Methods and devices to reduce damaging effects of concussive or blast forces on a subject
First Claim
1. A method for mitigating injury to an inner ear of a subject exposed to a concussive force or a blast wave, the method comprising applying an external pressure to an internal jugular vein of the subject prior to and during exposure to the concussive force or a blast wave, wherein the pressure is sufficient to restrict blood flow through the internal jugular vein.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and device for reducing the damaging effects of a blast or concussive event includes applying pressure to at least one jugular vein to reduce the egress of blood from the cranial cavity during the incidence of the concussive event. Reducing blood out flow from the cranial cavity increases intracranial pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid to reduce the risk of traumatic brain injury and injuries to the spinal column. Reducing blood out flow further increases the intracranial pressure, and thereby increases the pressure of the cochlear fluid, the vitreous humor and the cerebrospinal fluid to thereby reduce the risk of injury to the inner ear, internal structure of the eye and of the spinal column. In addition, increasing intracranial pressure reduces the likelihood of brain injury and any associated loss of olfactory function.
97 Citations
32 Claims
- 1. A method for mitigating injury to an inner ear of a subject exposed to a concussive force or a blast wave, the method comprising applying an external pressure to an internal jugular vein of the subject prior to and during exposure to the concussive force or a blast wave, wherein the pressure is sufficient to restrict blood flow through the internal jugular vein.
- 8. A method for reducing the risk of an injury to an inner ear of a subject comprising applying an external pressure to a jugular vein of the subject while the subject is at risk of injury to the inner ear.
- 20. A method for mitigating injury to an inner ear of a subject, the method comprising applying an external pressure to a jugular vein of the subject, wherein the pressure is sufficient to restrict blood flow through the jugular vein.
Specification