WO2008066459A1

WO2008066459A1 - Plug to be introduced into a passage such as nasal passage

Info

Publication number: WO2008066459A1
Application number: PCT/SE2007/001057
Authority: WO
Inventors: Svante Syk-Eksell
Original assignee: Svante Syk-Eksell
Priority date: 2006-11-28
Filing date: 2007-11-28
Publication date: 2008-06-05
Also published as: SE0602534L

Abstract

Plug intended to provide a barrier in a passage such as a nasal passage. The plug can be made of an elastic material so that, compressed, it can be inserted in said passage and then expand until it lies against the walls of the passage. It can also have properties that allow the flow of gaseous materials such as air.

Description

PLUG TO BE INTRODUCED INTO A PASSAGE SUCH AS A NASAL PASSAGE

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

It is well known that problems arise with nose bleeds. Practically all adults have had nose bleeds and found them to be troublesome. There is a large group of people who regularly have light nose bleeds. The possible reasons for the bleeding include blood vessels that are close to the surface, allergies that irritate the nasal passages and great exertion or blows during sporting events, etc.

A smaller group of people suffers from heavy bleeding. Owing to large blood losses, the vomiting that occurs when blood runs down into the pharynx and fainting due to decreased blood pressure, such bleeding is extremely serious.

The most common procedure used when there is a nose bleed during, for example, a sporting event is to reduce the flow by pushing a cotton-tipped swab into the nose. There are several considerable disadvantages with this: - The nasal passage is obstructed and renders normal breathing (which is vital during exertion in sports events, etc.) impossible. - The blood coagulates in the cotton swab and new bleeding often occurs when the swab is removed.

There are several patents in the field of nose bleeds. Marshall US 5 383 891 is one example. In this, one or more oval units are pushed into the nasal passage. The units can be removed using a thread. A large "sticking plaster" is also used to cover the nose. The inserted oval units are sealed and do not allow any breathing. Using several accessories, the invention is cumbersome. The user is also highly conspicuous and, most likely, presents a frightening sight for children and many others.

Wilnelsia US 6 666 211 comprises a "sticking plaster mask" that, shaped like a part of the nose, is used to stanch nose bleeds. No other areas of application are claimed for this. As with the previous example, wearing this "mask" makes the user highly conspicuous and the presented sight may be perceived as frightening. Furthermore, a risk is introduced for people who are vulnerable to contact allergies. On top of all this, it is doubtful whether the cited inventions can be used by people who, due to exertion (in sports events, etc.), are sweating. It is similarly doubtful that women and children appreciate the "disfigurement" involved in using the cited inventions.

The present invention solves several of the cited problems by allowing breathing through a hole (a tube or similar in the plug) and by the plug being treated with a coagulant. The user does not need the large "masks" and sticking plasters of the above-cited patents. Producing moulding tools for plasters and masks adds to manufacturing costs and, consequently, the resultant product is relatively expensive.

Yet a further major disadvantage of the above-cited patents is that they contain "facial-skin adhering" glues. Said glues are expensive and have a limited storage life.

Medical products can be administered in several ways. Some of the most usual forms are tablets, injections, plasters and inhalers. In addition to the use as a plug in the nose to stanch nose bleeds, the invention set out in the present application opens new possibilities in medication. For example, the plug can be designed to impart active substances to the surface blood vessels in the nose.

The plug can also be designed to secrete or impart substances that can be borne by inhaled air and used to medicate the pharynx or lungs.

A further application is that people who snore as a result of narrow nasal passages can quite simply have a nasal passage expanded by using an expanding material in the plug. BRIEF ACCOUNT OF THE INVENTION

A plug, possibly designed in several sizes to fit various noses and ages, is inserted into the nose during a nose bleed or when there is a need for medication. The plug comprises a body with a part that lets through air (e.g. a pipe or similar corresponding hole), this body being surrounded by an absorbent mass that has a surface coating which prevents the plug getting stuck to surfaces. This is especially important where there are wounds, e.g. in a nose bleed. The plug's absorbent (of the super-absorbent type), flux or similar expands in the nasal passage and thus exerts pressure on the said passage where there are surface blood vessels. The tube or its equivalent allows breathing through said nasal passage.

The invention can be used in several ways. Some examples of these are described briefly below.

1. Nose bleeds

The plug expanding against the nasal passage actively helps to stanch the blood flow. The plug is cooled by breathing, this also contributing positively to blood vessels contracting and thereby reducing the bleeding. A known substance, such as cyklokapron, stanches bleeding, disinfects the surface of the wound and reduces the risk of the plug becoming stuck to said surface. As a preventive measure where there is a risk of bleeding, the nasal plug can also be inserted in the nose before bleeding occurs.

2. Secretion of substances to blood vessels

The blood vessels in nasal passages lie close to the surface and are particularly suitable for taking up substances that may be on the surface of the plug or may be secreted to its surface. Use as an alternative to nicotine patches is an example application here.

3. Secretion of substances to respiratory air

Because respiratory air passes through the plug, substances can also be integrated into, and released from, the plug with the purpose that said substances will be borne by inhaled air into the airways and eventually carried to the lungs. An example use here is allergy medicines that are often administered by spray or inhaler.

4. Secretion of substances

Another possibility is for the plug to contain aromatics (aroma releasing substances) that counteract smells that may be troublesome in certain environments.

5. Filter function

A design that filters air presents possibilities, e.g. filtration of pollen and similar small particles for people with allergies.

6. Snoring Narrow, flaccid nasal passages can be a cause of snoring. This can be remedied by a plug with properties that, when the plug is used, result in the expansion of nasal passages.

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The present invention is described in some detail with the assistance of the following figures:

Figure 1 shows two possible designs. Figure 2 shows a normal and a compressed plug. Figure 3 shows the plug inserted in the nose.

A FIRST DESIGN POSSIBILITY

Figure 1a shows a design where a cylindrical plug (1) has a tube (2) for air flows. Said tube (2) enables breathing. The plug (1) is made of a blood absorbent material and contains a coagulant, which is also on the surface (3). Alternatively, the plug can contain medicinal preparations that are intended to be taken up by the surface blood vessels against which the plug presses. The plug can also be designed to give off substances that are borne by inhaled air and carried to, for example, other airways, the pharynx or lungs.

Figure 1b shows an alternative design in which the tube (2) protrudes from the plug and has a collar (4). This collar (1) facilitates correct insertion of the plug (1) and simplifies removal.

Figure 2 shows a plug (1) that has been compressed for easier insertion in the nasal passage (5 in figure 3).

Figure 3 shows how the plug sits in the nasal passage (5).

The above description relates solely to one possible design. However, as various needs can influence the plug's design and construction, the designs and properties are not limited to those described above but extend to all those within the scope of this document.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS

1. Plug for introduction into a passage, such as a nasal passage, said plug being characterised by its being made from a material that can be compressed, the material then expanding against the walls of the nasal passage and thereby exerting pressure against said walls when placed in the nasal passage, the plug having at least one through hole for breathing and being so designed as to both stay in the nose and be easily removed, said plug also, by the choice of materials, being adapted to not irritate mucous membranes, it being additionally possible for the plug to carry aromatics for counteracting undesirable smells, the material from which the plug's body is constructed being similarly able to contain medicinal preparations for various purposes such as the stanching of blood flows and/or medication via inhaled air and/or the taking up of the preparation by surface blood vessels.

2. Plug as per patent claim 1 , characterised by said plug having properties that lead to its material filling out the shape of the nasal passage and pressing against the tissue of the nasal passage, it being possible for said plug to be comprised of a rolled material that, after insertion, unrolls to form a sleeve that has air ducts.

3. Plug as per patent claims 1 - 2, characterised by the above-mentioned hole comprising a function such as that offered by a tube or by a tube-like equivalent.

4. Plug as per patent claims 1 - 3, characterised by said plug being treated with, and/or containing, preparations, medicines or similar that give off substances to blood vessels in quantities/doses that are measured to achieve certain desired effects.

5. Plug as per one or more of the foregoing patent claims, characterised by said plug being treated with, and/or containing, preparations, medicines or similar that are to be given off to the respiratory air and carried down to the pharynx, airways and, possibly, lungs.

6. Plug as per one or more of the foregoing patent claims, characterised by the above-mentioned hole being enclosed by a sealed surface that is formed when the cellular material is cast into a shape.

7. Plug as per one or more of the foregoing patent claims, characterised by said plug having material properties that enable coagulants, cyklokapron for example, to be integrated into the material or, specifically, the surface, thereby stanching the blood flow.

8. Plug as per one or more of the foregoing patent claims, characterised by said plug having material properties that lead to expansion in the nasal passage, thereby ensuring an opening and preventing flaccid tissue from flapping and generating a snoring noise.

9. Plug as per one or more of the foregoing patent claims, characterised by the outward end being arranged, in its simplest form, to present a collar that provides a simple check against being sucked into the pharynx and which also provides an easy grip when removing.

10. Plug as per one or more of the foregoing patent claims, characterised by the constituent parts not subjecting the environment to any load and the parts being easy to destroy.