   closing the incision;   aligning the grid configuration, the incision, and surrounding skin during the step of closing the incision and retaining at least a portion of the surgical drape post-operatively.   
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 35  wherein the perforations of the surgical draper further comprise a concentric oval pattern. 
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 35 , where the closing of the incision is carried out using a surgical closure device. 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 37  where the surgical closure device is selected from the group consisting of the surgical drape itself, adhesive strips, paper tape, staples, sutures or surgical glue. 
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 35  further comprising utilizing the adhesive material to assist with keeping the incision closed. 
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 39  wherein the closing of the incision is carried out using only one or more of the following surgical tape and surgical glue. 
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 35  wherein the surgical drape includes a translucent plastic material and the method the making of the incision directly through the surgical site allows the surgeon to view the surgical site while providing protection to the incision from outside elements. 
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 35  further comprising removing portions of the surgical drape along perforations as the incision is closed. 
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 35  further comprising removing portions of the surgical drape prior to closing the incision. 
     
     
         44 . The method of  claim 35  further comprising removing portions of the surgical drape after the incision is closed. 
     
     
         45 . The method of  claim 35  wherein the surgical drape further comprises peripheral perforations and the method further comprises removing a peripheral portion of the surgical drape at the peripheral perforations. 
     
     
         46 . A method of performing surgery, comprising:
 applying a surgical drape to a patient;   making an incision in the patient through the surgical drape;   aligning the incision with markings or perforations on the surgical drape;   closing the incision; and   retaining at least a portion of the surgical drape post-operatively.   
     
     
         47 . The method of  claim 46  where portions of the surgical drape are removed along perforations as the incision is closed. 
     
     
         48 . The method of  claim 46 , wherein portions of the surgical drape are removed along perforations prior to closing the incision. 
     
     
         49 . The method of  claim 46 , where remaining portions of the surgical drape are removed along perforations after the incision is closed. 
     
     
         50 . The method of  claim 46  further comprising utilizing the adhesive material to assist with keeping the incision closed. 
     
     
         51 . The method of  claim 46  wherein the closing of the incision is carried out using only one or more of the following surgical tape and surgical glue.