A joint aspirate-facilitating device is provided including a flexible main
panel that is secured to the joint to be aspirated. An inflatable bladder
is secured to the main panel and is placed in contact with the soft
tissues overlying and surrounding the joint space. The bladder is used to
apply pressure to selected areas of the joint to compress the fluid sacs
in the joint. An access opening is formed in the main panel designating
the location where joint fluid is to be aspirated. The joint fluid is
directed to flow to the area of the joint exposed at the access opening
based on the shape of the bladder that compresses surrounding areas of
the fluid sacs. A conventional hand pump may pressurize the bladder or
the bladder may be filled with a viscous gel material to generate
pressure. Multiple access openings may be formed on the main panel
designating locations where aspiration is to be conducted. For multiple
access openings, plugs may be used to fill those openings where
aspiration is not conducted, thereby maximizing joint fluid flow only to
the selected location where aspiration is to be conducted. An ultrasound
probe may be attached and incorporated into the device to confirm joint
fluid displacement into the targeted location prior to need aspiration. A
disposable molded sterile dressing may applied to the access opening to
reduce the risk of infections. The device can be used on any joint of the
body, and the particular shape of the main panel and bladder accommodates
maximum joint fluid flow to the point where aspiration is desired.