Adaptable Abdominal Binder (Case No. 2026-022)

Summary:

A UCLA researcher in the Department of Rehabilitation Services has developed a versatile medical garment designed to support the abdomen, relieve patient discomfort, and accommodate various post-operative medical devices. 

Background:

Following abdominal surgeries and related medical procedures, it is essential to properly secure the abdomen to promote healing, manage medical attachments, and provide the patient with pain relief. The current standard of care utilizes traditional abdominal binders that are not designed to naturally accommodate these attachments. As a result, these standard garments require specialized equipment or must be retrofitted around drains, sutures, or pouches. This process is inefficient and may compromise the supportive functions of the binder. Thus, there is a critical need for a versatile abdominal binder that accommodates post-operative medical devices without compromising abdominal support. 

Innovation:

To address this unmet clinical need, Dr. Esau Baqi has developed a specialized post-operative medical garment designed to accommodate surgical drains, sutures, and ostomy pouches while providing secure abdominal support. Unlike conventional abdominal binders that often require modification or supplemental equipment, this garment incorporates dedicated features that seamlessly integrate with common post-surgical devices. By eliminating the need for improvised alterations and reducing time spent sourcing specialized accessories, the technology streamlines post-operative care workflows and improves consistency in patient management. The garment is designed to enhance patient comfort, support healing, and facilitate mobility while reducing operational burdens on healthcare providers. Overall, this innovation has the potential to improve post-surgical outcomes, standardize abdominal support across diverse patient populations, and increase efficiency in both inpatient and outpatient care settings.  

Potential Applications: 

• Post-operative recovery 
• Medical attachment management 
• No manual alterations needed to incorporate various drains, sutures, and ostomy pouches 

Advantages: 

• Clinical care standardization 
• Clinical efficiency 
• Reduces time wasted 
• Versatility 

Development-To-Date:

First written description of complete invention; patent application filed.  

Reference:

UCLA Case No. 2026-022 

Lead Inventor:

Esau Baqi, Department of Rehabilitation Services