Exsanguination device and method

Abstract

A device for exsanguinating blood from the hand is described. In one embodiment, the device includes a core and a grip that encloses the core. The grip covers a first portion of the core. The grip is shaped to conform to the human hand. The other portion of the core defines a slot. Wrapping material is passed through the slot and attached to the device at the slot. Then the wrapping material is wrapped around the hand and device to exsanguinate the blood from the hand for surgery. In one embodiment, the wrapping material is an elastic flexible wrap.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present device relates to devices to exsanguinate blood from the limbs and more particularly to exsanguinate blood from the hand.

BACKGROUND

Blood commonly needs to be exsanguinated from an area before surgery. A common device to empty venous blood from limbs is an Esmarch band. The device was first introduced in 1870 by Dr. Esmarch, a German physician. The Esmarch band is wrapped around a limb to empty the blood from the limb. Many times the Esmarch band is tied around the end of the limb to act as a tourniquet to complete the exsanguination of the blood from the limb. When exsanguinating blood from the hand, the patient will hold onto something such as a ball of gauze. The hand is then wrapped with the Esmarch band and the gauze helps to keep the fingers spaced apart.

New varieties of devices have been created to exsanguinate blood from the limbs and extremities of a patient. One such device named the S-MART™ has been devised by OHK Medical Devices of Haifa, Israel. S-MAR™ consists of a silicone ring, wrapped with a tubular elastic sleeve and a set of pole straps. It is placed on the end of a limb and the straps are pulled. The device rolls over the limbs exerting circumferential pressure draining the blood from the limb. In addition, the sterile sleeve unfolds off of the limb. The ring then creates an arterial block and it stays on for the duration of the operation.

The Esmarch band is relatively inexpensive, easily available, and many medical professionals are comfortable using the Esmarch band. The S-MART™ device is more expensive, not as easily manufactured or available, and has not been around for a long time in contrast to the Esmarch band. The Esmarch band, however, has many limitations, especially when wrapping a hand. First, beginning the wrapping of the band around the limb is awkward. Furthermore, a ball of gauze fails to position the fingers for effective exsanguination of blood.

Therefore, many needs exist in this area of technology.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the invention is a device comprising a gripping member including a gripping portion and an attachment portion, wherein the gripping portion is constructed and arranged to be held by a human hand; and a wrapping material, wherein the wrapping material is operatively coupled to the attachment portion and wrapped around the device and the hand.

Another aspect of the invention is a method comprising gripping a device with a hand, attaching a wrapping material to the device and wrapping the wrapping material around the device and the hand, wherein the wrapping exsanguinates blood from the hand.

Yet another aspect of the invention is a device comprising a gripping member including a core and a grip, the core including a first portion and a second portion, wherein the grip encloses the first portion of the core and is constructed and arranged to be held by a human hand, wherein the second portion of the core defines a slot, and wrapping material, wherein the wrapping material is operatively coupled to the second portion at the slot and wrapped around the hand and the device.

A further aspect of the invention is a device comprising a core including a first portion and a second portion, wherein the second portion defines a slot that passes through the core; a grip formed around the first portion of the core, wherein the grip defines a frusto-conical shape constructed and arranged to conform to a human hand; and a wrapping material operatively coupled to the second portion and wrapped around the hand and the device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an end view of the device illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the device illustrated in FIG. 1 beginning with the wrapping of the user's hand.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 after the hand and device has been wrapped.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations, modifications, and further applications of the principles of the present invention as illustrated being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

In FIG. 1, an exsanguination device 20 according to one embodiment is illustrated. The exsanguination device 20 is a gripping member including a core 22 to provide a solid base that the grip 24 may be wrapped around. The grip 24 is coupled to the core 22. The coupling is achieved through a variety of methods. For example, an epoxy or adhesive may be used to couple the core 22 and the grip 24. Alternatively in other embodiments, the core 22 may be formed of two symmetrical pieces that collapse around a section of the grip 24 to firmly bind them together. Alternate embodiments contemplate a core 22 and a grip 24 that are a one piece gripping member. Moreover, other embodiments readily apparent to those skilled in the art for combining the grip 24 and the core 22 are contemplated.

In the illustrated embodiment, the core 22 is composed of a durable high-strength plastic. In alternative embodiments, it is contemplated that the core 22 is formed of different materials. One example, among others, would be a core 22 that is formed of a metallic material. In the illustrated embodiment, the core 22 defines a cylindrical shape. In other embodiments, the core 22 may have a different cross sectional shape. For example, in an alternate embodiment, the core 22 has a square shaped cross-section. In the illustrated embodiment, the core 22 has about 70% of its surface area covered by the grip 24. Alternate embodiments contemplate the grip 24 covering more or less of the surface area of the core 22.

The core 22 includes a first portion 26 covered by the grip 24 to create a gripping portion of the core 22, and a second portion 28 that defines a slot 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the slot 30 is used to attach wrapping material (not shown) to the second portion 28. The second portion 28 is the attachment portion in the illustrated embodiment. Other attachment means may be used for the second portion 28 in other embodiments. For example, one alternate embodiment includes a clip that firmly grips the wrapping material (not shown). Moreover, other embodiments have alternate methods readily apparent to those skilled in the art for attaching wrapping material (not shown) to the second portion 28. In addition, in alternate embodiments, the second portion 28 defines multiple slots. Moreover, in the illustrated embodiment, the second portion 28 is serrated. Alternate embodiments have other methods of texturing the second portion 28. For example, alternate embodiments may have ridges, grooves, bumps, cones, spikes or other texturing constructions to enable a secure connection between the second portion 28 and the wrapping material (not shown).

In the illustrated embodiment, the grip 24 defines a frustoconical shape. The frustoconical shape is utilized so that a human hand can be comfortably wrapped around the grip 24. Moreover, the frusto-conical shape will conform to different sized human hands. For example, a human with a small hand is able to firmly wrap their hand around the section of the grip 24 that covers the first portion 26 of the core 22. A human with a large hand will be able to firmly wrap their hand around the section of the grip 24 that is closer to the second portion 28 of the core 22. The grip 24 therefore encourages positioning the hand and fingers of all sizes for effective blood exsanguination. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle of incline of the frusto-conical shape from the part of the grip 24 covering the first portion 26 of the core 22 towards the second portion 28 of the core 22 is small. Other embodiments contemplate a steeper angle of incline. In the illustrated embodiment, the grip 24 has a maximum diameter of about two inches and a minimum diameter of about one and a half inches. The length of the grip 24 is about six and one half inches in length. One non-limiting example of an embodiment with different dimensions is an exsanguination device 20 having a grip that is only five inches in length. Furthermore, other embodiments contemplate different shapes that conform to the human hand, such as a cone or cylinder.

In the illustrated embodiment, the grip 24 is composed of a resilient foam material. In some embodiments, Rebond or Evazote type foam is used. Other embodiments contemplate using other types of foam materials. Preferably, an impact-resistant durable foam is used. Moreover, other materials readily apparent to those skilled in the art are utilized in alternate embodiments. Generally, enclosing the core 22 with a spongy-type material allows a firm, comfortable and secure grip of the exsanguination device 20. The spongy-type material also prevents the wrapping of the hand from being more uncomfortable than necessary. In some alternate embodiments, the grip 24 is textured.

Referring now to FIG. 2, an end view of the device of FIG. 1 looking down the second portion 28 is illustrated. The end view illustrates that the slot 30 separates the second portion 28 of the core 22 into a first prong 32 and a second prong 34. The prongs 32, 34 provide an area that the wrapping material (not shown) may be tied around. The view of FIG. 2 illustrates that the grip 24 is at its maximum diameter towards the second portion 28. Travelling towards the first portion 26 the diameter of the grip 24 gradually decreases along the length of the core 22. This defines the frusto-conical shape of the grip 24 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 3 illustrates the device of FIG. 1 during use of the device prior to surgery. Wrapping material 36 having a first end 38 is passed through slot 30 to begin the attachment of the wrapping material 36 to the exsanguination device 20. The patient's hand 40 grips the grip 24. The frusto-conical shape of the grip 24 conforms to the size of the hand. Moreover, the shape of the grip 24 helps to spread the fingers and hand apart thereby allowing an easier and more complete wrapping of the hand. Spreading the fingers apart enables effective exsanguination of blood. For example, the patient using the illustrated embodiment has extended the thumb vertically to further assist in the exsanguination of blood from the thumb.

The wrapping material 36 may be an Esmarch band or similar type wrap. The wrapping material is generally flexible and elastic so that it may be stretched to apply a compressive force to the hand to exsanguinate the blood out of the hand.

The wrapping material is attached to the exsanguination device 20 at the second portion 28 and wrapped around the exsanguination device 20 in a spiral pattern in order to enclose the hand and the exsanguination device 20 within the wrapping material 36. As illustrated in FIG. 4, after the wrapping material 36 has been applied a “bee hive” type shape is created around the patient's hand. Only the patient's wrist extends from the bottom. The wrap exsanguinates the blood from the hand so bloodless surgery may be performed on the hand. In addition, a local block is generally applied to the hand using an anesthetic to prevent the patient from experiencing pain during surgery.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.

Claims

1. A device for exsanguinating blood comprising:

a gripping member including a gripping portion and an attachment portion, wherein said gripping portion is constructed and arranged to be held by a human hand; and

a wrapping material, wherein said wrapping material is operatively coupled to said attachment portion and wrapped around said device and said hand.

2. The device of claim 1, said gripping member including a grip and a core.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein said wrapping material is a flexible elastic wrap.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein said attachment portion defines a slot.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein said attachment portion is serrated.

6. The device of claim 2, wherein said grip defines a frusto-conical shape.

7. The device of claim 2, wherein said grip is composed of a foam material.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein said attachment portion includes texturing constructions, wherein said texturing constructions enable coupling of said wrapping material to said attachment portion.

9. A method to assist in the exsanguination of blood comprising:

gripping a device with a hand;

attaching a wrapping material to said device;

wrapping said wrapping material around said device and said hand; wherein said wrapping exsanguinates blood from said hand.

10. A device for exsanguinating blood comprising:

a gripping member including a core and a grip, said core including a first portion and a second portion, wherein said grip encloses said first portion of said core and is constructed and arranged to be held by a human hand, wherein said second portion of said core defines a slot; and

wrapping material, wherein said wrapping material is operatively coupled to said second portion at said slot and wrapped around said hand and said device.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein said wrapping material is a flexible elastic wrap.

12. The device of claim 10, wherein said second portion is serrated.

13. The device of claim 10, wherein said core is composed of plastic.

14. The device of claim 10, wherein said grip defines a frusto-conical shape.

15. The device of claim 10, wherein said grip is composed of foam.

16. A device for exsanguinating blood comprising:

a core including a first portion and a second portion, wherein said second portion defines a slot that passes through said core;

a grip formed around said first portion of said core, wherein said grip defines a frusto-conical shape constructed and arranged to conform to a human hand; and

a wrapping material, wherein said wrapping material is operatively coupled to said second portion and wrapped around said hand and said device.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein said wrapping material is a flexible elastic wrap.

18. The device of claim 16, wherein said second portion is serrated.

19. The device of claim 16, wherein said core is composed of plastic.

20. The device of claim 16, wherein said grip is composed of foam.