System for dynamically stabilizing the chest wall after injury, fracture, or operative procedures
US11903726B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 22, 2021 |
| Grant date | Feb 20, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 22, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61H2230/655
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A device for treating chest wall injuries, including rib fractures, flail chest injuries or surgical incisions is described herein. The device includes a localized airtight compartment external to the chest wall and fully covering the area of injury, and is capable of 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 device has the capability of sensing the patient's chest wall motion created by ventilation, and includes 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 device 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.