Mechanical tourniquet apparatus and method of use
Inventors
Kosiorek, Christopher B. • Drayton, Dexter C. • Abir, Esra • Damar, Neslihan • Polat, Nilufer • Avci, Yavuz
Assignees
Alphapointe • United States Department of the Army
Publication Number
US-10716577-B2
Publication Date
2020-07-21
Expiration Date
2034-09-29
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Abstract
A pre-fabricated tourniquet that is easy to apply, that ensures consistent and even circumferential pressure, that is light weight, that provides standard life saving operation, and that can be utilized in any setting or situation, and related methods are provided. Mechanically constricting tourniquet apparatus and related methods are provided that are comprised of a tourniquet body, a carriage, a torsion bar, a receiver and a slider. The tourniquet is long enough to encircle a human limb, for example, an arm or leg.
Core Innovation
The invention disclosed is a mechanically constricting pre-fabricated tourniquet apparatus designed for easy application, consistent and even circumferential pressure, light weight, and standard lifesaving operation adaptable to any setting or situation. The apparatus consists of a tourniquet body long enough to encircle human limbs, such as arms or legs, a carriage positioned between the two ends of the tourniquet body, a torsion bar with a slot for a tightening strap, a receiver, and a slider that together form a continuous loop around an extremity. The torsion bar, when rotated, tightens the tightening strap, thereby pulling the tourniquet body tighter in two opposite directions towards the carriage.
The invention addresses the need for a pre-fabricated tourniquet that can be operated easily, including by one hand, without requiring fine motor skills, which is critical during extreme distress situations such as battlefield trauma or severe hemorrhage. It ensures consistent and even circumferential pressure to avoid the neurovascular damage associated with makeshift tourniquets applied with excessive pressure. The components such as the carriage, torsion bar retainer, receiver, and slider are designed for durability, ease of use, and adjustability to accommodate various limb sizes and compositions. The apparatus provides a continuous loop that restricts blood flow effectively while minimizing limb damage risk.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes several independent claims that focus on the mechanical structure and operation of the tourniquet apparatus and methods of making and using it. Five independent claims are identified.
Tourniquet apparatus with tightening strap and carriage
A tourniquet apparatus comprising a tourniquet body long enough to encircle a limb, a tightening strap having opposed ends attached to respective locations on the tourniquet body, and a carriage engaged with the tourniquet body positioned adjacent to these locations. The apparatus moves from an unconstricted to a constricted configuration by moving these locations toward each other.
Torsion bar mechanism for tightening strap tensioning
The tightening strap includes a middle portion engaged with a torsion bar such that rotating the torsion bar shortens the distance between two locations of the tourniquet body, moving the apparatus toward a constricted configuration and creating tension in the tourniquet body sufficient to restrict blood flow.
Carriage with holder slots and guide structures
The carriage includes features such as holder slots for securing the carriage to the tourniquet body and a niche and narrow bridge at either end to allow the tourniquet body to move efficiently and align during tightening, facilitating smooth mechanical action.
Receiver and slider buckle mechanism for loop formation and adjustment
The tourniquet body includes a receiver attached to one end and a slider providing friction buckle functionality and positional adjustment along the tourniquet body. The slider engages with the receiver to form a continuous loop for encircling a limb and allows adjustment of the loop size.
Methods of making and using the mechanical tourniquet
Methods include providing the tourniquet body, attaching the tightening strap and carriage, engaging a torsion bar with the tightening strap, coupling the receiver and slider, moving the tourniquet from an unconstricted to constricted state by moving locations of the tourniquet body relative to the carriage and rotating the torsion bar to shorten the tightening strap distance, generating radial compression to restrict blood flow.
The independent claims collectively define the inventive features of a mechanically constricting tourniquet incorporating a continuous tourniquet body with a tightening strap operated via a torsion bar, a carriage designed for stable engagement and efficient strap movement, and an adjustable receiver and slider buckle system for creating and modifying the encircling loop. Methods of assembling and using the apparatus focus on these structural and operational elements to achieve effective blood flow restriction.
Stated Advantages
Easy to apply.
Ensures consistent and even circumferential pressure.
Lightweight design.
Provides standard lifesaving operation.
Can be utilized in any setting or situation.
Documented Applications
Use during extreme hemorrhage or exsanguination emergencies.
Military battlefield trauma care, including Care Under Fire phases of Tactical Combat Casualty Care.
Civilian emergency medical services for pre-hospital trauma care.
Use in recreational activities with inherent risks such as camping, rock climbing, hiking, and boating, especially in remote settings.
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