CN112203621B

CN112203621B - Device and method for pressing toe portion to facilitate removal of ring

Info

Publication number: CN112203621B
Application number: CN201980035717.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: B·麦基尔; M·兰德瑞; C·汤普森; P·亨尼西; K·斯潘塞; R·N·普拉特; W·迪克; M·布朗
Original assignee: Ring Rescue Co
Current assignee: Ring Rescue Co
Priority date: 2018-03-29
Filing date: 2019-03-12
Publication date: 2023-08-29
Anticipated expiration: 2039-03-12
Also published as: CN112203621A; CA2999658A1; EP3755279A1; EP3755279A4

Abstract

A compression device for removing loops that are caught on toe portions of fingers includes a rigid outer body. The rigid outer body includes a digit cavity extending from a cavity opening at a body proximal end of the body toward a body distal end of the body, a fluid inlet, and a fluid flow path fluidly connecting the fluid inlet to one or more expansion chambers located in the digit cavity. The proximal end of the body includes an upper portion, a lower portion, and two laterally spaced apart side portions. At least one of the sides is recessed distally compared to the upper and lower portions to accommodate the inter-toe folds. At least one flexible bladder lines the toe cavity, each flexible bladder defining at least one wall of one of the one or more expansion chambers.

Description

Device and method for pressing toe portion to facilitate removal of ring

Technical Field

The present application relates generally to devices and methods for removing loops or other hand/foot jewelry from the toe portion of a finger (i.e., finger, thumb or toe), and more particularly to devices and methods employing a rigid outer body into which the toe portion of a finger may be inserted and an inflatable bladder that may be selectively applied with pressure to the surface of the inserted toe portion to facilitate compression thereof.

Background

In hospital emergency rooms around the world, it is common to remove hand/foot jewelry. In cases of many, if not most, toe swelling and/or associated hand/foot or arm/leg swelling, the ring must be removed from the toe of the patient. In cases where the ring cannot be easily removed, the removal process can be time consuming and, in some cases, can endanger the health of the patient.

In the event that the ring is not easily removed from the toe of the patient's swollen digit, there are two widely accepted methods of removing the ring: "loop cutter method" and "string method". In the ring cutter method, a small rotary saw, for example, is used to cut the ring and then it is mechanically deformed for removal from the toe. In the string approach, a string or an elastically contractile material (e.g., a penrose draft tube) is tightly wrapped over the swollen toe to press the toe to reduce swelling sufficiently so that the loop can be removed by sliding it outward and eventually past the distal end of the toe.

Disclosure of Invention

The following introduction is provided to introduce the reader to the following more detailed discussion. The introduction is not intended to limit or define any claimed or as yet to be claimed invention. One or more inventions may exist in any combination or sub-combination of elements or process steps disclosed in any part of this document, including the claims and figures thereof.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a compression device for removing a ring that is captured or "snapped" onto a toe includes a rigid outer body or shell; a toe cavity in which a toe portion of a ring can be placed; and an expansion chamber located within the toe cavity. When the swollen digit is in the cavity, the expansion chamber may be inflated to apply and maintain pressure to the exterior of the digit, thereby facilitating compression of the digit by forcing localized fluid from the digit into the hand/foot and surrounding tissue. Once the volume and/or maximum diameter of the toe portion is reduced, the toe portion may be removed from the device and the ring may be removed by sliding the ring toward and eventually over the distal end of the toe portion.

The advantage of the described design is that the device can be positioned around the toe in a relatively simple manner, and that the time required to start pressing the toe can be reduced once the need or desire is determined.

Another advantage of the design is that the device may allow a relatively uniform pressure to be applied to the entire toe in a relatively simple manner, for example with respect to the entire toe. The time and/or skill required to perform the string method is not required. This allows medically untrained personnel (e.g., staff at a jewelry store) to safely and successfully perform the operations of removing the ring.

Another advantage is that the device may allow for relatively uniform pressure to be maintained on the toe during compression thereof. For example, after an initial application of pressure, the toe volume may begin to decrease as localized fluid is pressurized from the toe. By allowing the volume and/or pressure of the fluid within the expansion chamber to increase as the volume of the inserted toe decreases, a relatively constant pressure may be maintained on the exterior of the toe as the volume of the toe decreases. This may increase the amount of localized liquid that the device can remove from the toe portion over a given period of time. Thus, the apparatus can be used to quickly perform a ring removal procedure.

Preferably, the opening of the toe cavity has at least one side recessed toward the distal end of the compression device. The recess (also referred to as hollow) may allow the toe portion to be positioned deeper into the toe cavity, e.g., to be placed therein. By receiving the inter-toe folds (also called the flippers). The advantage of this design is that the expansion chamber may enclose more toe portions, which may allow most or preferably substantially all of the toe portions to be compressed. This may be particularly advantageous for removing loops trapped at or near the bottom of the fingertip, i.e. typical locations where loops are worn.

Optionally, two or more expansion chambers may be provided in the toe cavity. An advantage of this design is that it may allow pressure to be selectively and/or sequentially applied to two or more portions of the toe length. For example, pressure may be applied first to the distal end of the toe portion, and while maintaining this initial pressure, pressure may be subsequently applied to the proximal end of the toe portion. This may promote a positive pressure gradient along the length of the inserted toe (the gradient increasing from distal to proximal), inhibiting or preventing localized fluid flow to and/or accumulation at the distal end of the toe.

According to a broad aspect, there is provided a compression device for removing loops trapped on a toe portion of a finger, the compression device comprising: a rigid outer body extending from a proximal end of the body to a distal end of the body, the rigid outer body comprising: a toe cavity extending from a cavity opening at a proximal end of the body toward a distal end of the body; a fluid inlet; and a fluid flow path fluidly connecting the fluid inlet to one or more expansion chambers located in the digit cavity, wherein the body proximal end includes an upper portion, a lower portion, and two laterally spaced apart sides, each side connecting the upper portion to the lower portion, at least one side being recessed distally compared to the upper and lower portions to accommodate the digit folds; at least one flexible bladder lines the toe cavity, each flexible bladder defining at least one wall of an expansion chamber.

In some embodiments, each side is recessed distally as compared to the upper and lower portions.

In some embodiments, the compression device further comprises a fluid pressure gauge rigidly connected to the body and fluidly connected to the fluid flow path.

In some embodiments, the pressure gauge includes a pressure indicator movable in response to fluid pressure within the fluid flow path, and a visual marker identifying a position of the pressure indicator corresponding to the target pressure.

In some embodiments, the pressure gauge is housed in a rigid outer body.

In some embodiments, the visual indicia is disposed on the rigid outer body.

In some embodiments, the rigid outer body defines at least one wall of each expansion chamber.

In some embodiments, the toe cavity has a closed distal end.

In some embodiments, the fluid inlet is at the distal end of the body.

In some embodiments, the fluid inlet comprises a normally closed valve that is openable by connection to a fluid source.

In some embodiments, the toe cavity has a substantially cylindrical cross-sectional shape.

In some embodiments, the upper and lower portions extend proximally of the two sides.

In some embodiments, the at least one expansion chamber comprises a first expansion chamber and a second expansion chamber, and the compression device further comprises a flow control valve in a fluid flow path between the first expansion chamber and the second expansion chamber.

In some embodiments, the flow control valve is a throttle valve.

In some embodiments, the rigid outer body is at least one of translucent or transparent.

In some embodiments, at least one of the expansion chambers is at least one of translucent or transparent.

In some embodiments, the compression device further includes a pressure relief valve in fluid communication with the fluid flow path and openable to the atmosphere in response to a predetermined excess fluid pressure within the fluid flow path.

In some embodiments, the flexible pouch comprises a tubular sheet extending from a sheet proximal portion to a sheet distal portion, each of the sheet proximal portion and the sheet distal portion being sealed in fluid-tight relation to the rigid outer body.

Those of skill in the art will understand that the apparatus or methods disclosed herein may embody any one or more of the features contained herein and that the features may be used in any specific combination or sub-combination.

These and other aspects and features of the various embodiments are described in more detail below.

Drawings

For a better understanding of the described embodiments and to show more clearly how they may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an example of a swollen toe with loops "stuck" on the toe;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the ring removed from the swollen toe by cutting the ring;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the ring removed by pressing the toe with a string;

fig. 4 is a perspective view of a compression device according to one embodiment;

fig. 5 is a side view of the compression device of fig. 4;

fig. 6 is a top view of the compression device of fig. 4;

fig. 7 is an end view of the proximal end of the compression device of fig. 4;

fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the compression device of fig. 4 taken along line 8-8 in fig. 7;

fig. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the compression device of fig. 4, with a source of pressurized fluid connected to the compression device and a toe portion disposed in the toe cavity;

fig. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the compression device of fig. 4, with the toe portion positioned in the toe cavity and the expansion chamber in an unexpanded state;

fig. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the compression device and toe portion of fig. 11, with the expansion chamber in a partially expanded state;

fig. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the compression device and toe portion of fig. 11, with the expansion chamber in an expanded state;

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of a pressure indicator of the pressure gauge;

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a compression device according to another embodiment;

fig. 15 is an end view of the proximal end of the compression device of fig. 14;

fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the compression device of fig. 14, taken along line 16-16 of fig. 15;

fig. 17 is a perspective view of the compression device of fig. 14 with the flexible bladder partially removed from the digit cavity;

fig. 18 is a perspective view of the compression device of fig. 14 with the flexible bladder removed from the toe cavity;

fig. 19 is a schematic view of a pressure circuit for a compression device;

fig. 20 is a schematic view of another pressure circuit of the compression device;

fig. 21 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a toe test model for evaluating a toe compression device;

fig. 22 is a perspective view of a device body according to another embodiment;

FIG. 23 is a top view of the device body of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 24-24 of FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a side view of the device body of FIG. 22;

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 26-26 of FIG. 23;

fig. 27 is a perspective view of a toe compression device connected to a fluid source according to another embodiment;

fig. 28 is a side view of the toe compression device of fig. 27 being worn on a toe;

fig. 29 is a perspective view of the toe compression device of fig. 27;

FIG. 30 is a side view of a device body with a pouch engaging member disengaged according to one embodiment;

FIG. 31 is a side view of the device body of FIG. 30 with a tubular sachet inserted therein;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the device body of FIG. 30 with a tubular pouch inserted therein;

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of a device body having a tubular pouch folded over its outer surface according to one embodiment;

fig. 34 is a cross-sectional view of a toe compression device according to one embodiment;

FIG. 35 is a side view of a tubular pouch with an integrated gasket according to one embodiment;

fig. 36 is a perspective view of a toe compression device connected to a fluid source according to another embodiment;

fig. 37 is a perspective view of a toe compression device connected to a fluid source according to another embodiment;

FIG. 38 is a schematic diagram of an electronic control system according to an embodiment;

FIG. 39 is a schematic diagram of a display of the electronic control system of FIG. 38 showing progress in toe compression, according to one embodiment;

fig. 40 is a perspective view of a toe compression device according to another embodiment, the toe compression device being connected to a fluid source and communicatively connected to an external mobile device;

Fig. 41 is an exploded view of a toe compression device according to one embodiment;

fig. 42 is the toe compression device of fig. 41 with a bladder inserted therein;

FIG. 43 is the toe compression device of FIG. 41 with a bladder mounted; and

fig. 44 is the toe compression device of fig. 41 fully assembled.

The drawings included herein are for purposes of illustrating various examples of articles, methods, and devices of the teachings of the present specification and are not intended to limit the scope of the teachings in any way.

Detailed Description

Various devices, methods, and compositions are described below to provide examples of embodiments of each of the claimed inventions. The embodiments described below are not limiting of any claimed invention and any claimed invention may cover apparatuses and methods different from those described below. The claimed invention is not limited to devices, methods, and compositions having all of the features of any one device, method, or composition described below nor to features common to many or all of the device methods or compositions described below. The apparatus, methods, or compositions described below may not be any embodiments of the claimed invention. Any inventions disclosed in the devices, methods, or compositions described below that are not claimed in this document may be the subject of another protective apparatus, e.g., continuing the patent application, and applicant, inventor, and/or owner does not intend to forego, reject, or dedicate any such inventions to the public by being disclosed in this document.

Furthermore, it will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. Furthermore, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the example embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the example embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the example embodiments described herein. Moreover, this description should not be taken as limiting the scope of the example embodiments described herein.

The terms "embodiment," embodiments, "" the embodiments, "" one or more embodiments, "" some embodiments, "and" one embodiment "mean" one or more (but not all) embodiments of the present invention unless expressly specified otherwise.

The term "comprising" and its variants mean "including but not limited to" unless explicitly stated otherwise. The list of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive unless explicitly specified otherwise. The terms "a" and "an" mean "one or more" unless expressly specified otherwise.

As used herein and in the claims, two or more parts are referred to as being "coupled," "connected," "attached," "joined," "fixed," or "fastened" whenever the parts are joined or manipulated together (whenever a link is formed, whether directly or indirectly (i.e., through one or more intermediate portions), where the parts are joined or manipulated together, the terms "directly coupled," "directly connected," "directly attached," "directly engaged," "directly secured," or "directly fastened," as used herein, where two or more parts are coupled so as to move as a unit while maintaining a constant orientation relative to each other, the terms "coupled," "connected," "attached," "joined," "secured," and "fastened" do not distinguish between ways in which two or more parts are coupled together.

Furthermore, although method steps (in the present application and/or in the claims) may be described in a sequential order, such methods may be configured to operate in alternate orders. In other words, any order of steps that may be described does not necessarily indicate a requirement that the steps be performed in that order. The steps of the methods described herein may be performed in any practical order. Furthermore, some steps may be performed simultaneously.

As used herein and in the claims, a first element is referred to as being "communicatively connected" or "communicatively connected to" a second element, where the first element is configured to transmit electronic signals (e.g., data) to or receive electronic signals from the second element and the second element is configured to receive electronic signals from or transmit electronic signals to the first element. The communication may be wired (e.g., the first and second elements pass through one or moreData cable connection) may also be wireless (e.g., at least one of the first and second elements has a wireless transmitter and at least one other of the first and second elements has a wireless receiver). The electronic signal may be analog or digital. The communication may be unidirectional or bidirectional. In some cases, the communication may conform to one or more standard protocols (e.g., SPI, I ² C，Bluetooth ^TM Or IEEE (institute of Electrical and electronics Engineers) ^TM 802.11)。

As used herein and in the claims, a set of elements is referred to as "collectively" performing an action where the action is performed by any one of the elements in the set or by two or more (or all) of the elements in the set cooperatively.

Certain elements herein may be identified by a component indicia that is prefixed by a base-followed letter or a subscript number (e.g., 112a or 112 ₁ ) Composition is prepared. The multiple elements herein may be formed of elements having a common cardinality and differing in their suffixes (e.g., 112 ₁ 、112 ₂ And 112 ₃ ) Is identified by the component indicia of (c). All elements with a common radix may collectively or universally reference a radix without a suffix (e.g., 112).

Fig. 1 depicts a ring 10 "stuck" on a swollen toe 20, which cannot be removed by pulling the ring toward or mechanically pushing it toward the distal end of the toe without damaging the toe and/or causing pain or discomfort. If the ring is not easily removed from the swollen toe or thumb, there are two widely used methods of removing the ring: "loop cutter method" and "string method".

In the ring cutter method, a small rotary saw (such as saw 30 shown in fig. 2) is used to cut the ring 10, which is then mechanically deformed to remove it from the toe portion. While this approach may be effective in many cases, it is difficult or impractical to use on certain rings (e.g., rings made of particularly hard materials such as tungsten), or if the ring, toe and/or hand/foot geometry makes it difficult or impractical to place a cutting blade to cut the ring without cutting or otherwise damaging surrounding tissue. This approach can also lead to ring damage.

In the string approach, string 40 is tightly wrapped around the swollen toe 20 to press against the toe (e.g., as shown in fig. 3) in an effort to sufficiently reduce expansion so that ring 10 can be removed by sliding the ring outward and eventually over the distal end of the toe. While this approach may be effective in many situations, a great deal of skill and/or skill may be required to effectively wrap the string. Proper wrapping of the string may also take a significant amount of time, which may be problematic in cases where time is critical.

Figure 4 shows a compression device, generally designated 100, for removing loops trapped or "stuck" on the toe or thumb of a finger. Compression device 100 includes: a rigid outer body 110 (which may also be referred to as a rigid housing or rigid body); the toe portion with the ring clamped therein may be placed into the toe cavity 120 and the expansion chamber 130 located in the toe cavity. When the swollen digit is in the digit cavity, the expansion chamber may be inflated to apply and maintain pressure to the exterior of the digit, thereby facilitating compression of the digit by forcing localized fluid from the digit into the hand and surrounding tissue.

Referring now to fig. 4-8, body 110 of compression device 100 has a body proximal end 102 and a body distal end 104. An opening 125 of the toe cavity 120 is provided at the body proximal end 102. When the toe is placed in the toe cavity, the body proximal end 102 covers the proximal end of the toe and the body distal end 104 of the body is at or near the distal end of the inserted toe.

In the example shown, an auxiliary opening 127 is provided at the body distal end 104 to provide access to the toe cavity 120. For example, when the toe portion is inserted into the opening 125 at the body proximal end 102, fluid (e.g., air) may be expelled from the toe cavity 120 via the auxiliary opening 127. Alternatively, the body distal end 104 may be substantially or completely closed such that the toe cavity 120 is not accessible from the body distal end 104. Fig. 22-24 illustrate an embodiment of the body 110 in which the body distal end 104 is partially closed. As shown, the body distal end 104 can include an auxiliary opening 127 having a width (e.g., diameter) 304. The width 304 may be less than 60% of the toe cavity width 308 at the body distal end 104 (e.g., between 5% and 60% of the toe cavity width 308).

In the example shown, the toe cavity opening 125 includes an upper portion 122 and a lower portion 124. The first and second side portions 123a, 123b each connect the upper portion 122 to the lower portion 124. At least one of the side portions 123a, 123b is recessed distally relative to the upper portion 122 and the lower portion 124. Providing recessed side 123 may allow compression device 100 to be located on most or substantially all of the toe portions, as the recessed side may accommodate, for example, inter-toe folds (interdigital fold) between adjacent toe portions.

In the example shown, the two sides 123a, 123b are recessed distally by the same distance D _{Concave part} Although it will be appreciated that the sides 123a, 123b may be recessed a different distance. For example, fig. 25 shows an embodiment in which side 123a is recessed more distally than side 123 b. That is, the recess 312a of the side 123a has a recess distal end 316a (e.g., a recess apex) that is closer to the body terminus 104 than the recess distal end 316b of the recess 312 b. The advantage of this design is that it may allow the toe to be placed deeper into the toe cavity. For example, the inter-toe folds on either side of the toe of one person are typically not aligned-the opposite, and one is typically located proximal to the other. Different recess distances D for recesses 312a and 312b _{Concave part} May help the subject 110 better conform to the anatomical relationship.

Distance of recess D _{Concave part} May be any distance suitable to at least partially accommodate the inter-toe folds. In some embodiments, the recess distance D _{Concave part} May be between 5mm and 40 mm. Groove distance D between grooves 312a and 312b _{Concave part} In various embodiments, the difference (e.g., the difference in distance between each groove distal end 316 and the body distal end 104) may be between 2mm and 25 mm.

In some embodiments, only one side may be recessed distally.

Additionally, in the example shown, the two sides 123a, 123b have the same profile (e.g., as shown in fig. 5), but it should be understood that in alternative embodiments they may have different profiles.

Referring to fig. 22 and 26, in some embodiments, the body 110 has an outer surface 320 that includes one or two lateral recesses 324. Each lateral recess 324 provides some accommodation for the toe portion adjacent the toe portion located within the toe cavity 120. This may make wearing compression device 100 more comfortable. As shown, each lateral recess 324 may extend from a respective side 123 of the body proximal end 102. This may provide toe receiving space at the bottom of the toe of the wearer, with the toe being connected to the hand/foot. As compared to the distal end of the toe portion, the wearer has little ability to extend the distance between the proximal ends of the toe portions to accommodate compression device 100.

As shown, lateral recess 324 may extend the entire length of body 110 or may extend a portion of the length of body 110. In the example shown, the lateral recess 324 has an axial length 328 that is less than the length of the body. As shown, the distal end 332 of each lateral recess 324 may be spaced apart from the body distal end 104. For example, the lateral recess distal end 332 may be spaced apart from the body distal end 104 by a distance 336 that is 15% or more (e.g., between 15% and 50%) of the body length 340.

Each lateral recess 324 may have any depth 344 suitable for accommodating at least a portion of an adjacent digit. In some embodiments, depth 344 is at least 3mm (e.g., between 3mm and 10 mm).

Referring to fig. 8, an expansion chamber 130 is disposed in the toe cavity. In the example shown, the expansion chamber is defined by the inner surface 126 of the body 110 and the flexible bladder 140. In the embodiment shown in fig. 8, the pouch 140 comprises a flexible tubular sheet 145, wherein a distal portion 144 of the flexible tubular sheet 145 is secured at the distal end 104 of the body 110 and a proximal portion 142 of the flexible tubular sheet 145 is secured at the proximal end 102 of the body 110. In this example, the sheets 145 of the bladder 140 form the inner wall 147 of the expansion chamber 130.

Expansion chamber 130 is in fluid communication with a fluid inlet 150 of compression device 100 via a fluid flow path 155. In this manner, fluid introduced to compression device 100 via fluid inlet 150 is directed into the interior of expansion chamber 130. Because the inner surface 126 of the rigid body 110 is relatively inflexible compared to the flexible sheet 145, the flexible sheet 145 is forced inward and toward the longitudinal axis 129 of the digit cavity 120 when fluid is introduced into the expansion chamber 130. So that flexible sheet 145 can apply pressure to the toe portion located in toe cavity 120.

In an alternative arrangement (not shown), the bladder 140 may define substantially all of the walls of the expansion chamber, e.g., one wall of the bladder faces or abuts the inner surface 126 of the rigid body 110, while the other wall of the bladder faces the interior of the toe cavity 120. In this arrangement, when fluid is introduced into the flexible bladder 140, the bladder wall toward the interior of the toe cavity 120 is forced toward the longitudinal axis 129 of the toe cavity 120 (the bladder wall toward or abutting the inner surface 126 of the rigid body 110 is constrained by the housing inner surface 126).

The flexible pouch 140 may be made of any suitable material, such as silicone, elastomer, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film, and the like. Preferably, at least the inner wall 147 of the flexible pouch is of a biocompatible material that is not expected to irritate or react with the skin of the toe portion being inserted. Alternatively, the flexible pouch 140 may be made of a translucent or substantially transparent material, such as a translucent or transparent silicone elastomer. Providing a translucent or transparent pocket 140 may facilitate viewing of the inserted toe portion, particularly if the rigid body 110 is made of a translucent or substantially transparent material. As used herein, a material is referred to as "translucent" or "at least translucent" in that at least 25% of incident visible light can pass through the material. As used herein, a material is referred to as "transparent" or "substantially transparent" in that at least 75% of incident visible light can pass through the material.

Optionally, a flow control device (e.g., a valve) may be provided between the fluid inlet 150 and the fluid flow path 155. For example, as shown in fig. 8, a normally closed check valve 151 may be provided to prevent fluid from exiting the flow path 155 via the fluid inlet 150.

Additionally or alternatively, a manual valve may be provided between the fluid inlet 150 and the fluid flow path 155. For example, in the illustrative pressure circuit example shown in fig. 19, a manual valve 152 is provided between the check valve 151 and the fluid flow path 155.

Optionally, a fluid pressure gauge may be connected to compression device 100 to provide an indication of the fluid pressure within expansion chamber 130. For example, as shown in fig. 4-8, a fluid pressure gauge 160 may be provided on an upper end of compression device 100. As shown in fig. 8, a fluid pressure gauge 160 is in fluid communication with the fluid flow path 155. In the example shown, the slider 165 is urged against the compression spring 167 as the fluid pressure in the fluid flow path 155 increases. The viewing window 169 allows for visual observation of the relative position of the slide 165 (see fig. 13). It should be appreciated that the pressure gauge may be of any other type suitable for providing an indication of the internal fluid pressure to a user.

Optionally, the pressure gauge may include visual indicia for the target pressure range and/or target pressure of the expansion chamber. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the slider 165 has a line 166 or other visual reference mark, and marks 163 such as "HI", "OK" and "LO" are provided near the viewing window 169. It should be appreciated that any suitable visual indicia may alternatively and/or additionally be provided. For example, one or more colors may be provided in place of text labels.

Optionally, a pressure relief valve or other safety valve may be provided in fluid communication with the fluid flow path 155 to prevent excessive pressure in the expansion chamber from applying excessive force to the inserted toe and/or causing damage to the compression device. For example, in the illustrative pressure circuit example shown in fig. 19, a pressure relief valve 159 is provided near the fluid pressure gauge 160.

The rigid body 110 may be made of any suitable material, such as metal, plastic, thermoplastic, composite (e.g., carbon fiber), and the like. Alternatively, the body 110 may be made of a translucent or substantially transparent material, such as a translucent or transparent plastic or thermoplastic. Providing a translucent or transparent body 110 may facilitate viewing of the expansion chamber and/or the inserted toe portion (e.g., where the flexible pouch is also translucent or transparent). This allows the operator and patient to monitor the toe during surgery.

The use of compression device 100 to facilitate removal of a ring that is caught on the toe portion will now be described with reference to fig. 9-13.

As shown in the example of fig. 9, compression device 100 is positioned relative to toe 20 with loops (not shown) on toe 20 such that the toe is positioned in toe cavity 120. Preferably, after insertion of the toe, the inter-toe folds (i.e., the web between adjacent toe portions) are adjacent or contiguous with at least one of the sides 123a, 123b of the toe cavity opening 125. As described above, the distally concave sides allow compression device 100 to encapsulate most or substantially all of the inserted digit portions, thereby applying a compressive force to most or substantially all of the inserted digit portions.

Optionally, a lubricant may be provided on the outer surface of the toe portion to be inserted and/or on the inward facing surface of the flexible tubular sheet 145. After the toe has been compressed by the device 100, the lubricant may assist in removing the annulus. Any suitable lubricant may be used.

As also shown in the example of fig. 9, a fluid source is connected to a fluid inlet 150 of compression device 100. The fluid source may be used to introduce any suitable fluid, such as a liquid (e.g., chilled water) or a gas (e.g., compressed air). In the example shown, the fluid source comprises a manually actuated syringe 170, but it should be understood that any suitable fluid source may be used. For example, the injector 170 may be used to introduce cold water into the expansion chamber 130. Alternatively, a compressed air source (e.g., a compressed air line, a manual pneumatic pump) may be used to introduce air or other suitable gas into the expansion chamber 130.

It will be appreciated that the toe portion may be placed in the toe cavity 120 before, after, or simultaneously with connecting the fluid source to the fluid inlet 150 of the compression device 100.

Where the auxiliary opening 127 is provided at the distal end 104 of the body, the auxiliary opening 127 may be completely or substantially closed once the toe portion is placed in the toe cavity 120. For example, a rigid tube or other suitable blocking member (not shown) may be placed in the auxiliary opening 127 to inhibit or prevent the flexible bladder 140 from exerting significant axial force on the distal end of the inserted toe portion. For example, once the toe portion is placed in the toe cavity 120, the blocking member may be inserted through the auxiliary opening 127 and advanced until it is adjacent or abuts the distal end of the inserted toe portion.

Once the toe portion is placed in the toe cavity 120 and a fluid source is connected, for example, to the fluid inlet 150, as shown in fig. 9, fluid may be introduced into the expansion chamber 130. (for ease of illustration, the source of fluid is not shown in fig. 10-12.) as shown in fig. 11, continued introduction of fluid into the expansion chamber 130 causes the inner wall 147 of the flexible bladder 140 to be pushed toward and into contact with the toe. Once the expansion chamber 130 has been expanded to substantially fill the entire toe cavity (e.g., as shown in fig. 12), further introduction of fluid into the expansion chamber 130 causes the inner wall 147 of the flexible bladder 140 to apply increased pressure to the exterior of the toe.

Once the pressure in the expansion chamber 130 is within the target pressure range and/or the target pressure has been reached, the introduction of fluid into the expansion chamber may be stopped. The target pressure range and/or target pressure may be selected to promote local fluid flow from the digit (net) into the hand/foot and/or surrounding tissue without damaging the tissue of the digit and/or causing excessive discomfort. For example, the target pressure may be about 0 to 350mmHg, or about 300mmHg. The target pressure is preferably between 150mmHg and 550 mmHg. This pressure range is generally sufficient to produce target toe compression in a reasonable amount of time while mitigating injury or discomfort to the wearer. While applying a higher pressure (e.g., up to 800 mmHg) to the inserted toe portion may promote a slightly higher (net) flow of local fluid, it is believed that this increase in flow rate will be small. Significant discomfort associated with the application of such elevated pressures is also expected, which may make their application undesirable. Still in some cases, such higher pressures may be employed as desired.

For example, where a pressure gauge, such as fluid pressure gauge 160, is provided, fluid may be introduced into expansion chamber 130 until the pressure gauge provides an indication that the desired pressure has been reached. For example, using the example shown in fig. 13, fluid may be introduced into the expansion chamber until line 166 is aligned with an "OK" reference 163 disposed adjacent to viewing window 169. Patient discomfort may also be considered when determining when the appropriate pressure is reached.

Once the desired pressure is reached, the compression device may rest on the toe portion for a period of time (e.g., at least 1 minute). During this time, continued application of pressure to the toe portion will force localized fluid from the toe portion into the hand/foot and surrounding tissue, thereby reducing the volume and/or maximum diameter of the toe portion.

As the volume of the toe portion decreases, the pressure applied to the toe portion by the compression device may decrease. The decrease in pressure may result in a decrease in the (net) flow rate of the localized fluid, which may reduce the amount of fluid that compression device 100 removes from the toe portion over a given period of time. Preferably, a manometer, such as fluid manometer 160, can be monitored during toe compression. If a drop in pressure below an acceptable threshold is observed, additional fluid may be introduced into the expansion chamber to return the pressure to the target pressure and/or back within the target pressure range.

After pressure has been applied to the toe portion for a desired period of time, and/or once the volume of the toe portion has been reduced to a target level, fluid may be removed from the expansion chamber and subsequently the toe portion removed from the toe cavity 120. For example, a collapsed syringe 170 may be used to expel fluid from the expansion chamber through the fluid inlet 150. To quickly release pressure, the plunger of the syringe 170 may be removed while the syringe remains coupled to the fluid inlet 150, allowing the expansion chamber to vent to atmosphere via the syringe body. Alternatively, the fluid source may be disconnected and the check valve 151 may be depressed or otherwise actuated to allow the expansion chamber 130 to vent to atmosphere.

Once the toe is removed from the expansion chamber, a distal traction force should be applied immediately to the "seized" ring so that the ring slides towards and eventually over the distal end of the toe. The reduction in toe diameter should facilitate removal of the ring.

If the ring remains stuck, the toe portion may be replaced in the toe cavity and the expansion chamber re-inflated to increase the amount and/or duration of pressure applied to the toe portion.

Fig. 14-18 illustrate an alternative embodiment of compression device 100. In this example, three expansion chambers are provided in the toe cavity. As shown in fig. 16, the expansion chambers are longitudinally spaced apart along the toe cavity 120, with the distal expansion chamber 130a including a distal bladder 140a disposed at the body distal end 104, the proximal expansion chamber 130c including a proximal bladder 140c disposed at the body distal end 104, and the central expansion chamber 130b including a central bladder 140b located between the distal expansion chamber 103a and the proximal expansion chamber 130 c. Alternatively, only two expansion chambers may be provided (e.g., a distal expansion chamber disposed adjacent to a proximal expansion chamber). Alternatively, four or more expansion chambers may be provided.

Each expansion chamber 130 a-130 c may be in fluid communication with a fluid inlet 150 of compression device 100 via a fluid flow path 155. In this manner, fluid introduced into compression device 100 via fluid inlet 155 may flow to the interior of each expansion chamber 130a, 130b, 130 c.

Optionally, one or more valves or other flow control devices may be provided to control the flow of fluid to the expansion chamber. For example, in the example shown, a first orifice plate 153a is disposed in the fluid flow path between the fluid inlet 150 and the central expansion chamber 130b, and a second orifice plate 153b is disposed in the fluid flow path between the central expansion chamber 130b and the proximal expansion chamber 130 c. As another example, in the illustrative pressure circuit example shown in fig. 20, an orifice plate 153 is provided between the fluid inlet 150 and the proximal bladder 140b.

An advantage of providing a flow control device in the fluid flow path 155 is that when fluid is introduced into the device through the fluid inlet 150, the first orifice plate 153a will restrict the flow rate of the fluid along the fluid flow path, thereby causing the flow rate into the distal expansion chamber 130a to be greater than the flow rate of the fluid into the central expansion chamber 130 b. Similarly, the second orifice plate 153b may restrict the flow rate of fluid along the fluid flow path, thereby causing the flow rate into the central expansion chamber 130b to be greater than the flow rate of fluid to the proximal expansion chamber 130 c. In this way, a positive pressure gradient may be formed along the length of the toe from the distal end of the toe to the proximal end of the toe, which may inhibit or prevent localized fluid flow to the tip of the toe.

In one or more alternative embodiments, separate fluid inlets may be provided for each expansion chamber 130a, 130b, and/or 130 c. In such embodiments, fluid may be introduced into each expansion chamber in a manner adapted to cause a positive pressure gradient along the length of the toe portion.

Alternatively, one or more flexible bladders 140 may be removably secured within the body or housing 110 of the compression device. For example, as shown in fig. 16-18, the removable pouch element 180 may include a flexible tubular pouch 140 and a rigid pouch mounting portion 185. Alternatively, a portion of the fluid flow path 155 may be disposed in the rigid pouch mounting portion 185. In the example shown, the rigid pouch mounting portion 185 has engagement features in the form of longitudinal grooves 183 that cooperate with complementary engagement features in the form of longitudinal ridges (not shown) to facilitate insertion and/or removal of the removable pouch element 185. An optional removable pocket retaining member 187 may be provided to retain the pocket element 180 in the insertion position. An optional biasing member, such as a spring 189, may be provided to urge the pocket element 180 to a partially removed position upon removal of the retaining member 187.

An advantage of providing one or more removable pods is that the pod component 180 may be removed and optionally disposed after the device has been used on the toe portion of a first patient, and that a new or clean pod component 180 may be installed in the device 100 prior to use of the device 100 on the patient and/or a second toe portion. Since the housing and/or the pressure monitoring system may be reused, the operating costs associated with using the device may be reduced. This design may also improve the hygiene of the device to allow the device to meet various health and safety regulations (which may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction).

Referring to fig. 21, to evaluate the function of a toe compression device similar to device 100, a test model was developed to simulate the difficulties encountered by a physician in an Emergency Room (ER) without the need for manual testing. The test model is a human toe analog and is made using a three-piece polyurethane casting technique developed specifically for this application. As shown in fig. 21, the bone uses hard polyurethane 210, the middle meat uses soft open-cell foam 220, and the outer skin of the mold 200 uses thin polyurethane rubber 230 with mechanical properties similar to human skin. Blood and edema flow through the open-cell foam was simulated with water.

Several medical professionals trained in conventional ring removal techniques attempt to remove trapped rings from the mold using conventional techniques and toe compression devices similar to device 100.

Tests have shown that the toe compression device does not cut the skin of test pattern 200. In contrast, the conventional string method occasionally results in cuts to the test model. Medical professionals demonstrate that lacerations sometimes occur in patients using the string method, which indicates that the test model is a suitable analogue. This also suggests that in some cases, the use of compression device 100 to remove loops may be safer than conventional loop removal methods.

Tests have also shown that the use of toe compression means results in a quicker removal of the collar. For example, the engagement time of the device under test (i.e., the time until the toe is pressed) is shorter than with conventional string methods. Moreover, the amount of fluid emptied from the toe model using the tested device is greater than conventional string methods.

Referring now to fig. 27-28, a compression device 100 according to another embodiment is shown. In some cases, the profile of the ring that snaps onto the toe portion may be high. For example, engagement rings and the like typically include a drill insert that stands high from the underlying insert. If pressure is applied to such a ring through the inflated bladder, it may be uncomfortable to wear. In addition, the capsular bag may have difficulty stretching sufficiently to conform to such a ring. The illustrated embodiment of compression device 100 is designed to be worn on the toe portion 20 of a wearer, adjacent to the collar 10. In use, compression device 100 may compress a portion of toe portion 20 adjacent to and distal of seized ring 10. This may allow compression device 100 to operate on a ring having a profile that is not suitable for toe compression.

In some embodiments, compression device 100 may include a removable pouch. Fig. 29-33 illustrate steps for installing a new bladder into compression device 100. 29-30, the pouch engagement member 348 can be disengaged (e.g., disconnected) from the body 110. Figures 31-32 illustrate the insertion of the tubular bladder 140 into the toe cavity 120. As shown, the proximal pouch portion 142 may protrude from the cavity proximal opening 125a, while the distal pouch portion 144 may protrude from the cavity distal opening 125 b. Turning to fig. 33, the proximal pouch portion 142 is shown folded over the body proximal end 102 such that the proximal pouch portion 142 overlies the body outer surface 320. Although not shown, the distal pouch portion is similarly folded over the body distal end such that the distal pouch portion covers the body outer surface 320.

Finally, fig. 34 shows pouch engagement member 348 re-engaged with body 110. As shown, the pouch engagement member 348 functions to press (i.e., apply a compressive force) the proximal and distal pouch portions 142, 144 against the body 110. This results in a fluid tight seal of the annular expansion chamber 130 defined between the body inner surface 126 and the bladder 140. The body 110 may include a fluid inlet 150, the fluid inlet 150 being fluidly connected to the annular expansion chamber 130. In use, a fluid (e.g., a liquid or gas) may be forced into the annular expansion chamber 130 through the fluid inlet 150 to expand the expansion chamber 130, thereby exerting pressure by the bladder 140 on the toe portion extending within the toe cavity 120.

The advantage of this design is that it allows for easy insertion and sealing of the tubular sachet 140 for removal of the annulus, which is then removed and discarded (or sterilized for reuse).

Fig. 41-44 illustrate steps for installing a new bladder in compression device 100 in accordance with at least one embodiment. Beginning with fig. 41, the pouch engagement member 348 may be disengaged. Fig. 42 shows a tubular bladder 140 with a washer 352 inserted into the toe cavity 120. As shown, the proximal pouch portion 142 may protrude from the cavity proximal opening 125a, while the distal pouch portion 144 may protrude from the cavity distal opening 125 b. Turning to fig. 43, the proximal pouch portion 142 is shown folded over the body proximal end 102 such that the proximal pouch portion 142 is folded over the body outer surface 320. Similarly, the distal pocket portion 144 is shown folded over the body distal end 104 such that the distal pocket portion 142 covers the body outer surface 320. Finally, fig. 44 shows the pouch engagement members 348 re-engaged with the body 110 such that they form a fluid tight seal between the proximal and distal pouch end portions and the body. As shown in fig. 43, the body 110 may include retainers 402 (e.g., proximal retainer 402a and distal retainer 402 b) that, when engaged with the body 110, help secure the engagement member 348 in place. Retainer 402 may be any member suitable for increasing the retention of engagement member 348 to body 110. While maintaining the non-destructive removable connection, the member 348 on the body 110 remains unchanged. For example, the retainer 402 may be a protrusion from the outer surface 320 that mates with the engagement member 348 when engaged with the body 110.

The body 110 may have a short length (e.g., 10mm to 50 mm) intended to allow the distal end of the toe portion to protrude from the cavity distal opening 125b, or have a desired extension length (e.g., greater than 50mm, such as 50mm to 150 mm) extending to or beyond the distal end of the toe portion. The short body 110 has the advantage that it may be less expensive to manufacture and may also be less restrictive to the wearer. The extended body 110 has the advantage that it can always provide compression to the distal end of the toe of the wearer. This may alleviate some of the discomfort associated with wearing the distal end of the toe portion of the finger when the distal end of the toe portion is also not compressed during the procedure.

Referring to fig. 34, compression device 100 may include one or more balloon engagement members 348 that cooperate to seal proximal portion 142 and distal portion 144 of the balloon to body 110. In the example shown, compression device 100 is shown to include a proximal pouch engagement member 348a for pouch proximal portion 142 and a distal pouch engagement member 348b for pouch distal portion 144.

Referring to fig. 30 and 34, each pouch engagement member 348 may have any design suitable for forming a fluid-tight seal when engaged with the body 110 and pouch portions 142, 144 and allowing the pouch portions 142, 144 to be removed from the body 110 when disengaged. For example, the pouch engagement member 348 may have a ring-shaped body that covers the body 110 and a portion of the pouch 140 when in the engaged position. This allows the bladder engagement member 348 to exert a radially inward force on the bladder 140 and the body 110 that may form a fluid-tight seal between the bladder 140 and the body 110. In the illustrated embodiment, each pouch engagement member 348 is formed as a removable annular end cap. For example, the end cap 348 may be engaged by axially pressing the end cap 348 over the end of the body 110. The end cap 348 may be held in engagement by friction until the user forcibly (but non-destructively) disconnects the end cap 348 from the body 110. In some embodiments, the pouch engagement member 348 may be connected to the body 110 by mating threads or other means.

In some embodiments, the pouch engagement member 348 may remain connected to the body 110 in both the engaged and disengaged positions. For example, the pouch engagement member 348 may be pivotably connected to the body 110 and may pivot between an engaged position and a disengaged position.

In some embodiments, the fluid-tight seal formed when the one or more pouch engagement members 348 are engaged may be aided by one or more gaskets (e.g., pressed by the one or more pouch engagement members 348 when engaged). Fig. 30 shows an example in which the body 110 includes a gasket 352, the gasket 352 encircling the body outer surface 320 at a body proximal portion 356 and a distal portion 360. In use, the pouch proximal portion 142 and distal portion 144 (fig. 34) may cover the respective gaskets 352, and the pouch engagement member 348 may include pouch portions 142, 144 (fig. 34) that press against the gaskets 352 to form a fluid-tight seal.

Referring to fig. 34, each pouch engagement member 348 may include one or more washers 352, as shown, alternatively or in addition to the body 110 having washers 352. In use, the gasket 352 may be pressed against the pouch portions 142, 144 to form a fluid-tight seal.

Referring to fig. 33 and 35, the pouch portions 142, 144 may have a gasket 352 (as shown in fig. 33) alternatively or in addition to the body 110 having a gasket and/or the pouch engaging member 348 having a gasket. As shown, the pocket gasket 352 may be integrally formed with the pocket portions 142, 144 or connected to the pocket portions 142, 144 and may have a thickness greater than the adjacent pocket material. The pouch gasket 352 may be located at the end of the pouch 140 as shown, or inside the end of the pouch. In use, the pouch gasket 352 may be pressed against the body 110 by the pouch engagement member 348 to form a fluid seal.

Referring to fig. 27-28, the fluid inlet 150 may be fluidly connected to a fluid source 170 to receive a pressurized fluid (e.g., liquid or gas) into the expansion chamber. The fluid source 170 may be any source of pressurized fluid, whether manually or power operated, that is adapted to expand the expansion chamber to a target expansion pressure. For example, the fluid source 170 may be a syringe as shown in fig. 9, or may be a power pump (e.g., a liquid pump or an air compressor) as shown. As shown, the fluid source 170 may be connected to the inlet 150 by a fluid conduit 364. In the example shown, the fluid conduit 364 is a flexible hose. The advantage of this design is that it allows the wearer some freedom to move the associated hand/foot while performing the procedure. In alternative embodiments, the fluid conduit 364 may be a rigid conduit, which may be more durable.

Turning to fig. 36 and 37, the fluid flow path between the fluid source 170 and the expansion chamber may include a valve 362, i.e., the valve 362 may be located upstream of the expansion chamber. Valve 362 may be opened to allow pressurized fluid into the expansion chamber and may be sealed to seal the pressurized fluid in the expansion chamber. One example of a valve 362 is the check valve 151 shown in fig. 16, 19 and 20. Valve 362 may be opened while pressurizing the expansion chamber and sealed after a predetermined fluid pressure is reached. The valve 362 may remain sealed for a specified period of time (e.g., at least 1 minute, such as 3 minutes to 10 minutes) before venting the expansion chamber. For example, while sealing valve 362, fluid source 170 may be disconnected from compression device 100 (e.g., by disconnecting fluid conduit 364 or an associated connector), allowing the wearer to freely move for approximately a prescribed time until the compression process is completed. For example, the wearer may perform a ring removal procedure in a jewelry store and may stroll the store during a holding period, when disconnected from fluid source 170, while compression device 100 continues to compress its toe for a prescribed period of time. When the hold period has elapsed, an operator (e.g., a jewelry store clerk) may seek to expel the compressed gas from the expansion chamber (e.g., by opening valve 362) and then remove the stuck ring from the compression toe.

In some embodiments, the fluid conduit connector 366 is located upstream of the fluid inlet 150 (e.g., as in fig. 36) or located at the fluid inlet 150 (e.g., as in fig. 37). The fluid conduit connector 366 may be separate from the valve 362 or may include the valve 362. Where the fluid conduit connector 366 includes a valve 362, the fluid conduit connector 366 may be self-sealing upon disconnection (e.g., the integrated valve 362 may be a one-way valve, such as a check valve or the like), or may be manually sealed prior to disconnection (e.g., the integrated valve 362 may include a manually operated valve actuator). The fluid conduit connector 366 may retain pressurized fluid in the expansion chamber by providing a fluid-tight seal when disconnected. This may allow the wearer complete freedom to leave the fluid source 170 while waiting for a prescribed period of time to complete the compression process.

Reference is now made to fig. 27 and 38. In some embodiments, compression device 100 includes an electronic control system 367. As shown, the electronic control system 367 may include a controller 368, the controller 368 configured to direct operation of the pump 372 and/or the feedback device 376, and/or may be responsive to user inputs 380 and sensors 384. For example, the controller 368 may receive an activation signal from the user input 380 and, in response, direct the pump 372 to drive such that the pump 372 supplies pressurized fluid into the expansion chamber. The controller 368 may receive a signal indicative of the pressure within the expansion chamber from a sensor 384 (e.g., a pressure sensor) and, in response, direct a feedback device 376 (e.g., an electronic display) to provide an indication of the current pressure and/or progress toward a target pressure. When the controller 368 receives a signal from the sensor 384 indicating that a predetermined target pressure within the expansion chamber has been reached, the controller 368 may direct the pump 372 to deactivate. The controller 368 may further direct the feedback device 376 to provide an indication of the remaining time for the prescribed hold time. For example, the controller 368 may instruct the feedback device 376 to alert the wearer that a prescribed retention time has elapsed. The expansion chamber may then be vented, compression device 100 removed from the compression toe, and the snap ring removed from the compression toe.

The controller 368 may include one or more processors 388 and a memory 392. Processor 388 may be any processing device suitable for performing the functions described herein. For example, processor 388 may include one or more ARM ^TM ，RISC，Intel ^TM Or AMD ^TM Microprocessors or integrated circuits (e.g., fixed or FPGA (field programmable gate array)).

The memory 392 may include volatile memory (e.g., RAM) and/or nonvolatile memory (e.g., flash memory). The memory 392 may store computer-executable instructions (also referred to as computer-readable instructions) that, when executed by the one or more processors 388, configure the one or more processors 388 to collectively perform the functions and methods described herein. The memory 392 may include local storage (coupled to the processor 388 via a wired or wireless means), and/or remote storage (coupled to the processor 388 via a network such as the internet). Thus, as used herein and in the claims, content is stored in memory, where the content is stored in local memory or remote memory, or distributed across both local and remote memory, unless explicitly specified otherwise (e.g., "remote storage" or "local storage").

The sensor 384 may be any device suitable for providing an indication of the fluid pressure within the expansion chamber to the controller 368. For example, the sensor 384 may comprise a pressure sensor fluidly connected to the expansion chamber. The controller 368 may continuously or intermittently receive signals from the sensor 384 indicative of the fluid pressure within the expansion chamber to direct operation of the feedback device 376 to notify a user of the current fluid pressure and/or progress toward the target pressure (e.g., alert the user that the target fluid pressure has been reached).

Feedback device 376 may be any device that may provide audible, visual, or tactile indicia to the user regarding the progress (e.g., current pressure, progress to target pressure, or time remaining in a prescribed hold time) during toe compression. For example, the feedback device 376 may include a speaker 376 ₁ Electronic display 376 ₂ (e.g., LCD, LED or OLED display) and/or vibrator 376 ₃ (e.g., a bias motor, a linear resonant actuator, and/or a piezoelectric vibrator). The feedback device 376 may be communicatively connected to the controller 368 by wire or wirelessly.

Loudspeaker 376 ₁ Progress may be indicated in spoken words, such as "one hundred mmhg", "target pressure is reached", "ten seconds remain" or "hold time has elapsed". Alternatively or additionally, the speaker may indicate progress with a non-verbal sound, such as a sound frequency (e.g., a tone increase or decrease based on progress to a target pressure or a specified period of time), a sound pattern (e.g., a pattern of tones or beeps that varies based on pressure or time), and/or a volume (e.g., a volume increase or decrease based on pressure or time). When the target pressure is reached or a prescribed hold time has elapsed, speaker 376 ₁ Special alarms (verbal or non-verbal) may be included.

Referring to FIG. 39, a display 376 ₂ Progress may be indicated in any visual form, such as with a numerical indication 396 (e.g., 1 minute or 100 mmHg) and/or a graphical indication 404 (graphical, color coded or other non-digital visual indication). The indicia 396, 404 may indicate progress in absolute terms (e.g., current pressure or current time elapsed or remaining) or relative terms (e.g., percentage, patterned color coding, etc.).

Returning to FIG. 38, vibrator 376 ₃ The vibration pulse may be in absolute or relative terms, in any manner, e.g. by vibration intensityFor example, a morse code or the like) to indicate progress.

The user input 380 may be any device that may receive input from a user, such as a button 380 ₁ Touch screen 380 ₂ Or dial 380 ₃ . The user may interact (e.g., manipulate) with user input 380, communicate commands to controller 368, such as starting or stopping the compression procedure, setting a target inflation pressure, and/or setting a prescribed hold time.

Referring to fig. 27 and 38, the electronic control system 367 may be located entirely within the fluid source 170, or the electronic control system 367 may include two or more subsystems 408 distributed between the fluid source 170, the body 110, and/or an external device (e.g., a tablet or smart phone), together forming the electronic control system 367. The subsystems 408 may be communicatively connected to each other by wires or wirelessly to exchange signals. Referring still to fig. 27 and 38, fig. 27 illustrates an example in which the electronic control system 367 includes a subsystem 408 in the fluid source 170 ₁ And subsystem 408 in body 110 ₂ . For example, subsystem 408 ₁ A processor 388 and a processor 392 of the controller 368 may be included, as well as the pump 372, and optionally one or more (or all) of the sensors 384, the user input 380, and the feedback device 376. Subsystem 408 ₂ Another processor 388 and memory 392 of the controller 368 may be included, as well as one or more (or all) of the sensors 384, user inputs 380 and feedback devices 376. FIG. 28 shows an example in which an electronic display 376 is shown ₂ Is mounted to the body 110 for displaying to the wearer the progress of the toe pressing process. This provides the wearer with instant information about the progress of the toe compression procedure. For example, the wearer may receive an indication of the progress of a prescribed holding time as they walk the jewelry store at will (e.g., notification may occur as the holding time has elapsed).

Fig. 36 shows an alternative embodiment in which all of the electronic control system 367 is located in the fluid source 170. The advantage of this design is that it may reduce the size of the body 110 compared to designs that include other components on the body 110. This may make the body 110 more comfortable on the wearer.

Fig. 40 illustrates another embodiment in which a portion of the electronic control system 367 is located in an external device 412 (e.g., an external mobile device such as a smart phone or tablet). For example, external device 412 may include subsystem 408 ₂ The subsystem 408 ₂ Another processor 388 and memory 392 with a controller 368, as well as one or more (or all) of user inputs 380, and feedback device 376 (see fig. 38). In the example shown, subsystem 408 on external device 412 ₂ Including an electronic display 376 for displaying progress in toe compression ₂ 。

Returning to fig. 38, in some embodiments, controller 368 may store a bladder cycle counter in memory 392 and increment the counter as the toe compression procedure is performed. This may allow the operator to track the number of uses of the pouch in case the pouch may be reused a prescribed number of times before the pouch must be sterilized or replaced. The controller 368 may direct the feedback device 376 to provide an indication of the number of uses or the number of uses remaining (e.g., replacement when the bladder cycle counter equals or exceeds a predetermined maximum number of cycles, the controller 368 may direct the feedback device 376 to provide visual, audible, and/or tactile indicia that the bladder should be replaced).

As used herein, the term "and/or" is intended to mean inclusive or. That is, for example, "X and/or Y" refers to X or Y or both. As another example, "X, Y and/or Z" is intended to mean X or Y or Z or any combination thereof.

Although the description above describes features of example embodiments, it will be appreciated that some features and/or functions of the described embodiments are susceptible to modification without departing from the spirit and principles of operation of the described embodiments. For example, various features described by way of representative embodiments or examples may be selectively combined with one another. Accordingly, what has been described above is intended to be illustrative of the claimed concept and is not limiting. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments and examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

Project

Item 1: a compression device for removing loops that are trapped on toe portions of fingers, the compression device comprising

A rigid outer body extending from a proximal end of the body to a distal end of the body, the rigid outer body comprising:

a toe cavity extending from a cavity opening at a proximal end of the body toward a distal end of the body;

a fluid inlet, and

a fluid flow path fluidly connecting the fluid inlet to one or more expansion chambers located in the digit cavity,

Wherein the body proximal end comprises an upper portion, a lower portion, and two laterally spaced apart side portions, each side portion connecting the upper portion to the lower portion, at least one of the side portions being recessed distally compared to the upper and lower portions to accommodate an inter-toe fold; and

at least one flexible bladder lines the toe cavity, each flexible bladder defining at least one wall of an expansion chamber.

Item 2: the compression device of any preceding item, wherein each side is recessed distally compared to the upper and lower portions.

Item 3: the compression device of any preceding item further comprising a fluid pressure gauge rigidly connected to the body and fluidly connected to the fluid flow path.

Item 4: a compression device of any preceding item, wherein the pressure gauge comprises: a pressure indicator movable in response to fluid pressure within the fluid flow path; and a visual marker identifying a corresponding location of the pressure indicator corresponding to a target pressure.

Item 5: the compression device of any preceding item, wherein the pressure gauge is housed in the rigid outer body.

Item 6: the compression device of any preceding item, wherein the visual indicia is disposed on the rigid outer body.

Item 7: the compression device of any preceding item, wherein the rigid outer body defines at least one wall of each of the expansion chambers.

Item 8: the compression device of any preceding item, wherein the toe cavity has a closed distal end.

Item 9: a compression device of any preceding item, wherein the fluid inlet is at the distal end of the body.

Item 10: the compression device of any preceding item, wherein the fluid inlet comprises a normally closed valve openable by connection to a fluid source.

Item 11: the compression device of any preceding item, wherein the toe cavity has a substantially cylindrical cross-sectional shape.

Item 12: the compression device of any preceding item, wherein the upper and lower portions extend proximally of the two side portions.

Item 13: the compression device of any preceding item, wherein the at least one expansion chamber comprises a first expansion chamber and a second expansion chamber, and the compression device further comprises a flow control valve in a fluid flow path between the first expansion chamber and the second expansion chamber.

Item 14: the compression device of any preceding item, wherein the flow control valve is a throttle valve.

Item 15: the compression device of any preceding item, wherein the rigid outer body is at least one of translucent or transparent.

Item 16: the compression device of any preceding item, wherein at least one of the expansion chambers is at least one of translucent or transparent.

Item 17: the compression device of any preceding item, further comprising a pressure relief valve in fluid communication with the fluid flow path and openable to an atmosphere in response to a predetermined excess fluid pressure within the fluid flow path.

Item 18: the compression device of any preceding item, wherein the flexible bladder comprises a tubular sheet extending from a sheet proximal portion to a sheet distal portion, each of the sheet proximal portion and the sheet distal portion being in fluid seal with the rigid outer body.

Item 19: the compression device of any preceding item, wherein the at least one flexible bladder is removably coupled to the rigid outer body.

Item 20: the compression device of any preceding item, wherein the rigid outer body has an outer surface, and the outer surface has at least one lateral recess extending distally from one of the sides of the body proximal end.

Item 21: the compression device of any preceding item, wherein the rigid outer body has an outer surface and the outer surface has lateral recesses extending distally from each side of the body proximal end.

Item 22: the compression device of any preceding item, wherein one of the sides of the body proximal end extends proximally of the other side of the body proximal end.

Item 23: a compression device for removing a ring that is caught on a toe portion of a finger, the compression device comprising:

a rigid outer body extending from a proximal end of the body to a distal end of the body, the rigid outer body comprising: a toe cavity extending from a cavity open proximal end at a proximal end of the body to a cavity distal end opening at a distal end of the body; and

a fluid inlet, and

a movable flexible tubular bladder extending from a proximal end of the liner to a distal end of the liner, the bladder including a bladder intermediate portion connecting a bladder proximal end portion to a bladder distal end portion, the bladder intermediate portion being positioned within the toe cavity,

wherein each of the proximal and distal bladder portions is removably sealable with the rigid outer body to define an annular expansion chamber within the digit cavity between the bladder and the rigid outer body, the fluid inlet being fluidly connected to the annular expansion chamber.

Item 24: a compression device of any preceding item, wherein:

the proximal portion of the pouch covers the proximal end of the body and the distal portion of the pouch covers the distal end of the body.

Item 25: the compression device of any preceding item, further comprising:

at least one pouch engaging member releasably engageable with the rigid outer body,

each pouch engagement member, when engaged, presses at least one of the pouch proximal end portion and the pouch distal end portion against the rigid outer body to provide a fluid-tight seal between the pouch and the rigid outer shell.

Item 26: the compression device of any preceding item, further comprising:

a proximal pouch engaging member and a distal pouch engaging member, each of the proximal and distal pouch engaging members being engageable with the rigid outer body,

each pouch engagement member, when engaged, presses a respective one of the pouch proximal end portion and the pouch distal end portion against the rigid outer body to provide a fluid-tight seal between the pouch and the rigid outer shell.

Item 27: a compression device of any preceding item, wherein:

when engaged, each pouch engagement member covers a portion of the rigid outer body and pouch.

Item 28: a compression device of any preceding item, wherein:

Each pouch engaging member includes a removable end cap.

Item 29: a compression device of any preceding item, wherein:

one of the rigid outer body and the pouch includes a proximal washer and a distal washer, and

each pouch engagement member, when engaged, presses against at least one of the proximal and distal washers to provide a fluid-tight seal.

Item 30: a compression device of any preceding item, wherein:

the rigid outer body includes a proximal washer located below the proximal portion of the pouch and a distal washer located below the distal portion of the pouch, and

Item 31: a compression device of any preceding item, wherein:

each pouch engaging member includes a washer that presses against the pouch when the pouch engaging members are engaged.

Item 32: a compression device of any preceding item, wherein:

each of the proximal and distal pouch portions is folded over the outer surface of the rigid outer shell.

Item 33: the compression device of any preceding item, further comprising:

a valve located upstream of the annular expansion chamber, the valve being openable to admit pressurized fluid into the annular expansion chamber and sealable to seal the pressurized fluid in the annular expansion chamber.

Item 34: a compression device of any preceding item, wherein:

the valve is part of a fluid conduit connector that provides connectivity to an upstream pressurized fluid supply conduit and is sealable when the fluid conduit connector is disconnected from the upstream pressurized fluid supply conduit.

Item 35: a compression device of any preceding item, wherein:

the valve automatically seals when the fluid conduit connector is disconnected from the upstream pressurized fluid supply conduit.

Item 36: the compression device of any preceding item, further comprising:

a user feedback device connected to the rigid housing, the user feedback device providing at least one of visual, audible, and tactile indicia of progress during toe compression.

Item 37: the compression device of any preceding item, further comprising:

a user feedback device coupled to the rigid housing, the user feedback device providing at least one of visual, audible and tactile indicia of fluid pressure within the expansion chamber.

Item 38: the compression device of any preceding item, further comprising:

a controller having one or more processors and memory for storing computer readable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, configure the one or more processors to collectively:

A fluid source is directed to supply fluid to the expansion chamber through the fluid inlet,

receiving a signal indicative of the pressure of the fluid in the expansion chamber while the fluid source is directed to supply the fluid, and directing the fluid source to slow down or stop the supply of the fluid into the expansion chamber in response to determining that the pressure of the fluid in the expansion chamber has reached a predetermined target pressure.

Item 39: the compression device of any preceding item, wherein the computer readable instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, configure the one or more processors to collectively:

increment the pocket period counter memory.

Item 40: the compression device of any preceding item, wherein the computer readable instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, configure the one or more processors to collectively:

in response to determining that the bladder cycle counter equals or exceeds the predetermined maximum number of cycles, the user feedback device is instructed to provide at least one of visual, audible, and tactile indicia that the bladder should be replaced.

Item 41: a compression device for removing a ring that is caught on a toe portion of a finger, the compression device comprising:

a rigid outer body extending from a body proximal portion having a body proximal end to a body distal portion having a body distal end, the rigid outer body comprising:

A digital cavity extending from a cavity proximal opening at a proximal end of the body to a cavity distal opening at a distal end of the body, and

a fluid inlet; and

one or more bladder engagement members collectively have a disengaged position that allows insertion and removal of the flexible tubular bladder through the toe cavity, and an engaged position to seal the flexible tubular bladder extending through the toe cavity to the proximal and distal portions of the body.

Item 42: the compression device of item 41, further comprising the features of any one or more of items 1-41.

Claims

1. A compression device for removing a ring that is captured on a toe portion of a finger, the compression device comprising:

a toe cavity extending from a cavity proximal opening at a body proximal end to a cavity distal opening at a body distal end; and

a fluid inlet, and

each of the proximal and distal bladder portions is removably sealable with the rigid outer body to define an annular expansion chamber within the digit cavity between the bladder and the rigid outer body, the fluid inlet being fluidly connected to the annular expansion chamber.

2. A compression device according to claim 1, wherein the proximal portion of the bladder covers the proximal end of the body and the distal portion of the bladder covers the distal end of the body.

3. A compression device according to claim 1, further comprising:

each pouch engagement member, when engaged, presses at least one of the pouch proximal end portion and the pouch distal end portion against the rigid outer body to provide a fluid-tight seal between the pouch and the rigid outer body.

4. A compression device according to claim 3, wherein each bladder engagement member comprises a removable end cap.

5. A compression device according to claim 3, wherein:

6. A compression device according to claim 3, wherein:

7. A compression device according to claim 3, wherein:

8. A compression device according to claim 1, wherein:

each of the proximal and distal pouch portions is folded over the outer surface of the rigid outer body.

9. A compression device according to claim 1, further comprising:

10. A compression device according to claim 9, wherein:

the valve is part of a fluid conduit connector that provides connectivity to the upstream pressurized fluid supply conduit and is sealable when the fluid conduit connector is disconnected from the upstream pressurized fluid supply conduit.

11. A compression device according to claim 10, wherein:

12. A compression device according to claim 1, further comprising:

a user feedback device connected to the rigid outer body, the user feedback device providing at least one of visual, audible and tactile progress markers during toe depression.

13. A compression device according to claim 1, further comprising:

receiving a signal indicative of the pressure of the fluid in the expansion chamber while the fluid source is directed to supply the fluid, an

In response to determining that the fluid pressure in the expansion chamber has reached the predetermined target pressure, the fluid source is directed to slow or stop supplying fluid into the expansion chamber.

14. The compression device of claim 13, wherein the computer readable instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, configure the one or more processors to collectively:

increment the pocket period counter memory.

15. The compression device of claim 14, wherein the computer readable instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, configure the one or more processors to collectively:

16. A compression device according to claim 1, further comprising:

17. A compression device for removing a ring that is captured on a toe portion of a finger, the compression device comprising:

a fluid inlet; and

one or more bladder engagement members, together having a disengaged position that allows insertion and removal of the flexible tubular bladder through the toe cavity, and an engaged position to seal the flexible tubular bladder extending through the toe cavity to the proximal and distal portions of the body,

wherein, in the engaged position, the flexible tubular bladder defines at least a portion of a tubular expansion chamber within the digit cavity.

18. A compression device according to claim 17, wherein,

the pouch comprises a pouch proximal portion and a pouch distal portion, and

the proximal portion of the pouch covers the proximal end of the body and the distal portion of the pouch covers the distal end of the body when the one or more pouch engagement members are co-located in the engaged position.

19. A compression device according to claim 17, wherein,

the pouch comprises a pouch proximal portion and a pouch distal portion, and

20. A compression device for removing a ring that is captured on a toe portion of a finger, the compression device comprising:

a toe cavity extending from a cavity opening at a proximal end of the body to a cavity distal opening at a distal end of the body;

a fluid inlet is provided to the fluid inlet,

a movable flexible tubular bladder passing through the digit cavity defining at least a portion of an annular expansion chamber within the digit cavity, and