Systems and methods for directing a user to manage a wound in a subject

Abstract

The present disclosure pertains to computer-implemented methods of directing a user to manage a wound in a subject by (1) prompting the user to apply pressure to the wound; (2) measuring the applied pressure to the wound; (3) determining if the measured pressure meets or exceeds a certain threshold; and (4) prompting the user to apply additional pressure to the wound if the measured pressure is below the threshold. The methods of the present disclosure may also include a step of (5) prompting the user to not apply additional pressure if the measured pressure meets or exceeds the threshold. The present disclosure also pertains to systems for directing a user to manage a wound in a subject, such as in accordance with the methods of the present disclosure.

Description

TITEESYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DIRECTING A USER TO MANAGE A WOUND IN A SUBJECTCROSS-REFERENCE TO REEATED APPEICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 562,160, filed on March 6, 2024. The entirety of the aforementioned application is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND

[0002] A need exists for more effective methods and systems of training users to manage wounds, such as wounds representing uncontrolled bleeding. Numerous embodiments of the present disclosure aim to address the aforementioned need.SUMMARY

[0003] In some embodiments, the present disclosure pertains to computer-implemented methods of directing a user to manage a wound in a subject. In some embodiments, the methods of the present disclosure include one or more steps of: prompting the user to apply pressure to the wound; measuring the applied pressure to the wound; determining if the measured pressure meets or exceeds a certain threshold; and prompting the user to apply additional pressure to the wound if the measured pressure is below the threshold. In some embodiments, the methods of the present disclosure also include a step of prompting the user to not apply additional pressure if the measured pressure meets or exceeds the threshold.

[0004] Additional embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to systems for directing a user to manage a wound in a subject. In some embodiments, the system includes a computing device. In some embodiments, the computing device includes one or more computer readable storage mediums having at least one program code embodied therewith. In some embodiments, the at least one program code includes programming instructions for: prompting the user to apply pressure to the wound; measuring the applied pressure to the wound; determining if the measured pressure meets or exceeds a certain threshold; and prompting the user to apply additional pressure to the wound if the measured pressure is below the threshold. In some embodiments, the system further includes programming instructions for prompting the user to not apply additional pressure if the measured pressure meets or exceeds the threshold.DRAWINGS

[0005] FIG. 1 provides an illustration of a method of directing a user to manage a wound in a subject.

[0006] FIG. 2 provides an illustration of a system for directing a user to manage a wound in a subject.

[0007] FIG. 3 provides an illustration of a computer storage medium for managing a wound in a subject.

[0008] FIG. 4 provides an example of a graphical user interface (GUI) for directing a user to manage a wound in a subject.

[0009] FIG. 5 provides an example of a GUI operational flow chart.DETAILED DESCRIPTION rooioi It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are illustrative and explanatory, and are not restrictive of the subject matter, as claimed. In this application, the use of the singular includes the plural, the word “a” or “an” means “at least one”, and the use of “or” means “and / or”, unless specifically stated otherwise. Furthermore, the use of the term “including”, as well as other forms, such as “includes” and “included”, is not limiting. Also, terms such as “element” or “component” encompass both elements or components comprising one unit and elements or components that include more than one unit unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0011] The section headings used herein are for organizational purposes and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described. All documents, or portions of documents, cited in this application, including, but not limited to, patents, patent applications, articles, books, and treatises, are hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for any purpose. In the event that one or more of the incorporated literature and similar materials defines a term in a manner that contradicts the definition of that term in this application, this application controls.

[0012] Wound management represents an unmet medical need. In particular, uncontrolled bleeding is the leading cause of preventable death from trauma. Moreover, effective training for managing uncontrolled bleeding provides the best opportunity to change that statistic. However, current training models (e.g., plans and training equipment) have numerous limitations.

[0013] For instance, the Stop the Bleed(R) (STB) Campaign aims to train civilians on how to control severe bleeding if medical attention is unavailable at the time. The success of this course in improving trainees’ perceptions of preparedness and self-efficacy before and after the course is well-documented.

[0014] One aspect of STB courses includes a lesson on applying direct pressure to an active wound while another aspect involves the use of a tourniquet to cut off blood supply to an active bleed. For instance, such courses include a tourniquet and packing / clotting model.

[0015] However, STB courses have numerous limitations. For instance, without a model that evaluates the amount of direct pressure trainees actually exert, or how tight they tighten the tourniquet, it is impossible to objectively assess if the trainee actually mastered the technique necessary to stop an active bleed.

[0016] In fact, it has been found that when individuals are asked to demonstrate the amount of pressure they believe is necessary to stop an active bleed, or how tight they believe the tourniquet needs to be, it is far less than what is required under real-life circumstances. For instance, in current training courses, individuals may be asked to apply direct pressure to a manikin or tighten a tourniquet on a volunteer. However, without a pressure sensor, the trainer is unable to assess if the actual pressure applied is adequate.

[0017] As such, a need exists for more effective methods and systems of training users to manage wounds, such as wounds representing uncontrolled bleeding. Numerous embodiments of the present disclosure aim to address the aforementioned need.

[0018] Methods of directing a user to manage a wound in a sub ject

[0019] In some embodiments, the present disclosure pertains to computer-implemented methods of directing a user to manage a wound in a subject. In some embodiments, the methods of the present disclosure include one or more steps of: prompting the user to apply pressure to the wound; measuring the applied pressure to the wound; determining if the measured pressure meets or exceeds a certain threshold; and prompting the user to apply additional pressure to the wound if the measured pressure is below the threshold. In some embodiments, the methods of the present disclosure also include a step of prompting the user to not apply additional pressure if the measured pressure meets or exceeds the threshold. As set forth in more detail herein, the methods of the present disclosure can have numerous embodiments.

[0020] Application of pressure to a wound

[0021] Various methods may be utilized to apply pressure or additional pressure to a wound. For instance, in some embodiments, the applied or additional pressure includes, without limitation, application of direct pressure to the wound, application of a tourniquet to the wound, packing the wound, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, a user selects a mode of one or more of such applied or additional pressures to the wound. In some embodiments, the mode includes application of direct pressure to the wound.

[0022] In some embodiments, the step of prompting the user to apply pressure or additional pressure to the wound includes prompting the user to apply a tourniquet to the subject. In some embodiments, the methods of the present disclosure also include a step of prompting the user to not apply pressure or additional pressure if the measured pressure meets or exceeds the threshold.

[0023] Prompts

[0024] The methods of the present disclosure may utilize various types of prompts. For instance, in some embodiments, the prompts can each independently include, without limitation, written instructions, audible instructions, voice prompts, visual instructions, audio-visual instructions, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the prompts can each independently include, without limitation, audible instructions, voice prompts, audio-visual instructions, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the prompts can include voice prompts.

[0025] Measurement of pressure

[0026] The methods of the present disclosure can measure an applied or additional pressure to a wound in various manners. For instance, in some embodiments, the applied or additional pressure to the wound is measured through one or more pressure sensors within or surrounding the wound. In some embodiments, the methods of the present disclosure also include a step of prompting the user to place one or more pressure sensors at or near the wound. In some embodiments, the measuring of the applied or additional pressure to the wound and the prompting of the user occur continuously.

[0027] Determining if the measured pressure meets or exceeds a certain threshold[00281 Various methods may be utilized to determine if a measured pressure meets or exceeds a certain threshold. For instance, in some embodiments, the step of determining if the measured pressure meets or exceeds a certain threshold occurs manually. In some embodiments, the step of determining if the measured pressure meets or exceeds a certain threshold occurs automatically through the use of an algorithm.

[0029] In some embodiments, one or more pressure sensors may be used to measure pressure applied to certain areas of a wound. In some embodiments, a measured pressure may be checked against a stored threshold value, depending on the location and type of wound. In some embodiments, the threshold can be set based on various parameters, such as the anatomical pressure required to occlude a certain blood vessel in a subject (e.g., a human) in the location of a wound.

[0030] In some embodiments, an algorithm may be utilized to determine if a measured pressure meets or exceeds a certain threshold. In some embodiments, the algorithm may be dependent on blood flow indicated in setting up a scenario (e.g., a training scenario), with high blood flow requiring more pressure than a medium or low blood flow. In some embodiments, a measured pressure threshold may depend on the type of wound (e.g., a wound selected in a training scenario). For instance, in some embodiments, distributed wounds that need to be packed may require more pressure than relatively smaller puncture wounds that are easily addressed with direct pressure.

[0031] Directing fluid flow to the subject

[0032] In some embodiments, the methods of the present disclosure also include a step of directing fluid flow to the subject. In some embodiments, the fluid flow is directed from a reservoir and through a fluid transfusion system. In some embodiments, the methods of the present disclosure also include a step of prompting the user to connect the subject to the fluid transfusion system.

[0033] In some embodiments, fluid flow is directed to the subject if the measured pressure is below a certain threshold. In some embodiments, directing fluid flow to the subject includes actuating a fluid pump. In some embodiments, the fluid pump directs the fluid flow from the reservoir to the subject through the fluid transfusion system.

[0034] In some embodiments, directing fluid flow to the subject includes opening one or more valves. In some embodiments, the opened valves direct the fluid flow from the reservoir to the subject through the fluid transfusion system.

[0035] In some embodiments, the methods of the present disclosure also include a step of terminating or reducing fluid flow to the subject from the reservoir. In some embodiments, the fluid flow is terminated or reduced if the measured pressure goes above a certain threshold.

[0036] In some embodiments, terminating or reducing fluid flow to the subject includes shutting or slowing down a fluid pump. In some embodiments, the fluid pump terminates or reduces the fluid flow from the reservoir to the subject through the fluid transfusion system. In some embodiments, the fluid pump slows down fluid flow in proportion to the pressure applied by a user.

[0037] In some embodiments, terminating or reducing fluid flow to the subject includes closing one or more valves. In some embodiments, the closed valves terminate or reduce the fluid flow from the reservoir to the subject through the fluid transfusion system.

[0038] Wounds

[0039] The methods of the present disclosure may be utilized to manage various types of wounds. For instance, in some embodiments, the wound includes, without limitation, a bleeding wound, an active wound, a junctional wound, a bullet wound, a stab wound, a shrapnel wound, an amputated region, an artificial wound mimicking an actual wound, or combinations thereof.

[0040] In some embodiments, the wound includes a bleeding wound of the subject. In some embodiments, the wound includes an artificial wound mimicking an actual wound.

[0041] Subjects[00421 The methods of the present disclosure may be utilized to manage wounds in various subjects for various purposes. For instance, in some embodiments, the subject is a human being suffering from one or more wounds. As such, in some embodiments, the method may be used to treat one or more wounds in the subject.

[0043] In some embodiments, the subject is a mannequin. As such, in some embodiments, the method may be used to train a user to manage one or more wounds. In particular, the mannequin may be used for training a user to manage one or more wounds.

[0044] Users

[0045] The methods of the present disclosure may be utilized by various users. For instance, in some embodiments, users may be bystanders to an emergency situation that may require direction for the management of wounds. In some embodiments, users may be trainees being trained to manage one or more wounds.

[0046] Providing feedback

[0047] In some embodiments, the methods of the present disclosure may also include a step of providing feedback to a user in managing the wound. For instance, in some embodiments the feedback is provided in the form of a score. In some embodiments, the feedback is displayed on a screen, such as a graphical user interface.

[0048] Variations

[0049] The methods of the present disclosure can have numerous variations. For instance, in some embodiments, the methods of the present disclosure occur continuously. In some embodiments, the methods of the present disclosure occur automatically.

[0050] A specific example of a computer-implemented method of directing a user to manage a wound in a subject is illustrated in FIG. 1. In this example, the computer- implemented method prompts the user to place one or more pressure sensors at or near a wound (step 10) and connect the subject to a fluid transfusion system (step 12). Thereafter, the method prompts the user to apply pressure to the wound (step 14). Next, the method measures the applied pressure to the wound (step 16) and determines if the measured pressure meets or exceeds a certain threshold (step 18). The method prompts the user to apply additional pressure to the wound if the measured pressure is below the threshold (step 20). The method may also direct fluid flow to the subject from a fluid transfusion system (step 22).

[0051] Alternatively, the method illustrated in FIG. 1 may prompt the user to not apply additional pressure to the wound if the measured pressure is above a certain threshold (step 24). The method may also terminate or reduce fluid flow to the subject from a fluid transfusion system (step 26). In this example, the measuring of the applied pressure to the wound and the prompting of the user occur continuously (steps 28 and 30). As such, the computer-implemented method continuously monitors the applied pressure and adjusts the prompts and fluid flow accordingly. In some embodiments, the measuring of the applied pressure to the wound and the prompting of the user are displayed on a screen, such as a graphical user interface. In some embodiments, a graphical user interface may display a pressure applied and fluid flow as a function of time. In some embodiments, a graphical user interface may also include an indication on the screen of a required minimum pressure.

[0052] Systems for directing a user to manage a wound in a subject[00531 Additional embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to systems for directing a user to manage a wound in a subject. In some embodiments, the system includes a computing device. In some embodiments, the computing device includes one or more computer readable storage mediums having at least one program code embodied therewith. In some embodiments, the at least one program code includes programming instructions for: prompting the user to apply pressure to the wound; measuring the applied pressure to the wound; determining if the measured pressure meets or exceeds a certain threshold; and prompting the user to apply additional pressure to the wound if the measured pressure is below the threshold. In some embodiments, the system further includes programming instructions for prompting the user to not apply additional pressure if the measured pressure meets or exceeds the threshold.

[0054] In some embodiments, the system also includes one or more user selectable modes of applying pressure or additional pressure to the wound. In some embodiments, the one or more selectable modes includes, without limitation, application of direct pressure to the wound, application of a tourniquet to the wound, packing the wound, or combinations thereof.

[0055] In some embodiments, programming instructions for prompting the user to apply pressure or additional pressure to the wound includes programming instructions for prompting the user to apply a tourniquet to the subject.

[0056] Pressure sensors

[0057] In some embodiments, the systems of the present disclosure also include one or more pressure sensors. In some embodiments, the pressure sensors are operational to be placed at or near the wound.

[0058] In some embodiments, the systems of the present disclosure also include programming instructions for measuring the applied or additional pressure to the wound through one or more pressure sensors within or surrounding the wound. In some embodiments, the systems of the present disclosure also include programming instructions for prompting the user to place one or more pressure sensors at or near the wound. In some embodiments, the programming instructions for measuring the applied or additional pressure to the wound include programming instructions for measuring the applied or additional pressure and prompting the user continuously.

[0059] Fluid transfusion system

[0060] In some embodiments, the systems of the present disclosure also include a fluid transfusion system. In some embodiments, the fluid transfusion system is operational to direct fluid flow to the subject from a fluid reservoir. In some embodiments, the fluid may include, without limitation, blood, artificial blood (i.e., simulated blood), saline, water, or combinations thereof.

[0061] In some embodiments, the fluid transfusion system also includes a fluid pump. In some embodiments, the fluid pump is operational to direct fluid flow from a reservoir to the subject.

[0062] In some embodiments, the fluid transfusion system also includes one or more valves. In some embodiments, the valves are operational to direct fluid flow from a reservoir to the subject.

[0063] In some embodiments, the systems of the present disclosure also include programming instructions for directing fluid flow to the subject. In some embodiments, the fluid flow is directed from a reservoir and through a fluid transfusion system. In some embodiments, the systems of the present disclosure also include programming instructions for prompting the user to connect the subject to a fluid transfusion system. In some embodiments, the programming instructions direct fluid flow to the subject if the measured or additional pressure is below a certain threshold.

[0064] In some embodiments, the programming instructions for directing fluid flow to the subject includes programming instructions for actuating a fluid pump. In some embodiments, the fluid pump directs the fluid flow from a reservoir to the subject through a fluid transfusion system.

[0065] In some embodiments, the programming instructions for directing fluid flow to the subject includes programming instructions for opening one or more valves. In some embodiments, the opened valves direct the fluid flow from a reservoir to the subject through a fluid transfusion system.

[0066] In some embodiments, the systems of the present disclosure also include programming instructions for terminating or reducing fluid flow to the subject from a reservoir. In some embodiments, the programming instructions terminate or reduce fluid flow if the measured pressure goes above a certain threshold.

[0067] In some embodiments, the programming instructions for terminating or reducing fluid flow to the subject includes programming instructions for shutting or slowing down a fluid pump. In some embodiments, the fluid pump terminates or reduces the fluid flow from a reservoir to the subject through a fluid transfusion system.

[0068] In some embodiments, the programming instructions for terminating or reducing fluid flow to the subject includes programming instructions for closing one or more valves. In some embodiments, the closed valves terminate or reduce the fluid flow from a reservoir to the subject through a fluid transfusion system.

[0069] Prompts

[0070] The systems of the present disclosure may include various prompts from the programming instructions. For instance, in some embodiments, the prompts from the programming instructions include, without limitation, written instructions, audible instructions, voice prompts, visual instructions, audio-visual instructions, or combinations thereof.

[0071] Feedback

[0072] In some embodiments, the systems of the present disclosure also include programming instructions for providing feedback to a user in managing a wound. In some embodiments, the feedback is provided in the form of a score. In some embodiments, the feedback is displayed on a screen.

[0073] Variations

[0074] The systems of the present disclosure can include numerous embodiments and variations. For instance, an example of a system for directing a user to manage a wound in a subject is illustrated in FIG. 2. In this example, the system includes a plurality of pressure sensors 11 that are operational to be placed at or near numerous wounds, such as a junctional wound 12 (e.g., axillary artery), a bullet / stab / shrapnel wound 13, and an amputated region 14 with exposed bone 16.

[0075] In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the system also includes a fluid transfusion system that is operational to direct fluid flow to blood vessels 10 of the subject from a reservoir 1. The fluid transfusion system includes a fluid pump 4 and valves 6 (i.e., electronically controlled on / off solenoid valves) that are operational to direct fluid flow from reservoir 1 to blood vessels 10 of the subject. The fluid transfusion system in this example also includes a three-way splitter 5 positioned between fluid pump 4 and valves 6. Additionally, the fluid transfusion system in this example includes a split in tubes 15.

[0076] In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the system also includes a speaker 3 for directing voice prompts to a user, a microcontroller 9 for managing the programming instructions, and a display 2 for displaying various parameters related to wound management. Additionally, the system includes a battery 7 with a charging port 8 for supplying power to the system.

[0077] The displays of the systems of the present disclosure can include various embodiments. For instance, in some embodiments, the displays of the present disclosure are in the form of a graphical user interface (GUI) shown in FIG. 4. In some embodiments, the GUI operates in accordance with the flow chart shown in FIG. 5. In some embodiments, the GUI illustrated in FIGS. 4-5 provides users with options available in selecting certain scenarios. Such scenarios may include, without limitation, sound (e.g., on / off), fluid flow (e.g., blood flow) (e.g., high / low / off), wound type, performance parameters (e.g., pressure versus time), target pressure, or combinations thereof.

[0078] The systems of the present disclosure can include additional programming instructions. Such programming instructions can include programming instructions for: running the inner workings of the device, including reading the values of the pressure sensors, analyzing the pressure data, and performing calculations on it to correlate it with the amount of fluid (e.g., blood) lost during a simulation; connecting with a graphical user interface; connecting with a website; turning on and off the valves; controlling the pump motor; saving the data; and / or playing an audio.

[0079] In some embodiments, the programming instructions include customizable settings (e.g., as shown on a screen), where a user will specify prior to training initiation. Such customizable settings can include, without limitation, activation of sound; activation of fluid; technique specification (e.g., tourniquet, direct pressure, and / or packing); high (e.g., venous) vs low (e.g., arterial) flow fluid settings; and / or wound selection. In some embodiments, the programming instructions may also include data collection, storage, and retrieval capabilities and mechanisms; the sound reflecting the reaction of a human who may be suffering from a wound; and the ability to set the threshold pressure depending on the scenario being emulated. In some embodiments, the settings can be managed for an entire class of subjects all at once and the results can be collected as a group of subjects or as individual subjects.

[0080] Computer storage media[00811 The systems of the present disclosure can include various types of computer-readable storage mediums. For instance, in some embodiments, the computer-readable storage medium can be a tangible device that can retain and store instructions for use by an instruction execution device. In some embodiments, the computer-readable storage medium may include, without limitation, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or combinations thereof. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of suitable computer-readable storage media include, without limitation, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device, or combinations thereof.

[0082] A computer-readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construed as being transitory signals per se. Such transitory signals may be represented by radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulses passing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmitted through a wire.

[0083] In some embodiments, computer-readable program instructions for systems can be downloaded to respective computing / processing devices from a computer-readable storage medium or to an external computer or external storage device via a network, such as the Internet, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN) and / or a wireless network. In some embodiments, the network may include copper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and / or edge servers. In some embodiments, a network adapter card or network interface in each computing / processing device receives computer-readable program instructions from the network and forwards the computer-readable program instructions for storage in a computer-readable storage medium within the respective computing / processing device.

[0084] In some embodiments, computer-readable program instructions for carrying out operations of the present disclosure may be assembler instructions, instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine-dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, configuration data for integrated circuitry, or either source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object-oriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++, Python, or the like, and procedural programming languages, such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages.

[0085] In some embodiments, the computer-readable program instructions may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected in some embodiments to the user's computer through any type of network, including a LAN or a WAN, or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example, programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer-readable program instructions by utilizing state information of the computer- readable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry in order to perform aspects of the present disclosure.

[0086] Embodiments of the present disclosure for directing a user to manage a wound in a subject as discussed herein may be implemented using a system illustrated in FIG. 3. Referring now to FIG. 3, FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the present disclosure of the hardware configuration of a system 30, which is representative of a hardware environment for practicing various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0087] System 30 has a processor 31 connected to various other components by system bus 32. An operating system 33 runs on processor 31 and provides control and coordinates the functions of the various components of FIG. 3. An application 34 in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure runs in conjunction with operating system 33 and provides calls to operating system 33, where the calls implement the various functions or services to be performed by application 34. Application 34 may include, for example, a program for directing a user to manage a wound in a subject as discussed in the present disclosure, such as in connection with FIGS. 1-2 and 4-5.

[0088] Referring again to FIG. 3, read-only memory ("ROM") 35 is connected to system bus 32 and includes a basic input / output system ("BIOS") that controls certain basic functions of system 30. Random access memory ("RAM") 36 and disk adapter 37 are also connected to system bus 32. It should be noted that software components including operating system 33 and application 34 may be loaded into RAM 36, which may be system’s 30 main memory for execution. Disk adapter 37 may be an integrated drive electronics ("IDE") adapter that communicates with a disk unit 38 (e.g., a disk drive). It is noted that the program for directing a user to manage a wound in a subject, as discussed in the present disclosure, such as in connection with FIGS. 1-2 and 4-5, may reside in disk unit 38 or in application 34.

[0089] System 30 may further include a communications adapter 39 connected to system bus 32. Communications adapter 39 interconnects system bus 32 with an outside network (e.g., wide area network) to communicate with other devices. In some embodiments, system 30 may also include GPU clusters.

[0090] Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and systems according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams can be implemented by computer-readable program instructions.

[0091] These computer-readable program instructions may be provided to a processor of a computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the function s / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks. These computer-readable program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and / or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored therein includes an article of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects of the function / act specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks. The computer-readable program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computer-aided process, such that the instructions which execute on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0092] The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and systems according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which includes one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the Figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be accomplished as one step, executed concurrently, substantially concurrently, in a partially or wholly temporally overlapping manner, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

[0093] Without further elaboration, it is believed that one skilled in the art can, using the description herein, utilize the present disclosure to its fullest extent. The embodiments described herein are to be construed as illustrative and not as constraining the remainder of the disclosure in any way whatsoever. While the embodiments have been shown and described, many variations and modifications thereof can be made by one skilled in the ail without departing from the spirit and teachings of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited by the description set out above, but is only limited by the claims, including all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims. The disclosures of all patents, patent applications and publications cited herein are hereby incorporated herein by reference, to the extent that they provide procedural or other details consistent with and supplementary to those set forth herein.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A computer-implemented method of directing a user to manage a wound in a subject, said method comprising: prompting the user to apply pressure to the wound; measuring the applied pressure to the wound; determining if the measured pressure meets or exceeds a certain threshold; and prompting the user to apply additional pressure to the wound if the measured pressure is below the threshold.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises a step of prompting the user to not apply additional pressure if the measured pressure meets or exceeds the threshold.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the applied or additional pressure is selected from the group consisting of application of direct pressure to the wound, application of a tourniquet to the wound, packing the wound, or combinations thereof.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the applied or additional pressure to the wound is measured through one or more pressure sensors within or surrounding the wound.

5. The method of claim 4, further comprising a step of prompting the user to place one or more pressure sensors at or near the wound.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the measuring of the applied or additional pressure to the wound and the prompting of the user occur continuously.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising a step of directing fluid flow to the subject, wherein the fluid flow is directed from a reservoir and through a fluid transfusion system.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising a step of prompting the user to connect the subject to the fluid transfusion system.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising a step of terminating or reducing fluid flow to the subject from the reservoir, wherein the fluid flow is terminated or reduced if the measured pressure meets or exceeds the threshold.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the wound is selected from the group consisting of a bleeding wound, an active wound, a junctional wound, a bullet wound, a stab wound, a shrapnel wound, an amputated region, an artificial wound mimicking an actual wound, or combinations thereof.

11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the wound comprises an artificial wound mimicking an actual wound.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the subject is a human being suffering from one or more wounds, and wherein the method is used to treat the one or more wounds in the subject.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the subject is a mannequin used for training the user to manage one or more wounds.

14. The method of claim 1, further comprising a step of providing feedback to the user in managing the wound.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the feedback is provided in the form of a score.

16. A system for directing a user to manage a wound in a subject, wherein the system comprises a computing device, wherein the computing device comprises one or more computer readable storage mediums having at least one program code embodied therewith, wherein the at least one program code comprises programming instructions for: prompting the user to apply pressure to the wound; measuring the applied pressure to the wound; determining if the measured pressure meets or exceeds a certain threshold; and prompting the user to apply additional pressure to the wound if the measured pressure is below the threshold.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the system further comprises programming instructions for prompting the user to not apply additional pressure if the measured pressure meets or exceeds the threshold.

18. The system of claim 16, wherein the system further comprises one or more user selectable modes of applying pressure or additional pressure to the wound.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the one or more modes is selected from the group consisting of application of direct pressure to the wound, application of a tourniquet to the wound, packing the wound, or combinations thereof.

20. The system of claim 16, further comprising one or more pressure sensors, wherein the one or more pressure sensors are operational to be placed at or near the wound.

21. The system of claim 16, wherein the system further comprises programming instructions for measuring the applied or additional pressure to the wound through one or more pressure sensors within or surrounding the wound.

22. The system of claim 21, wherein the system further comprises programming instructions for prompting the user to place one or more pressure sensors at or near the wound.

23. The system of claim 16, wherein the programming instructions for measuring the applied or additional pressure to the wound comprises programming instructions for measuring the applied or additional pressure and prompting the user continuously.

24. The system of claim 16, wherein the system further comprises a fluid transfusion system, wherein the fluid transfusion system is operational to direct fluid flow to the subject from a reservoir.

25. The system of claim 24, further comprising programming instructions for directing fluid flow to the subject, wherein the fluid flow is directed from the reservoir and through the fluid transfusion system.

26. The system of claim 24, further comprising programming instructions for prompting the user to connect the subject to the fluid transfusion system, wherein the programming instructions direct fluid flow to the subject if the measured pressure is below the threshold.

27. The system of claim 26, further comprising programming instructions for terminating or reducing fluid flow to the subject from the reservoir, wherein the programming instructions terminate or reduce fluid flow if the measured pressure meets or exceeds the threshold.

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