System for dynamically stabilizing the chest wall after injury, fracture, or operative procedures
US11179098B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 23, 2016 |
| Grant date | Nov 23, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 3, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61H2230/655
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method for treating chest wall injuries, including rib fractures, flail chest injuries or surgical incisions. The method comprising creating a localized airtight compartment external to the chest wall and fully covering the area of injury, varying the pressure within the compartment, and providing dynamic real-time counter forces that act reciprocal to the intrathoracic pressure changes that occur during ventilation. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus has the capability of sensing the patient's chest wall motion created by ventilation, a pressure control component capable of varying the pressure within the airtight compartment such that it opposes pressure changes within the chest. The apparatus would be particularly useful in preventing the paradoxical movement of flail chest injuries. The method would also lessen pain experienced by patients with thoracic injuries such as rib fractures and post operative suffering.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.