Tourniquet

Abstract

A tourniquet comprises a sheath, an air bladder disposed inside the sheath, an air supply assembly connected to the air bladder and allowing air to be pumped into the air bladder, a detachable compression element which comprises an upper contact part and a lower connecting part and is designed to interact with the air bladder, and a means for securing the sheath to a person's body, said means being connected to the sheath. The compression element is made of a polymeric material that is resistant to elastic deformation under pressure when the tourniquet is in use. The upper contact part of the compression element is designed so that an attachment can be fastened thereto for applying pressure to a region of the body. The compression element is designed so that the upper contact part can be positioned above a wound, in the region of a blood vessel.

Description

[0001] Hemostatic tourniquet

[0002] Field of technology

[0003] The invention relates to the field of medicine, namely to first aid measures for profuse (severe) bleeding, and can be used in emergency situations, such as military actions, accidents and disasters, in order to stop bleeding in various parts of the body, including hard-to-reach ones.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] The effectiveness of hemostatic tourniquets in stopping bleeding under extreme conditions is determined by a number of parameters, including: speed of application, time to stop bleeding, volume of blood lost, completeness of hemostasis, stability of hemostasis after stopping, risk of recurrent bleeding, and absence of complications.

[0006] Hemostatic devices, including mechanical, pneumatic, and combination tourniquets, as well as wound packing devices, are widely known. These devices are designed to temporarily stop bleeding by applying pressure to vessels or a wound.

[0007] Pneumatic tourniquets offer a number of advantages in terms of their effectiveness due to their relative convenience and high speed of application, precise pressure regulation, reliable hemostasis, and a reduced risk of complications.

[0008] Chinese patent application CN110327093 A, filed October 15, 2019, describes a hemostatic tourniquet comprising a plate-shaped housing, a bellows-shaped air cushion attached to the housing, an air supply unit in the form of an electronic unit with an air pump, a pressure element in the form of a hemispherical rubber pressing head attached to the air cushion, and a strap-like fastening means for securing the housing to the body. The use of a separate pressure element made of a hard material attached to the air cushion in this design somewhat improves the effectiveness of hemostatic control by enabling localized pressure to be applied to the desired area (compared to pneumatic tourniquets without a pressure element). However, the main drawback of this alternative is the use of a non-replaceable pressure element, which reduces its effectiveness in various areas of the body, as the hemispherical shape cannot be universally applied to stop various types of bleeding.Also, the use of an air supply unit in the form of an electronic unit is ineffective in extreme situations and increases the time it takes to install the tourniquet and, as a result, the time until bleeding stops and the volume of blood loss.

[0009] The closest analogue of the claimed invention is a pneumatic hemostatic device disclosed in Russian patent RU2434594, 05.05.2012. Said device comprises a housing, an air cushion partially housed within the housing, an air supply unit connected to the air cushion, a pressing element in the form of a replaceable tampon housed within the air cushion, and a means for securing the device to the body, connected to the housing.

[0010] This design, with its replaceable pressure elements, offers some versatility, as it can accommodate tampons of various shapes to suit the size and shape of the wound. However, this hemostatic tourniquet operates on the principle of wound tamponade, as it includes a tampon-shaped pressure element that serves to stop bleeding by partially or completely inserting into the victim's wound, exerting pressure on the damaged blood vessels within the tissue cavity.This design of the device with the stated operating principle of the clamping element does not provide a sufficient level of effectiveness in stopping bleeding, especially in cases of severe arterial bleeding from large vessels, and also has a number of disadvantages, such as the painfulness of the procedure due to the insertion of a tampon into the victim's wound, an increased risk of infection when used in extreme conditions due to contact with the internal tissues of the victim, and a complication of the bleeding control procedure due to a large number of necessary preliminary actions, such as applying a sterile napkin to the wound, selecting a tampon depending on the anatomy of the wound, and the need to completely remove the tampon when changing it.

[0011] Thus, the technical problem addressed by the claimed invention is the lack of a hemostatic tourniquet design capable of quickly and effectively stopping profuse (severe) bleeding in various areas of the body, including hard-to-reach areas, in extreme situations.

[0012] The technical result of the invention consists in increasing the effectiveness of stopping bleeding under extreme conditions in various areas of the body, including hard-to-reach areas, without complicating the design of the device.

[0013] The effectiveness of stopping bleeding means reducing the time until bleeding stops and, as a result, reducing the volume of blood lost, ensuring complete stopping of bleeding from one wound or several wounds located in the same area of ​​the blood vessel passage, subjected to the pressure of the claimed device, and reducing the risk of complications.

[0014] Hard-to-reach areas of the body include, in particular, the groin, armpits, shoulder, pelvic and thigh areas.

[0015] An additional advantage of the claimed device is the simplification of the process of stopping bleeding and, as a result, an increase in the speed of the bleeding stopping procedure.

[0016] The said technical result is achieved due to the fact that the hemostatic tourniquet includes a housing, an air cushion placed in the housing, an air supply unit connected to the air cushion and configured to pump air into the air cushion, a removable pressure element including an upper contact portion and a lower connecting portion configured to interact with the air cushion, and a means for fixing the housing on the body, connected to the housing, wherein the pressure element is made of a polymeric material resistant to elastic deformation under the influence of pressure during operation of the hemostatic tourniquet, the upper contact portion of the pressure element is configured to attach a nozzle for applying pressure to a section of the body, the pressure element is configured to place the upper contact portion above the wound in the area of ​​the blood vessel.

[0017] In particular cases of implementation of the invention:

[0018] - the body is made in the form of a case,

[0019] - the upper contact part of the pressing element includes an upper part in the form of a spherical layer and a lower cylindrical part,

[0020] - the lower connecting part of the clamping element is installed in the cover above the air cushion,

[0021] - the means of fixing the body on the body is made in the form of a belt, - the air supply unit is a hand pump,

[0022] - the polymer material has a flexural modulus of elasticity of at least 1000 MPa.

[0023] The pressure element of the claimed device is made of a rigid material resistant to elastic deformation under pressure applied to the corresponding area of ​​the body during use. Unlike its closest analogue, the pressure element is shaped like a tampon and, therefore, made of an absorbent and deformable material. Therefore, when the upper contact portion of the pressure element of the claimed device is placed on a blood vessel located above the wound, severe bleeding is stopped by completely stopping blood circulation in the injured area supplied by the blood vessel, as a result of the pressure generated by the pressure element and the air cushion. The upper contact portion of the pressure element is designed to accommodate a nozzle capable of increasing pressure on a hard-to-reach area of ​​the body.For example, such a nozzle may contain an upper contact part of a rectangular elongated shape, which is suitable for pressure in the area of ​​the subclavian artery, as well as the abdominal aorta.

[0024] In a specific implementation, the housing of the claimed device is designed as a sheath, housing both the air cushion and the lower connecting part of the clamping element. This design ensures a more secure fit between these elements and on the victim's body during use. This also improves the effectiveness of bleeding control, as it eliminates the risk of the device elements falling out (displacement), unlike its closest analogue, where the air cushion is partially housed within the housing, and the tampon is inserted into a recess in the air cushion.

[0025] The ability to attach a pressure element to a nozzle that increases pressure on hard-to-reach areas of the body also increases the device's versatility, allowing it to effectively stop any type of bleeding from a wound occurring on various parts of the victim's body. Furthermore, the ability to use nozzles mounted on top of the pressure element eliminates the need for preliminary removal of the pressure element, thereby increasing the speed of bleeding control using the device. This is critical for preserving the life of a severely wounded victim compared to its closest analogue, which requires completely replacing the tampon-like pressure element with a different one, specifically tailored to each wound, requiring the first tampon to be removed and a second inserted.The elimination of the need for additional sterile components also simplifies and speeds up the process of stopping bleeding, as the device does not come into contact with the open wound, being placed above the wound and over the victim's clothing. This also reduces the risk of wound infection.

[0026] Brief description of the drawings

[0027] The invention is illustrated by figures, where:

[0028] Fig. 1 schematically shows a top view of the claimed device,

[0029] Fig. 2 schematically shows a sectional view of the claimed device,

[0030] Fig. 3 shows a general view of the main elements of the claimed device in disassembled form (the housing in the form of a cover, an air cushion, a pump, a clamping element and a means for fixing the housing to the body in the form of a belt),

[0031] Fig. 4 shows a general front view of a particular embodiment of the claimed device according to paragraph 2 of the formula with an attachment installed on the clamping element,

[0032] Fig. 5 shows a general rear view of the claimed device,

[0033] Fig. 6 shows a general view of the claimed device with pressurized air in an air cushion,

[0034] Fig. 7 shows a general view of the clamping element and an example of a nozzle installed on the clamping element,

[0035] Fig. 8 shows a general view of the clamping element and an example of the attachment.

[0036] Fig. 9 shows a top view of the air supply unit of the claimed device.

[0037] Fig. 10 shows a general view of the means for fixing the housing on the body of the claimed device.

[0038] Fig. 11 shows a general view of the housing of the claimed device, designed as a cover. Fig. 12 schematically depicts the areas of the human body containing blood vessels that are pressed by the clamping element during use, depending on the location of the wound.

[0039] Fig. 13 - Fig. 18 show examples of the placement of the claimed device during operation on various parts of the human body.

[0040] The elements are designated on the figures by the following positions:

[0041] 1 - body,

[0042] 2 - air cushion,

[0043] 3 - air supply unit,

[0044] 4 - upper contact part of the clamping element,

[0045] 5 - lower connecting part of the clamping element,

[0046] 6 - means for fixing the body to a part of the body,

[0047] 7 - nozzle for increasing pressure on a body area,

[0048] 8 - hole on the body (1),

[0049] 9 - section with abdominal aorta,

[0050] 10 - section with iliac artery,

[0051] 11 - section with subclavian artery.

[0052] Implementation of the invention

[0053] The hemostatic tourniquet includes a housing (1), made primarily in the form of a cover, an air cushion (2), at least partially located in the housing (1), an air supply unit (3), made primarily in the form of a hand pump, with the possibility of pumping air into the air cushion (2), a pressing element, and a means for fixing (6) the housing to a section of the body connected to the housing (1).

[0054] The housing (1) is made of a flexible material, primarily in the form of a cover. The side of the cover facing the user's body when using the device comprises an opening (8) matching the shape and size of the upper contact portion of the clamping element, through which the said portion (4) of the clamping element passes. The reverse side of the cover may comprise at least one element for fastening to the housing a means for fixing the housing (6) to the body. The fastening element for the means for fixing the housing (6) to a portion of the body may be a loop made of a textile material, through which the means for fixing the housing (6) to a portion of the body passes. The means for fixing the housing (6) to a portion of the body is designed with the ability to adjust the size and may be a belt made of a textile webbing with size adjustment elements.

[0055] The cover can be designed to accommodate a self-contained flameless self-heating heating pad or an infusion bag.

[0056] The air cushion (2) is fully or partially housed within the housing (1) of the device. Air is supplied to the air cushion (2) via an air supply unit (3), connected to the air cushion (2). The air supply unit (3) is primarily a hand pump. The air cushion (2) is primarily made of an elastic polymer material.

[0057] The clamping element is made of a polymer material that is resistant to elastic deformation under the influence of pressure during operation of the hemostatic tourniquet, preferably having a modulus of elasticity in bending of at least 1000 MPa. Such materials include mainly plastics, for example, polypropylene, PET G plastic.

[0058] The pressing element includes an upper contact portion (4) and a lower connecting portion (5) configured to interact with the air cushion, for example, said portion (5) of the pressing element can be installed inside the device cover above the air cushion (2). The upper contact portion (4) of the pressing element preferably includes an upper portion in the form of a spherical layer and a lower cylindrical portion. The lower connecting portion (5) of the pressing element can be made disc-shaped. As the size of the air cushion (2) increases as air is pumped in, the pressing element exerts local pressure on the area of ​​the body with which it contacts. In addition, the pressing element is configured to fix a nozzle (7) installed over the pressing element on the upper contact portion (4).The said attachment (7) can be made of the same material as the pressure element and is designed to further increase the pressure applied by the pressure element, as well as distribute the pressure in a shape that anatomically fits the desired area of ​​the body. The pressure element is preferably removable.

[0059] The hemostatic tourniquet is used as follows. The tourniquet is removed from the pouch in its fully assembled state. The device can be used without the attachment on the pressure element. If an attachment is required, select one: an attachment with a round upper contact area for applying localized pressure in the case of a pelvic wound, or an attachment with an elongated rectangular upper contact area for a shoulder wound.

[0060] The device is placed on the affected area of ​​the body in such a way that the pressure element is located above the bleeding site in the area of ​​the blood vessel located above the wound (see Fig. 12). For example, if there is a wound in the axillary region or upper limb, the device is installed in such a way that the pressure element exerts pressure on the subclavian artery (section (11) in Fig. 12), if there is a wound in the groin or femoral areas, the device is installed in such a way that the pressure element exerts pressure on the iliac artery (section (10) in Fig. 12), if there is a wound in the pelvic and thigh area, the device is installed in such a way that the pressure element exerts pressure on the abdominal aorta (section (9) in Fig. 12).In some cases, for example, when the wound is located on the arm, the device can be used without a pressure element, since in this particular implementation case the pressure element is made removable, in which case the pressure on the blood vessel above the wound is exerted by an air cushion.

[0061] Next, the tourniquet straps are tightened around the limb or other body part to securely fasten the device. The cover holds the air cushion and pressure element in place, ensuring a secure fit and minimizing the risk of them falling out or becoming dislodged. An air supply unit, in the form of a hand pump, is used to inflate the air cushion.

[0062] As the air cushion volume increases, pressure is transferred to the pressure element, which in turn acts on the blood vessel located above the wound. Compression of the vessel completely stops blood flow in that vessel, effectively stopping bleeding. Thus, pressure on the right or left area (11) will completely stop bleeding in a wound located on the right or left upper limb, respectively. Pressure on area (9) will completely stop bleeding in wounds in the pelvis, thighs, and both legs (lower limbs). Pressure on the right or left area (10) will completely stop bleeding in wounds in the groin, thigh, and right or left leg, respectively. Pressure can be adjusted by adjusting the air supply unit, ensuring optimal force without risking tissue damage.

[0063] If necessary, a self-contained flameless heating pad can be placed inside or outside the sheath: inside to warm the infusion bag or solutions, and outside to maintain the temperature of the affected area. Warming improves blood clotting, accelerating clot formation, and prevents hypothermia in the affected area in low temperatures. A hemostatic tourniquet can also be used to place and warm the infusion bag inside the sheath, accelerating the delivery of the heated solution into the body. The heated solution reduces the risk of hypothermia and maintains the patient's overall temperature balance.

[0064] Once the patient's condition has stabilized, the air supply unit is used to release air from the air cushion. The pressure on the vessel is released, and the hemostatic tourniquet is removed from the body.

[0065] Table 1 presents the test results of the claimed device and comparative data with the device in accordance with the closest analogue when using the device.

[0066] Table 1. Test results of the claimed device and comparative data with the device in accordance with the closest analogue Continuation of Table 1

[0067] Thus, the claimed invention ensures the effective stopping of severe bleeding in various areas of the victim's body, including hard-to-reach areas, while being characterized by a simple design, reliable fixation of the device on the victim's body, ensures high speed of providing assistance to the victim, and also reduces the risk of wound infection during the process of providing assistance in stopping bleeding due to the possibility of use through clothing, which makes the device safe, simple and effective in emergency situations.

Claims

And FORMULA 1. A hemostatic tourniquet comprising a housing (1), an air cushion (2) located in the housing (1), an air supply unit (3) connected to the air cushion (2) and configured to pump air into the air cushion (2), a removable pressure element including an upper contact portion (4) and a lower connecting portion (5) configured to interact with the air cushion (2), and a means for fixing the housing on the body (6) connected to the housing (1), characterized in that the pressure element is made of a polymeric material resistant to elastic deformation under the influence of pressure during operation of the hemostatic tourniquet, the upper contact portion (4) of the pressure element is configured to attach a nozzle (7) for applying pressure to a section of the body, wherein the pressure element is configured to place the upper contact portion (4) above the wound in the area of ​​the blood vessel.

2. A hemostatic tourniquet according to claim 1, characterized in that the body (1) is made in the form of a cover.

3. A hemostatic tourniquet according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper contact part (4) of the pressing element has an upper part in the form of a spherical layer and a lower cylindrical part.

4. A hemostatic tourniquet according to paragraph 2, characterized in that the lower connecting part (5) of the pressing element is installed in a cover above the air cushion (2).

5. A hemostatic tourniquet according to claim 1, characterized in that the means for fixing the body (6) on the body is made in the form of a belt.

6. A hemostatic tourniquet according to claim 1, characterized in that the air supply unit (3) is a hand pump.

7. A hemostatic tourniquet according to claim 1, characterized in that the polymeric material has a modulus of elasticity in bending of at least 1000 MPa.

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