Chest wound seal for preventing pneumothorax and including means for relieving a tension pheumothorax
Inventors
Castellani, Robert • Miller, Robert
Assignees
Publication Number
US-7504549-B2
Publication Date
2009-03-17
Expiration Date
2025-09-21
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Abstract
A flexible sheet having an adhesive layer carried on a bottom side. A collection chamber formed in the adhesive layer by the exclusion of adhesive from a central area of the sheet for receiving fluid from the wound. A drainage channel formed in the adhesive layer by the exclusion of adhesive from a selected area of the sheet extending radially outward from the collection chamber to a drain outlet at a peripheral edge of the sheet to drain fluid from the collection chamber. The collection chamber and drainage channel having an open position allowing fluid to flow outward from the collection chamber through the drain outlet, and a closed position collapsed against the skin to prevent fluid intake through the drain outlet. A storage compartment carried by the flexible sheet including a needle and catheter for immediate access in treating a tension pneumothorax.
Core Innovation
The invention provides an occlusive dressing for treating penetrating chest wounds, comprising a thin, flexible sheet with an adhesive layer on its underside for adhering to the skin around the wound. This dressing incorporates a collection chamber formed by excluding adhesive from a central area of the sheet, positioned over the wound to receive fluids. A drainage channel, also formed by excluding adhesive, extends radially from the collection chamber to the sheet's edge, allowing the drainage of fluids from the wound to the exterior.
A key aspect of the invention is the operability of the collection chamber and drainage channel between an open position, which enables outward fluid flow, and a closed position, where the sheet collapses against the skin to prevent fluid or air intake. The invention may also incorporate multiple drainage channels for handling larger fluid volumes, and the use of a hydrogel adhesive for improved flexibility, reusability, and airtight sealing. The flexible sheet can be made from fluid-impermeable plastic, preferably clear for wound inspection.
The invention uniquely integrates a storage compartment containing a chest decompression needle and catheter for immediate emergency use in relieving tension pneumothorax, a life-threatening complication of penetrating chest trauma. This combination of features provides a complete solution for both sealing chest wounds and enabling emergency decompression without needing additional equipment, directly addressing shortcomings of existing dressings.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes four independent claims, each defining inventive features related to the dressing structure and its integrated components.
Occlusive dressing with collection chamber and drainage channel
An occlusive dressing for a chest wound comprising: - A flexible sheet providing a fluid and debris barrier. - An adhesive layer on the bottom side to adhere to skin. - A collection chamber in the adhesive layer, created by excluding adhesive from the central area, positioned over the wound to receive fluid. - A drainage channel, also formed by adhesive exclusion, extending from the collection chamber to a drain outlet at the sheet's edge. - The collection chamber and drainage channel operate between an open position (for outward fluid flow) and a closed position (collapsed against the skin to prevent intake through the drain outlet and prevent pressure buildup in the chest cavity).
Occlusive dressing with fluid drain and drainage channel
An occlusive dressing for a chest wound comprising: - A generally fluid impermeable flexible sheet. - An adhesive layer on the bottom side to adhere to the skin. - A fluid drain in the adhesive layer defined by the absence of adhesive on selected areas. - The fluid drain includes a drainage channel formed by selective adhesive exclusion, extending from the collection chamber to the peripheral edge to drain fluid out. - The sheet is applied to position a portion of the fluid drain over the wound, channeling fluid out while preventing intake.
Occlusive dressing with hydrogel adhesive layer, fluid drain, and decompression tools
An occlusive dressing for a chest wound including: - An adhesive layer consisting of a hydrogel polymeric composition for placement over the wound. - A fluid drain in the adhesive layer, defined by the absence of adhesive on selected areas, with a drainage channel extending outwards. - A flexible sheet on top of the adhesive for a fluid and debris barrier. - A storage compartment carried by the flexible sheet. - A needle and catheter in the storage compartment for penetrating the chest and allowing air to escape, relieving tension pneumothorax. - This enables both sealing the wound and treating a tension pneumothorax.
The inventive features cover a chest wound dressing combining a flexible, adherent sheet with integrated fluid collection and drainage, optional hydrogel adhesive, and emergency decompression tools, operating to both seal wounds and facilitate fluid or air escape in emergency situations.
Stated Advantages
Maintains an effective seal over chest wounds, blocking fluid intake while allowing fluid outflow even in the presence of dirt, debris, or patient movement.
Provides a simple and low-cost design that is easy to manufacture and apply, especially under combat conditions.
Includes means for relieving excess pressure in the pleural space, enabling immediate treatment of tension pneumothorax.
Hydrogel adhesive conforms to body contours, remains flexible with skin movement, is re-applicable, airtight, absorbs wound excreta, and does not stick to the wound.
Allows for wound monitoring through a clear sheet and does not cause antigenic or allergic reactions.
Documented Applications
Treatment of penetrating chest wounds to maintain negative pressure in the pleural space and prevent lung collapse.
Use in emergency situations, including battlefield conditions, to seal chest wounds and allow controlled outward fluid or air flow.
Immediate relief of tension pneumothorax by providing direct access to a decompression needle and catheter integrated with the dressing.
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