AU4888600A - Blood vessel stabiliser - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1999 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT BLOOD VESSEL STABILISER *0 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: BLOOD VESSEL STABILISER.

This invention relates to a device used to limit the movement of a blood vessel where the vessel is punctured for the purpose of obtaining a-blood sample or for the placement of a catheter.

The unit comprises of two prongs (Figure 1) which are connected to a projection (Figure 2) which provides a holding point when using the device.

At the rearward end of the prongs is a connecting link (Figure 3) to maintain separation of the prongs and provide a means of occluding to some extent the vessel over which it is placed, thus enhancing a successful outcome of the procedure.

These procedures are carried out both routinely and in emergencies and allows blood to be withdrawn and or a catheter to be placed within the vessel for possible further medical action.

The placement ofa catheter or the employment ofa trocar within a blood vessel requires a degree of skill on behalf of the person using the device. Some trained 0 .0 persons have little if any difficulty withdrawing blood or placing a catheter, while others find it difficult and frustrating. The age, physical and clinical state of the :o recipients of these procedures often adds to the difficulty.

To maximise the prospect of quick accurate placement of catheters and blood collection units reduces the risks involved and the discomfort of patients.

oooo 0.0 The invention simplifies the procedure in two ways: 1) It provides a means of stabilising the selected blood vessel laterally by way of the two prongs (Figure Currently, with a standard procedure the selected vessel is o either anchored at the site upstream of the blood flow by a carefully. pad finger, or 900"in some instances the attempt to puncture the vessel is performed-completely free of contact other than that of the trocar. (Figures 5 The two prongs simply rest beside the vessel, inhibiting movement. A degree of pressure is applied to the unit with the non- dominant hand. It is thus difficult for the vessel to move or roll away from the advancing trocar. (Figure 6) 2) During current procedures the vessels of choice are occluded by the use of a tourniquet usually placed above the patient's elbow, causing the blood returning to the heart to swell or pool (Figure 7) To some extent, if a finger is employed to anchor the vessel it is usually placed down-stream cutting off some of the blood flow at the site of puncture, reducing the size and tension of the vessel, making it more difficult to accurately puncture the vessel. (Figure 8) The invention provides a means of supporting the vessel across its diameter and does this at a point up-stream of the site, increasing vessel size and tension. (Figure 9).

Claims (4)

1. 2. The blood vessel stabiliser of claim I wherein the dimensions of either part may vary to accommodate manufacturing or practical purposes.
2. 3. The blood vessel stabiliser of claim 1 wherein the device is made of metal or plastic or any other material suitable for the purpose.
3. 4. The blood vessel stabiliser of claim 1 wherein the device may be made up of one or more pieces. The blood vessel stabiliser of claim 1 wherein the device may be manufactured and used both with or without the supporting piece of Figure 3 acting to occlude "blood flow through the blood vessel.
4. 6. The blood vessel stabiliser is substantially as herein described with accompanying drawings. AN APPLICANT 20 July 2000.