Immobilizing and Supporting Inflatable Splint Apparatus

Abstract

Disclosed is a medical device that operates as a supporting splint for the limbs and other body parts necessary for the treatment of a variety of medical and surgical conditions. Said device is an inflatable, flexible, lightweight water-resistant splint whose measure of rigidity is easily controlled by the fitter or user. According to the present invention there are several embodiments of the splint, each suited to fit a different body part such as the limbs, torso, chest, pelvis, and neck. Said device, which is constructed of inflatable tubes, is made of two nylon layers welded together and coated with polyurethane. The tubes may be inflated by any means of supplying air pressure. The present invention is especially designed to allow normal blood circulation to the treated body part, provide ventilation to the area, enable easy inspection of an injury, and allow partial movement of the treated part.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to the field of medical devices, and, more particularly, it relates to inflatable, versatile / universal / multi purpose splints. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The traditional techniques of providing external support and immobilization in orthopedic conditions revolves around three existing types of devices: casts, which have application primarily in broken limbs; splints, which are used to immobilize and stabilize the limbs and the torso; and pressure bandages, which help control swelling and give a degree of support. [0003] Creative individuals have come up with a variety of departures from these standard themes in order to achieve better patient treatment and recovery. Inflatable pouches made from various materials exist, adapted to be filled with either liquid or gas, and incorporating means for securing these pouches to and tightening them around the injured part of a human body. Splints of this kind effect the immobi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] In accordance with the shortcomings of previous art, it is a principal object of the present invention to provide a splint device which will present a maximum adjustment range, so it can be easily and securely fitted to the injured body part, without bringing about any uncomfortable chafing and minimizing overall discomfort, that will also allow for adequate blood circulation to the injured part, and will support the joints, limbs and any other body parts in an optimal position with a controllable measure of rigidity.

[0012] It is yet another object of the present invention to introduce a multi purpose splint device that will be appropriate for the treatment of a wide range of conditions such as fractures, sprains, and post-operative support, that will prevent bedsores, and that will allow for the inspection of various wounds. The present invention provides a handy solution for the temporary support of an injured limb in field conditions and while transporting a patient, and can also be used as a long-term cast or bandage during the full course of treatment, including postoperative support.

[0013] The said splint offers solutions for the setting and treatment of various areas of the body, such as the neck, limbs, pelvis, spine, and chest areas. This novel splint answers the basic need for a simple device that is easy to use, handle, store, and transport.

[0015] The invention describes a splint designed to allow for an adjustable and comfortable fit to different parts of the body, which achieves maximum comfort and facilitates the recuperation period. It is a simply structured splint, which allows for uncomplicated assembly and operation. The splint is designed to fit the shape of the body part in need of treatment. It provides support and wrapping for the injured area from three sides. The splint is made out of inflatable ribs. Using a hand pump or an air pressure source tank, the ribs may be inflated to various degrees that provide the optimum support and comfort required for the particular conditions. Ventilation holes in the structure allow for sufficient airing and circulation of the treated area. The splints are secured into place by Velcro straps.

[0016] It is a further object of the present invention to allow the user movement and function of the joint and limb or body part, even at the site of the injury, to such a degree as is ordered by the treating physician. This concept being in line with contemporary knowledge on the healing of soft tissue wounds and bones. The quality of healing is enhanced in certain phases of repair and healing when controlled mechanical forces create a load on the healing tissues and enable movement of the injured area.

[0017] The simplicity of the design in one single unit, and assembly enables the medical or paramedical fitter or the patient himself to apply, use, assemble, and adjust the splint with minimal or no assistance.

Problems solved by technology

The main drawback of the device, which limits its application considerably, relates to its fixed and inflexible shape that does not take into consideration the three-dimensional form of the limbs, joints and torso, for instance.

As in the previous patent, this device suffers from an inconvenient structure, which may only support the calf, the ankle, and the foot of a patient without conforming to the shape of these structures.

The device requires multiple sections when encircling the joints or various bends of the injured limb, as it is not designed to accommodate the three-dimensional shape of the human body.

Images