Packaging for multiple chest wound seals for preventing pneumothorax

Abstract

This invention is directed to an occlusive dressing container having a pouch; a central divider included in the interior of the pouch for defining a first and a second package cavity within the pouch wherein each package cavity contains an occlusive dressing; a first package seal attached to the pouch further defining the first package cavity; a first outer cover removably attached to the pouch and attached to the first package seal; and, whereas when the first outer cover is removed from the pouch, a portion of the first package seal is removed with the first outer cover creating a first opening in the pouch and providing access to the interior of the first package cavity thereby allowing the occlusive seal to be removed from the packaging cavity.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application is a nonprovisional application claiming priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 370,836, filed Aug. 5, 2010.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention is directed to a packaging for medical supplies and more specifically, for a packaging container for keeping a plurality of chest seals in an airtight and watertight container.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]In the battlefield, the majority of wounds in combat are caused by penetrating trauma. The percentages of penetrating wounds from gunshots are approximately 23%, shrapnel 62%, and blast injuries 3%. This data has been relatively unchanged since World War I.[0004]When a penetrating chest wound occurs, the negative pressure within the pleural space that prevents the lungs from collapsing during normal breathing can be disrupted, resulting in a life threatening situation. The flow of air and other fluids through the wound into the chest cavity can significantly ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]The above objective is accomplished by providing a packaging container for storing multiple occlusive dressings in an airtight and watertight environment comprising: a flexible pouch; a central divider included in the interior of the flexible pouch defining a first and second package cavity within the flexible pouch wherein each package cavity contains an occlusive dressing; a first opening included in the flexible pouch providing access to the interior of the first package cavity, and a second opening included in the flexible pouch providing access to the interior of the second package cavity; a first package seal covering the first opening making the first cavity watertight and airtight, the first package seal having a perimeter attached to the flexible pouch, an area larger than the area of the first opening, a central portion having an area equal to or less than the area of the first opening and scoring arranged between the perimeter and the central portion of the first packaging seal allowing the central portion to tear away from the perimeter; a first outer cover removably attached to the flexible pouch and attached to the central portion of the first package seal; a second package seal covering the second opening attached to a second outer cover wherein the second outer cover is removably attached to the flexible pouch; and, whereas when the first outer cover is removed from the flexible pouch, the central portion of the package seal is removed with the first outer cover and the first opening is uncovered, thereby providing access to the interior of the first package cavity allowing the occlusive seal to be removed from the first package cavity of the flexible pouch.

Problems solved by technology

When a penetrating chest wound occurs, the negative pressure within the pleural space that prevents the lungs from collapsing during normal breathing can be disrupted, resulting in a life threatening situation.

This condition is referred to as a pneumothorax, where air can both enter and exit from the pleural space through the wound, making breathing extremely difficult.

In a tension pneumothorax, each inhalation traps air in the chest, increasing pressure on the lungs and ultimately causing them to collapse.

This shifting can cause further compression of the lungs and may affect the flow of blood returning to the heart.

These additional complications in a tension pneumothorax make it a life threatening condition that requires immediate treatment.

Further, when treating penetrating chest wounds in combat, typically, time is of the essence as the injured individual and treating individual are under fire, transportation of the injured individual should be conducted as soon as possible and generally the environment surrounding the injured individual is hostile.

Valuable time is lost when having to locate and open two chest seals to treat the entrance and exit wound under these conditions.

However, the use of hydrogel requires that the packaging of the chest seal be airtight and watertight or over time the hydrogel adhesive will cease being effective.

Therefore, in the case where two chest seals are packaged together, once the packaging is opened, both chest seals must be used, else the risk of one chest seal drying out and ultimately failing is greatly increased.

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