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Publication Number
US-7951102-B2
Publication Date
2011-05-31
Expiration Date
Abstract
The present invention discloses a novel cervical collar for maintaining the airways in head and neck immobilized trauma patient open. This collar comprises a rigid motion-restricting frame (220, 230, 240, 270, 280) attached to the head (100); and, a jaw clasp (210, 290) attached to the jaw (110). The collar is simultaneously restricting the motion of the head (100) and neck while allowing motion of the jaw (110) to maintain open airways. A jaw clasp (290) useful for performing the jaw-thrust maneuver motion of the jaw (110) to maintain open airways is also presented. Said device comprising a plurality of movable fitting elements adapted to fit the jaw (110) tightly; and, a plurality of movable mover elements adapted to move the jaw (110).
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a cervical collar for trauma patients that immobilizes head and neck motion using a rigid motion-restricting frame. The cervical collar includes a jaw clasp attachable to the jaw, so that the jaw is maneuvered while the head and neck are restricted. The jaw is maneuvered in a forward and slightly downward manner to perform a device aided jaw-thrust maneuver for airway maintenance.
To support the maneuver, the cervical collar includes a restrictor member that restricts the distance and the direction of motion of the jaw clasp relative to the rigid motion-restricting frame. A lock member prevents backward motion of the jaw clasp relative to the rigid motion-restricting frame. The collar is configured to maintain open the airway of the patient while simultaneously restricting the motion of the head and neck.
The disclosed collar arrangement includes embodiments with patient-specific movable fitting elements and mover elements, and structural features supporting jaw movement such as a groove for jaw movement and a hole for airway access. The multi-part collar procedure is described as including an anterior part, a posterior part, and a jaw clasp. Example embodiments also include a jaw thrust-like adjustable knob and a chin lift lever for performing the jaw-thrust-like maneuver.
Claims Coverage
The partial content provides one independent claim describing a method for performing a device aided jaw-thrust maneuver on a patient immobilized with a cervical collar, with the collar maintaining open the airway while restricting head and neck motion. The independent claim is further refined by dependent claims that add a multi-part collar fitting/usage refinement.
Device aided jaw-thrust maneuver under immobilized cervical collar
A method providing a cervical collar with a rigid motion-restricting frame attachable to the head, a jaw clasp attachable to the jaw, a restrictor member restricting distance and direction of jaw clasp motion relative to the rigid motion-restricting frame, and a lock member preventing backward motion of the jaw clasp relative to the rigid motion-restricting frame, while restricting head and neck motion and maneuvering the jaw via the jaw clasp in a forward and slightly downward manner; simultaneously restricting jaw clasp motion by the restrictor member and preventing backward motion by the lock member to maintain open the airway of the patient.
In the provided partial content, the main inventive coverage is a device-aided jaw-thrust maneuver performed on a patient immobilized with a cervical collar in which head and neck motion is restricted while the jaw clasp is maneuvered forward and slightly downward, with a restrictor member and a lock member maintaining the intended jaw clasp motion and preventing backward motion to keep the airway open.
Stated Advantages
Maintains open the airway of the patient while simultaneously restricting the motion of the head and neck.
Restricts head and neck motion via the rigid motion-restricting frame while allowing a device aided jaw-thrust maneuver.
Documented Applications
No documented applications found
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