WO2021173162A1

WO2021173162A1 - Windlass medical binder system and method

Info

Publication number: WO2021173162A1
Application number: PCT/US2020/020557
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jeff BOARDMAN
Original assignee: Boardman Jeff
Priority date: 2020-02-29
Filing date: 2020-02-29
Publication date: 2021-09-02

Abstract

A system includes a pelvic binding wrap having a windlass or other tightening mechanism to achieve circumferential forces necessary to bind a pelvis. The system may include other mechanical occlusion devices to achieve both pelvic stabilization and hemostasis in the femoral triangle. The wrap may have an axillary strap attached that goes over the shoulder and attaches from front to back to properly place grommet with occlusion screw under the clavicle. When tightened, the system may apply force to the subclavian artery to achieve hemostasis in the axilla.

Description

WINDLASS MEDICAL BINDER SYSTEM AND METHOD

BACKGROUND

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to medical systems in the field, and more particularly, to pelvic binder kits.

[0002] There is a great treatment need for auxiliary inclusion in emergency, tactical, and trauma medical applications. Particularly with traumatic injuries to the pelvis, pelvic binders are conventionally recommended to stabilize the bones of the pelvis to prevent further injury from developing during transport. However, space constraints may make it impossible to carry conventional junctional tourniquets in medical bags of emergency personnel. Such equipment can furthermore be expensive and limit deployment. Existing junctional tourniquets cannot be configured to the needs of medics because they are rigid and can only be used in one specific manner.

SUMMARY

[0003] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus includes a strap, a windlass; and a tightening mechanism configured to allow a user to tighten the strap around a patient using one hand. In one embodiment, the tightening mechanism is a dial.

[0004] According to another particular embodiment, an apparatus includes a ball bearing and multiple piezo electric elements housed on either side of positive and negative cathodes. The ball bearing may travel from side to side in channel, contacting the piezo electric elements.

[0005] According to another particular embodiment, an apparatus configured to provide suction includes a universal airway attachment point, a small diaphragm pump to create an up chamber vacuum, and an attachment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a system 100 that includes a windlass and a wrap configured to be tightened using a dial tightening mechanism; [0007] Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a system 200 with a system identical or similar to the system 100 of Figure 1 as the strap is tightened;

[0008] Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a system 300 having a strap configured to secure legs of a patient;

[0009] Figure 4 is an embodiment of binder system in accordance with the invention;

[0010] Figure 5 is another embodiment of binder system in accordance with the invention;

[0011] Figure 6 is another embodiment of binder system in accordance with the invention;

[0012] Figure 7 is another embodiment of binder system in accordance with the invention;

[0013] Figure 8 is another embodiment of binder system in accordance with the invention;

[0014] Figure 9 is another embodiment of binder system in accordance with the invention;

[0015] Figure 10 is an embodiment of the system that includes an exoskeleton and an indo- skeleton;

[0016] Figure 11 is an embodiment of a multi-purpose suction device for use in the system; and

[0017] Figure 12 is an embodiment of a battery system for use with an embodiment of the system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] According to a particular embodiment, a pelvic binding wrap of the system may use a windlass or other tightening mechanism to achieve circumferential forces necessary to bind the pelvis. The system may include other mechanical occlusion devices to achieve both pelvic stabilization and hemostasis in the femoral triangle. The wrap may have an axillary strap attached that goes over the shoulder and attaches from front to back to properly place grommet with occlusion screw under the clavicle. When tightened, the system may apply force to the subclavian artery to achieve hemostasis in the axilla. [0019] A particular embodiment of the system may wrap a pelvis and stabilize the bones of the pelvis when the windlass is tightened. The system may include mechanical occlusion devices placed in the femoral triangle to stop junctional bleeding. The system may additionally be wrapped around the torso with an axilla strap connected to the back of a patient over the shoulder to screw down the subclavian occlusion foot using a grommet in the strap to prevent backing out, e.g., by applying pressure to the subclavian artery to prevent blood flow.

[0020] In operation, an embodiment of the system may be used to wrap the pelvis, and to tighten with a windlass to bind the bones of the pelvis over the greater trochanter. The system of an embodiment may be constructed using sewn textiles with injection-molded plastic components. The junctional occlusion components may be used alone and with variations of a wrap, strap, or windlass tourniquet to achieve junctional arterial occlusion. The elements may be rearranged to achieve desired results. A system may include a dynamic portion and a static portion. The system may function entirely in a static mode. It is designed to be multi -configured, for use in pelvic binding only, pelvic binding and unilateral or bilateral junctional occlusion, or used with axilla strap for subclavian arterial occlusion.

[0021] An embodiment of the system may comprise a compact, lightweight system having multiple uses, including as a junctional tourniquet. The system may enable simple, one-handed tightening and maybe designed for direct action.

[0022] An embodiment of the system may be positioned over the greater trochanters and may be hand tightened. For example, a user may tighten a wrap, or belt, until an internal windlass trap is fully extended. The user may turn a tension dial until the belt is tight. This feature may ensure proper binding forces have been achieved. In another implementation, the system may be used to bind the feet together using an included ankle-strap to prevent additional movement of the pelvis.

[0023] Another embodiment of the system may include a telescoping shell for expedient employment. The system includes a telescoping endoskeleton for strength and aligning. The system may include built-in grip and locking features.

[0024] The telescoping feature of the system may save space. The system may readily connect and allow for night vision and low-light use. The system may be constructed from a glass-filled nylon injection-molded design for strength. The internal guide framework may provide structural support and may also aid in opening. The telescoping feature may thus enable another embodiment of a stand-alone occlusion system for use with a windlass tourniquet.

[0025] An embodiment of a pelvic stabilization system may be applied to a patient with known or suspected pelvic fracture or instability. The system may be used in conjunction with inguinal hemostasis devices to control massive hemorrhage from the arteries that feed blood to the lower part of the body. The system may also acts as a torso wrap and may be used in an alternate variation to apply subclavian arterial pressure to traumatic injuries sustained in the axilla that cause uncontrolled bleeding.

[0026] An embodiment of the system may be placed over the greater trochanters of the pelvic region and tightened using an integrated windlass designed to achieve at least 150 Newtons of circumferential force to bind the pelvis. An embodiment of the system may be smaller and lighter than conventional devices. The system may comprise a type of pelvic stabilizer that uses a double back buckle design with a windlass for mechanical advantage.

[0027] An embodiment may include elastic construction with rip stop features, as well as hook and loop elements. Loop components may make up the body of a wrap. A windlass may be used to achieve the proper circumferential force and an auxiliary strap may be added with a grommet and subclavian occlusion screw to achieve hemostasis in the axillary junctional area.

[0028] Components of a pelvic stabilization system may be designed to be assembled into a modular functional device. In this embodiment, there may be a static portion and dynamic portion of the system. The dynamic portion may be made to stretch and may serve to provide preliminary pressure on the subject without use of the windlass mechanism. The dynamic portion may be stretched to its most distal point to gain tension across the entire device through the windlass.

[0029] In one implementation, a device may be wrapped around the subject, either around the waist or around the torso. When wrapping around the pelvic region, e.g., for pelvic binding, the system may be wrapped around the pelvis of the subject with the inside of the wrap facing the subject and the outside of the wrap facing outward. [0030] To secure the system, as shown throughout several of the Figures, a user may pull the securing distal end (1) through a securing ring (3) and may double back across the device securing distal end (1) to the device by attaching a receiving attachment surface (5) with an attachment surface (10). The system may be tightened such that the windlass (4) and the dynamic portion are taut so the windlass functionality is present during use. To gain leverage and to create space between the subject and the device, a securing handle (2) may be used as a handle. Inguinal hemostasis devices may be positioned in a space between the device and the subject.

[0031] When tightening the device once around the subject, a use may use the windlass (4). The windlass (4) may be used by rotating clockwise or counterclockwise until the binder distributes pressure appropriately over the area of use. A windlass lock (11) may then be used to secure either distal end of windlass (4) so as to not lose the pressure across the device. A windlass guide (12) may serve as a tunnel-style connection between a securing (3) and the distal end of the device. This feature may allow the windlass functionality to be present upon the rotating windlass (4). Without proper tension between securing ring (3) and the remainder of the device, the windlass (4) may require excessive rotation.

[0032] When wrapping the system around the torso region, the system may provide torso binding and/or an alternate variation to apply subclavian arterial pressure to traumatic injuries sustained in the axilla that cause uncontrolled bleeding. For example, a user may wrap the device around the torso of the subject with the Inside of the device facing the subject and the outside of the device facing outward. To secure the device, the user may pull the securing distal end (1) through the securing ring (3) and may double back across the device securing distal end (1) to the device by attaching a receiving attachment surface (5) with attachment surface (10).

[0033] The device may be tightened so that the windlass (4) and the dynamic portion are taut so the windlass functionality is present during use. To gain leverage and to create space between the subject and the device, the securing handle (2) may be used as a handle. To tighten the system once around the subject, a user may use the windlass (4). The windlass (4) may be initiated by rotating it clockwise or counterclockwise until the binder distributes pressure appropriately over the area of use. A windlass lock (11) may then be used to secure either distal end of windlass (4) as to not lose the pressure across the device. Windlass guide (12) is significant in that is serves as

$· a tunnel-style connection between the securing ring (3) and the distal end of the device. This feature allows the windlass functionality to be present upon rotating windlass (4) because the proper tension between the securing ring (3) and the remainder of the device obviates a need for the windlass (4) to need more rotation.

[0034] The auxiliary strap (7) may be attached initially to the device at the auxiliary attachment (19) using the auxiliary connection (13). To occlude blood flow in the axilla space, an auxiliary strap (7) may be wrapped over the shoulder of the subject on the side of the injuiy. The auxiliary strap (7) may be connected to the auxiliary loop (9) using an additional auxiliary connection (13). The goal may be to align an auxiliary grommet (8) with the clavicle of the subject by tightening with the auxiliary tightener (14). An auxiliary connection (13) and an auxiliary tightener (14) may be present on both ends of the auxiliary strap (7) to allow better alignment on the area of interest.

[0035] When the auxiliary grommet (8) is properly aligned with the clavicle, an auxiliary screw (15) may be fed through the auxiliary grommet (8) in either direction to get started. An auxiliary foot (17) may be connected to a distal end of the auxiliary screw (15). This may occur before or after the auxiliary screw (15) may be fed through the auxiliaiy grommet (8). The connection between the auxiliary foot (17) and the auxiliary screw (15) may be made in such a manner that while the auxiliary screw (15) is being threaded through the auxiliary grommet (8). The auxiliary foot (17) may maintain its orientation of the area of interest. A flat face of the auxiliary foot (17) may be aligned just beneath the subject’s clavicle.

[0036] The auxiliary handle (16) may be used to gain torsion during the threading of the auxiliary screw (15) and the auxiliary grommet (8). The auxiliary screw (15) is threaded through the auxiliary grommet (8) so that the auxiliary foot (17) applies appropriate pressure beneath the subject’s clavicle and onto the hemorrhaging artery/arteries and occludes blood flow.

[0037] The auxiliary screw (15) and the auxiliary grommet (8) possess a feature that will not allow the auxiliary screw (15) to back out during use. The mechanism may function with a combination of friction and unidirectional mechanical features. The auxiliary enclosure (18) may comprise an optional storage space for the auxiliary strap (7). The auxiliary handle (16) may be such that it rotates out from the auxiliary screw (15) for compact use, and the auxiliary handle (16) may also be separate and placed into the auxiliary screw (15) for use.

<£> [0038] An embodiment of the system may comprise a multi-purpose suction device. The system may provide airway and thoracic suction. Universal airway attachment points may be added in order to utilize existing Yankauer suction and soft catheter suction attachments. Additionally, due to it small and portable size, continuous end of system chest drainage suction may be achieved for up to three hours.

[0039] The design may use an up chamber vacuum created by a small diaphragm pump. Vomitus, secretions, blood, and bodily fluids may be collected in replaceable cartridges that attach upstream of the system.

[0040] A voltage regulation may allow for a range of 50 mmHg to 400+ millimeters of mercury vacuum suction. The form factor may be an ergonomic handheld device with a rechargeable 12 V DC system. A battery pack may run on 3.7 V 123 batteries to achieve the necessary 12 V.

[0041] A battery system shown in the schematic illustrates piezo electric elements to re-charge a 3.7 V lithium 123 battery. An embodiment of the system may use a dense ball bearing to create a channel through the center of the rolled lithium inside. The piezo electric elements may be housed on either side near the positive and negative cathode‘s, and the ball bearing may travel from side to side in the channel, each time hitting the Piezo electric elements creating a charge and powering the battery.

[0042] The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0043] In the following, reference is made to embodiments presented in this disclosure. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to specific described embodiments. Instead, any combination of the following features and elements, whether related to different embodiments or not, is contemplated to implement and practice contemplated embodiments.

Ύ Furthermore, although embodiments disclosed herein may achieve advantages over other possible solutions or over the prior art, whether or not a particular advantage is achieved by a given embodiment is not limiting of the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the following aspects, features, embodiments and advantages are merely illustrative and are not considered elements or limitations of the appended claims except where explicitly recited in a claim(s). Likewise, reference to “the invention” shall not be construed as a generalization of any inventive subject matter disclosed herein and shall not be considered to be an element or limitation of the appended claims except where explicitly recited in a claim(s).

[0044] Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer readable program instructions.

[0045] The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems and methods according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

[0046] While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow

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Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus comprising: a strap; a windlass; and a tightening mechanism configured to allow a user to tighten the strap around a patient using one hand.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tightening mechanism is a dial.

3. An apparatus comprising: a ball bearing; and multiple piezo electric elements housed on either side of positive and negative cathodes, wherein the ball bearing travel from side to side in channel, contacting the piezo electric elements.

4. An apparatus configured to provide suction, the apparatus comprising: a universal airway attachment point; a small diaphragm pump to create an up chamber vacuum; and an attachment.