Abstract

A surgical drape of the invention has a main sheet with a cuff at the top end thereof. The cuff is secured to the upper surface of the main sheet along lines of attachment that are placed inwardly a substantial distance from the side edges of the main sheet to provide a hand receiving pocket in the drape. A strip of adhesive is secured to the lower surface of the main sheet near the top edge of the drape and is protected, prior to use of the drape, by a removably adhered release sheet. The pocket in the drape receives the hands of a nurse who may easily and quickly secure the drape to the desired part of the patient's body by bringing the adhesive into contact with the patient and running her fingers back and forth over the adhesive strip lying under the pocket. The drape is particularly suited for application to the patient's head, especially the forehead, and hence is of particular utility in surgery involving the eyes, ears, nose or throat.The drape is folded longitudinally and transversely into a compact unit which can be easily and quickly unfolded and applied to the patient. In its folded form, the drape comprises two outwardly facing major surfaces on each of which is located a portion of the hand receiving pocket. The adhesive strip also faces outwardly on the completely folded drape. Thus the release sheet may be conveniently removed from the adhesive, and the hands inserted into the pocket portions, before the drape is unfolded from its folded form and applied to the patient.