Junctional tourniquet
Inventors
SAUNDERS, DARREL • Flores-Artola, Ricardo • Walters, Joanne • Duncan, Michael • Martinez-Lopez, Lester • Markham, Joshua • Bronson, Brent • Holcomb, John B. • Gates, Keith • Burgess, Andy
Assignees
Texas Health Care Center At Houston, University of • University of Texas System • North American Rescue LLC
Publication Number
US-9492177-B2
Publication Date
2016-11-15
Expiration Date
2033-05-14
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Abstract
The present invention is a tourniquet comprising: a strap; a pelvic pad included in the strap having a pocket defined in the pelvic pad for receiving a semi-rigid stiffening member; base plates slidably attached to the strap allowing the base plates to be positioned along the strap; a threaded shaft received in each of the base plates; a pressure pad removable attached to a distal end of each of the shafts; a handle attached to a proximal end of each of the shafts having openings defined in each end of the handle; and, a rotational arresting strap attached to each base plate having a securing tab that can be received in one of the handle openings thereby preventing the shaft from rotating when the securing tab is received in sand handle opening.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a tourniquet specifically designed for use at the junction points of the body, such as the area between the trunk and thigh, which are not adequately addressed by traditional limb tourniquets. The device comprises a strap for encircling an individual, a pelvic pad integrated into the strap featuring a pocket for a semi-rigid stiffening member, and a plurality of base plates that can slide along the strap for customized positioning. Each base plate receives a threaded shaft, which, when rotated by an attached handle, advances a removable pressure pad against the wound site to apply controlled compressive force.
The pressure pads offer a unique design with a trapezoidal cross-section, allowing effective contact with varying body shapes and wound locations. Rotational arresting straps attached to the base plates, featuring securing tabs that engage with openings in the handles, prevent accidental rotation and loosening of the shafts once compressive force has been applied. Slide locks on the rotational arresting straps further ensure the device remains secure under tension, and optional friction members help limit the rotation of the pressure pads relative to the base plates.
The problem addressed by this invention stems from the inadequacy of existing tourniquet designs, such as pneumatic or circumferential limb tourniquets, for managing hemorrhage at body junctions. Conventional approaches cannot apply effective localized pressure to the pelvic or trunk/thigh region, may only compress a single wound, contain parts prone to loss or misplacement, and are not easily adaptable to different body types or wound sites. The present invention solves these issues by providing a repositionable, modular, and secure junctional tourniquet capable of applying pressure to multiple wound sites as needed.
Claims Coverage
The patent presents three independent claims, each covering distinct inventive features related to the junctional tourniquet and its specialized components.
Tourniquet with adjustable base plates and rotational arresting mechanism
A tourniquet comprising: - A strap for releasably encircling an injured individual. - A pelvic pad integrated in the strap with a pocket for a semi-rigid stiffening member. - Multiple base plates slidably attached to the strap for flexible positioning along the strap. - Threaded shafts received in shaft openings in each base plate, allowing compressive force to be applied by rotating handles attached to each shaft. - Removable pressure pads attached to the distal ends of the threaded shafts. - Handles with openings for engagement by a rotational arresting strap. - Rotational arresting straps attached to each base plate, having securing tabs that lock into handle openings to prevent rotation and loss of pressure during use.
Tourniquet with a single base plate and semi-rigid pelvic pad stiffener
A tourniquet comprising: - A strap for releasably encircling an injured individual. - A single base plate slidably attached to the strap for positioning along the strap. - A threaded shaft received in the base plate, with a removable and rotatably attached pressure pad at the distal end. - A handle with at least one opening for a securing tab. - A rotational arresting strap attached to the base plate, with a securing tab that locks into the handle opening to prevent shaft rotation. - A pelvic pad included in the strap, with a pocket on the opposite side of the individual relative to the base plate, for receiving a semi-rigid stiffening member.
Tourniquet with sliding pressure pad and pelvic compressive feature
A tourniquet comprising: - A strap for releasably encircling an individual at the pelvic region. - A pressure pad slidably carried by the strap, attached to a threaded shaft with a handle to apply compressive force upon rotation. - A rotational arresting strap carried by the pressure pad, with a securing tab for insertion into an opening in the handle to prevent further rotation. - A pocket defined in the strap, positioned to be on the opposite side of the injured area relative to the pressure pad when the device is applied. - A semi-rigid stiffening member received in the pocket to increase pelvic compressive force when the strap is tightened.
These inventive features establish a tourniquet with modular, secure, and adjustable components designed to effectively control hemorrhage at body junctions, particularly where conventional designs are inadequate.
Stated Advantages
The tourniquet can be easily packaged and stored while allowing pressure to be applied to a plurality of wound sites.
Pressure pads can be positioned along the strap to match an individual's body type and wound location.
Documented Applications
The tourniquet is used for applying pressure to wounds located in the junction between the trunk and thigh, especially at body junction points where standard limb tourniquets are ineffective.
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