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Publication Number
US-9307990-B2
Publication Date
2016-04-12
Expiration Date
Abstract
A wound closure device includes first and second opposing members which open and close in a clam-shell configuration, skin penetrating needles and a pressure bar for applying pressure to close the wound when the device is closed, and releasable locking means for biasing or maintaining the device in a closed position.
Core Innovation
An emergency wound clamp is provided with a clam-shell configuration that includes a first opposing member and a second opposing member engaged about a longitudinal axis. Each opposing member is pivotally moveable between an open position and a closed position relative to each other, and in the closed position the opposing members are adapted to close to re-approximate skin edges of a wound.
The wound clamp includes skin-anchoring needles for anchoring the device to tissue, and a pressure bar along each distal edge to apply distal pressure at the wound. The distal pressure bars are described as having frictional ridges, and the needle tips may be covered with a resilient material. The end closure members are described as hem the wound ends to facilitate maintaining the wound closure.
The clamp further includes releasable locking mechanisms for biasing or maintaining the device in the closed position. Locking is described as including ratchet-based locking and a one-way bearing mechanism disposed between the first and second opposing members, together with a longitudinal pin and engagement and reduced diameter sections that slide longitudinally to allow controlled one-way rotation while resisting reopening.
Additional features include grips for one-handed control, optional stabilizing pads, visualization openings, and provision as a sterile kit package. The described clamp is configured for emergency hemorrhage control through closing and maintaining the wound in a closed state while the skin penetrating means anchor the device.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim covers a wound closure device with four main inventive elements: clam-shell pivoting opposing members, skin-anchoring needle(s), distal pressure bars, and releasable locking means implemented using a one-way cylindrical bearing with a longitudinal pin that provides directional engagement and a reduced diameter section that can be slid into and out of the bearing.
Clam-shell pivoting opposing members
A first opposing member and a second opposing member engaged about a longitudinal axis, each pivotally moveable around the axis between an open position and a closed position relative to each other.
Skin penetrating needle anchoring
Skin penetrating means for anchoring the device, wherein the skin penetrating means comprises a plurality of needles.
Distal pressure bars along opposing member distal edges
A pressure bar along each distal edge.
One-way cylindrical bearing releasable locking
Releasable locking means for biasing or maintaining the device in the closed position, wherein the releasable locking means comprises a one-way cylindrical bearing disposed between the first and second opposing members, and a longitudinal pin disposed within the bearing, with engagement section and reduced diameter section that allow free rotation in one direction but not the other direction, while the pin is moveable longitudinally to slide the reduced diameter section into and out of the bearing.
Across the claim set reflected here, the inventive focus is on maintaining wound closure using pivoting opposing members that close to a closed position, anchoring the device with needle(s), applying pressure via distal pressure bars, and providing directional one-way releasable locking using a one-way cylindrical bearing with a longitudinal pin having an engagement section and a reduced diameter section that can be slid longitudinally to change rotational freedom.
Stated Advantages
Closes to re-approximate skin edges of a wound.
Maintains the device in a closed position using releasable locking means.
Provides emergency hemorrhage control.
Documented Applications
Emergency wound clamp use for emergency hemorrhage control by closing and maintaining a wound in a closed state.
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