Hemorrhage control apparatus and methods

Abstract

A blood-flow-control apparatus (20) for use with an anatomical surface of a subject that is disposed above a blood vessel, is provided. A compression element (28) is positioned such that a compressing surface (42) of the compression element is in contact with the anatomical surface, and a shaft (25) extends from and disposed perpendicularly with respect to the compression element (28), such that, when the compressing surface (42) of the compression element (28) is in contact with the anatomical surface, the shaft (25) is disposed normal to the anatomical surface. A trigger (22) is operably coupled to the shaft (25) such that, upon respective actuations of the trigger (22), the shaft (25) is advanced distally in a stepwise manner to apply pressure to the blood vessel via the compressing surface (42) of the compression element (28). Other applications are also described.

Description

[0001] HEMORRHAGE CONTROL APPARATUS AND METHODS

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] The present application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 663,877 to Guri et al., filed June 25, 2024, entitled "DIRECT PRESSURE APPLICATOR TOOL", which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0004] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0005] Some applications of the present disclosure generally relate to medical devices, and more particularly to systems, apparatuses and related methods for controlling blood loss in a subject.

[0006] BACKGROUND

[0007] Hemorrhage is a leading cause of preventable death in battlefield, accidents and in medical care facilities, with rapid blood loss from traumatic injuries often resulting in fatalities before casualties can reach required care.

[0008] In some cases, it is possible to control bleeding by application of direct pressure to a wound with a clean cloth bandage, or hand, to promote clotting and stop the flow of blood.

[0009] In situations involving severe uncontrolled bleeding, direct pressure may be applied to a major artery that supplies the injured body part, e.g., a limb, at a point upstream of the bleeding site, in attempt to stop or reduce the flow of blood that cannot be stopped with direct pressure to the wound itself. Emergency techniques may include applying direct pressure manually with fingers or a fist requiring a caregiver dedicated to maintaining steady compression since releasing pressure, even temporarily, can allow renewed bleeding.

[0010] In some cases, a tourniquet is used to apply pressure to a limb or extremity in order to stop the flow of blood. Using a tourniquet typically involves wrapping material upstream to the source of bleeding and applying pressure to stop or slow bleeding. Tourniquets typically apply concentric pressure to cut off blood flow to a limb. While extremity hemorrhage has become more manageable due to the use of tourniquets, junctional hemorrhage, which is bleeding that occurs at the anatomical transition zones between the limbs and torso such as the groin, axilla, and neck, remains a significant challenge. These junctional areas are difficult to compress, making standard tourniquets less effective, and accounting for many potentially survivable traumatic deaths, with groin injuries being a common type.

[0011] There is therefore an ongoing need to provide specialized devices for advanced bleeding control aiming to provide temporary hemorrhage control until surgical intervention is possible. Early and effective management of hemorrhage is crucial to improving survival rates in traumatic settings.

[0012] SUMMARY

[0013] In accordance with some applications of the present disclosure, apparatus and methods are provided for controlling blood loss in a subject by applying compressive pressure to a blood vessel, such as an artery. The apparatus is a blood-flow-control apparatus configured for use with an anatomical surface of the subject, the anatomical surface being disposed above the blood vessel. For some applications, the blood-flow-control apparatus includes a compression element, such as a compression disc, which is configured to be positioned such that a compressing surface of the compression element is in contact with the anatomical surface of the subject (e.g., a surface of tissue, such as skin, having underlying blood vessels to be compressed). For some applications, a shaft extends from the compression element and is disposed perpendicularly with respect to the compression element, such that, when the compressing surface of the compression element is in contact with the anatomical surface, the shaft is disposed approximately normal to the anatomical surface. A trigger is operably coupled to the shaft such that, upon respective actuations of the trigger, the shaft is configured to advance distally in a stepwise manner to thereby apply pressure to the blood vessel via the compressing surface of the compression element.

[0014] Typically, in such a manner, targeted and focused pressure is applied by the compression element to compress the target blood vessel generally while avoiding or reducing compression of anatomical structures positioned generally laterally to the blood vessel (compared to traditional hemorrhage control devices, such as tourniquets, which apply concentric pressure that is distributed evenly and symmetrically around a central blood vessels, thereby compressing anatomical structures disposed in the radius surrounding the blood vessel).

[0015] For some applications, the blood-flow-control apparatus additionally includes a pad coupled to the compression element and configured for placement on the subject, externally to the anatomical surface of the subject. Additionally, first and second sets of straps are coupled to the pad and are individually adjustable. Typically, the first and second sets of straps secure the pad to the subject such that the compressing surface of the compression element is securely held in contact with the anatomical surface. Furthermore, being individually adjustable, the first and second sets of straps facilitate placement and stabilization of the blood-flow-control apparatus to control junctional hemorrhage at junctional areas that are difficult to compress (or cannot be compressed) using ordinary tomiquets.

[0016] There is therefore provided, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, an apparatus for use with an anatomical surface of a subject that is disposed above a blood vessel. Blood-flow-control apparatus includes a compression element configured to be positioned such that a compressing surface of the compression element is in contact with the anatomical surface. A shaft extends from the compression element and is disposed perpendicularly with respect to the compression element, such that, when the compressing surface of the compression element is in contact with the anatomical surface, the shaft is disposed approximately normal to the anatomical surface. A trigger is operably coupled to the shaft such that, upon respective actuations of the trigger, the shaft is configured to advance distally in a stepwise manner to thereby apply pressure to the blood vessel via the compressing surface of the compression element.

[0017] In some embodiments, the anatomical surface of the subject includes tissue that is disposed above a blood vessel, and the compression element is configured to be positioned such that a compressing surface of the compression element is in contact with the tissue that is disposed above the blood vessel. In some embodiments, the anatomical surface of the subject includes a surface of the blood vessel, and the compression element is configured to be positioned such that a compressing surface of the compression element is in contact with the surface of the blood vessel.

[0018] In some embodiments, the blood vessel includes a femoral artery, and the apparatus is for use with an anatomical surface of a subject that is disposed above the femoral artery, and the shaft is configured to advance distally to thereby apply pressure to the femoral artery via the compressing surface of the compression element. In some embodiments, the blood vessel includes a brachial artery and the apparatus is for use with an anatomical surface of a subject that is disposed above the brachial artery, and the shaft is configured to advance distally to thereby apply pressure to the brachial artery via the compressing surface of the compression element. In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a handle coupled to the trigger. In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a release mechanism configured to rapidly release the shaft, thereby releasing pressure applied by the compression element.

[0019] In some embodiments, the compression element has a thickness of 0.5 - 1 cm, at least at its edges.

[0020] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a pad configured to be placed on the subject, externally to the surface, the compression element coupled to the pad; and first and second sets of straps coupled to the pad that are individually adjustable and configured to secure the pad to the subject such that the compressing surface of the compression element is securely held in contact with the anatomical surface.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first and second sets of straps are individually adjustable, such that the compression element is configured to be positioned to treat a junctional hemorrhage by applying pressure to the blood vessel. In some embodiments, lengths of the first set and the second set of straps are individually adjustable. In some embodiments, angles at which the first set and the second set of straps extend from the pad are individually adjustable.

[0022] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes one or more fastening elements configured to couple the first and second sets of straps to the pad and to be rotatable with respect to the pad. In some embodiments, the pad is shaped to define a hole therethrough, and the shaft is configured to slide distally through the hole when the shaft is advanced in response to actuation of the trigger.

[0023] In some embodiments, the shaft is disposed perpendicularly with respect to the compression element, such that, when the compressing surface of the compression element is in contact with the anatomical surface, the shaft is disposed within 15 degrees in any direction with respect to the normal to the anatomical surface. In some embodiments, the shaft is disposed perpendicularly with respect to the compression element, such that, when the compressing surface of the compression element is in contact with the anatomical surface, the shaft is disposed within 10 degrees in any direction with respect to the normal to the anatomical surface. In some embodiments, the shaft is disposed perpendicularly with respect to the compression element, such that, when the compressing surface of the compression element is in contact with the anatomical surface, the shaft is disposed within 5 degrees in any direction with respect to the normal to the anatomical surface. In some embodiments, the blood vessel includes a subclavian artery, and the apparatus is for use with an anatomical surface of a subject that is disposed above the subclavian artery, and the shaft is configured to advance distally to thereby apply pressure to the subclavian artery via the compressing surface of the compression element. In some embodiments, the compression element is configured to slide behind a clavicle of the subject to compress the subclavian artery, due to the compression element having a relatively low thickness, at least at its edges. In some embodiments, the compression element has a thickness of 0.5 - 1 cm, at least at its edges.

[0024] There is further provided, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for use with an anatomical surface of a subject that is disposed above a blood vessel. In some embodiments, the method includes positioning a compression element such that a compressing surface of the compression element is in contact with the anatomical surface, and such that a shaft extending perpendicularly from the compression element is disposed approximately normal to the anatomical surface. In some embodiments, the method includes actuating a trigger that is operably coupled to the shaft such that, upon respective actuations of the trigger, the shaft advances distally in a stepwise manner to thereby apply pressure to the blood vessel via the compressing surface of the compression element.

[0025] There is further provided, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, apparatus for use with an anatomical surface of a subject that is disposed above a blood vessel. A blood-flow-control apparatus includes a pad configured to be placed on the subject, externally to the surface. In some embodiments, a compression element is coupled to the pad, the compression element defining a compression surface that is configured to apply pressure to the blood vessel. In some embodiments, first and second sets of straps are coupled to the pad that are individually adjustable and configured to secure the pad to the subject such that the compressing surface of the compression element is securely held in contact with the anatomical surface.

[0026] In some embodiments, the first and second sets of straps are individually adjustable, such that the compression element is configured to be positioned to treat a junctional hemorrhage by applying pressure to the blood vessel. In some embodiments, lengths of the first set and the second set of straps are individually adjustable. In some embodiments, angles at which the first set and the second set of straps extend from the pad are individually adjustable. In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes one or more fastening elements configured to couple the first and second sets of straps to the pad and to be rotatable with respect to the pad.

[0027] In some embodiments, the anatomical surface includes tissue that is disposed above the blood vessel, and the pad is configured to be placed on the subject, externally to the tissue. In some embodiments, the anatomical surface includes a surface of the blood vessel, and the pad is configured to be placed externally to the surface of the blood vessel. In some embodiments, the blood vessel includes a femoral artery, and the apparatus is for use with an anatomical surface of the subject that is disposed above the femoral artery, and the compression surface is configured to apply pressure to the femoral artery. In some embodiments, the blood vessel includes a brachial artery, and the apparatus is for use with an anatomical surface of the subject that is disposed above the brachial artery, and the compression surface is configured to apply pressure to the brachial artery.

[0028] In some embodiments, the compression element has a thickness of 0.5 - 1 cm, at least at its edges.

[0029] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a shaft extending from the compression element and disposed perpendicularly with respect to the compression element, such that the shaft is disposed approximately normal to the anatomical surface when the compressing surface of the compression element is in contact with the anatomical surface, and a trigger operably coupled to the shaft such that, upon respective actuations of the trigger, the shaft is configured to advance distally in a stepwise manner to thereby apply the pressure to the blood vessel via the compressing surface of the compression element.

[0030] In some embodiments, the pad is shaped to define a hole therethrough, and the shaft is configured to slide distally through the hole when the shaft is advanced in response to actuation of the trigger. In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a handle coupled to the trigger. In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a release mechanism configured to rapidly release the shaft, thereby releasing pressure applied by the compression element.

[0031] In some embodiments, the shaft is disposed perpendicularly with respect to the compression element, such that, when the compressing surface of the compression element is in contact with the anatomical surface, the shaft is disposed within 15 degrees in any direction with respect to the normal to the anatomical surface. In some embodiments, the shaft is disposed perpendicularly with respect to the compression element, such that, when the compressing surface of the compression element is in contact with the anatomical surface, the shaft is disposed within 10 degrees in any direction with respect to the normal to the anatomical surface. In some embodiments, the shaft is disposed perpendicularly with respect to the compression element, such that, when the compressing surface of the compression element is in contact with the anatomical surface, the shaft is disposed within 5 degrees in any direction with respect to the normal to the anatomical surface.

[0032] In some embodiments, the blood vessel includes a subclavian artery, and the apparatus is for use with an anatomical surface of a subject that is disposed above the subclavian artery, and the shaft is configured to advance distally to thereby apply pressure to the subclavian artery via the compressing surface of the compression element. In some embodiments, the compression element is configured to slide behind a clavicle of the subject to compress the subclavian artery, due to the compression element having a relatively low thickness, at least at its edges. In some embodiments, the compression element has a thickness of 0.5 - 1 cm, at least at its edges.

[0033] There is further provided, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for use with an anatomical surface of a body of a subject that is disposed above a blood vessel. In some embodiments, the method includes placing a pad on the subject, externally to the surface, a compression element being coupled to the pad and the compression element defining a compression surface that is configured to apply pressure to the blood vessel. In some embodiments, the method includes placing first and second sets of straps, which are coupled to the pad, around portions of the subject’s body in a vicinity of the surface. In some embodiments, the method includes individually adjusting the first and second sets of straps, to thereby secure the pad to the subject such that the compressing surface of the compression element is securely held in contact with the anatomical surface.

[0034] The present disclosure will be more fully understood from the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, taken together with the drawings, in which:

[0035] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Fig. 1A is a schematic illustration of a blood-flow-control apparatus for controlling hemorrhage in a subject, in accordance with some applications of the present disclosure; Fig. IB is a schematic exploded-view illustration of components of the blood-flow- control apparatus for controlling hemorrhage in a subject, in accordance with some applications of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figs. 2A and Fig. 2B are schematic illustrations of the blood-flow-control apparatus being applied to a subject for controlling hemorrhage in the subject, in accordance with some applications of the present disclosure; and

[0038] Figs. 3 A and 3B are schematic illustrations of the blood-flow-control apparatus being applied to control hemorrhage from a major artery of a subject, in accordance with some applications of the present disclosure.

[0039] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Blood-flow-control Apparatus

[0041] Reference is made to Figs. 1A and Fig. IB, which are schematic illustrations of a blood- flow-control apparatus 20 for controlling hemorrhage in a subject, in accordance with some applications of the present disclosure. Fig. 1A is a schematic illustration of apparatus 20 in an assembled state thereof, and Fig. IB is a schematic exploded-view illustration of apparatus 20 showing the components of apparatus 20.

[0042] Blood-flow-control apparatus 20 is configured for use with a subject suffering from life-threatening hemorrhage typically caused as a result of an injury to a major blood vessel such as an artery. Blood-flow-control apparatus 20 is configured for controlling the hemorrhage in the subject by applying pressure to the hemorrhaging blood vessel to occlude the blood flow and thereby control the hemorrhaging. Apparatus 20 is configured to reduce, or completely stop, the uncontrolled bleeding from the blood vessel until surgical intervention is possible. Additionally, apparatus 20 is quick and easy to apply, thereby rendering apparatus 20 suitable for use in emergency situations in both civilian and military settings. Typically, the pressure application mechanism of apparatus 20 is configured to be activated by a user to apply pressure that is effective to compress a bleeding blood vessel to reduce the bleeding from the vessel. In the context of the present disclosure, the term "user" refers to a person activating blood-flow-control apparatus 20, such a first responder at the site of an accident or a battlefield. Further in the context of the present disclosure, the term "subject" refers to the person on whom blood-flow-control apparatus 20 is used to control bleeding. Blood-flow-control apparatus 20 is configured for use with an anatomical surface of the subject, the anatomical surface being disposed above a blood vessel. Typically, the anatomical surface is surface of tissue, such as skin, having underlying blood vessels to be compressed, and blood-flow-control apparatus 20 is configured for use with the tissue to compress blood vessels underlying the tissue. Additionally, or alternatively, the anatomical surface may refer to the surface of the blood vessel to be compressed in cases of an open wound where the skin or other tissue overlying the artery have been damaged, or in cases in which the artery has been deliberately exposed (e.g., in surgical settings). In cases of use in planned surgical settings, e.g., in medical facilities, blood-flow-control apparatus 20 is typically sterilized.

[0043] As shown in Figs. 1A and Fig. IB, blood-flow-control apparatus 20 comprises the following main components: a compression element 28, a shaft 25, and a trigger 22. In general, trigger 22 is operably coupled to shaft 25 such that, upon respective actuations of trigger 22, shaft 25 is configured to advance distally in a stepwise manner towards the anatomical surface of the subject to thereby apply pressure to the blood vessel via compression element 28. It is noted that in the context of the present disclosure, in the specification and the claims, "proximal" means closer to the user applying blood-flow-control apparatus 20 to the subject, and "distal" means farther from the user. Additionally, in the context of the present disclosure, in the specification and in the claims, the term "upstream" refers to a location that would commonly be referred to as “proximal” in medical terminology and "downstream" refers to a location that would commonly be referred to as “distal” in medical terminology.

[0044] As shown in Figs. 1 A-B, for some applications, compression element 28 comprises a compression disc. It is noted that, in the context of the present application, the terms "compression element" and "compression disc" are used interchangeably, with respect to element 28. In certain applications, the scope of the present disclosure includes using a compression element other than the compression disc (e.g., an inflatable compression element), as is described in further detail hereinbelow.

[0045] It is further noted that compression disc 28 is shown as a circular disc by way of illustration and not limitation. The scope of the present disclosure includes compression disc 28 having any other suitable shape, e.g., a rectangular shape. In general, the terms “compression disc” and “compression element” are used interchangeably in the present application. Any applications that are described in the context of a compression disc should be understood to be applicable to compression elements having different shapes, mutatis mutandis.

[0046] Compression disc 28 is shaped to define a distally facing compressing surface 42. Compression disc 28 is positioned such that, when apparatus 20 is in use, compressing surface 42 comes in contact with the anatomical surface of the subject and compression disc 28 applies pressure to compress the blood vessel and occlude blood flow. Typically, at least at its edges, compression disc 28 has a thickness T1 of 0.5 - 1 cm, e.g., 0.7 - 0.9 cm, e.g., 0.8 cm.

[0047] A proximal, typically tapered, portion of compression disc 28 is coupled to a distal end of shaft 25 such that shaft 25 extends proximally from compression disc 28 and is disposed perpendicularly with respect to compression disc 28. In such a manner, when compressing surface 42 of compression disc 28 is in contact with the anatomical surface of the subject, shaft 25 is disposed approximately normal to the anatomical surface. For example, compression disc 28 is coupled to the distal end of shaft 25 such that, when the compressing surface of compression disc 28 is in contact with the anatomical surface of the subject, shaft 25 is disposed within 5, 10 or 15 degrees in any direction with respect to the normal to the anatomical surface.

[0048] Trigger 22 is operably coupled to shaft 25 such that, upon actuation of trigger 22 (e.g., by manual pressing / squeezing motion of the user), shaft 25 is advanced distally to bring compression disc 28 at the distal end of shaft 25 in contact with the anatomical surface of the subject and to apply pressure to the blood vessel underlying the anatomical surface via compressing surface 42 of the compression disc. For some applications, trigger 22 is mounted to a handle 24 that is gripped by the user. When trigger 22 and handle 24 are gripped, the user applies a squeezing-type motion to handle 24 and trigger 22 to activate apparatus 20. Upon actuation of the trigger by the user, shaft 25 is advanced distally, typically in a stepwise manner, such that each pressing of the trigger causes a distal advancement of shaft 25, thereby allowing the user of apparatus 20 to control advancement of shaft 25 and pressure application by compression disc 28.

[0049] For some applications, the pressing motion applied by the user to trigger 22 is converted to linear motion of shaft 25 by plate 29 causing distal advancement of shaft 25. For some applications, the trigger mechanism of apparatus 20 additionally comprises spring 27, which contributes to creating and maintaining pressure on shaft 25, while shaft 25 is distally advanced. As described hereinabove, and shown in Figs. 1A-1B, shaft 25 is disposed perpendicularly with respect to compression disc 28, such that when compressing surface 42 of compression disc 28 is in contact with the anatomical surface of the subject, shaft 25 is disposed approximately normal to the anatomical surface (shown, for example, in Figs. 3A- 3B hereinbelow). Typically, such a configuration allows precise positioning of compressing surface 42 above a pressure point of the blood vessel, e.g., the artery. (A pressure point of an artery generally refers to a location where the artery is compressible through the surface of the skin (or other overlying tissue) and has an underlying bone, allowing firm pressure to be applied by compression disc 28 to compress the artery against the bone and reduce or stop blood flow.)

[0050] Additionally, in such a manner, targeted and focused pressure is applied by compression disc 28 to compress the target blood vessel generally while avoiding or reducing compression of anatomical structures positioned generally laterally to the blood vessel. This is in contrast to traditional hemorrhage control devices, such as tourniquets, which apply concentric pressure that is distributed to structures surrounding the central blood vessels, thereby compressing anatomical structures disposed in the vicinity of the blood vessel.

[0051] Following actuation of trigger 22, shaft 25 remains distally advanced until actively released by the user (typically via pressing a release mechanism 26). In such a manner, (i.e., in which shaft 25 remains distally advanced such that compression disc 28 is pushed against the anatomical surface of subject thereby compressing the bleeding blood vessel) apparatus 20 is configured to steadily and consistently apply the pressure that occludes the blood flow for a desired duration of time (e.g., hours). In other words, once applied by the user to the subject, apparatus 20 remains stable in place such that steady pressure is applied by compression disc 28 to occlude blood flow from the blood vessel, without the need for further intervention by the user.

[0052] Release mechanism 26 is typically a button, a switch, and / or a different mechanism that is configured to rapidly release the shaft from its advanced position, thereby releasing pressure applied by the compression disc. For example, the release mechanism may be activated to provide quick release of the shaft in case of the compression disc being mistakenly positioned, or on other cases that require repositioning of the compression disc. Alternatively or additionally, the release mechanism may be activated to provide quick release of the shaft when the subject arrives at a long-term treatment facility, such as a hospital. Reference is still made to Figs. 1A-1B. For some applications, blood-flow-control apparatus 20 further comprises a stabilization mechanism configured to stabilize shaft 25 and compression element 28 (e.g., compression disc 28) with respect to the subject. For some applications, the main components of the stabilization mechanism of apparatus 20 comprise pad 30 and first and second sets of straps 34a and 34b coupled to the pad, as will be explained in further detail hereinbelow. By stabilizing shaft 25 and compression element 28 (e.g., compression disc 28) with respect to the subject and ensuring that compression element 28 is securely held in contact with the anatomical surface, apparatus 20 is configured to maintain an effective, steady and motionless compressing pressure to reduce or stop blood flow and control bleeding.

[0053] As shown in Figs. 1A-1B, apparatus 20 comprises pad 30, which is configured to be placed on the subject, externally to the anatomical surface. Pad 30 is shown as a rectangular pad by way of illustration and not limitation. The scope of the present disclosure includes any shape of pad 30 that is suitable for placement on the anatomical surface. Trigger mechanism of apparatus 20 is coupled to pad 30, e.g., via coupling elements 32. For some applications, coupling elements 32 may be welded to pad 30, or alternatively, coupling elements 32 are coupled to pad 30 via suturing, or any other suitable technique of mechanical coupling. Additionally, or alternatively, coupling elements 32 are coupled to pad 30 via a chemical adhesive such as a glue.

[0054] Typically, compression element 28 (e.g., compression disc 28) is coupled to pad 30. For some applications, compression disc 28 is movably coupled to pad 30, such that actuation of trigger 22 causes the compression element 28 to advance relative to pad 30 along the direction of shaft 25. Typically, even when the compression element advance relative to pad 30 along the direction of shaft 25, the compression element is prevented from moving laterally with respect to the pad, by being coupled to the pad. In other words, within the plane that is perpendicular to the direction of shaft 25, the position of the compression element relative to the pad is typically substantially maintained, by the compression element being coupled to the pad. For example, as shown in Figs. 1 A-1B, pad 30 is shaped to define a hole 38 therethrough. Shaft 25 is held within hole 38 such that shaft 25 is slidable within hole 38 during proximal and distal motion of shaft 25 in response to actuation of the trigger 22.

[0055] When pad 30 is placed on the anatomical surface of the subject, compression element 28 is typically coupled to a surface of pad 30 that is facing the anatomical surface. Actuation of trigger 22 causes distal advancement of shaft 25 within hole 38, which typically causes compression element 28 to advance relative to pad 30 along the direction of shaft 25, as compression element 28 is pushed against the anatomical surface to compress underlying blood vessels. (This will be described in further detail with respect to Figs. 3A-3B hereinbelow).

[0056] Apparatus 20 additionally comprises first set of adjustable straps 34a and second set of adjustable straps 34b coupled to pad 30, typically via fastening elements 36 (e.g., buckles, clips and / or ratchet mechanisms). Each set of straps 34a and 34b are individually adjustable and are configured to secure pad 30 to the subject such that compressing surface 42 of compression element 28 (e.g., compression disc 28) is securely held in contact with the anatomical surface. In accordance with some applications of the present disclosure, each one of the sets of straps 34a and 34b, may include a single adjustable strap or two or more straps that are coupled to each other. Typically, the combination of the straps and fastening elements are configured to be quickly secured, easy to adjust, and once fastened very steadfast, without giving any slack (which would result in releasing the pressure). Typically, having each set of straps 34a and 34b be separately adjustable, facilitates securing pad 30 to the subject in challenging anatomical locations, such as junctional areas in the body. Moreover, having each set of straps 34a and 34b be separately adjustable, facilitates securing pad 30 to the subject in various different anatomical locations, with the straps being secured to respective different portions of the subject’s anatomy at each of the locations, as described in further detail hereinbelow.

[0057] Typically, the combination of pad 30 and straps 34a and 34b allows for stabilizing and securing compression element 28 with respect to the subject and prevents movement of compression element 28 with respect to the anatomical surface. In such a manner, once applied by the user to the subject, apparatus 20 remains stable in place such that steady pressure is applied by compression disc 28 to occlude blood flow from the blood vessel, without the need for further intervention by the user.

[0058] In accordance with some applications of the present disclosure, fastening elements 36 comprise rotatable fastening elements. For such applications, fastening elements 36 are coupled to pad 30 in such a manner that allows rotation of the fastening elements with respect to the pad. Typically, fastening elements 36 are rotatable around an axis that is along a horizontal plane of pad 30, thereby being able to be oriented in different directions and not being locked in a single position.

[0059] For example, fastening element 36 may include an optional end fitting 36a, as shown in the window of Fig. 1 A that depicts an “End Fitting Option”. In some applications, the end fitting includes an axis that rotatably couples the fastening element to the pad, to thereby facilitate rotation of the fastening element with respect to the pad, and, in turn, to facilitate rotation of the straps portions with respect to the pad.

[0060] Rotatable fastening elements 36 allow individual adjusting of an angle of each one of first set of adjustable straps 34a and second set of adjustable straps 34b. Additionally, fastening elements 36 allow individual adjusting of a length of each one of first set of adjustable straps 34a and second set of adjustable straps 34b. In such a manner, the angles and / or the length of the straps 34a and 34b can be individually adjusted to accommodate use of blood-flow-control apparatus 20 under a wide range of circumstances. Having the angles and / or the length of straps 34a and 34b being individually adjustable allows the flexibility of using blood-fl ow-control apparatus 20 to effectively control bleeding in a wide range of body areas, injury types, and subjects with irregular body sizes and asymmetries. For example, by having straps 34a and 34b be individually adjusted as described above, apparatus 20 is particularly suitable for use with overweight subjects, subjects having irregular body size measurements, and / or subjects having irregular body sizes or bodily asymmetries (e.g., due a missing limb, a large chest, etc.).

[0061] It is noted that the scope of the present disclosure includes using pad 30 and individually-adjustable first and second sets of straps 34a and 34b, with a different type of compression element and / or compression-actuation mechanism to that described hereinabove. For example, pad 30 and individually-adjustable first and second sets of straps 34a and 34b may be used with an inflatable compression element that is coupled to the surface of the pad that faces the anatomical surface to which the compression is applied. The pad is secured to the subject, such that a compression surface of the inflatable compression element contacts the anatomical surface. In such applications (not shown), an inflation mechanism typically inflates the inflatable compression element, to thereby compress the blood vessel underlying the location at which the compression surface of the inflatable compression element contacts the anatomical surface. Deployment and Activation of Blood-flow-control Apparatus

[0062] Reference is now made to Figs. 2A-2B, and Figs. 3A-3B, which are schematic illustrations of blood-flow-control apparatus 20 being applied to a subject 10 for controlling hemorrhage in the subject, in accordance with some applications of the present disclosure. Severe bleeding from extremities (e.g., limbs) and junctional areas are a significant cause of mortality, for example, in combat scenarios. In the body, "junctional areas" refer to regions where extremities (limbs, neck) connect to the torso, particularly at the points where large blood vessels pass. These areas are significant because injuries in these regions can be difficult to manage due to the challenge of controlling bleeding, along with the rapid blood-flow rate from major vessels, thereby leading to mortality. The standard treatment to control bleeding in these areas is through applying pressure to the central primary blood vessel supplying the limb, typically the brachial artery, the femoral artery, and the subclavian artery. This type of treatment is particularly challenging in the junctional regions of the body, thereby significantly limiting the ability to treat and evacuate the subject. The use of ordinary tourniquets is typically not effective in cases of junctional hemorrhage, as they are difficult to place properly and typically do not exert the pressure needed in order to be effective. In accordance with some applications of the present disclosure, blood-flow-control apparatus 20 is particularly designed for treating junctional hemorrhage by being configured to stably and firmly apply pressure to stop bleeding from the injured arteries.

[0063] Reference is first made to Figs. 2A-2B, which are schematic illustrations of blood- flow-control apparatus 20 being applied to a subject 10 to control junctional hemorrhage, in accordance with some applications of the present disclosure.

[0064] Fig. 2A shows blood-flow-control apparatus 20 being applied to subject 10 to control lower limb junctional hemorrhage occurring where the legs meet the lower torso in the groin area. In such cases, blood-flow-control apparatus 20 is positioned to apply pressure to the femoral artery in a location upstream of the injury (the target pressure point in the femoral artery is indicated by point 62 in Fig. 2A) in order to stop the bleeding. Optionally, in such cases, both sets of straps 34a and 34b are wrapped around the subj ect’ s waist or hips, as shown. Alternatively, one of sets of straps 34a or 34b is placed between the legs to better position apparatus 20 as needed.

[0065] Additionally, or alternatively, by having sets of straps 34a and 34b be individually adjusted as described above, sets of straps 34a and 34b may be wrapped around the subject’s waist or hips, in an asymmetric manner, each positioned at a different angle in order to accommodate irregular body measurements and / or other constraints. For example, in some cases, additional injuries suffered by the subject (e.g., injuries caused by shrapnel) may require different adjustment of each of strap sets 34a and 34b in order to bypass the additional injury. Generally, apparatus 20 is particularly suitable for use in various types of injuries and a wide range of subjects that require personalized placing of the pad and the straps.

[0066] Fig. 2B shows blood-flow-control apparatus 20 being applied to subject 10 to control upper limb junctional hemorrhage occurring where the arms meet the upper torso in the shoulder area. In such cases, blood-flow-control apparatus 20 is positioned to apply pressure to the subclavian artery in a location upstream of the injury (the target pressure point in the subclavian artery is indicated by point 64 in Fig. 2B). Typically, in such cases the first and second sets of straps 34a and 34b are wrapped underneath respective underarms of the subject. It is further noted with respect to Fig. 2B, that blood-flow-control apparatus 20 is particularly suitable for use for compression of the subclavian artery, which lies directly below the clavicle. When pressed against the anatomical surface, compression disc 28 is configured to automatically slide behind the clavicle to compress the subclavian artery, due to the compression disc having a relatively low thickness, at least at its edges. (As described hereinabove, typically, compression disc 28 has a thickness T1 of 0.5 - 1 cm, e.g., 0.7 - 0.9 cm, e.g., 0.8 cm, at least at its edges.)

[0067] Still referring to Figs. 2A and 2B, as described herein, blood-flow-control apparatus 20 is used by placing pad 30 on an anatomical surface of subject 10 (e.g., a surface of tissue, such as skin), and stabilized by separately adjusting each one of the sets of straps, to adjust the length and tightness and / or angle of the sets of straps thereby specifically rendering apparatus 20 suitable for use in junctional areas of the body. For example, as shown in Fig, 2B, the first and second sets of straps are adjusted differently (as indicated by the different length of the two visible portions of the straps), such that one of the sets of straps wraps around the underarm that is farther away from the injury and the second set of straps wraps around the underarm that is closer to the injury. The first and second sets of straps are configured to securely hold the pad in place and stabilize the compression element with respect to the anatomical surface. In such a manner, apparatus 20 is configured to maintain an effective and steady compressing pressure to reduce or completely stop blood flow for the femoral artery (Fig. 2A) or the subclavian artery (Fig. 2B).

[0068] It is noted that securing sets of straps 34a and 34b in the manner described with reference to Figs. 2A and 2B is shown by way of illustration and not limitation. In accordance with applications of the present disclosure, apparatus 20 provides versatile and flexible positioning and securing of the straps allowing improvisation and adjustment in complex situations (e.g., complete loss of the limb in which cases same-side strap use is not possible).

[0069] While Figs. 2A and 2B relate to the use of blood-flow-control apparatus 20 in junctional areas of body, it is noted that in accordance with applications of the present disclosure, blood-flow-control apparatus 20 is configured for use in non-junctional body area to occlude blood flow from major blood vessels. In such cases, a particular advantage of apparatus 20 is in applying targeted and focused pressure by the compression element to compress the target blood vessel generally while avoiding or reducing compression of anatomical structures positioned generally laterally to the blood vessel (compared to traditional hemorrhage control devices, such as tourniquets, which apply concentric pressure that is distributed evenly and symmetrically around a central blood vessels, thereby compressing anatomical structures disposed in the radius surrounding the blood vessel). For example, blood-flow-control apparatus 20 is configured for use with the brachial artery supplying the arm.

[0070] Reference is now made to made to Figs. 3A and 3B, which is a detailed schematic illustration of application of blood-flow-control apparatus 20 to control bleeding from a major artery 52, e.g., a femoral artery, in accordance with some applications of the present disclosure. Fig. 3A shows apparatus 20 positioned in placed such that compression disc 28 is in contact with anatomical surface 50 of the subject (the anatomical surface being skin surface) prior to activation of apparatus 20. Fig. 3B shows apparatus 20 being activated by the user to compress artery 52 to control bleeding.

[0071] Referring first to Fig. 3 A, as shown, pad 30 is positioned on and secured to anatomical surface 50. Compression disc 28 is positioned such that compressing surface 42 of compression disc 28 is in contact with anatomical surface 50. Shaft 25 extends proximally from compression disc 28 and is disposed perpendicularly with respect to compression disc 28. When the compressing surface 42 of compression disc 28 is in contact with anatomical surface 50, shaft 25 is disposed approximately normal to the anatomical surface 50 (this axis A2 of shaft 25 is indicated in Figs. 1A-1B and Figs. 3A-B). Fig. 3A is shown prior to activation of apparatus 20. This is indicated, inter alia, by artery 52 being in an uncompressed state, that allows bleeding from the vessels.

[0072] Referring now to Fig. 3B, which shows activation of blood-flow-control apparatus 20. As shown, trigger 22 is actuated by a hand of the user by squeezing trigger 22 with respect to handle 24, causing shaft 25 to be advanced distally in the direction indicated by arrow Al, to thereby apply pressure to the artery 52 via compressing surface 42 of compression disc 28. The transition between Fig. 3 A and 3B shows compressing surface 42 of compression disc 28 transitioning from being placed on anatomical surface 50 to being pushed against anatomical surface 50 to apply pressure to the surface thereby leading to compression of artery 52. This transition occurs swiftly as all the is needed is manual squeezing of the trigger and does not require more complex (and typically time-consuming), actions such are screwing a portion of the device. As shown in Fig. 3B, activation of apparatus 20 by distal advancement of shaft 25, which is disposed approximately normal to anatomical surface 50, causes the pressure that is applied to the subject to be focused such that it is applied directly to the areas in need of compression, but generally does not compress other anatomical structures that are not in the direct line of the pressure application (e.g., generally does not compress nerve 56 and / or vein 54). This is in contrast to concentric pressure that is applied by ordinary tourniquets that are generally tied radially around a limb and to apparatus that applies pressure to a wide area (such as an inflatable compression balloon).

[0073] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather, the scope of the present disclosure includes both combinations and subcombinations of the various features described hereinabove, as well as variations and modifications thereof that are not in the prior art, which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An apparatus for use with an anatomical surface of a subject that is disposed above a blood vessel, the apparatus comprising: a blood-flow-control apparatus comprising: a compression element configured to be positioned such that a compressing surface of the compression element is in contact with the anatomical surface; a shaft extending from the compression element and disposed perpendicularly with respect to the compression element, such that, when the compressing surface of the compression element is in contact with the anatomical surface, the shaft is disposed approximately normal to the anatomical surface; a trigger operably coupled to the shaft such that, upon respective actuations of the trigger, the shaft is configured to advance distally in a stepwise manner to thereby apply pressure to the blood vessel via the compressing surface of the compression element.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the anatomical surface of the subject includes tissue that is disposed above a blood vessel, and wherein the compression element is configured to be positioned such that a compressing surface of the compression element is in contact with the tissue that is disposed above the blood vessel.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the anatomical surface of the subject includes a surface of the blood vessel, and wherein the compression element is configured to be positioned such that a compressing surface of the compression element is in contact with the surface of the blood vessel.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the blood vessel includes a femoral artery, and the apparatus is for use with an anatomical surface of a subject that is disposed above the femoral artery, and wherein the shaft is configured to advance distally to thereby apply pressure to the femoral artery via the compressing surface of the compression element.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the blood vessel includes a brachial artery and the apparatus is for use with an anatomical surface of a subject that is disposed above the brachial artery, and wherein the shaft is configured to advance distally to thereby apply pressure to the brachial artery via the compressing surface of the compression element.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a handle coupled to the trigger.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a release mechanism configured to rapidly release the shaft, thereby releasing pressure applied by the compression element.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the compression element has a thickness of 0.5 - 1 cm, at least at its edges.

9. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1-8, further comprising: a pad configured to be placed on the subject, externally to the surface, the compression element coupled to the pad; and first and second sets of straps coupled to the pad that are individually adjustable and configured to secure the pad to the subject such that the compressing surface of the compression element is securely held in contact with the anatomical surface.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the first and second sets of straps are individually adjustable, such that the compression element is configured to be positioned to treat a junctional hemorrhage by applying pressure to the blood vessel.

11. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein lengths of the first set and the second set of straps are individually adjustable.

12. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein angles at which the first set and the second set of straps extend from the pad are individually adjustable.

13. The apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising one or more fastening elements configured to couple the first and second sets of straps to the pad and to be rotatable with respect to the pad.

14. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the pad is shaped to define a hole therethrough, and wherein the shaft is configured to slide distally through the hole when the shaft is advanced in response to actuation of the trigger.

15. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein the shaft is disposed perpendicularly with respect to the compression element, such that, when the compressing surface of the compression element is in contact with the anatomical surface, the shaft is disposed within 15 degrees in any direction with respect to the normal to the anatomical surface.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the shaft is disposed perpendicularly with respect to the compression element, such that, when the compressing surface of the compression element is in contact with the anatomical surface, the shaft is disposed within 10 degrees in any direction with respect to the normal to the anatomical surface.

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the shaft is disposed perpendicularly with respect to the compression element, such that, when the compressing surface of the compression element is in contact with the anatomical surface, the shaft is disposed within 5 degrees in any direction with respect to the normal to the anatomical surface.

18. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the blood vessel includes a subclavian artery, and the apparatus is for use with an anatomical surface of a subject that is disposed above the subclavian artery, and wherein the shaft is configured to advance distally to thereby apply pressure to the subclavian artery via the compressing surface of the compression element.

19. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the compression element is configured to slide behind a clavicle of the subject to compress the subclavian artery, due to the compression element having a relatively low thickness, at least at its edges.

20. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the compression element has a thickness of 0.5 - 1 cm, at least at its edges.

21. A method for use with an anatomical surface of a subj ect that is disposed above a blood vessel, the method comprising: positioning a compression element such that a compressing surface of the compression element is in contact with the anatomical surface, and such that a shaft extending perpendicularly from the compression element is disposed approximately normal to the anatomical surface; actuating a trigger that is operably coupled to the shaft such that, upon respective actuations of the trigger, the shaft advances distally in a stepwise manner to thereby apply pressure to the blood vessel via the compressing surface of the compression element.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein the anatomical surface includes tissue that is disposed above a blood vessel and wherein positioning the compression element comprisespositioning the compression element such that the compressing surface of the compression element is in contact with the tissue that is disposed above a blood vessel.

23. The method according to claim 21, wherein the anatomical surface includes a surface of the blood vessel and wherein positioning the compression element comprises positioning the compression element such that the compressing surface of the compression element is in contact with the surface of the blood vessel.

24. The method according to claim 21, wherein the blood vessel includes a femoral artery of the subject and wherein actuating the trigger comprises actuating the trigger such that the shaft advances distally to apply pressure to the femoral artery via the compressing surface of the compression element.

25. The method according to claim 21, wherein the blood vessel includes a brachial artery of the subject and wherein actuating the trigger comprises actuating the trigger such that the shaft advances distally to apply pressure to the brachial artery via the compressing surface of the compression element.

26. The method according to claim 21, further comprising using a release mechanism to rapidly release the shaft, thereby releasing pressure applied by the compression element.

27. The method according to claim 21, wherein the compression element has a thickness of 0.5 - 1 cm, at least at its edges.

28. The method according to any one of claims 21-27, further comprising: placing a pad on the subject, externally to the surface, the compression element being coupled to the pad; placing first and second sets of straps, which are coupled to the pad, around portions of the subject’s body in a vicinity of the surface; and individually adjusting the first and second sets of straps, to thereby secure the pad to the subject such that the compressing surface of the compression element is securely held in contact with the anatomical surface.

29. The method according to claim 28, wherein individually adjusting the first and second sets of straps comprises positioning the compression element to treat a junctional hemorrhage by applying pressure to the blood vessel.

30. The method according to claim 28, wherein individually adjusting the first and second sets of straps comprises individually adjusting lengths of the first and second sets of straps.

31. The method according to claim 28, wherein the pad is shaped to define a hole therethrough, and actuating the trigger comprises actuating the trigger such that the shaft is advanced distally through the hole.

32. The method according to claim 28, wherein individually adjusting the first and second sets of straps comprises individually adjusting angles at which the first set and the second set of straps extend from the pad.

33. The method according to claim 32, wherein the first and second sets of straps are coupled to the pad by one or more rotatable fastening elements and wherein individually adjusting the first and second sets of straps comprises individually adjusting angles at which the first set and the second set of straps extend from the pad via the one or more rotatable fastening elements.

34. The method according to any one of claims 21-27, wherein positioning the compression element comprises positioning the compression element such that, when the compressing surface of the compression element applies pressure to the blood vessel, the shaft is disposed within 15 degrees in any direction with respect to the normal to the anatomical surface.

35. The method according to claim 34, wherein positioning the compression element comprises positioning the compression element such that, when the compressing surface of the compression element applies pressure to the blood vessel, the shaft is disposed within 10 degrees in any direction with respect to the normal to the anatomical surface.

36. The method according to claim 35, wherein positioning the compression element comprises positioning the compression element such that, when the compressing surface of the compression element applies pressure to the blood vessel, the shaft is disposed within 5 degrees in any direction with respect to the normal to the anatomical surface.

37. The method according to any one of claims 21-26, wherein the blood vessel includes a subclavian artery of the subject and wherein actuating the trigger comprises actuating the trigger such that the shaft advances distally to apply pressure to the subclavian artery via the compressing surface of the compression element.

38. The method according to claim 37, wherein actuating the trigger comprises causing the compression element to slide behind a clavicle of the subject to compress the subclavian artery, due to the compression element having a relatively low thickness, at least at its edges.

39. The method according to claim 38, wherein the compression element has a thickness of 0.5 - 1 cm, at least at its edges.

40. An apparatus for use with an anatomical surface of a subject that is disposed above a blood vessel, the apparatus comprising: a blood-flow-control apparatus comprising: a pad configured to be placed on the subject, externally to the surface; a compression element coupled to the pad, the compression element defining a compression surface that is configured to apply pressure to the blood vessel; first and second sets of straps coupled to the pad that are individually adjustable and configured to secure the pad to the subject such that the compressing surface of the compression element is securely held in contact with the anatomical surface.

41. The apparatus according to claim 40, wherein the first and second sets of straps are individually adjustable, such that the compression element is configured to be positioned to treat a junctional hemorrhage by applying pressure to the blood vessel.

42. The apparatus according to claim 40, wherein lengths of the first set and the second set of straps are individually adjustable.

43. The apparatus according to claim 40, wherein angles at which the first set and the second set of straps extend from the pad are individually adjustable.

44. The apparatus according to claim 40, further comprising one or more fastening elements configured to couple the first and second sets of straps to the pad and to be rotatable with respect to the pad.

45. The apparatus according to claim 40, wherein the anatomical surface includes tissue that is disposed above the blood vessel, and wherein the pad is configured to be placed on the subject, externally to the tissue.

46. The apparatus according to claim 40, wherein the anatomical surface includes a surface of the blood vessel, and wherein the pad is configured to be placed externally to the surface of the blood vessel.

47. The apparatus according to claim 40, wherein the blood vessel includes a femoral artery, and the apparatus is for use with an anatomical surface of the subject that is disposedabove the femoral artery, and wherein the compression surface is configured to apply pressure to the femoral artery.

48. The apparatus according to claim 40, wherein the blood vessel includes a brachial artery, and the apparatus is for use with an anatomical surface of the subject that is disposed above the brachial artery, and wherein the compression surface is configured to apply pressure to the brachial artery.

49. The apparatus according to claim 40, wherein the compression element has a thickness of 0.5 - 1 cm, at least at its edges.

50. The apparatus according to any one of claims 40-49, further comprising: a shaft extending from the compression element and disposed perpendicularly with respect to the compression element, such that the shaft is disposed approximately normal to the anatomical surface when the compressing surface of the compression element is in contact with the anatomical surface, and a trigger operably coupled to the shaft such that, upon respective actuations of the trigger, the shaft is configured to advance distally in a stepwise manner to thereby apply the pressure to the blood vessel via the compressing surface of the compression element.

51. The apparatus according to claim 50, wherein the pad is shaped to define a hole therethrough, and wherein the shaft is configured to slide distally through the hole when the shaft is advanced in response to actuation of the trigger.

52. The apparatus according to claim 50, further comprising a handle coupled to the trigger.

53. The apparatus according to claim 50, further comprising a release mechanism configured to rapidly release the shaft, thereby releasing pressure applied by the compression element.

54. The apparatus according to claim 50, wherein the shaft is disposed perpendicularly with respect to the compression element, such that, when the compressing surface of the compression element is in contact with the anatomical surface, the shaft is disposed within 15 degrees in any direction with respect to the normal to the anatomical surface.

55. The apparatus according to claim 54, wherein the shaft is disposed perpendicularly with respect to the compression element, such that, when the compressing surface of thecompression element is in contact with the anatomical surface, the shaft is disposed within 10 degrees in any direction with respect to the normal to the anatomical surface.

56. The apparatus according to claim 55, wherein the shaft is disposed perpendicularly with respect to the compression element, such that, when the compressing surface of the compression element is in contact with the anatomical surface, the shaft is disposed within 5 degrees in any direction with respect to the normal to the anatomical surface.

57. The apparatus according to any one of claims 40-48, wherein the blood vessel includes a subclavian artery, and the apparatus is for use with an anatomical surface of a subject that is disposed above the subclavian artery, and wherein the shaft is configured to advance distally to thereby apply pressure to the subclavian artery via the compressing surface of the compression element.

58. The apparatus according to claim 57, wherein the compression element is configured to slide behind a clavicle of the subject to compress the subclavian artery, due to the compression element having a relatively low thickness, at least at its edges.

59. The apparatus according to claim 58, wherein the compression element has a thickness of 0.5 - 1 cm, at least at its edges.

60. A method for use with an anatomical surface of a body of a subject that is disposed above a blood vessel, the method comprising: placing a pad on the subject, externally to the surface, a compression element being coupled to the pad and the compression element defining a compression surface that is configured to apply pressure to the blood vessel; placing first and second sets of straps, which are coupled to the pad, around portions of the subject’s body in a vicinity of the surface; and individually adjusting the first and second sets of straps, to thereby secure the pad to the subject such that the compressing surface of the compression element is securely held in contact with the anatomical surface.

61. The method according to claim 60, wherein individually adjusting the first and second sets of straps comprises positioning the compression element to treat a junctional hemorrhage by applying pressure to the blood vessel.

62. The method according to claim 60, wherein individually adjusting the first and second sets of straps comprises individually adjusting lengths of the first and second sets of straps.

63. The method according to claim 60, wherein the anatomical surface of the subject includes tissue that is disposed above the blood vessel and wherein placing the pad on the subject, comprises placing the pad externally to the tissue.

64. The method according to claim 60, wherein the anatomical surface of the subject includes a surface of the blood vessel and wherein placing the pad comprises placing the pad externally to the surface of the blood vessel.

65. The method according to claim 60, wherein the blood vessel includes a femoral artery of the subject and wherein placing the pad comprises placing the pad such that the compression surface is configured to apply pressure to the femoral artery.

66. The method according to claim 60, wherein the blood vessel includes a brachial artery of the subject and wherein placing the pad comprises placing the pad such that the compression surface is configured to apply pressure to the brachial artery.

67. The method according to claim 60, wherein the compression element has a thickness of 0.5 - 1 cm.

68. The method according to any one of claims 60-67, further comprising: positioning the compression element such that when the compressing surface of the compression element applies pressure to the blood vessel, a shaft extending perpendicularly from the compression element is disposed approximately normal to the anatomical surface; and actuating a trigger that is operably coupled to the shaft such that, upon respective actuations of the trigger, the shaft advances distally in a stepwise manner to thereby apply the pressure to the blood vessel via the compressing surface of the compression element.

69. The method according to claim 68, further comprising using a release mechanism to rapidly release the shaft, thereby releasing pressure applied by the compression element.

70. The method according to claim 68, wherein positioning the compression element comprises positioning the compression element such that, when the compressing surface of the compression element applies pressure to the blood vessel, the shaft is disposed within 15 degrees in any direction with respect to the normal to the anatomical surface.

71. The method according to claim 70, wherein positioning the compression element comprises positioning the compression element such that, when the compressing surface ofthe compression element applies pressure to the blood vessel, the shaft is disposed within 10 degrees in any direction with respect to the normal to the anatomical surface.

72. The method according to claim 71, wherein positioning the compression element comprises positioning the compression element such that, when the compressing surface of the compression element applies pressure to the blood vessel, the shaft is disposed within 5 degrees in any direction with respect to the normal to the anatomical surface.

73. The method according to any one of claims 60-67, wherein individually adjusting the first and second sets of straps comprises individually adjusting angles at which the first set and the second set of straps extend from the pad.

74. The method according to claim 73, wherein the first and second sets of straps are coupled to the pad by one or more rotatable fastening elements and wherein individually adjusting the first and second sets of straps comprises individually adjusting angles at which the first set and the second set of straps extend from the pad via the one or more rotatable fastening elements.

75. The method according to any one of claims 60-66, wherein the blood vessel includes a subclavian artery of the subject and wherein actuating the trigger comprises actuating the trigger such that the shaft advances distally to apply pressure to the subclavian artery via the compressing surface of the compression element.

76. The method according to claim 75, wherein actuating the trigger comprises causing the compression element to slide behind a clavicle of the subject to compress the subclavian artery, due to the compression element having a relatively low thickness, at least at its edges.

77. The method according to claim 76, wherein the compression element has a thickness of 0.5 - 1 cm, at least at its edges.

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