JP2003523782A - Intranasal support devices and methods for livestock mammals - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a device and method for facilitating air flow in the nasal passage of a domestic animal. The nasal support devices (NSD) disclosed herein are useful for facilitating air flow during rest, physical exertion, respiratory ailment, etc. Components and methods to facilitate application of the support device to the nose of an animal are also disclosed.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

The present invention relates to facilitating airflow in the nasal passages of farm animals. In particular, the present invention provides devices and methods for supporting the parenchyma of the nasal passages of farm animals. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Part of the following discussion of the anatomy of the nose of domestic mammals is found in Earl. Nickel et al., The Vicella of Domestic Animals, (revised 2nd edition), Springer-Berlag, New York, Heidelberg, Berlin (1979), 21.
Pages 1-221 (R. Nickel et al. The Viscera of Domestic Animals, (2nd rev
ised ed.), Springer-Verlag, New York, Hiedelberg, Berlin (1979), pp. 21
It is an excerpt from 1-221). This is an excellent textbook on comparative internal anatomy of domestic mammals. As used herein, the terms “mammal” and “animal” are used interchangeably and refer to a non-human mammal.

The anatomy of the nose of farm animals differs significantly from the anatomy of the human nose.
Unlike the human nose, which clearly protrudes from the face, the nose of farm animals is incorporated as part of the face, forming large dorsal and lateral zones rostrally from the eyes. The nostrils at the apex of the nose are the entrance to the respiratory system of domestic mammals. The inspiration once passing through the nostril moves to the nasal cavity and continuously moves to the nasopharynx, larynx, trachea and lungs.

At the entrance at the apex of the nose, the nostril is separated by the septum of the nose and the nose is divided into left and right halves. The tail of the nasal septum is bony, whereas on the rostral side it consists of cartilage and becomes progressively softer towards the apex.

The outside of the nose wall consists of the skin, its caudal side is the intermediate supporting layer of bone and its rostral side is the cartilage. The inside of the nasal cavity is covered with mucous membrane. The ostium that forms the nasal wall includes the nasal bone, the maxilla and the incisor. The cartilage that supports the nostrils is attached by the free edges of the nasal bone and the incisors. The supporting bones and cartilage of the nose are associated with the nasal muscles that regulate the size of the nasal cavity.

The dorsal and ventral lateral nasal cartilage is formed by the enlargement of the rostral part of the nasal septum along its dorsal and ventral edges. In horses, the ventral lateral nasal cartilage is small and may not be present. In many livestock animals, there is no lateral support for parenchyma across the rostral nasal passage, which is caudal to the nostrils.

Another difference in the composition of equine nasal cartilage is the presence of pterygoid cartilage.
Nasal cartilage consists of the ventral horn and the dorsal plate line, supporting the nostrils dorsally, medially and ventrally. The foliate layer of the pterygoid cartilage and the medial paranasal cartilage support the diverticulum, the caecum at the back of the nostril.

The muscles of the nose and upper lip act to widen the nostrils. This is especially noticeable when breathing is difficult. In horses, these muscles are well developed and can round the nostrils, which are usually crescent-shaped.

The dorsolateral region of the rostral nasal cavity, caudal to the alar cartilage in the nostril of the horse, contains an area of unsupported soft tissue, which becomes nasal during inhalation of air into the nasal passages. Be drawn in. The nasal diverticulum of a horse is part of the horse's parenchymal structure that is drawn into the nasal cavity. When the soft tissue is drawn into the nasal cavity, the nasal cavity becomes narrower and the air intake area decreases,
This reduces air movement to the nasal passages and ultimately to the lungs where oxygen is transferred to the alveoli.

There are records of physiological effects of reducing oxygen transfer during rest and during strenuous exercise. Some experts theorize that the exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH) found in side-effect horses is caused by asphyxia due to abnormal resistance of the fully or partially closed upper airways. There is also.
The upper airway is defined as the area of the respiratory tract that lies between the nasal cavity and the trachea at the level of the first rib. Therefore, the nasal passage is part of this area. Dr. Robert Cook, "EIPH or AIPE? Tufts University researchers suggest that bleeding is caused by suffocation, not by EIPH," The Equine Athlete, 22-23 (March 1997, April / 4). Mon) (Dr. Robe
rt Cook., "EIPH or AIPE? A Tufts University Researcher suggests that ble
eding is not caused by EIPH, but by asphyxia ", The Equine Athlete, p. 22
-23 (March / April 1997)).

Devices for expanding the external wall tissue of the human nasal passages are described, for example, in US Pat.
No. 653,224, No. 5,611,333, No. 5,533,503, No. 5,
549, 103, 5,546,929, 5,553,605, 5,
476,091, and RE 35,408. Devices for supporting the external tissues of the animal's nasal tract must address the unique soft tissue and mechanical properties of the nose of entertaining animals, such as horses, camels and dogs, among others. Supporting devices for the nasal passages of animals are known, eg US Pat. No. 5,913,87.
No. 3 and International Patent Publication No. WO 98/47451. The entire disclosures of the above patents and patent applications are incorporated herein by reference. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a support device and method for supporting unsupported nasal tissue of livestock animals using the support device. The present invention provides support that takes into account the structural and physiological properties unique to the nose of non-human animals (eg, horses).
In addition to providing features that enhance the functionality of the support device during use, the present invention also provides components that facilitate placement of the device on the nose of an animal and increase the accuracy with which it is placed. The present invention further provides the feature of allowing reuse of the intranasal support device after removal from the animal's nose, addressing the requirements that arise when using the support device in certain competitive events. Of course, some of the components or features of the devices disclosed herein are also applicable with a human nasal dilator.

Throughout the specification, guidance is provided by way of example. In each case, the listed listings are merely representative groups. But the list is not exclusive.

In one embodiment, the present invention is an intranasal support device (“NSD”) for fixation to the nose of an animal. In an exemplary embodiment, the NSD supports the left and right lateral vestibular walls of livestock animals. The device has a support layer and left and right side pieces that are positioned to structurally support the left and right lateral vestibular walls when secured to the animal's nose. The side pieces of the device meet at the mid-line area of the device. In some embodiments, when anchored to the nose of a domestic animal, the midline region of the NSD of the invention spans the left and right nasal bones of the animal.

The lateral and midline regions of the NSD have a rostral end, a caudal end and a rostral-cervical dorsal dimension, respectively. In some embodiments, the rostral-cervical dorsal dimension in the midline region is greater than or equal to the rostral-cervical dorsal dimension of either side. Further, in some embodiments, the device is symmetric about the long axis and the lateral axis of the device.

In general, the support device according to the invention typically has a surface layer, a support layer and an engagement layer. The support device can also include a carrier layer to facilitate handling of the device and to position the device on the animal's nose. In some preferred embodiments, the support device has a dark color.

In another embodiment, the invention facilitates air flow in the animal's nasal tract by supporting the caudal apical region of the animal's vestibular wall. The device is suitable for grown animals and animal offspring. Generally, the structure of the NSD of the invention is, for example,
It is constructed and sized to fit the nose of a cat, human, horse, or camel.

The disclosed support device can be used for animals that roam freely in pastures or that have harnesses, gills or other equipment that can be attached to the nose of an active animal. .

The devices and methods of the present invention are particularly advantageous for use on horses and reduce the occurrence, severity or impact of tracheal diseases in animals or offspring of animals used or grown during competition. It is beneficial to use for.

In some embodiments, the NSD is a reusable device. A method for reusing NSD is also disclosed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to devices and methods for supporting soft tissue on the rostral surface of the nasal cavity of domestic mammals. In particular, the disclosed devices and methods support an unsupported area of the "vestibule" in the rostral nasal cavity. The components and features of the disclosed device are particularly advantageous as veterinary devices, some of which are advantageous for use with human nose dilators.

As used herein, livestock mammals have humans that have a nose integrated into the face rather than protruding from the face, and who can benefit from the device according to the invention. Except for most of the production and entertainment animals are included. Examples of such mammals include dogs, cats, sheep, goats, cows, horses, camels, and llamas. The device according to the invention is particularly useful for those belonging to the equine family, including horses, donkeys, mules, zebras and the like.

As used herein, the terms “recreational activities” or “labor” include pulling, driving, horse racing (flat land horse racing, disability horse racing, sprint horse racing, etc.), equestrian competition, hunting, jumping, rodeo, towing horseback riding. , Endurance riding, etc. are included. In general, the device can be used whenever it is desired to facilitate or enhance nasal air intake. In addition to facilitating airflow, NSDs according to the present invention can also be used to treat or prevent respiratory disease in adult animals or offspring of animals such as foals and calves. The devices and methods of the present invention are particularly useful in horses for pharyngeal paralysis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or myositis, dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP),
Beneficial in reducing the severity or impact of respiratory disorders such as exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH) or exercise-related conditions such as "bleeding."

The term “rostral” as used herein refers to the nasal surface or anatomy closest to the apex of the nose. "Caudal" refers to the face of the nose closest to the dorsal or caudal face of the head, with respect to the apex. The "vestibule" is defined on the rostral side by the nasal cartilage, on the ventral side by the incisal bone, on the dorsal side by the nasal bone, on the caudal side by the intersection of the incisal and nasal bones, and on the medial side. Refers to the rostral surface of the nasal cavity defined by the septum of the nose. Thus, the supported area of the vestibule is supported by bone or cartilage.

The “unsupported” area of the vestibule also includes the “lateral (free) wall” or “of the vestibule”.
Also known as the "vestibular wall". The lateral wall of the vestibule is defined by the nostril on the rostral side, on the dorsal side by the lateral free edge of the nasal bone, on the ventral side by the dorsal free edge of the incisor, and on the caudal side the nasal bone and the incisor. Includes unsupported soft tissue defined by the intersection with the bone. In the case of a horse, the dorsal rim of the unsupported area may include the dorsolateral nasal cartilage. In some species, the ventral margin may include ventrolateral nasal cartilage. As used herein, “parenchymal tissue” has its general meaning including skin, muscle, fat, connective tissue or related integumental structures.

Also, for purposes herein, the vestibular wall can be divided into at least two parts, the rostral part being the part closest to the nostril, and the tail part being the intersection of the nasal bone and the incisor. It is the closest part to the section. The area around the tail that includes a quarter to a third of the vestibular wall is called the "caudal apex area" and is described in more detail below.

It should be noted that the NSD according to the present invention only needs to engage the lateral free walls of the vestibule and preferably not the nostrils. Of course, visually, the horse's nostrils may extend to a larger cross-sectional area than the unsupported cross-sectional area measured in the nasal cavity in the region of the lateral vestibular wall. However, it is expected that the nostrils may be supported under some circumstances. In the case of horses, for example, the muscles of the nose and upper lip generally cause the nostrils to widen hard when breathing is difficult.

The composition and placement of the NSD of the present invention includes the composition of the tissue to be supported, the amount of support required,
And animal-specific physiological or anatomical characteristics. In general,
The nasal anatomy typical of farm animals requires different configurations, arrangements or dimensions than are required for the human nose. In addition, hair, sweat, and vestibular wall mobility affect the structural alignment required for the functionality of NSD for animals.

In an exemplary embodiment, the NSD disclosed herein supports portions of the animal's left and right lateral vestibular walls. Generally, the support device has left and right side pieces, each having a support layer, and is arranged to structurally support the left and right lateral vestibular walls when secured to the animal's nose. The "right" and "left" side pieces are also referred to as "first" and "second" or "second" and "first" side pieces. In some embodiments, the support device is symmetric and the side pieces of the device meet at the midline of the midline region of the device. According to this embodiment, when the support device is secured to the animal's nose, the intersection of the left and right side pieces at the midline overlaps or spans the intersection of the left and right nasal bones, and the right and left side pieces are It preferably overlaps the first and second vestibular walls respectively.

The lateral and midline regions of the NSD have rostral end, caudal end and rostral-cervical dorsal dimensions, respectively. Due to the size and associated anatomical characteristics of the surface area of the vestibular free wall of a horse, for example, to provide sufficient support to and benefit the animal, a snout in the midline region of the NSD of the invention is used. The cervical dorsal dimension can be substantially equal to or greater than the snout-cervical dorsal dimension of the side piece that engages the vestibular free wall.
Thus, in one embodiment, the midline region's rostral-cervical dorsal dimension is at least as large as the rostral-cervical dorsal dimension of either side. In another embodiment, the midline region proboscis-
The dorso-cervical dimension is greater than the rostral-cervical dimension of the right or left side piece.

The term “supporting” as used herein refers to reducing the amount of narrowing of the nasal tract during inspiration and expiration of domestic animals. Thus, the term "supporting" may include the situation where the vestibular free wall is retracted somewhat in the rostral nasal tract during inspiration. However, this is less than when the device of the present invention is not used. The term "supporting" also includes maintaining a portion of the external parenchyma over the rostral nasal tract in a neutral position. As used herein, the term "neutral" refers to the state in which unsupported vestibular tissue is not drawn into the nasal cavity and does not project outward relative to its rest position. In some arrangements, the term "supporting" also includes maintaining the vestibular free wall in a "spread" position outward relative to a neutral position.

With respect to the structure, arrangement and components of the animal support devices disclosed herein, the anatomical and physiological aspects of the vestibular free wall as well as the bone structure defining the edges of the vestibular free wall are discussed. It takes into account the characteristics and the equipment used on or around the animal with the intranasal support device, as well as the specific problems encountered in applying the device to the animal. Moreover, for most large livestock animals, in terms of the structural support required to support the lateral free wall, causing the weight of the tissue to be supported and surrounding tissue to cause pressure-induced inflammation or other irritation. Appropriate lever action for distributing unsupported weight must also be considered. In addition, the active and passive mobility of the nose and mouth structures must be addressed with respect to the support of the vestibular free wall for muscle control by the upper lip of the horse.

The size of the device of the present invention can vary. The appropriate size of the device typically corresponds to the size of the nose and mouth that may vary depending on the size, breed and sex of the animal. Small size NSDs for offspring of animals such as calves and foals are eg
It is expected to be beneficial in treating upper or lower respiratory diseases. In some embodiments, the average size NSD for mature horses has a rostral-cervical backline dimension of about 3 to 16 cm, preferably 6 to 14 cm, and a left and right rostral-cervical dorsal dimension. It is about 3 to 12 cm.

The lateral dimensions of the NSD can also be changed. "Lateral dimension" is defined as the length from the peripheral edge on one side of the device to the peripheral edge on the other side of the device.
Lateral dimensions are approximately equal at the rostral and caudal edges. Alternatively, the lateral dimension may vary within a single device, eg, as measured along the caudal border, the rostral border, the narrowest or widest portion, or any portion in between. .
In one embodiment of an average size horse NSD, the lateral dimension is about 5 to 12 cm at the narrowest portion and about 10 to 17 cm at the widest portion.

Generally, the NSD according to the present invention has at least a “support layer” and an “engagement layer”. A release backing layer that is releasably attached to the engagement layer can be used. In some embodiments, the "surface layer" can be present to cover the side of the support layer that is remote from the animal's nose when the device is secured to the animal's nose.
Some embodiments may also include a carrier layer removably attached to the surface layer to facilitate handling of the support device and proper placement of the support device on the animal's nose. The color of the exterior of the surface layer is preferably selected so that the device does not interfere with the instrument used to determine the outcome of a particular competition event.

The support layer of the device provides most of the NSD's support for the vestibular free wall of the nasal passages. Generally, the support layer provides support by using one or more "lifting members". The term "lifting member" as used herein can be prepared from any suitable material that provides the desired support to the vestibular free wall. Examples of suitable materials for the lifting member include thermoplastics, thermosets, shape memory metals, alloys, skins and the like. The lifting member can be a single open mesh or solid material.
An example of a preferred material for the lifting member is biaxially oriented polyester, such as MYLAR (TM) available from Dupont Films, Wilmington DE. Other suitable materials for the lifting member are US Pat. No. 5,913,873 and International Patent Publication WO
98/47451. These are incorporated herein by reference.

In some embodiments, the lifting member has a substantially uniform thickness over its length and width. The thickness of the lifting members is usually selected based on the support required and is approximately equal throughout. However, the lifting members may also differ in thickness in different areas of the device. Moreover, the lifting members need not be the same width over their entire length. That is, the lifting member may widen at the lateral ends of the lifting member and narrower near the midline region. Alternatively, the lifting member may widen in the region that exists over the midline region of the nose and narrower at the ends.

A suitable thickness for a lifting member prepared from a polyester such as MYLAR ™ for a mature large animal such as a horse is from about 0.008 to about 0.020 inches. In one preferred embodiment, the average size mature horse support member has a thickness of about 0.014 inches.

The support layer may include one or more lifting members. The lifting member is arranged parallel to the lateral axis of the device and may extend partially or completely to the side edge of the device. For some animals, such as horses, 3 to 6 lifting members are preferred. If more than one lifting member is used, the width, length and spacing of the lifting members may vary based on the overall dimensions of a particular device. Also, the length of each lifting member is
It can be varied within a single device to traverse some or all of the vestibular free wall proboscis-cervical dorsal dimension. The lateral length of the lifting member should be sufficient to extend across the midline of the animal's nose, beyond the dorsolateral nasal cartilage to the left and right sides, and to support the left and right vestibular free walls. Is preferred. In some embodiments, the lifting member can extend beyond the ventral edge of the vestibular free wall to a point lateral to the incisor. In general, the lifting member provides a "lifting" effect on the vestibular free wall, preventing it from being retracted into the nasal passage during breathing. However, when the lifting member extends beyond the ventral edge of the vestibular free wall to the lateral side of the incisor, the incisor acts with the lifting member to "stent" the vestibular free wall, causing the lifting member to nasal cavity. It becomes easy to prevent the vestibular wall from pulling in. This can be particularly advantageous when large animals are difficult to breathe.

With multiple lifting members, the spacing of the individual lifting members can affect the adhesion and overall function of the device. When more than one lifting member is used, the width and spacing of the lifting members should be such that the NSD provides sufficient flexibility to the vestibular wall with sufficient flexibility to provide localized pressure at the point of leverage on the animal's nose. Is selected so that the discomfort caused by is suppressed. The use of multiple lifting members provides the device with torsional flexibility, which facilitates its function and reduces the chances of the device detaching when exposed to the inherent mobility of animal vestibular tissue. It is advantageous. In one embodiment of an average size mature horse NSD, the length of the lifting member is about 4 to 18 cm, preferably about 9 to 13 cm, and the width is about 0.
2 to 2 cm and the spacing of the lifting members is about 0.2 to 2 cm, preferably about 0.3 to 1.0 cm.

In one embodiment, the lifting member is a single member made of the solid or open mesh material described above and is shaped to support or spread a single vestibular wall. That is, the outer shape of the lifting member is configured along the peripheral edge of the vestibular wall. Preferably, the edge of the lifting member is such that the lifting member is about 0 to the edge of the vestibular wall.
． Extend to overlap by 2 to 2 cm. According to this embodiment, the lifting member may include an engagement layer and optionally a surface layer or pad layer. Preferably, the engagement layer extends beyond the edges of the lifting member to enhance adhesion to the animal's nose. However, this embodiment of the NSD includes two separate pieces that act as a stent for each vestibular wall, rather than connecting at the midline region of the nose.

The NSD preferably comprises an engagement layer. The engagement layer is provided to secure the NSD to the animal's nose. If the surface layer (below) is not present and individual lifting members are used, the engagement layer can also be provided to maintain the unity of the device. Generally, the engagement layer is capable of securing the NSD to the nose with an adhesive.
Other forms of invasive engagement with the nose, such as stitching, are possible but not desirable. The adhesive is preferably biocompatible and minimizes or eliminates contact discomfort when applied to the external tissue of the animal.

Suitable materials for the adhesive of the engagement layer include medical tape, single sided or double sided coated, transfer adhesive, liquid adhesive, pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) and the like.
A release backing layer is preferably applied to the adhesive of the engagement layer and covers the adhesive surface until the support device is applied to the animal. In some embodiments, the release backing layer is
It includes one or more sections that are selectively removed from the engagement layer so that the support device is easily placed in the nose. Examples of suitable adhesive systems include 3M Co., St. Paul, Minnesota (3M Co., St. Paul,
No. 1509 Double-sided medical tape, No. 9942 Hydrocolloid Skin Protective Adhesive, and No. 1524 transfer adhesive. Examples of presently preferred adhesives include Dermaimed, 381 Geneva Avenue, Palmage, OH 44278 (Dermamed, 381 Geneva Avenue, Pallmadge,
OH44278) and Dermamed DM-2009.

The NSD can include a surface layer. The superficial layer is the furthest layer from the animal soft tissue and is visible when the device is applied to the animal's nose. Thus, one side of the surface layer faces the soft tissue above the animal's nose and the other side is away from the nose. The side of the surface layer closest to the animal's soft tissue is the support layer, the side of the engagement layer that may be exposed between the lifting members, or the adhesive to attach the surface layer to the pad layer (if a pad layer is used). Agents may be included. The surface layer further supports the vestibular wall and helps maintain the unity of the components of the NSD. Suitable surface materials are breathable or non-breathable and usually
Contains a biocompatible adhesive. Examples of breathable materials suitable as surface layers include 3M Inc. , St. No. available from Paul, MN. 1533 is mentioned. An example of a preferred non-breathable surface material is 3M Co. , St. P
aul, MN available from MN. 9906T non-woven medical tape. Another example of a suitable surface layer is 3M Co. , St. No. available from Paul, MN. An example is 9910 non-woven medical tape.

The surface layer can include decorative design colors, patterns, logos, etc., as desired. Alternatively, the decorative veneer layer can be applied to the exposed surface of the surface layer or support layer. The color of the surface layer is preferably selected to reduce glare that can interfere with photographs taken to determine the outcome of entertainment events such as race-line photographs taken on the finish line. An example of a suitable color to reduce glare is black,
Dark colors such as dark blue, dark green and dark brown can be mentioned.

The engagement layer may extend only up to the perimeter of the lifting member of the support layer. Alternatively, the perimeter of the engagement layer can extend beyond (i.e., laterally, rostrally, and caudally) beyond the perimeter of the lifting member of the support layer. In some preferred embodiments, the perimeter of the engagement layer extends beyond the support layer to enhance engagement of the support device with the animal's nose. In one such embodiment, about 0.5 cm to 4 cm of the engagement layer.
cm, preferably about 1.0 cm to 2.0 cm, extends beyond the lateral extent of the lifting member of the support layer, and 1.0 cm to 3.0 cm of the engagement layer covers the support layer. It extends beyond the rostral-caudal range. The surface layer typically extends beyond the lifting member by the same distance as the engagement layer. When present, the surface layer typically has the same peripheral dimensions as the engagement layer.

Generally, the overall thickness of the device is uniform. Due to the difference between the thickness of the region of the device containing the support members and the thickness of the region between the support members, the thickness of the entire device may also change.

The inventor has also recognized that single or multiple lifting members without a homogenizing layer (eg, surface layer or engaging layer) can be used. According to this embodiment, an engagement layer such as the adhesive described above can be applied to the lifting member. One or more lifting members may be applied directly to the animal's nose. This embodiment is
While it is possible to address the physiological and anatomical aspects of the animal's nose as disclosed herein, the application and removal of support members is cumbersome. Furthermore, the support of the area between the lifting members provided by the surface layer or the engagement layer is lost.

The support device according to the invention may also comprise a “carrier layer”. The carrier layer is releasably adhered to the side of the surface layer remote from the animal's nose. The carrier layer is
It can be formed from any suitable material including paper, metal foil, plastic, cardboard and the like. The carrier layer is adhered to the surface layer using an adhesive system that provides a peel resistance less than the peel resistance between the adhesive of the engagement layer and the animal's nose when the support device is adhered to the animal's nose. Preferably. Suitable adhesive systems for adhering the carrier layer to the surface layer are known, for example US Pat. No. 3,691,
140, 4,994,322, 5,266,402, 5,502,
109 and 5,719,247. The entire disclosure of each of these patents is incorporated herein by reference. As an example of a preferable adhesive, 3M Co. , St. No. available from Paul, MN. 9425 may be mentioned. This adhesive system is a double-sided tape, where the first side (applied to the carrier layer) of the tape has a greater peel resistance than the second side (applied to the surface layer) of the tape, The peel resistance of the second side is less than the peel resistance of the adhesive between the engagement layer and the animal's nose.

The edges of the carrier layer may be along the edges of the surface layer of the support device, or the edges of the carrier layer may extend beyond the edges of the surface layer. Alternatively, some of the carrier layers extend beyond the edges of the surface layer and other portions do not extend along or to the edges of the surface layer. Extending the edge of the carrier layer beyond the edge of the surface layer to handle the carrier layer without contact with the adhesive of the engagement layer or to grip the carrier layer to remove the carrier layer from the surface layer Area is provided. Alternatively, it is possible to divide the carrier layer and provide an inner edge that grips to remove the carrier layer from the surface layer. In a preferred embodiment, the edges of the carrier layer can be configured to provide guidance for placing the support device on the animal's nose.

In this way, after removing some or all of the release backing layer from the adhesive of the engagement layer, the carrier layer may be applied during application of the device without contact with the adhesive of the engagement layer. It is possible to grab. Once engaged in the nose, the carrier layer can be removed from the support device by peeling. The carrier layer is also provided with instructions for proper positioning and orientation of the support device to aid application of the device to the animal.

In another embodiment of the invention, the support device comprises two separate pieces. Each is for supporting the respective parts of the left and right vestibular walls. For example, only the respective caudal side of the vestibular wall may be supported by the device. According to one such embodiment, the support device may extend from the nasal bone to the incisor, across the "caudal apical region" of the vestibular wall near the intersection of the nasal bone and the incisor.
In other embodiments, the support device may extend rostrally from a location caudal to the intersection of the incisor and the nasal bone to the caudal apex of the vestibular wall. In other embodiments, the support device may extend across the caudal apex of the vestibular wall from the nasal bone to the incisor, and caudally across the intersection of the incisal and nasal bones.

Below, examples of support devices and methods of the present invention are further described with reference to the following exemplary embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS The anatomical reference points and embodiments of the NSD according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, taking a horse as an example. Like reference numerals refer to like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. The scope of the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments by reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the configuration of one embodiment of an intranasal support device (NSD) 10 according to the present invention. The dimensions that can be used to characterize the NSD are illustrated. Here, the letter with the subscript “T” indicates the dimension in the horizontal direction.
Thus, C _T is the caudal lateral dimension, R _T is the rostral lateral dimension, S is the side piece rostral-cervical dimension, and M is the inside of the device. Snout-neck dorsum in line. The bottom view of NSD 10 is substantially the same as the plan view of FIG. 1 except that the support layer shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 can be seen.

The NSD 10 has a first side piece 1a and a second side piece 1b, which intersect at the midline 2 of the midline areas 2a and 2b. In use, the rostral end 3 is oriented towards the top of the animal's nose and the caudal end 4 is oriented towards the animal's eyes. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the midline rostral-cervical dorsal dimension M is at least equal to the rostral-cervical dorsal dimension S of the lateral pieces 1a and 1b. In some embodiments, N at midline 2
The snout-cervical dorsal dimension of SD is larger than the snout-cervical dorsal dimension S of the first or second side piece 1a, 1b. Of course, in the illustrated embodiment, the rostral lateral dimension R _T is smaller than the caudal lateral dimension.

The anatomy of the bone surrounding the vestibular free wall supported by the support device of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a side view showing the bone anatomy in the rostral region of the horse's head. For a more detailed discussion of relevant anatomy, see US Pat. No. 5,
913,873. This is incorporated herein by reference. Briefly, the lateral free wall of the vestibule is defined by the lateral side of the nasal bone 5 on the dorsal side, the incisor 6 on the ventral side, and the intersection of the nasal bone 5 and the incisor 6 on the caudal side. Specified by 7. The rostral surface of the vestibular free wall contacts the nostril (not shown).

The shaded area 8 in FIG. 2 shows a neighboring area located below the “caudal apex area” of the vestibular wall. In some embodiments, the support device of the present invention may be configured to support only the caudal apical region of the vestibular wall to facilitate air flow in the nasal passages. The caudal apical region is closest to the nasal valve region of the nasal passage, which is particularly prone to narrowing under certain conditions.

[0055]   FIG. 3 illustrates the surface layer 11, the support layer 12, the engagement layer 13, and the release backing layer 14.
FIG. 3 is an exploded bottom view of NSD10. The carrier layer is not shown in FIG.
FIG. 4a shows a rostral lifting member 21, an intermediate lifting member 22 and a caudal lifting portion.
FIG. 4 is a plan view of the NSD 10 of FIGS. 1 and 3 showing the material 23 in phantom. This implementation
In the state, the lateral length T of the lifting members 21, 22 and 23 is_{twenty one}, T_{twenty two}And T _{twenty three} Are increasing from the rostral end 3 to the dorsal end 4 of the NSD 10, respectively.
It Further, the lateral engagement extending portion 29 includes the rostral side engaging extension portions (30a, 30b),
Rostral / intermediate lateral engagement extensions (31a, 31b), dorsal / intermediate lateral engagement extensions (3
2a, 32b) and a dorsal side engaging extension (33a, 33b). Side staff
The extension part 29 includes the surface layer 11 and the engagement layer 13, and includes the lifting members 21, 22.
And 23 beyond the lateral length (ie, the lateral extension) to the animal's nose
Facilitates engagement of NSD 10. For the functional aspect of the side engaging extension, see
Embodied in the appearance of various devices.

FIG. 4b is a plan view showing another embodiment of the lifting member of the NSD 10. In FIG. 4b, only the lifting members 34, 35, 36 are shown, which are in the same relative position as shown in phantom in FIG. 4a. A pair of notches 37a-d, 38a-c, 39a are provided at each lateral extension of the lifting members 34, 35, 36.
-C is present, which may penetrate some or all of the thickness of each of the lifting members 34, 35, 36. In the illustrated embodiment, four pairs of notches 37a-d are present in the lateral extension of the rostral lifting member 34 and three pairs of notches 38a-c, 39a.
-C is present in the lateral extensions of the intermediate lifting member 35 and the caudal lifting member 36. Needless to say, in this embodiment, the side notch 37d at the extreme sides of the lifting member, 38c, 39c, compared lifting a notch close to the midline M _L of the member 34, 35, 36, the lifting member of the width Across (ie, the non-notched area between a pair of notches is smaller). The number of notch pairs can be changed. Usually, when the notch pairs are further added, it is added toward the midline M _L region of the lifting member.

[0057] toward a position closest to the midline M _L to the lateral ends, by traversing progressively increasing the width of the notch is lifting member, provided to the engagement layer between the nose support device and animals Peeling force gradually decreases and is converted to shearing force, NSD1 to animal nose
The effect of facilitating the engagement of 0 is obtained.

Referring to FIG. The release backing layer 14 may include a single section or may be a multi-section release backing layer having a single or multiple slits. Release backing layers suitable for use with the adhesive of the engagement layer are known.
In one preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the release backing layer 14 comprises three components, a first side piece 40, a second side piece 41 and an intermediate piece 42. In this embodiment, when the NSD 10 is applied to the nose of an animal, the intermediate piece 42 is first removed, the NSD 10 is placed on the nasal bone 5, and the midline region 44c of the adhesive 44 of the engagement layer 13 is Lightly engage the skin across. The repositioning can be done before the lateral surfaces 44a and 44b of the adhesive are exposed. Once the proper final location of NSD 10 is determined, first side piece 40 and second side piece 41 of release backing layer 14 are removed and side surfaces 44a and 44b of adhesive 44 are removed from the animal Fixed on the nose.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the back side 50 of the surface layer 11 (ie, the side facing the nose of the horse when in use) raises the surface layer 11 to the front side 52 of the lifting member (21, 22, 23). And an adhesive layer 51 for adhering to the front side 54 of the engagement layer 13. The back side 53 of the lifting members (21, 22, 23) may include an adhesive 56 to adhere the lifting members (21, 22, 23) to the front side 54 of the engagement layer. Back side 55 of the engagement layer 13
Includes an adhesive 44 for adhering the device to the horse's nose. Each adhesive of NSD 10 may be a coated medical tape, transfer adhesive, liquid adhesive, PSA, or the like. In one preferred embodiment, the surface layer 11 is 3M Co. , St
． 9910 black non-woven medical tape, available from Paul, MN, with lifting members 21, 22, 23 made by DuPont Films, Wilmingto.
MYLAR ™ available from DE, and the engagement layer 13 is Derma
DM-2009 available from Med, Pallmadge, OH44278 and release backing layer DM-2009 also available from Dermamed.
It is a release backing layer.

In some embodiments, the NSD may include a carrier layer. FIG. 5 shows the surface layer 1
1 is a top view of NSD 10 including a carrier layer 60 releasably adhered to 1. FIG. In this embodiment, the carrier layer 60 includes the surface layer 11 except for the rostral end 3 of the NSD 10.
Along the edge 51. At the rostral end 3, the carrier layer 60 has a rostral extension 61.
Have. The rostral extension 61 provides a grip 63 for handling the NSD 10 with minimal contact with the adhesive of the engagement layer 13 when the release backing layer is removed. Further, in the embodiment of the carrier layer 60 of FIG. 5, the rostral extension 61 is
It is configured to provide alignment guides for proper placement of the NSD 10 on the animal's nose. Specifically, by aligning the snout 65 of the carrier layer 60 with the apex of the horse's nares, the side pieces 1a and 1b are properly aligned across the lateral vestibular wall. FIG. 6 is a front view of the NSD 10 fixed to the nose 70 of the horse 71.

FIG. 7 shows an NSD 10 with another embodiment of a carrier layer 80 releasably adhered to the surface layer 11. Like the carrier layer 60 of FIG. 5, the carrier layer 80 has a rostral extension 81. In addition, the carrier layer 80 also has a caudal extension 82 to facilitate handling and placement of the device 10. In other embodiments, the carrier layer may be configured to provide lateral or peripheral extensions around the entire device.

The carrier layers and release backing layers disclosed herein can also be used, for example, in US Pat. No. 5,913,873 and co-pending US Application Serial No. 09 / 018,60.
It can be used with human intranasal support dilators as well as with animal intranasal support dilators, as disclosed in No. 3 and 09 / 264,464. In the present specification, the above documents are incorporated by reference.

FIG. 8 is a top view of another embodiment of NSD 100 according to the present invention. The four lifting members 101, 102, 103 and 104 are shown in phantom. Of course, in this embodiment, the lifting member 101 at the rostral end 105 of the NSD 100 has the longest lateral dimension and the lifting member 104 at the caudal end 106 has the shortest lateral dimension. Lateral engagement extensions 108a, 108b and 109a, 109b are also present for the purposes described above.

9 and 10 show another embodiment of the support device and method of the present invention. To understand the relative position of the anatomy and the support provided, as an example,
The following is provided with the support device applied to the skeletal anatomy of the horse.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10, localized support is provided in the caudal apex region of the vestibular wall. FIG. 9 shows the support device 15 when applied to the caudal apical region of the vestibular wall.
An arrangement for the shaded area 0 of 0 is illustrated. As shown, the support device 150
Is a dorsal edge 151 overlapping a part of the nasal bone 5 and an abdominal edge 152 overlapping a part of the incisor bone 6.
Have. Dorsal edge 151 and ventral edge 152 preferably overlap nasal bone 5 and incisor bone 6 by at least about 0.5 cm, typically about 1.0 to 3.0 cm.

FIG. 10 shows another embodiment for supporting the caudal apical region of the vestibular wall. In this embodiment, the support device 160 extends caudally beyond the intersection 7 of the nasal bone 5 and the incisal bone 6. Preferably, the support device 160 extends about 0.5 cm to about 5.0 cm caudal to the intersection 7. The support device 160 also extends across the nasal bone 5 and the incisor 6 on the caudal and ventral sides as described for the support device 150.

Of course, the support device 150 is illustrated as a rectangle and the support device 160 is illustrated as a triangle, but other shapes including squares, circles, ellipses, octagons, etc.,
It can be used to provide the effects according to this aspect of the invention. In addition, support devices 150 and 160 may include carrier layers, surface layers, support layers, engagement layers and release backing layers as described for other embodiments of the invention.
The support layer may include one or more lifting members formed of the materials described above.

[0068]   In another embodiment, a symmetrical NSD is provided across the device's two-dimensional axis.
Be done. Referring to FIG. 11, a general structure of the NSD according to this embodiment is schematically shown.
Is illustrated in. As shown, the NSD 200 has the widest lateral dimension W. _T Horizontal axis A passing through_THave. The NSD200 also passes through the longest rostral-caudal dimension M.
Long axis A_LHave. Therefore, there are other vertical dimension L and horizontal dimension T as well.
However, the largest longitudinal or lateral dimension is on-axis.

According to this embodiment, the NSD is bilaterally symmetric in the plane of the abscissa A _T facing each other. That is, the top surface 201 of the NSD 200 looks substantially the same as the bottom surface 202. Further, the NSD is bilaterally symmetric on opposite sides of the long axis A _L , so that the right surface 204 is substantially the same as the left surface 205. Of course, each axis A _T and A _L bisects the device into halves symmetrical to their respective dimensions.

The general appearance of the NSD 200 of FIG. 11 includes other Ns disclosed herein.
While including any structural features or components of the SD, this configuration, in addition to other advantages, is easy to apply and suppresses glitches due to improper placement. Specifically, the device provides structural features in a configuration that may be placed on the nose in the position shown in FIG. 11 or rotated 180 degrees therefrom.

In addition, the biaxially symmetric device may include all structural aspects, components or functional features described above for other NSD embodiments,
The appearance varies within the range illustrated in FIGS. 12 to 37 as described below.

FIG. 12 is a left-right symmetrical NSD with respect to the two axes described above with reference to FIG.
It is an upper side view which shows one external appearance about the structure of. 13 to 15 are bottom side views of the embodiment of FIG. 12, with the number of support members 210 varying, as described above. The intermittent adhesive pattern can be used as described above. The device may be provided with holes, but is preferably not located in or through the lifting member.

FIG. 16 is a top side view showing another appearance of the NSD including the constituent features described above, and FIGS. 17 to 19 are bottom side views thereof. 20 is a top side view of another embodiment, and FIGS. 21 to 23 are bottom side views thereof. 24 is a top side view of yet another embodiment, and FIGS. 25-28 are bottom side views thereof. 29 is a top side view of yet another embodiment, and FIGS. 30-32 are bottom side views thereof. 33 is a top side view of yet another embodiment of an NSD according to the present invention, and FIGS. 34-37 are bottom side views thereof.

Accordingly, each of the above embodiments shown in FIGS. 12-37 may include some or all of the other NSD structural features or arrangements disclosed herein. However, the decorative appearance is different. The side view of each embodiment is substantially free of decorative features. Further, the lifting members can be the same in number, size, shape, material, material thickness, etc., as described above. In addition, building features, constituent layers,
Adhesive features, holes, intermittent adhesive patterns, etc. can be used.

In another embodiment, the NSD 300 according to the present invention may be provided with a partially reusable component. FIG. 38 is a plan view of one such embodiment, and FIG.
FIG. 39 is a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 38 as seen from the rostral surface R. According to this embodiment,
NSD 300 has a first side piece 301 for engaging a first lateral vestibular wall and a second side piece 302 for engaging a second lateral vestibular wall. An engagement layer 303 including the adhesive and adhesive system described above, for adhering the side piece to the lateral vestibular wall,
It can be applied to the bottom surface 304 or 305 of the side pieces 301 and 302, respectively. The bridge piece 306 traverses the animal's nose and is attached to the first upper surface 308 of the first side piece 301 in the first lateral area 307 and the second side piece 302 in the second lateral area 309. Attached to the second upper surface 310 of the. Bridge piece 30
6 is a known system such as velcro, clasps, zippers, snaps, hooks, velcro, snap rings, clips or other similar attachments for reusable attachment of bridge pieces 306 to the side pieces. Using the side piece 3
01 and 302. Side pieces 301 and 302 are typically replaced after each use.

Of course, the bridging piece 306 comprises a surface material 320 which keeps the individual lifting members 312 in a fixed arrangement with respect to each other. The components of the surface layer and the lifting member can be as described above. Other materials that meet the functional requirements for the NSD of the present invention can also be used. One, two, three, four or more lifting members 321 can be used if desired. The holes may also pass through the bridge piece 306, preferably not through the lifting member 321.

The side pieces 301 and 302 may or may not include a lifting member and may or may not include a hole. If the side pieces use lifting members, one or more lifting members oriented parallel, perpendicular or oblique to the lifting members of the bridge piece 306 can be used.

FIG. 40 illustrates another embodiment of an NSD 350 having a first side piece 351 and a second side piece 352 substantially as described above for the NSD 300. However, in contrast to the bridge piece 306, the bridge piece of embodiment 350 has at least two, usually three and optionally more independent lifting members 353.
Each lifting member is attached to side pieces 351 and 352 at its lateral regions 354, 355 as described for NSD 300.

FIG. 41 illustrates another embodiment of an NSD 400 having a first side piece 401 and a second side piece 402 substantially as described for NSDs 300 and 350. However, the bridge piece 403 has a single piece that traverses the nose and at the lateral edges 404 and 405 to the first side piece 401 and the second side piece 402, as described above. It is attached. Thus, for each of the NSD embodiments 300, 350 and 400, the first and second side pieces are discarded after use and the bridge pieces 306, 353 and 403 are reused. With each use, the operator
The lateral regions can be applied to the first and second side pieces with an amount of stretch selected for the desired amount of support of the lateral vestibular wall.

The present invention also provides a reusable intranasal support device for animals. The term "reusable" refers to an intranasal support device that is applicable and removable to and then reapplicable to the same or different animals. One of the intranasal support devices
Single use is considered to be the use from adhering to the animal's nose until removing the device from the nose.

In one embodiment, a reusable intranasal support device can be prepared by applying a reused engagement layer to the used engagement layer of a previously used intranasal support device. . As used herein, the term "spent engagement layer" refers to an engagement layer used to adhere an intranasal support device to an animal after removing the intranasal support device from the animal. The “reusable engagement layer” provides an adhesive layer for reattaching the intranasal support device to the animal's nose after the previous engagement layer has been used. Intranasal support devices that can be used in accordance with this embodiment of the invention include, for example, any intranasal support device for animals disclosed herein or in the above patents and patent applications. Suitable reusable engagement layers include, for example, double-sided tape or 3
MCo. , St. No. available from Paul, MN. And transfer adhesives such as 1524 transfer adhesive.

According to this embodiment, after applying the intranasal support device to the animal, the intranasal support device is removed from the animal and the reusable engagement layer is the engagement layer previously in contact with the animal's nose. Applied to the used adhesive surface of. The reusable engagement layer, after being removed from the animal,
Applied to the previously used intranasal support device. But, of course, because of the adhesive surface that has been used as a result of gluing or contacting something other than the animal's nose,
Although the engagement layer is non-functional (used), the reusable engagement layer and method disclosed herein can be used to prepare a reusable intranasal support device.

If a double-sided tape is used, the adhesive on each side of the tape may be the same or different. For example, one side of the double-sided tape contains an adhesive that provides high peel resistance from the engagement layer of a previously used intranasal support device, and the other side of the double-sided tape is
Adhesives may be included that provide suitable resistance to peeling from the animal's nose when applied to the nose. In general, the reusable engagement layer can be applied to the used intranasal support device immediately after removing the intranasal support device from the animal. In other embodiments, the reusable engagement layer can be applied to the intranasal support device some time after the intranasal support device has been removed from the animal. In one embodiment, the reusable engagement layer is used for at least 3 hours, usually at least 12 hours, and in a preferred embodiment at least 24 hours after removal of the used intranasal support device from the animal. Does not apply to

The intranasal support device can be used multiple times, and multiple reuse engagement layers can be used with or without reuse of the intranasal support device during each subsequent application of the reuse engagement layer. It is anticipated that it can be applied to inner support devices.

It is also envisioned that in other embodiments, instead of using transfer adhesive tape or double sided tape, single sided tape can be used. According to this embodiment, one side of the single-sided tape includes an adhesive for adhering the used intranasal support device to the animal's nose. The other side of the one-sided adhesive tape contains no adhesive. Accordingly, the liquid adhesive is applied to the engaging surface of the intranasal support device or the non-adhesive side of the one-sided tape, or both, the one-sided tape being provided on the used engagement layer of the intranasal support device. The adhesive side of the single-sided tape separates from the used engagement layer.

Preferably, the single-sided or double-sided tape or transfer adhesive is precut to a shape that is substantially the same as the intranasal support device to which the reuse engagement layer is applied. For example, in the preferred embodiment of the reusable engagement layer for the device shown in FIG. 3, the reusable engagement layer is shaped substantially as shown for surface layer 11 or engagement layer 13. Alternatively, the reusable engagement layer can be packaged in a rectangular, square, circular, oval or other shape and cut into the desired shape just prior to applying the reusable engagement layer to the intranasal support device. Is.

In another embodiment, a reusable intranasal support device for animals comprises one or more as disclosed in the above patents and patent applications having a “reusable engagement layer”. Can be included. According to this embodiment, the engagement layer is an adhesive that allows the intranasal support device already used on the animal to be reapplied to the same or a different animal without the addition of a new engagement layer. A system may be included. An example of a reusable adhesive suitable for this embodiment of the present invention is US Pat.
, 957,126 (incorporated herein by reference), including a fibrous pressure sensitive adhesive layer comprising a woven fabric of pressure sensitive adhesive fibers.

As noted above, the support devices disclosed herein support the nasal tract of an animal, particularly the unsupported soft tissue. The device is capable of reducing resistance to air flow, such as reducing turbulence during rest and activity. In addition, the support device can also be used to treat or prevent respiratory disorders in mature animals or offspring of animals.

Supporting unsupported soft tissue is particularly advantageous for animals such as horses. Because the horse has to breathe through its nose. In a preferred embodiment, the NSD disclosed herein are exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (E) in horses.
It may reduce the amount of blood loss associated with (IPH). Methods for determining the amount of pulmonary hemorrhage that occurs during EIPH are known. As an example of such a method, lung lavage is performed after strenuous exercise and the number of red blood cells per microliter in the lavage fluid (ie RBC /
μl) can be quantified. In one embodiment, when a horse affected by EIPH is wearing a support device disclosed herein while undergoing strenuous exercise, lung red blood cell counts are the same for horses with NSD. At least 5%, preferably at least 10 to 20%, in some embodiments 30 to 40%, and in some embodiments at least 50%, compared to exercise without.
Can be reduced by 70%.

Without being limited to a particular theory, it is believed by the inventors that supporting the lateral vestibular wall or a portion thereof over the nose region of the animal reduces resistance to air flow and improves respiratory efficiency. That is, when NSD is attached, less energy is consumed by the animal when inhaling air into or exhaling air from the lungs. The resistance to air in / out is reduced by providing a greater nasal cross-sectional area than if no support device were used. When the cross-sectional area of the nasal passage decreases,
To inspire the same amount of air into the lungs, intrapleural pressure (ie, negative pressure) during inspiration
It will be necessary to increase Airway resistance (R) has a relationship to the pressure across the nasal airway (P) and the flow of air through the nasal passage (F) as expressed by the equation: R = P / F.

The inventor believes that the high negative pressure in the pleura across the alveoli, combined with the high pulmonary blood pressure during exercise, results in the rupture of pulmonary blood vessels manifesting as EIPH.

In some embodiments, when the horse is wearing the support device disclosed herein during exercise, the nasal resistance is at least about 5-10%, usually 20-3.
It can be reduced by 0%, more than 40% in some animals. In addition, by reducing nasal resistance, less effort is required during breathing, resulting in reduced oxygen consumption and CO ₂ production for the same amount of exercise. Heart rate may also be reduced in horses with NSD as compared to the same horse performing the same level of exercise without NSD.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a therapeutic device for treating conditions that respond to magnetism, electromagnetics, heat (hot or cold), ultrasound emission or other energy radiation therapy. The device is also capable of delivering medication. According to this embodiment, the surface layer and engagement layer components and structures described herein for NSD can be used. However, in contrast to the devices described above, in such devices, a therapeutic layer is used instead of, or supplemented with, a support layer. Furthermore, the structural appearance may vary depending on the size or area of the body to which therapeutic energy is desired to be delivered.

According to this embodiment, the treatment layer may include wafer-shaped magnets, electromagnets, ultrasonic transmitters, heat radiators or other known treatment modalities. For example, in one embodiment, a thin magnet is used instead of the lifting member to deliver magnetic energy to a localized area of the body where the device is placed. In general, a preferred component of the therapeutic layer, such as a magnet, is flexible to match the location of the body to which the device is applied, but acts to match the shape of the body region to the engaging surface of the device. There is no significant elasticity or shape memory to do. The adhesive surface is continuous or intermittent on one side of the treatment layer. The surface layer may be used if necessary.

In some embodiments, the device can include a surface layer, a therapeutic layer and an adhesive layer. The surface layer can be configured to include an edge that extends well around the periphery of the treatment layer. The adhesive layer is applied over the treatment layer and the margin to adhesively engage the device at a selected location on the patient's body. As described above for the support layer, the adhesive can be used to adhere the therapeutic layer to the surface layer. Examples of suitable structural appearances can be understood with reference to FIGS. 3, 12-37. The lifting member is replaced with a particular treatment delivery device. For example, FIG. 42 illustrates one of the treatment devices 500.
FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view showing one embodiment. As described for NSD, the surface layer 501 can include an engagement layer 502 (seen through in this figure) and a treatment layer 504 on the bottom surface 503 of the surface layer 501. In this embodiment, the treatment layer 504 can be a wafer magnet 505 or other device for providing a particular treatment modality.

Many of the adhesive systems disclosed herein are advantageous for adhering to the body. Further, it maintains its position in the presence of sweat or other fluids by adjusting the water absorption properties of the adhesive used, such as adding hydrocolloids such as carboxymethyl cellulose, polyacrylamide or similar compositions. Ability is raised. In addition to other adhesives, suitable adhesives include those of the type used to maintain EKG patches on the human or animal body. In other embodiments, the therapeutic delivery device is inserted into a pouch formed of plastic, PTFE, fabric or other suitable material having a surface coated with an engagement layer as disclosed herein. It is possible.

Examples of medical conditions that can be treated by placement of the treatment devices disclosed herein at or near the lesion include acute or chronic inflammation, non-union fractures, canal aneurysms, myalgias, Examples include tendon damage.

Although the present invention has been described above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the appended claims. All modifications and equivalents of the disclosed invention are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.

[Brief description of drawings]

[Figure 1]   FIG. 3 is a plan view showing one embodiment of an intranasal support device according to the present invention.

[Fig. 2]   FIG. 3 is a side view of the anatomy of the rostral nasal bone of a horse.

[Figure 3]   FIG. 2 is an exploded bottom view of the intranasal support device of FIG. 1.

Figure 4a   2 is a plan view of the intranasal support device of FIG. 1 having a support layer shown in phantom.

Figure 4b   FIG. 5 is a plan view showing one embodiment of a lifting member according to the present invention.

[Figure 5]   FIG. 2 is a plan view of the intranasal support device of FIG. 1 having a carrier layer.

[Figure 6]   FIG. 2 is a front view of the horse with the intranasal support device of the embodiment of FIG. 1 secured to the nose.

[Figure 7]   2 is a plan view of the intranasal support device of FIG. 1 having another embodiment of a carrier layer. FIG.

[Figure 8]   FIG. 6 is a plan view showing another embodiment of the intranasal support device according to the present invention.

[Figure 9]   FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of an intranasal support device according to the present invention.

[Figure 10]   FIG. 6 shows yet another embodiment of an intranasal support device according to the present invention.

FIG. 11   The figure which shows the external appearance of NSD by this invention symmetrical about two axes.

[Fig. 12]   The upper side view which shows one external appearance of NSD symmetrical about two axes.

[Fig. 13]   FIG. 13 is a bottom side view of the NSD of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14   FIG. 14 is a bottom side view showing another embodiment of the NSD of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15   FIG. 14 is a bottom side view showing another embodiment of the NDS of FIG. 13.

FIG. 16   The upper side view which shows other embodiment of NSD symmetrical about two axes.

FIG. 17   FIG. 17 is a bottom side view of the NDS of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18   FIG. 17 is a bottom side view showing another embodiment of the NDS of FIG. 16.

FIG. 19   FIG. 17 is a bottom side view showing another embodiment of the NSD of FIG. 16.

FIG. 20   The upper side view which shows other embodiment of NSD symmetrical about two axes.

FIG. 21   FIG. 21 is a bottom side view of the NSD of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22   FIG. 21 is a bottom side view showing another embodiment of the NSD of FIG. 20.

FIG. 23   FIG. 21 is a bottom side view showing another embodiment of the NSD of FIG. 20.

FIG. 24   Top side view showing another embodiment of NSD symmetrical about two axes

FIG. 25   FIG. 25 is a bottom side view of the NSD of FIG. 24.

FIG. 26   FIG. 25 is a bottom side view showing another embodiment of the NSD of FIG. 24.

FIG. 27   FIG. 25 is a bottom side view showing another embodiment of the NSD of FIG. 24.

FIG. 28   FIG. 25 is a bottom side view showing another embodiment of the NSD of FIG. 24.

FIG. 29   The upper side view which shows other embodiment of NSD symmetrical about two axes.

FIG. 30   29 is a bottom side view of the NSD of FIG. 29. FIG.

FIG. 31   FIG. 30 is a bottom side view showing another embodiment of the NSD of FIG. 29.

FIG. 32   FIG. 30 is a bottom side view showing another embodiment of the NSD of FIG. 29.

FIG. 33   The upper side view which shows other embodiment of NSD symmetrical about two axes.

FIG. 34   FIG. 34 is a bottom side view of the NSD of FIG. 33.

FIG. 35   FIG. 34 is a bottom side view showing another embodiment of the NSD of FIG. 33.

FIG. 36   FIG. 34 is a bottom side view showing another embodiment of the NSD of FIG. 33.

FIG. 37   FIG. 34 is a bottom side view showing another embodiment of the NSD of FIG. 33.

FIG. 38   The figure which shows other embodiment of NSD by this invention.

FIG. 39   FIG. 39 is a rostral end view of the NSD of FIG. 38.

FIG. 40   FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of NSD placed across the lateral vestibular wall of a horse.

FIG. 41   The figure which shows other embodiment of NSD by this invention.

FIG. 42   FIG. 6 is a bottom view of one embodiment of a treatment device according to the present invention.

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (31) Priority claim number 60 / 165,578 (32) Priority date November 15, 1999 (November 15, 1999) (33) Priority claiming countries United States (US) (81) Designated countries EP (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, I T, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE), OA (BF, BJ , CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG), AP (GH, GM, K E, LS, MW, SD, SL, SZ, TZ, UG, ZW ), EA (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), AE, AL, AM, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BY, CA, CH, CN, C R, CU, CZ, DE, DK, DM, EE, ES, FI , GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IS, JP, KE, KG, KP, KR, K Z, LC, LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LV, MA , MD, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, NO, NZ, PL, PT, RO, RU, SD, SE, SG, SI, S K, SL, TJ, TM, TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG , US, UZ, VN, YU, ZA, ZW (72) Inventor Chiapetta, James, Earl.             55123-2434 Minnesota, United States             State, Eagan, Great Oaks Tre             IL 856 (72) Inventor Cohen, Daniel, E.             55347 Minnesota, United States, United States             Den Prairie, Antlers Ridge               10232 F term (reference) 4C098 AA01 BB20 BC01 CE11 CE14

Claims (42)

[Claims] 1. A support device for supporting a tissue that overlaps the first and second nasal passages, comprising: an adhesive layer for fixing the support device to the tissue; a support layer; and a surface layer. The surface layer has a first longitudinal dimension having a first horizontal axis and a central longitudinal axis having a central long axis orthogonal to the first lateral axis and bisecting the first lateral axis. Direction dimension and first and second lateral lengthwise dimensions on opposite sides of the central lengthwise dimension, the central lengthwise dimension being the first and second dimensions. 2. A support device in which the surface layers, which are larger than the lateral lengthwise dimension of 2 and are on opposite sides of the first horizontal axis, are mirror images of each other. 2. The support device according to claim 1, wherein the surface layers on opposite sides of the long axis are mirror images of each other. 3. The support device of claim 1, wherein the central longitudinal dimension is smaller than the first lateral dimension. 4. The support device according to claim 1, wherein the support layer has at least two lifting members. 5. The support device according to claim 1, wherein the support layer has three or more lifting members. 6. The support device according to claim 1, wherein the surface layer is bilaterally symmetric across both the horizontal axis and the long axis. 7. A support device configured to support tissue overlying the first and second nasal passages of an animal, comprising a support layer and a surface layer, the surface layer comprising the surface. A first axis bisecting the layer along a first dimension and a second axis bisecting the surface layer along a second dimension, wherein the surface layer comprises the first And a support device that is symmetric across both the second axis. 8. A support device according to claim 7, wherein the surface layers on opposite sides of the long axis are mirror images of each other. 9. The support device of claim 7, wherein the central longitudinal axis dimension is smaller than the first lateral dimension. 10. The support device of claim 7, wherein the support layer comprises at least one lifting member. 11. A support device for supporting tissue across first and second nasal passages, a first side piece applied across the first nasal passages, and a second lateral passage across the second nasal passages. A second side piece applied, a first side area and a second side area, the first side area being the first side area.
And a bridge piece for attaching to the second side piece and attaching the second lateral region to the second side piece. 12. The support device according to claim 11, wherein the first and second lateral regions of the bridge piece are attached to the first and second side pieces using Velcro. 13. A treatment device comprising a treatment layer and an adhesive to maintain the device in a selected position. 14. A support device for supporting tissue overlying the first and second nasal passages, an engagement layer comprising an adhesive for engaging the support device with the tissue, a surface layer. A support device comprising: a support layer located between the engagement layer and the surface layer; and a carrier layer releasably provided on the surface layer. 15. The support device of claim 14, further comprising a release backing layer releasably attached to the adhesive of the engagement layer. 16. The support device of claim 15, wherein the release backing layer has a first lateral piece, a second lateral piece, and an intermediate piece. 17. A horizontal axis having a horizontal dimension, a central long axis having a central vertical dimension that is orthogonal to the horizontal axis and divides the horizontal axis into two, and the central vertical dimension faces each other. And a second lateral longitudinal dimension on the side, the central longitudinal dimension being greater than the first and second lateral longitudinal dimensions, and 15. The support device according to claim 14, wherein the surface layers on opposite sides of the axis are mirror images of each other. 18. The support device of claim 17, wherein the surface layers on opposite sides of the major axis are mirror images of each other. 19. The support device of claim 14, wherein the support layer has at least two lifting members. 20. The support device of claim 14, wherein the support layer has at least three lifting members. 21. The support device of claim 20 having an engagement extension that extends laterally beyond the lifting member. 22. The support device of claim 17, wherein the support device is bilaterally symmetric across both the lateral axis and the long axis. 23. The support device of claim 14, wherein the surface layer has a dark color. 24. The support device of claim 14, wherein the carrier layer has a rostral extension. 25. The support device of claim 24, wherein the rostral extension is an alignment guide. 26. A support device for supporting tissue overlying the first and second nasal passages, the engagement layer having an adhesive for attaching the support device to the tissue; a surface layer; A support layer located between the engagement layer and the surface layer, a first side piece, a second side piece, and an intermediate piece, and releasably attached to the adhesive layer. And a release backing layer. 27. The support device according to claim 26, further comprising a carrier layer releasably provided on the surface layer. 28. The support device of claim 26, wherein the support layer has at least two lifting members. 29. The support device of claim 26, having an engagement extension that extends laterally beyond the lifting member. 30. A rostral end, a caudal end and a first rostral-cervical dorsal dimension, the first
A first lateral piece that engages a first lateral vestibular wall overlying the nasal passage of the nasal passage and a rostral end, a caudal end, and a second rostral-cervical dorsal dimension, the second nasal passage A second lateral piece that engages a second lateral vestibular wall that overlaps the first lateral piece and an intersection of the first and second lateral pieces, and includes a rostral end, a caudal end, and the first lateral piece. 27. The support device of claim 26, comprising a midline region having a snout-cervical dorsal dimension and a second snout-cervical dorsal dimension greater than either of the second snout-cervical dorsal dimension. 31. The support device of claim 26, wherein the support device is configured to fit on the nose of a horse. 32. The support device of claim 26, wherein the surface layer has a dark color. 33. A support device for supporting tissue overlying the first and second nasal passages, the engagement layer comprising an adhesive for attaching the support device to the tissue; a surface layer; A support device comprising: a support layer located between the engagement layer and the surface layer, wherein the engagement layer has an engagement extension portion that extends laterally beyond the support layer. 34. A method for facilitating airflow in the nasal passages of an animal comprising supporting a caudal apical region of the vestibular wall overlying the nasal passages of the animal. 35. A support layer, a first engagement layer for adhesively securing the nose support device to an animal's nose, and a second engagement layer for adhesively securing the nose support device to an animal. Reusable nasal support device with. 36. The second engagement layer of claim 35, applied to the nose support device after the first engagement layer is adhesively secured to an animal's nose and removed. Reusable nasal support device. 37. The reusable nasal support device of claim 35, wherein the first engagement layer is a double sided tape. 38. The reusable nasal support device of claim 35, wherein the second engagement layer is a double sided tape. 39. The reusable nasal support device of claim 35, wherein the second engagement layer is a single sided tape. 40. The reusable nasal support device of claim 35, wherein the second engagement layer is a transfer adhesive layer. 41. The reusable nasal support device of claim 35, further comprising three or more engagement layers. 42. An animal sized reusable nasal support comprising a support layer and an engagement layer comprising a fibrous pressure sensitive adhesive layer comprising a woven fabric of pressure sensitive adhesive fibers. device.