GB2319963A - An anatomical restraint - Google Patents

Abstract

An anatomical restraint for restraining a part of the body of a wearer comprises a laminar envelope housing a plurality of separate, substantially similar, unrestrained elements in the form of, for example, polystyrene beads. The envelope comprises a main portion from which project at least one pair of oppositely-directed limbs (3, 3', 5, 5') such that, in use, the envelope may be at least partially wrapped around a part of the body of the wearer and evacuated of all or substantially all the gas through a valve (6). The envelope is then sealed such that the restraint retains the shape to which it had been moulded prior to the evacuation by the action of air pressure.

Description

AN ANATOMICAL RESTRAINT The present invention concerns an anatomical restraint.

In particular the present invention relates to a restraint device, or brace, for use on parts of the human and animal body in circumstances in which there is a need for restraint and/or additional support, for example, in the case of a suspected neck injury.

Restraint devices are known as such; for example, devices for effectively immobilising the head and neck are widely known and used. Such devices are particularly used for limiting or preventing movement of the head and neck following an accident or where there is a suspected neck injury, or where movement of the head and/or neck is not desirable. Where a neck injury has been sustained, any movement of the patient which allows free or uncontrolled movement of the head and neck carries the risk of severe damage to the spinal cord, and possible paralysis. The use of a restraint device thus reduces these risks.

Known head and neck immobilisation devices have a number of disadvantages. First, they are generally made from hard plastics material in a limited range of sizes. This means that the known devices do not allow for anatomical variations outside a fairly narrow range, or for anatomical abnormalities, and the use of the wrong size of restraint device is sometimes unavoidable.

Moreover, the structure of the known devices is such that an imperfect fit is almost inevitable, and the absolute limitation of movement cannot therefore be obtained. The risk to the patient is therefore not minimised satisfactorily.

Furthermore, the rigidity of the known devices is such that the device must first be removed before basic or advanced management of the airway is possible, thereby increasing the risk of unwanted and potentially damaging head and/or neck movement. When the known device is in place, it is impossible correctly to apply cricoid pressure and to perform surgical airways. The rigidity, combined with the imperfect fit of the device, may lead to neck compression and impeded venous return from the head, with a consequent possible increase in intracranial pressure. If the device is kept on for any length of time, tissue pressure necrosis may occur.

The anatomical restraint according to the present invention seeks to overcome at least the majority of these disadvantages.

The present invention will be discussed hereinafter with particular application to the restraint of the head and neck of a human patient. This must be seen as being without prejudice to the general application of the anatomical restraint device to restraining body parts of humans or other animals.

According to the present invention there is provided an anatomical restraint for restraining a part of the body of a wearer, comprising a laminar envelope housing a plurality of separate, substantially similar, unrestrained elements, the envelope comprising a main portion from which project at least one pair of oppositely-directed limbs such that, in use, the envelope may be at least partially wrapped around a part of the body of the wearer and evacuated of all or substantially all the gas contained therein, and sealed such that the restraint retains the shape to which it had been moulded prior to the evacuation by the action of air pressure whereby to support and restrain the aforesaid body part.

A primary advantage of this is that the restraint according to the invention can be conformed to the exact or substantially exact contours of the body part of the wearer, thereby allowing for anatomical variations between wearers, as well as anatomical abnormalities.

In one embodiment of the invention, the at least one pair of oppositely-directed limbs is provided with cooperating releasable connection means, such as straps, for releasably connecting the ends of the individual limbs of the or each pair in the in-use position encircling the body part. The releasable connection means are such that the restraint according to the invention is better able to be adapted to different wearers, as the ends of the limbs may be held more or less closely together, as required.

A plurality of pairs of oppositely-directed limbs for encircling selected body parts may be provided and, in an embodiment of the invention particularly adapted as a head and neck restraint, two such pairs are provided for encircling the forehead and the neck respectively.

In another embodiment a third pair of oppositely-directed limbs are provided to surround the jaw. This pair, which may be termed the "mandible component" is, however, optional. If present, moreover, the mandible component, that is, the pair of limbs intended for encircling the jaw, may be made displacable, so that they can be moved out of the way to perform airway manoeuvres. This is a considerable advantage instead of having to remove the anatomical restraint as a whole as is necessary with the known prior art restraint devices. The secure immobilisation of the wearer can therefore be maintained even during such manoeuvres. In addition, the position of the neck-encircling pair of limbs may be such that cricoid pressure may be exerted, and a surgical airway made if required, without having to adjust or remove the restraint.

The envelope closure means is preferably re-openable such that gas is able to re-enter the envelope when desired.

This has the effect of relaxing the substantially rigid shape of the restraint which, once the connection means of the oppositely-directed limbs have been released, may be removed from the wearer. This contributes to the reusable nature of the restraint according to the invention, but is also important in allowing for the adjustment of the rigidity of the restraint while in situ, allowing an adjustment of the points of contact with the wearer to avoid tissue pressure necrosis, or enabling dressings and the like to be changed as necessary.

Alternatively, the envelope closure means may be such that gas may be unable to re-enter, and the restraint will therefore be neither adjustable nor re-usable.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the main portion is shaped to fit the back of the head and neck of the user upon evacuation of all or substantially all of the gas in the envelope. The ability to make a close individual fit has several advantages for the wearer in terms of reducing the risk of tissue contact necrosis, avoiding impeded venous return from the head etc, as discussed above.

Preferably, the envelope is made of a flexible laminar plastics material having multiple layers. This has the advantage of offering greater security against puncture which may occur, for example, following abrasion of a part of the restraint.

In an embodiment of the invention, further immobilisation is provided by at least one pair of substantially rigid struts. Each strut extends between the corresponding limbs of adjacent pairs of limbs, and is releasably attached thereto.

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a plan view of an anatomical restraint according to the invention in the relaxed state prior to use; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the anatomical restraint of Figure 1 shown in the position adopted in use; Figure 3 is a side view of Figure 2; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the restraint according to the invention incorporating substantially rigid struts for providing further restraint; and Figure 5 is a side view of Figure 4.

With reference first to Figure 1 of the drawings, a first embodiment of the anatomical restraint according to the invention is generally indicated 1. In this particular embodiment the restraint comprises a hollow envelope defined by a flexible, non-resilient membrane of gasimpermeable material. The shape of the envelope is defined by two major panels defining a main portion 2 of the envelope from which project three pairs of oppositely-directed limbs 3, 3'; 4, 4'; 5, 5', the purpose of which will be discussed in greater detail below. The main portion 2 and the limbs 3, 3', 5, 5' are all hollow, intercommunicating and containing a filling of unrestrained granular or like elements (not shown).

The envelope is only partially filled with the unrestrained elements so that this can be moulded to the shape of the body part to be supported and restrained, when in the relaxed state. The third pair of limbs 4, 4' is also hollow and partially filled with the unrestrained elements, but does not intercommunicate with the main portion 2, being separated therefrom by seams 8.

In this case, the body part to be restrained is the head and neck, and it will be seen from Figures 1 and 2 that the three pairs of limbs respectively encircle the forehead region (temple limbs 3, 3'), the jaw region (mandible limbs 4, 4'), and the lower neck, or collarbone region (the clavicle limbs 5, 5').

A valve 6 is located on the envelope whereby to permit all or substantially all of the gas contained therein to be evacuated using suitable suction means such as a vacuum pump. Because the mandible limbs 4 are separated from the main portion 2 by the seams 8, evacuating the gas from the envelope does not evacuate the gas from the mandible limbs 4, which consequently do not become rigid.

These limbs 4 may therefore be released when the restraint is in situ in the event that airway management is necessary.

The valve 6 is preferably such as to allow gas to re enter the envelope when the restraint 1 is to be removed, or if its rigidity is to be altered to alter the pressure exerted by the restraint on the wearer's head or neck.

Alternatively, it may be of such a type that once sealed following evacuation, no gas may re-enter the envelope.

In this case, the restraint 1 will be neither adjustable nor re-usable, and must be removed from the wearer by, for example, cutting it off.

Connection means 7 are provided on the ends of the limbs of each pair of limbs for holding the ends of the limbs of each pair together in the in-use position. Such connection means 7 may be in the form of, for example, straps or burr fastenings such as those sold under the registered trade mark VELCRO.

Figure 2 shown the restraint 1 according to the invention in the in-use position, fitted to the head and neck of a wearer. Here, the individual limbs of each pair of limbs 3, 3', 4, 4', 5, 5' are held together by the connection means 7.

The restraint 1 is fitted by first positioning it under the head and neck of the wearer. At this point, the restraint 1 is still in its flexible state. Once correct positioning has been achieved with the pairs of limbs 3, 3', 4, 4', 5, 5' positioned across the forehead, jaw and neck regions respectively, the gas in the envelope is evacuated through the valve 6. Once all or substantially all of the gas in the envelope has been removed, the valve 6 is closed or sealed. The restraint 1 is now rigid and will prevent movement of the wearer's head and neck. The rigidity of the restraint will, of course, depend upon the extent to which gas is evacuated from the envelope.

In the event that airway management is necessary, the connection means 7 attaching the ends of the individual limbs of the mandible component 4, 4' are released, allowing the mandible component 4, 4' to be moved away from the wearer's jaw.

The positioning of the clavicle component 5, 5' is such as to allow cricoid pressure to be applied, and a surgical airway made, if required.

The temple component 3, 3' and the restraint 1 generally, enable the application of pressure to a variety of head wounds and, furthermore, permit padding or dressings to be held in position.

In the event that further rigidity and/or immobilisation is required, struts 9 may be provided. Figure 3 shows an embodiment of the restraint 1 incorporating a pair of substantially rigid struts 9, which may be made from plastics or any other substantially rigid material. In the in-use position, the struts 9 extend between the corresponding members of adjacent pairs of limbs and are attached thereto by releasable retainers 10 in the form of, for example, clips.

The anatomical restraint 1 according to the invention may be re-usable in which case, when removal of the restraint 1 is desired, gas will be allowed to re-enter the envelope which consequently regains its initial flexible state and may be removed.

Alternatively, the restraint 1 may be disposable, when it may removed by cutting or other means.

The ability to obtain an individual fit using the anatomical restraint 1 according to the invention means that one size is suitable for both adults and children.

Furthermore, anatomical variations and/or abnormalities can be taken into account as the restraint 1 is moulded to the shape of the body part to be immobilised. The risk of tissue pressure necrosis is thereby reduced. The rigidity of the restraint 1 may be varied by the further evacuation of gas from the envelope, or by allowing gas to re-enter it, so as to vary skin contact in the case of long term wear.

The head and neck position of the wearer when the restraint 1 has been fitted and evacuated is such that the occiput is slightly elevated in the supine position.

This represents an anatomically neutral position, and removes the necessity for padding in the form of a towel or layer of sponge below the occiput, as is usually required when using the known restraint devices.

The restraint 1 according to the invention therefore overcomes at least the majority of disadvantages associated with known restraint devices.

Although the particular embodiment described relates to the restraint of the head and neck of the wearer, it may be formed for use in relation to any body part requiring restraint or support, particularly the arms or legs, and may be applicable to use on humans and other animals.

Claims (9)

1. An anatomical restraint for restraining a part of the body of a wearer, comprising a laminar envelope housing a plurality of separate, substantially similar, unrestrained elements, the envelope comprising a main portion from which project at least one pair of oppositely-directed limbs such that, in use, the envelope may be at least partially wrapped around a part of the body of the wearer and evacuated of all or substantially all the gas contained therein, and sealed such that the restraint retains the shape to which it had been moulded prior to the evacuation by the action of air pressure whereby to support and restrain the aforesaid body part.

2. An anatomical restraint as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, in which there is a plurality of pairs of oppositely-directed limbs for encircling selected body parts.

3. An anatomical restraint as claimed in any preceding Claim, in which all of the pairs of oppositely-directed limbs have cooperating releasable connection means.

4. An anatomical restraint as claimed in any preceding Claim, in which the main portion is shaped to fit the back of the head and neck of the user.

5. An anatomical restraint as claimed in any preceding Claim, in which there are three pairs of oppositelydirected limbs, namely, one at each end, and one in the middle being shaped to engage the wearer's jaw whereby to allow limited movement in a direction transverse the length of the limbs or body part.

6. An anatomical restraint as claimed in any preceding Claim, in which the envelope is made of a flexible laminar plastics material having multiple layers.

7. An anatomical restraint as claimed in any preceding Claim, in which the openable closure of the oppositelydirected limbs is obtained by means of the evacuated gas being allowed to re-enter the envelope.

8. An anatomical restraint as claimed in any preceding Claim, in which further immobilisation is provided in the form of struts.

9. An anatomical restraint substantially as described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.