Portable pneumatic abdominal aortic tourniquet
Inventors
Croushorn, John • Schwartz, Richard
Assignees
Publication Number
US-8834517-B2
Publication Date
2014-09-16
Expiration Date
2028-04-30
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Abstract
A portable pneumatic abdominal aortic tourniquet for occlusion of the abdominal descending aorta to restrict blood supply to a non-compressible arterial hemorrhage in the abdominal region. The tourniquet comprising an adjustable waist strap for securing around an abdomen; a directed air bladder mounted to the waist strap having a generally “V” shaped construction operable between a deflated condition wherein the directed air bladder is collapsed, and an inflated condition wherein the directed air bladder is expanded for exerting pressure against the abdomen; and, an air source connected to the directed air bladder for operating the directed air bladder between the deflated condition and the inflated condition.
Core Innovation
The present invention provides a portable pneumatic abdominal aortic tourniquet designed to occlude the abdominal descending aorta, thereby restricting blood supply to a non-compressible arterial hemorrhage in the abdominal region. It comprises an adjustable waist strap for securing around the abdomen, a directed air bladder of generally "V" shaped construction mounted to a rigid base plate carried by the waist strap, and an air source connected to the directed air bladder to inflate and deflate the bladder. When inflated, the directed air bladder exerts a focused constricting pressure against a narrow defined area of the abdomen to restrict blood flow through the abdominal aorta.
The problem addressed by the invention is the lack of effective portable abdominal aortic tourniquets in the prior art that can rapidly apply a focused compression force to occlude the deep abdominal descending aorta. Existing tourniquets primarily apply circumferential pressure around limbs or broad areas, insufficient to reduce blood flow through the aorta due to its deep location. There is a need for a tourniquet that delivers a strong, focused compression force via a directed air bladder to occlude the aorta proximal to its bifurcation, thereby controlling non-compressible abdominal hemorrhages in field conditions.
The invention further includes features such as a rigid base plate wider than the waist strap to provide a stable platform for positioning, a compression latch to tighten the waist strap securely, a foam pad for cushioning the base plate against the abdomen, and a protective bladder sleeve to resist puncture and environmental exposure. The air source may be a compressed gas cartridge or a manual bulb pump, coupled with an inflation control valve and preferably a pressure relief valve to regulate pressure within the air bladder. Guide markers assist in optimal positioning over the abdominal aorta.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes multiple independent claims that cover both the abdominal aortic tourniquet device and methods of its use, detailing the structure, configuration, and operation of the apparatus.
Tourniquet structure with a directed V-shaped air bladder
An abdominal tourniquet comprising an adjustable waist strap, a base plate wider than the strap to provide a stable positioning base, and an air bladder on the bottom side of the base plate having a generally elongated V-shape with a wide end on the base plate and a narrow converging end forming an elongated edge to apply focused constricting force on the abdomen over the aorta.
Air source configuration operatively connected to the air bladder
An air source operatively connected in fluid communication with the directed air bladder to operate it between deflated and inflated conditions, including embodiments with compressed gas cartridges, inflation control valves, pressure relief valves, and quick release inflation systems.
Compression latch assembly for tightening waist strap
A compression latch carried on the base plate, including a latch base fixed to the base plate and a latch arm pivotally mounted thereto, operable to shorten and tighten the waist strap securely around the abdomen.
Padding and protective sleeve for user comfort and bladder protection
A foam pad carried on the bottom side of the base plate between the air bladder and base plate to cushion the abdomen before inflation; and a protective bladder sleeve surrounding the air bladder to resist puncture and environmental exposure.
Guide marker positioning for optimal abdominal aorta alignment
At least one guide marker carried on the base plate configured to direct the user to position the base plate over the abdominal aorta for efficient occlusion upon inflation.
Method of applying the abdominal tourniquet
A method involving securing the waist strap with the air bladder positioned over the aorta at or above the umbilical region, inflating the directed air bladder to occlude the aorta, and thereby stopping bleeding distal to the occlusion.
Tourniquet operation delivering focused pressure sufficient for aortic occlusion
The air bladder is configured to penetrate the abdomen sufficiently to occlude the aorta, applying at least 120 pounds per square inch effective force, resulting in hemostasis at the site of remote hemorrhage.
The claims collectively cover the unique combination of a directed, generally V-shaped inflatable air bladder on a rigid base plate with an adjustable waist strap, an air source system for controlled inflation, and additional elements such as compression latches, cushioning pads, protective sleeves, and guide markers. They also cover methods of using this apparatus to achieve focused aortic occlusion to control non-compressible abdominal hemorrhage.
Stated Advantages
Provides focused compression force sufficient to occlude the abdominal descending aorta to control non-compressible arterial hemorrhage in the abdominal region.
Portable and rapidly applicable in field conditions.
Stable positioning over the abdomen with a rigid base plate wider than the adjustable waist strap.
Protects the directed air bladder from puncture and environmental exposure with a protective sleeve.
Allows for user comfort with cushioning foam pad and controlled inflation pressure through inflation control and pressure relief valves.
Documented Applications
Rapid occlusion of the abdominal descending aorta in field conditions to restrict blood supply to non-compressible arterial hemorrhages in the abdominal region.
Application of controlled pressure on the abdomen at or above the umbilical region for hemostasis in cases of severe abdominal bleeding below the inguinal area.
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