Device to increase intra-abdominal compartment pressure for the controlling of internal hemorrhage
Inventors
Assignees
Publication Number
US-10555740-B1
Publication Date
2020-02-11
Expiration Date
2037-01-14
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Abstract
A device to increase intra-abdominal compartment pressure for the controlling of internal hemorrhages is presented. The device controls internal hemorrhaging by supplementing the occlusion effectiveness of a pneumatic tourniquet with a shaped device that increases the overall internal pressure in a human compartment, such as the upper abdomen, to assist in the cessation of bleeding in that region. One side of the device includes a flat base that is adapted to be placed against a patient at the targeted body site. The other side has a generally corrugated shape that is sized to receive an inflatable, wedge-shaped bladder from the pneumatic tourniquet. The overall shape of the invention includes a tapered upper end that corresponds with the inferior angle of the lower ribs in a human torso so that when pressed against the patient by the pneumatic tourniquet bladder a uniform distribution of pressure occurs over the upper abdomen region.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a device designed to increase intra-abdominal compartment pressure for controlling internal hemorrhages. It supplements the occlusion effectiveness of a pneumatic tourniquet by using a shaped device that uniformly distributes pressure over a human compartment, such as the upper abdomen, assisting in cessation of bleeding in that region. The device includes a flat base adapted to be placed against a patient and a generally corrugated upper portion sized to receive an inflatable wedge-shaped bladder of a pneumatic tourniquet. The device includes a tapered end shaped to correspond with the inferior angle of the lower ribs in a human torso to ensure uniform pressure distribution.
The background of the invention identifies the problem of severe blunt trauma injuries causing internal abdominal hemorrhages that often lead to rapid death if not surgically treated promptly. Existing mechanical and pneumatic tourniquets are often insufficient in many field situations where internal bleeding's location and severity are unknown, and proper placement of devices cannot be ensured. These solutions often require known trauma locations and surface proximity to be effective, which limits their capacity to stop internal organ hemorrhages.
The invention addresses these shortcomings by providing a supplemental device to be used in conjunction with pneumatic tourniquets that increases the overall internal pressure in the targeted abdominal cavity. This device improves pressure distribution and occlusion effectiveness over a larger area. The construction involves two rigid plastic pieces forming a flat base and a corrugated upper side with a central recess to receive the tourniquet bladder. Its shape, including tapered edges, conforms to anatomical features to maximize effectiveness and practical deployment in emergency situations.
Claims Coverage
The claims include multiple independent claims presenting inventive features related to a compression device used with pneumatic tourniquets and methods of arresting abdominal hemorrhage.
Compression device for arresting abdominal hemorrhage
A device comprising a substantially flat base contacting the patient's abdomen and a corrugated upper portion with a central recess adapted to receive the lower end of a pneumatic tourniquet bladder. The base and corrugated portion are affixed to form a unified device with a tapered end matching the inferior angle of the lower ribs in the central upper abdomen.
Rectangular compression device with parallel ridges
A substantially rectangular member having a tapered end that matches the inferior angle of the lower ribs with a pair of parallel ridges spanning the member to define a central recess. The recess is adapted to receive a compressive member of an external tourniquet and distribute force uniformly over the abdomen.
Compression device for uniform pressure distribution with pneumatic tourniquet
A substantially flat compression device with a tapered end and a central recess defined by parallel ridges, positioned between the inflatable bladder and the abdomen. The tapered end is oriented just below the patient's rib cage to match the inferior rib angle. Inflation to at least 250 mm Hg causes the device to distribute bladder pressure over the abdomen, increasing intra-abdominal pressure to at least 40 mm Hg and stopping internal hemorrhage.
Method of arresting abdominal hemorrhage using compression device and pneumatic tourniquet
Steps comprising positioning a patient prone; placing the compression device over the upper abdomen below rib cage margins with the tapered end aligned to the inferior rib angle; placing and securing the pneumatic tourniquet over the compression device; tightening and inflating the bladder so its lower end fills the device recess; inflating to a minimum effective pressure; and transporting the patient to a medical facility.
The claims cover a specially shaped compression device designed to enhance pneumatic tourniquet effectiveness by uniformly distributing external pressure over the upper abdomen, closely conforming to human anatomy. They also cover methods of applying the device with a pneumatic tourniquet to increase intra-abdominal compartment pressure sufficiently to arrest internal hemorrhaging.
Stated Advantages
Increases intra-abdominal compartment pressure uniformly to assist in halting internal bleeding.
Improves occlusion effectiveness of pneumatic tourniquets by supplementing focused pressure with distributed pressure.
The tapered shape matches human rib anatomy to provide uniform pressure distribution over critical abdominal regions.
Allows for pressure application that can be maintained for at least twenty minutes without permanent organ or tissue damage.
Enables field responders to control internal abdominal hemorrhage effectively, even when exact bleeding site is unknown or transport to surgery is delayed.
Documented Applications
Emergency control of internal hemorrhaging in a patient's abdomen caused by blunt trauma injuries such as automobile accidents, aircraft crashes, or parachute landings.
Use in conjunction with pneumatic tourniquets to increase pressure over the upper abdomen to assist cessation of bleeding from internal organ lacerations.
Field medical application for quick stabilization of patients with internal abdominal hemorrhage prior to transport to a surgical facility.
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