Exsanguinating device for displacing blood from a limb by compression

• US 4,228,792 A
• Filed: 09/20/1978
• Issued: 10/21/1980
• Est. Priority Date: 09/23/1977
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Noel C. Rhys-Davies
• Original Assignee: Noel C. Rhys-Davies
• Inventors: Rhys-Davies, Noel C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Michell, Robert W.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Kruter, J. L.
• Application Number:
  US05/943,774
• Time in Patent Office: 762 Days
• Field of Search: 128/402, 128/297, 128/298, 128/299, 128/325, 128/327, 128/87 R, 128/DIG. 20, 128/261, 128/157, 128/24.3
• US Class Current: 601/19
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/1322 comprising a flexible encircling member A61B17/135 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 45/08 by impingement against baffle separators

Abstract

An exsanguinating device for displacing blood from a limb by compression comprises a fluid-filled envelope in the form of a double-walled tube of elastomer with the inner and outer walls of the same unstressed dimensions. The device can roll onto the limb with the inner and outer walls exchanging positions. The inner surface of the envelope is preferably lubricated to prevent sticking where the inner wall folds at the ends. When a liquid fill is used this can serve as the lubricant.

Claims

1. A device for exsanguinating a limb comprising a double-walled elongated cylindrical tubular body of elastomeric material of which the inner and outer walls have substantially the same unstressed dimensions and are interconnected solely at their ends to form a continuous envelope which is filled with a fluid under pressure so that the fluid pressure distends the outer wall and partially collapses and expands the inner wall inwardly to substantially fill the inner space, wherein the outer surface of the envelope is free of protrusions such that as a limb is inserted in either end of the tubular body the inner and outer walls constantly exchange positions and the inner wall will progressively compress the limb by virtue of the pressure of the contained fluid.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1 having a self-sealing valve for filling of the envelope with gas under pressure.

3. A device as claimed in claim 1 or 2 in which the inner surface of the envelope is coated with a lubricant to prevent sticking of the envelope at its ends.

4. A device as claimed in claim 1 in which the envelope is filled with a liquid and sealed, the liquid being such as to serve as a lubricant for the inner surface of the envelope.

5. A method of exsanguinating a limb wherein said limb is inserted into a device in accordance with claim 1 to effect progressive compression thereof.

6. A method as claimed in claim 5 in which a tourniquet cuff is inflated to exert pressure on said limb after the limb has been inserted into the device and the device is thereafter removed.