Disposable digital tourniquets and related methods of providing occlusion pressures to a single digit during surgical procedures

Abstract

A single-use disposable digital tourniquet includes a generally rigid support body comprising first and second spaced apart cuff channels sized and configured to receive a cuff therethrough.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 222,956, filed Sep. 9, 2005, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 620,817, filed Oct. 21, 2004, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if recited in full herein.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention relates to digital tourniquets for use in medical procedures.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Injuries to the middle and terminal (end) portions of the thumb and other hand digits are relatively commonplace, with the number of treatment procedures for these types of injuries believed to number in the thousands per day in the United States alone. Examples of such injuries include lacerations, abrasions, avulsions, crush injuries, fractures, burns, and even partial amputations. The types of physicians and surgeons treating these types of injuries can include primary care physicians, emergency medicine physicians, general surgeons, plas...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The solution ensures consistent and controlled occlusion pressure, reducing the risk of tissue damage and nerve injury while being easy to use and cost-effective, suitable for a range of patient anatomies and settings.

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, both the rubber band and the Penrose drain have a tendency to roll up as they are stretched axially, which can apply increased pressure on the finger or thumb as the surface area over which the force is applied decreases (it may be described as being similar to a wire being wrapped about the finger or thumb).

In addition, use of these types of tourniquets may be such that the external pressure applied to the finger or thumb is not well controlled and may be excessive or beyond the pressure required to stop arterial blood flow.

Unfortunately, when excessive pressure is applied to a small region, tissue and / or nerve damage can occur, particularly during relatively lengthy procedures.

In addition, other factors are influencing hand surgery that question the suitability of conventional digital tourniquets.

In addition, health care costs are rising and more surgeries are being done in an outpatient or office setting, which are less likely to have access to specialized (costly) equipment.

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