Method and device for simultaneously documenting and treating tension pneumothorax and/or hemothorax
Inventors
Assignees
Publication Number
US-10314952-B2
Publication Date
2019-06-11
Expiration Date
2033-08-07
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Abstract
A method and device are provided for simultaneously or near-simultaneously diagnosing and treating tension pneumothorax and/or hemothoraxA Veress-type needle portion includes a hollow needle for puncturing the chest wall over a blunt hollow probe biased by one or more springs to extend distally into the pleural cavity. Openings in the blunt hollow probe connect via a pathway to an automatic check valve, which permits the flow of air and/or fluid only in a proximal direction. Pressure from within the pleural cavity is transmitted to the interior surface of a pressure documenter. If pressure greater than atmospheric pressure is present in the pleural cavity, the pressure documenter will be automatically urged proximally to simultaneously allow air and/or fluid to escape from the pleural space through the device, thus treating the tension pneumothorax and/or hemothorax, as well as providing a stable indicator to positively document the diagnosis of increased pressure.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a device and method for the simultaneous or near-simultaneous diagnosis and treatment of tension pneumothorax and/or hemothorax. It utilizes a Veress-type needle assembly comprising a hollow needle for puncturing the chest wall, an internally spring-biased blunt probe that extends distally into the pleural cavity, and an automatic check valve that allows one-way flow of air or fluid from the pleural space to the external environment.
The pressure within the pleural cavity is transmitted to a pressure indicator (documenter), which moves proximally and provides a stable, visible indicator if pressure greater than atmospheric is present. This confirms the diagnosis of tension and allows immediate venting of trapped air or fluid, treating the life-threatening condition while simultaneously documenting the event.
The invention addresses critical gaps in emergency approaches by providing a mechanism that minimizes iatrogenic injury to the lung or heart, automatically prevents the introduction of external air into the pleural space, and eliminates the need for multiple procedural steps or additional equipment for documentation. It also allows securing of the device to the patient and can be configured for various patient populations, including pediatric and adult, and different clinical or transport settings.
Claims Coverage
There is one independent claim in this patent, which presents several inventive features regarding the method and device for needle assembly insertion and automatic halting within a body cavity.
Automatic halting of needle movement upon body cavity entry
A Veress-type needle assembly is inserted into a patient such that, upon entry into a body cavity, the blunt distal end of the probe returns distally and automatically halts further distal movement of the sharp hollow needle, thereby preventing deeper needle penetration.
Biasing of blunt probe distal to sharp needle tip
The device features a probe with a blunt distal end that is slidably disposed within a hollow needle and biased into a position distal to the sharp needle end. When encountering tissue, the probe moves proximally to allow the needle to puncture, then automatically re-advances upon cavity entry.
One-way flow path for gas and/or fluid
Formation of a flow path through the needle assembly, connecting the body cavity to the external environment, where flow of gas or fluid through the assembly is permitted only in one direction, preventing backflow and minimizing iatrogenic complications.
Pressure indicator for documenting passage of gas and/or fluid
Incorporation of a pressure indicator that provides a visual indication if gas or fluid has passed through the needle assembly, thereby documenting the occurrence of elevated pressure and successful treatment.
Simultaneous treatment and documentation of tension pneumothorax and/or hemothorax
The method offers the ability to treat and document tension pneumothorax and/or hemothorax at substantially the same time using a single device and workflow.
The inventive features include a safety mechanism for halting needle advance within a cavity, a biasing system for safe puncture, one-way fluid and gas flow, a pressure documenter, and the capacity to treat and document tension pneumothorax and/or hemothorax simultaneously.
Stated Advantages
Simultaneous or near-simultaneous documentation and treatment of tension pneumothorax and/or hemothorax, improving outcomes especially in high-risk emergency cases.
Reduced risk of iatrogenic lung or heart injury by using a Veress-type needle where a blunt probe protects internal organs once the cavity is entered.
Automatic prevention of external air introduction into the pleural space via an integrated one-way check valve, lowering the risk of iatrogenic pneumothorax.
Provides stable, visual documentation of pressure release for current and later caregivers, enabling accurate follow-up and avoiding unnecessary procedures.
Device can be cheaply manufactured, is disposable, and is adaptable to various patient populations and emergency settings including out-of-hospital use and battlefield conditions.
Device can be secured to the patient for transport, reducing dislodgement risk and freeing up hands for emergency personnel.
Minimizes procedural steps and equipment requirements compared to existing solutions, facilitating rapid and intuitive use with minimal training.
Documented Applications
Treatment and documentation of tension pneumothorax and/or hemothorax in emergency medical settings, including in-hospital, out-of-hospital, and battlefield/mass casualty scenarios.
Empiric prevention and documentation in identified high-risk patients such as those undergoing hyperbaric treatment, changes in environmental pressure (e.g., helicopter transport, plane flight), or specific procedures like bronchoscopy or lung biopsy.
Adaptable for placement in patients of all ages and sizes, including adults, children, and infants.
General medical procedures requiring drainage of air and/or fluid or placement of a catheter into a body cavity, including thoracentesis, thoracostomy, paracentesis, and abscess drainage.
Interested in licensing this patent?