The “Kots Wrap”: A Technique To Avoid Skin Trauma Related to Isolation Drape Adhesive

Patients of advanced age or medical diagnoses such as venous insufficiency are predisposed to skin tears when healthcare professionals handle the skin or apply adhesive to it. Isolation drapes are sometimes used to define the area of skin for sterilization prior to a procedure. Such drapes are designed to be secured to the skin with an adhesive edge. Removing such drapes at the end of the procedure can lead to skin tears, especially for patients at risk. We describe a simple technique known as the "Kots Wrap" for applying such an isolation drape in a manner that avoids applying the adhesive edge of the drape to the skin and also allows for removal of the drape in an efficient and atraumatic manner. The use of this technique may help minimize the risk of skin tears in this context and promotes a culture of patient safety.