Device and method for restricting venous flow for improved blood sampling

• US 5,893,870 A
• Filed: 07/21/1997
• Issued: 04/13/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 07/21/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Actilife LLC
• Original Assignee: Actilife LLC
• Inventors: Talen, David J., Thome, Scott P.
• Primary Examiner(s): LEWIS, WILLIAM W
• Application Number:
  US08/897,488
• Time in Patent Office: 631 Days
• Field of Search: 606/201-203, 600/573, 600/583
• US Class Current: 606/201
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/1322 comprising a flexible encircling member A61B17/135 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/1327 Tensioning clamps

Abstract

An apparatus used in a method of restricting venous flow in an extremity includes a first flexible, stretchable elongate band and a first flexible, stretchable loop fixed to a first end of the first band. A second loop sized to fit about the extremity is defined by passing a free end of the first band through the first loop. Upon pulling a free end of the first band through the first loop in a direction outward from the extremity, the first band stretches against the first loop, thereby causing the second loop to tighten about the extremity to restrict venous flow therethrough. A combination of frictional engagement and stretching of the first band and of the first loop against each other releasably secures the second loop about the extremity in its tightened position, thereby eliminating the need to hold the apparatus to maintain the tightened position. With venous flow restricted in the extremity, various procedures can be performed such as obtaining a blood sample with a conventional fingerstick puncture of the extremity.

Claims

1. A method of restricting venous flow in a body extremity comprising:

providing an adjustably sized main loop adapted to fit about a tip of an extremity and defined by a main flexible stretchable band having a first end extending through a secondary loop defined at a second end of the main band the main loop and the second loop having surfaces adapted for frictional engagement with each other;

sliding the main loop over about a tip of the extremity;

pulling the first end of the main band further through the secondary loop and in a direction outward from the extremity so that the main band stretches and causes stretching of the secondary loop, thereby causing the main loop to tighten about the extremity with sufficient pressure to restrict venous flow of blood through the tip of the extremity,

wherein a combination of stretching of the main loop and of the secondary loop against each other in tension, and of frictional engagement of the main loop against the secondary loop releasably secures the main loop relative to the secondary loop to releasably secure the main loop about the extremity in the tightened position to restrict venous flow, whereupon the tightened position is maintained upon release of the free first end of the main band.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the secondary loop is comprised of a flexible stretchable material.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the secondary loop is comprised of a non-stretchable, formable material.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the secondary loop is comprised of a rigid material and has a shape configured and arranged to facilitate releasably securable engagement with the main band.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the secondary loop is defined by a plane that is generally transverse relative to a plane defined by a longitudinal axis of the main band.

6. A method of obtaining a blood sample from a body extremity comprising:

inserting a first end of a main band into and through a first loop, defined at a second end of the main band by a second band, to define a second loop sized to fit about a tip of the body extremity;

positioning the second loop over a tip of the extremity and sliding the second loop over the extremity tip;

pulling the first end of the main band further through the first loop with a single hand so that the main band stretches and causes stretching of the first loop, thereby causing the second loop to tighten about the extremity with sufficient pressure against the extremity to restrict venous flow of blood through the tip of the extremity, wherein a combination of the stretching of main band and first loop and of frictional engagement of the main band against the first loop releasably secures the main band relative to the first loop to releasably secure the second loop about the extremity in the tightened position;

pricking the tip of the extremity tip on a side of the second loop distal to the tightened second loop to draw a blood sample from the extremity tip;

releasing the second loop of the apparatus about the extremity by pulling the first end of the main band in a manner to release frictional engagement and tension between the main band and the first loop.

7. The method of claim 6 wherein the tension of the main band and the tension of the first loop pulling against each other causes a portion of the main band to become pinched within the first loop and causes a portion of the first loop to twist, wherein both the pinching of the main band and the tensioning of the first loop further releasably secure the main band relative to the first loop.

8. A method of obtaining a blood sample from a finger comprising:

inserting a first end of a main stretchable band into and through a first loop at a second end of the main band to thereby define a second loop sized to fit about a finger tip, the first loop being defined by a secondary stretchable band fixed to the second end of the main band;

positioning the second loop about a finger adjacent a finger tip;

pulling the first end of the main band through the first loop with a single hand in a direction so that the main band extends back over the first loop to cause a portion of the main band to frictionally engage and to stretch the first loop and to cause the main band to stretch, thereby tightening the second loop about the finger,

wherein the frictional engagement of the first loop against the main band and the tension of the first loop pulling stretched main band against the surface of the finger securely and releasably fastens the second loop about the finger with sufficient pressure applied against the finger to restrict venous flow blood through the finger tip;

releasing the first end of the main band whereupon the second loop remains releasably fastened about the finger;

pricking the finger tip on a side of the finger distal to the tightened second loop about the finger to draw a blood sample from the finger tip;

releasing the second loop about the finger by pulling the first end of the main band in a direction to release the frictional engagement and stretching tension of the main band against the first loop to cause the main band to slip relative to the first loop.