While it is true that many innovative medical products are inspired or created by those with a medical or scientific background, some of the best ideas come from former patients. One such product, the Comfort Caddy, was inspired by cancer survivor and former patient Gwen Persichetti, who experienced a great deal of discomfort post-surgery with her closed wound drainage system and knew there had to be a better way. The Comfort Caddy is a patented, multi-pouch storage system that is designed to hold wound drainage collection tubes and bulbs for post surgical patients. Rehabmart is proud to offer the Comfort Caddy, a ground breaking product that will help keep patients comfortable after surgeries that may require closed wound drainage, such as mastectomies, orthopedic procedures, spinal or cosmetic surgeries.

 

   

     

 

After Gwen Persichetti had a mastectomy in 2006, complications required that she use a closed wound drainage system for an extended period of time. Every time she tried to sleep or shower or perform even simple tasks, she would experience painful tugging at the wound site. After giving it some serious thought, she created a prototype of what would become the Comfort Caddy, a mesh garment bag that can be worn discreetly under clothing and help contain all the equipment and tubes that come with wound drainage systems. What used to be positioned rigidly next to the body with sticky, uncomfortable surgical tape can now be cradled gently but securely in a mesh pocket held in place with an adjustable Velcro strap that is easily repositioned on legs, arms or waist.

 

The Comfort Caddy comes equipped with four numbered pouches to store drainage bulbs and two additional pouches to hold toiletries such as soap or shampoo. An adjustable neck strap can be used during showers to leave hands free for cleaning. The Comfort Caddy is 100% polyester mesh, is safe for shower use and can be quickly shaken and patted with a towel to dry. Since it was introduced, the easy to use Comfort Caddy has been a hit with patients and healthcare workers alike. 

 

Although no product can take away all the discomfort experienced post surgery, the Comfort Caddy can help improve the quality of patients' lives by relieving pain at drainage sites and making movement easier. Gwen Persichetti's persistence and ingenuity serves as a reminder to us all that one need not be a scientist or medical professional to invent products that can truly change people's lives.

 

 

Rachel Huber,

Medical Consumer Writer

and

Hulet Smith, OT

Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO