Tourniquet timer

• US 20080177159A1
• Filed: 01/23/2008
• Published: 07/24/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 01/23/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: OHK Medical Devices Ltd.
• Original Assignee: OHK Medical Devices Ltd.
• Inventors: Gavriely, Noam
• Granted Patent: US 8,147,417 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/301
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/1325 with means for applying local pressure pressure pads A61F5/30
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/1355 Automated control means therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00119 alarm; indicating an abnormal situation
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00132 Setting operation time of a device A61B2017/00123 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00199 with a console, e.g. a control panel with a display
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00221 with wireless transmission of data, e.g. by infrared radiation or radiowaves
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0002 Remote monitoring of patients using telemetry, e.g. transmission of vital signals via a communication network A61B5/07 takes precedence; transmission systems for measured values G08C; transmission H04B; transmission of digital information H04L; wireless communication networks H04W
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/06 Measuring instruments not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/92 coded with colour

Abstract

A timer for tourniquet, adapted for application in a surgery, emergency or military situations to stop arterial blood loss in an injured limb, which is optionally activated by use of the tourniquet and/or optionally provided in association with a monitor for a plurality of tourniquets.

Claims

1. A method of using a tourniquet comprising:

a) attaching a tourniquet around a limb so as to block blood flow therein;

b) at least estimating a start time for said attaching;

c) automatically generating a first warning before a danger time is reached; and

d) automatically generating a second warning when a danger time is reached, based on said estimated start time.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein said first warning is generated based on an estimation of a patient condition.

3. A method of claim 1, wherein estimating a start time for said attached tourniquet, comprises automatically detecting a signal indicating a tourniquet activation on a limb.

4. A method of claim 1, wherein at least estimating comprises receiving a user input.

5. A method of claim 2, wherein generating comprises using current patient information patient information.

6. A method of claim 5, wherein the patient information, includes one or more of patient age, instantaneous blood flow and blood pressure.

7. A method of claim 1, comprising opening and then re-closing tourniquet in response to the first warning.

8. A method of claim 1, comprising deactivating the tourniquet in response to the second warning.

9. A method of claim 1, wherein generating the first and the second warning comprises one or more of an audio, a visual and a speech alert.

10. A method of claim 9, wherein generating comprises transmitting a wireless signal to remotely generate an alert.

11. A method of claim 1, comprising simultaneously monitoring a plurality of warning signals from a plurality of tourniquets using a central controller.

12. A tourniquet, comprising:

a) a pressure applicator adapted to be mounted on a limb so as to block arterial flow therein; and

b) a timer configured to generate two warnings at two different times, including before a tourniquet danger time is reached.

13. The tourniquet of claim 12, wherein said pressure applicator comprises a pressure-sensitive element (PSM) and a transmitter which transmits a signal responsive to at least one of said activation of said timer and activation of said pressure applicator.

14. The tourniquet of claim 13, wherein said pressure-sensitive element (PSM) is a mechanically activated trigger (MAT) which is activated by the usage of said pressure applying means.

15. The tourniquet of claim 14, wherein said mechanically activated trigger (MAT) comprises a switch.

16. The tourniquet of claim 12, comprising a chemical element activated by use of said tourniquet.

17. The tourniquet of claim 12, comprising an alert generator.

18. The tourniquet of claim 12, wherein said timer is integral to said tourniquet.

19. The tourniquet of claim 12, wherein said timer is separate from said tourniquet.

20. The tourniquet of claim 12, comprising a packaging configured to start said timer when opened.

29. A tourniquet according to claim 12, wherein said timer is sterilizable.

21. A tourniquet system with wireless central monitoring for one or more tourniquets, comprising:

(i) at least one tourniquet with a pressure applicator and a wireless transmitter which sends at least one signal associated with a used of said tourniquet; and

(ii) a remote controller with a receiver configured to receive said signal and a display configured to display a signal detectable by a user, responsive to said signal.

22. A system of claim 21, wherein said detectable signal comprises a warning of an elapsing of a time for using said tourniquet.

23. A system of claim 21, comprising a controller configured to release said tourniquet.

24. A system of claim 21, comprising a timer configured to time a use of said tourniquet.

25. A system of claim 21, comprising circuitry configured to calculate a danger time of said tourniquet based on a condition of a patient.

26. A system of claim 21, wherein said remote controller is portable.

27. A system of claim 21, wherein said remote controller is configured for manually receiving information regarding an activation of at least one tourniquet.

28. A system of claim 21, comprising circuitry for registering a plurality of tourniquets.