Mechanical tourniquet apparatus and method of use
Inventors
Kosiorek, Christopher B. • Drayton, Dexter C. • Abir, Esra • Damar, Neslihan • Polat, Nilufer • Avci, Yavuz
Assignees
Alphapointe • United States Department of the Army
Publication Number
US-9855055-B2
Publication Date
2018-01-02
Expiration Date
2034-09-29
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Abstract
A pre-fabricated tourniquet that is easy to apply, that ensures consistent and even circumferential pressure, that is light weight, that provides standard life saving operation, and that can be utilized in any setting or situation, and related methods are provided. Mechanically constricting tourniquet apparatus and related methods are provided that are comprised of a tourniquet body, a carriage, a torsion bar, a receiver and a slider. The tourniquet is long enough to encircle a human limb, for example, an arm or leg.
Core Innovation
The present invention provides a mechanically constricting tourniquet apparatus comprised of a tourniquet body, a carriage, a torsion bar, a receiver, and a slider. The tourniquet body is long enough to encircle human limbs such as arms or legs and includes two opposing ends with defined interior and exterior sides. The carriage is attached between the ends of the tourniquet body and also has interior and exterior sides, including a torsion bar retainer.
A torsion bar is positioned on the exterior sides of both the tourniquet body and carriage, having two opposing ends designed to mate with the torsion bar retainer and a middle portion that includes a slot through which a tightening strap passes. The tightening strap connects to the tourniquet body at opposite ends, passes through the torsion bar slot, and when the torsion bar is rotated, tightens by pulling the tourniquet body equally in two directions toward the carriage, creating circumferential pressure for blood flow restriction.
The receiver is attached to one end of the tourniquet body, while a slider is attached between the carriage and the other end. The slider can be positioned at multiple locations along the tourniquet body and is shaped to mate with the receiver to form a continuous loop. This pre-fabricated tourniquet is designed to be easy to apply, ensure consistent and even circumferential pressure, be lightweight, provide standard life-saving operation, and be usable in a variety of settings.
Claims Coverage
The claims include two independent claims directed to a blood-flow restriction tourniquet apparatus and a method of making such apparatus, featuring several inventive elements.
Tourniquet assembly with a mechanical tightening mechanism
A tourniquet body sufficient to encircle a human limb with a carriage attached aligning interior and exterior sides, the carriage including a torsion bar retainer, a torsion bar positioned on the exterior side having ends mating with the retainer and a middle slot for a tightening strap, and a tightening strap routed through the torsion bar slot and attached at opposite ends to the tourniquet body with the carriage between.
Adjustable slider and receiver coupling for continuous loop formation
A receiver attached to one end of the tourniquet body and a slider positioned between the carriage and the opposite end, with the slider sized to be positioned anywhere along the tourniquet body segment and mating with the receiver to create a continuous loop for limb encirclement.
Mechanism for applying circumferential compression via torsion bar rotation
Rotation of the torsion bar tightens the tightening strap and pulls the tourniquet body in two opposite directions equally toward the carriage, thus shortening the loop diameter and creating radial compression sufficient to restrict blood flow in the limb.
Carriage design features for efficient tourniquet operation
The carriage includes a niche and narrow bridge at either end allowing the tourniquet body to move efficiently when the torsion bar is turned, holder slots for securing the carriage to the tourniquet body, and a torsion bar retainer release for removing the torsion bar.
Torsion bar structural features to enhance usability and reliability
A torsion bar having grooved torsion bar grips on the ends for improved tactile sensitivity and a textured rough surface on the middle portion to reduce slippage while applying pressure, with ends designed to mate securely with the torsion bar retainer including a spur to hold it in place.
Receiver and slider coupling with tactile and auditory feedback
The receiver incorporates a hook-shaped catch with a lip and bar to lock and facilitate placement of the slider, allowing the slider to snap or click audibly and provide tactile feedback confirming proper mating and secure lockup.
Material compositions for tourniquet components
The tourniquet body is made from materials such as woven fabric, vinyl, leather, neoprene, or nylon, and components including the carriage, receiver, slider, and torsion bar may be fabricated from plastics or metals.
The claims collectively cover a blood-flow restriction tourniquet apparatus featuring a mechanical tightening system with a torsion bar and tightening strap, an adjustable slider and receiver for creating a continuous loop, carriage structural enhancements for efficient function, tactile feedback mechanisms, and specific material compositions. The method claims correspond to the assembly steps of these components and their configuration to produce the mechanically constricting tourniquet.
Stated Advantages
Easy application even under extreme duress or with one hand, without requiring fine motor skills.
Ensures consistent and even circumferential pressure to restrict blood flow effectively while minimizing tissue damage.
Lightweight and compact design suitable for use in a wide variety of settings including battlefield and remote civilian environments.
Standard life-saving operation that meets current guidelines for control of life-threatening extremity hemorrhage.
Durable and rugged design with the ability to conform to different limb sizes from small to large extremities.
Documented Applications
Emergency use to restrict blood flow during extreme hemorrhage or exsanguination in battlefield environments.
Civilian pre-hospital care for controlling life-threatening extremity hemorrhage during trauma incidents.
Use in recreational activities such as camping, rock climbing, hiking, and boating where severe injury requiring rapid blood flow control might occur.
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