Tourniquet

Abstract

The present invention relates to a tourniquet for restricting blood flow and, more particularly, a manual tourniquet for restricting blood flow especially adapted for constricting a limb of a trauma patient. The invention comprises components specifically designed to make the use of the tourniquet easier, faster and more practical. It also makes application of the tourniquet safer, whether for self-application or application to a patient. The application of the tourniquet is promoted due to the presence of its specific structures, aiming to improve the application of the nominal pressure appropriate for the use of a tourniquet in rescues.

Description

"TOURNIQUET" FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a tourniquet for restricting blood flow and, more particularly, a manual tourniquet for restricting blood flow especially adapted for garroting a limb of a trauma patient. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A tourniquet is a first aid procedure used to stop bleeding that cannot be stopped otherwise and should be used only after other methods of stopping the bleeding have been tried first. A tourniquet consists of a tight band of fabric placed around the injured limb, between the wound and the heart. The band is tightened, as if strangling the limb, compressing the arteries and cutting off blood flow, preventing large amounts of blood loss.

[0003] The first recorded use of a tourniquet dates back to 1674, during the Franco-Dutch War, where it was reportedly used on the battlefield. Since then, its use has been the subject of much debate throughout history, until today, where we have scientific evidence to support its use. Tourniquets have become well-known devices for preventing blood loss. When properly deployed, they provide life support in emergencies when an injured victim is alone or unable to obtain immediate medical attention.

[0004] Uncontrolled hemorrhage from trauma remains a leading cause of death, both on the battlefield and in civilian settings. Extreme, untreated bleeding, such as arterial bleeding, can cause hypovolemic shock within minutes.

[0005] A standard tourniquet is a tightly tied or wrapped band applied around an injured limb in an attempt to increase pressure around the injured limb. around the limb, above the injury, and stop severe bleeding or uncontrolled bleeding. Rapid application of a tourniquet above the injury site is crucial for effective hemorrhage control, as is rapid gradual release of a tourniquet once medical assistance is available to provide the next step in trauma management.

[0006] Some of the tourniquets known in the art are of the capstan type. This type of tourniquet typically includes a strap inserted through a loop and attached to a tourniquet base. To tighten the strap around the limb, the strap is inserted through a buckle and twisted, creating a knot and causing the strap to contract around the limb. It is important to apply and maintain sufficient pressure on the limb to obstruct blood flow until the tourniquet is removed.

[0007] Patent document BR 11 2012 013884 7 describes a tourniquet for one-hand application, having a base defining a first and a second end, with a constriction band attached that extends from the first end of the base, with a cable coupled to the constriction band, which has a self-closing buckle that includes a polygonal frame member and a self-closing member coupled with the polygonal frame member, with a hook that is coupled to the first end of the base and is configured to couple the polygonal frame member.

[0008] Document BR 1 1 2019 019878 4 relates to a tourniquet suitable for one-handed application that has a base defining first and second ends, containing a constricting band affixed to and extending from the first end of the base. This invention further contemplates a windlass handle that is engaged with the constricting band. The constricting band is threaded through a self-adjusting buckle that has a buckle connector with a hook member that engages the protruding buckle and is partially retained in place by pressure against a loop of the constricting band.

[0009] Document BR 1 1 2021 022443 2 deals with a tourniquet that has a base that includes at least first and second sections and that has a lid attached to one of the first and second sections with a compression strap attached to the base that extends through the base, wherein a portion of the compression strap is sandwiched between the base and the lid. The invention features a capstan handle and includes a strap opening through which the compression strap is inserted and stitched to itself by a stitch pattern so as to form a strap loop forming a locking strap that extends and is attached to the lid. The invention further features a handle stop that engages the locking strap such that the handle stop stops and slides freely along the handle.A strap connector assembly is provided that includes a buckle structure and a self-adjusting sliding arm extending transversely from a first side of the buckle structure to an opposite second side of the buckle structure, the sliding arm configured to slide along the buckle structure.

[0010] Application BR 1 1 2018 069978 0 also relates to a tourniquet, a method thereof, and a system that can ensure compliance registration with an external communication device, which combines two separate infusion and registration steps. This tourniquet has a controller that monitors compliance based on signals received from multiple switches / sensors that indicate whether or not a clasp has been inserted into the buckle, and then whether or not a strap applies pressure, and whether the clasp has been released within a predetermined period after the clasp has been inserted.

[0011] Document W02005104958A2 describes a tourniquet article comprising a base, a cap disposed on the base, a strap with a free end and an end secured to the base, a buckle secured to the base, a loop with an opening for accommodating a portion of said strap, a ring secured to said base positioned adjacent to said base, wherein said tourniquet article is positioned around a limb, wherein said free end of said loop is pulled through the ring and the loop opening, wherein the article is initially tightened around the limb, wherein the said handle is rotated until adequate pressure is applied to the limb and once adequate pressure is applied to the limb, one end of said handle is inserted into said ring to secure the tourniquet tightly in place.

[0012] Traditionally, tourniquets consist of a simple pulley point or a mechanism integrated with mechanical ratchets. Reusable tourniquets are typically subject to optimized tying, in which the free end of the tourniquet operates in cooperation with the tightening device. This can be done by a person applying the tourniquet to a patient or by the patient themselves.

[0013] Regarding tourniquet tying, a technician in the field is aware that this tying must be done to achieve a nominal clamping pressure for the procedure to be effective. According to the current state of the art, tourniquet tying is inefficient, especially with regard to controlling, measuring, and / or indicating the clamping pressure. This deficiency is due to the fact that, in most cases, tying a tourniquet on a patient's limb is done manually and, therefore, is subject to the practice and experience of the user performing the procedure.

[0014] It should be noted that the prior art lacks tourniquets for blood flow restriction capable of securing the tourniquet with adequate nominal pressure, and it is based on this technical problem that the solution presented in the present invention arises. Furthermore, the inventions listed in the prior art lack a suitable format capable of promoting efficient tourniquet use, which optimizes its use by both the patient and a rescue professional. OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

[0015] It is an objective of the present invention to promote increased patient comfort by increasing the tape's contact with the skin in the compression region. In addition to providing correct tourniquet application, This allows for the application of adequate nominal pressure, which can be achieved through the distinctive structures that constitute the present invention, such as the presence of rubber on the back and transverse ends, which provides firmness when pulling the band, replacing the commonly used Velcro. The presence of a rubber ring at the end of the band for finger attachment, providing comfort and assertiveness in tourniquet application. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0016] According to its main features, which are briefly mentioned, a tourniquet is disclosed consisting of a strap sewn to a belt loop at its initial portion. After the loop, a stabilizing plate is sewn to the compression strap. This stabilizing plate consists of the torsion strap, with the torsion bar attached to it, and the locking clip. The marking label is also sewn to the stabilizing plate and made of Velcro. At the end of the strap, the rubberized guide tip is attached, and above the tip, the puller, also made of rubber, is inserted. The aircraft-grade aluminum torsion bar has a pen inserted in its upper portion for marking the time on the label.

[0017] Also in accordance with the invention claimed herein, the loop and locking clip are made of polymeric material. However, to enhance the safety of the tourniquet's constituent structures, these components feature an aircraft-grade aluminum core, providing greater strength and safety during use. Furthermore, the stabilization plate was made of flexible material to allow for the proper adjustment required for proper use of the tourniquet, providing the appropriate strength and safety for the intended use. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0018] Some embodiments of the present invention are illustrated as an example in the accompanying drawings and are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. The description of the present application, the disclosed product, the advantages and essential features will be more readily apparent when read in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0019] Figure 1 represents a front perspective view of a tourniquet with torsion bar, and pen, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0020] Figure 2 represents a rear perspective view of a tourniquet according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0021] Figure 3A illustrates a front view of the end portion of a tourniquet, and Figure 3B illustrates a rear view of the end portion in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0022] Figure 4 illustrates a rear view of the initial portion, which represents in detail the structures that make up the tourniquet in Figure 1, showing the pen not inserted into the torsion bar, however in the insertion position.

[0023] Figure 5 is a rear perspective view of the initial portion of the tourniquet.

[0024] Figure 6 is a front view of the initial portion of the tourniquet, demonstrating its main structures and detailed differential technical characteristics.

[0025] Figure 7 is a front view of the initial portion enlarged, to demonstrate the core of the dowel.

[0026] Figures 8A and 8B demonstrate the tourniquet stabilization plate of Figure 1, and its details.

[0027] It should be understood that other embodiments of the present invention may be utilized and that structural changes based on currently known structural and / or functional equivalents may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] The detailed description refers to the drawings that are part of this document and in which the specific embodiments that can be practiced in the present invention are shown. The invention is then described in sufficient detail to permit those skilled in the art to practice it, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be applied and that logical, mechanical, electrical, and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of implementation. The following detailed description should therefore not be taken in a limiting sense.

[0029] The present invention consists of components specifically designed to make tourniquet use easier, faster, and more practical. It also provides greater safety during application, whether self-application or application to a patient. The tourniquet described herein is facilitated by the presence of the structures defined below, which aim to improve the application of the nominal pressure appropriate for use in rescue operations.

[0030] Figure 1 presents a schematic demonstration of the tourniquet 100, and its components, namely, the strap 1 10, which allows the sliding movement for uniform application of pressure around the entire limb to be tourniquet, which is inserted into the passer 120, which allows the strap 1 10 to slide, enabling increased patient comfort by increasing the contact of the strap 1 10 with the patient's skin in the compression region.

[0031] It is possible to observe in Figures 1 and 2, other structures that provide the functional differential of the tourniquet 100 of the present application, such as, the torsion band 115, the torsion bar 130, the stabilization plate 140, the locking clip 150, the label 170, and the pen 160.

[0032] In Figures 3a and 3b, the structures of the guide tip 180 and the puller 190, inserted in the terminal portion of the strip 110, are shown in detail.

[0033] Figures 4, 5 and 6 provide details of the turnstile structures, with a better demonstration of the differential components and their conformations.

[0034] Figure 7 provides an enlarged demonstration of the strainer 120, located in the initial portion of the strip 110, and showing the core 125 of the strainer, a structure that provides it with greater safety and resistance than the strainers currently in the art.

[0035] In Figures 8A and 8B, the stabilization plate 140 and its locking clip component 150 are shown in detail, as well as a demonstration of the web 145 of the clip 150.

[0036] To apply tourniquet 100 to the limb, the user must wrap the tourniquet around the limb by inserting the guide tip 180 at the end through the loop 120 at the front end of the strap 110. The strap 110 must then be pulled with a reasonable amount of tension by means of the puller 190 in the opposite direction of insertion. The loop 120 offers the advantage of being quickly adjustable in use to accommodate a variety of limb sizes, such as from the thigh to the forearm.

[0037] After adjusting the strap 110 through the loop 120, which is done by means of a velcro structure, as provided in the prior art, the tourniquet 100 provides that a superior pressure adjustment is done by means of the torque of the torsion strap 115 by the torsion bar 130, attached to the strap 110 by the torsion strap 115 sewn overlapping the stabilization plate 140. The plate 140 allows a reinforced contact between the strap 110, the patient's skin and the torsion bar 130, and provides greater comfort and safety in the use of the equipment.

[0038] The conformation of the stabilization plate 140, as arranged and presented here, allows flexibility, even providing the necessary support for the torque of the band 115 through the rotation of the torsion bar 130, which adapts and provides an adaptation of the tourniquet 100 to a comfortable conformation for use, without losing the rigidity necessary for maintaining pressure, which differentiates the invention in question from the closest prior art.

[0039] After twisting the band 1 15 by the bar 130, the bar 130 must be inserted into the locking clip 150 to fix the said bar 130, and guarantee the maintenance of the pressure exerted by the band 1 10. Afterwards, it is indicated that the time at which the tourniquet was made must be noted on the label 170 with the pen 160.

[0040] It is important to emphasize that the pressure exerted by the structures must be sufficient to occlude arterial flow, which could overload the structures of the passer 120 or the locking clip 150. That said, the present invention provides a solution by inserting the plastic structures in aircraft-grade aluminum to ensure greater stability and safety for the user. Here, we refer to the core 125 of the passer 120 and the core 145 of the locking clip 150, as seen in Figures 7 and 8, respectively.

[0041] Regarding the 120 guide, this is a single-route buckle, allowing for quick sliding, promoting reduced blood loss, effective slack removal, and enabling fewer turns of the 130 torsion bar, due to its improved adjustment. The 130 torsion bar has a comfortable diameter for achieving torque in the 1.15 range, and features greater strength, well-defined ribs that improve grip on the 150 locking clip, which features a bilateral entry for quick locking of the 130 torsion bar, and aircraft-grade aluminum reinforcement for greater wear resistance.

[0042] To further enhance comfort and safety when using tourniquet 100, a rubberized guide tip 180 was inserted at the back and cross ends to provide pull and firmness, replacing the commonly used Velcro. Another key feature of the present invention's support and safety is the location of the latch at the front of the tourniquet, making it easier to locate for user support.

[0043] It should be emphasized that the present invention should not be limited to the specific examples provided, and that modifications and substitutions should be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are used herein, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Tourniquet (100), containing a compression band (110), a torsion band (1 15), a loop (120) which has a pair of openings for the passage of the compression tape (1 10) made of velcro, with one end fixed to the loop (120) by means of sewing, and the other end being free to run through the opening of the loop (120), in which the compression band (110) has, in its initial portion, after the loop (120), a stabilization plate (140), comprising the torsion band (1 15), with the grooved torsion bar (130), inserted in the torsion band (1 15), and the locking clip (150), fixed to the stabilization plate (140), and the label (170) fixed to this assembly, characterized in that the torsion bar (130) contains a pen (160) in its interior, and the compression band (1 10) has a guide tip (180) and a handle (190).

2. Turnstile (100), according to claim 1, characterized in that the pin (120) is made of polymeric material and has inside it a pin core (125) made of aeronautical aluminum.

3. Tourniquet (100), according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking clip (150) is made of polymeric material and has inside it a clip core (145) made of aeronautical aluminum.

4. Tourniquet (100), according to claim 1, characterized in that the pen (160) is a constituent part of the torsion bar (130) in aeronautical aluminum.

Images