WO2011034610A1 - Hemorrhage control and wound care kit - Google Patents

Abstract

This invention is a hemorrhage control and wound packing kit comprising: an outer packaging having perforations for tearing open at least one end of the outer packaging; an inner packaging; an opening defined in the inner packaging; a hemostatic gauze carried within the inner folded in an "S" or "Z" arrangement allowing for the hemostatic gauze to be removed from the inner packaging in one motion; a regular gauze carried within the inner folded in an "S" or "Z" arrangement and placed beneath the hemostatic gauze within the inner packaging so that the regular gauze can be removed through the opening in the inner packaging once the hemostatic gauze has been removed from the inner packaging and a hand strap for allowing the treating individual to wear the inner packaging on the individuals' hand or wrist allowing the treating individual to maintain pressure on the wound and to also pack the wound with the present invention.

Description

HEMORRHAGE CONTROL AND WOUND CARE KIT

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority from provisional application filed

September 18, 2009 under Application Serial Number 61/243,591.

[0002] 1) Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention is directed to a hemorrhage control and wound care kits and more specifically, to a kit that includes hemostatic gauze and regular gauze for easy dispensing and wound packing while allowing a treating individual to pack a wound minimizing the release of pressure on the wound.

[0004] 2) Description of Related Art

[0005] When treating a patient with a wound, there is a classification of wounds that are penetrating or contain wound cavities. Additionally, there are wounds that are located in non-compressible areas such as inguinal, axilla or subclavian areas. In both of these situations, wound packing can be a life saving treatment that, when applied properly, can prevent unnecessary death. Typically the first step is to apply pressure to the wound, if possible, to attempt to stop the bleeding. With pressure applied, the treating individual can then attempt to dress the wound with gauze or other type of material. Obviously, having to apply pressure to the wound and to also prepare a dressing can be challenging, if not impossible, for a single treating individual who is limited by two hands.

[0006] Further, one method for assisting in stopping bleeding is the use of hemostatic agents to further assist in stopping bleeding. Again, preparing the hemostatic agent while applying pressure to the wound can be problematic for the single treating individual. Also, it is important to note that when applying a hemostatic agent, the agent is not designed to be used alone, but should be followed with a packing material such as gauze, else the benefits of the hemostatic agent can be lost and bleeding may not be adequately prevented. Again, a task that requires more than two hands else the treating individual is not able to maintain the desired pressure on the wound.

[0007] Some hemostatic agents are impregnated, or otherwise incorporated in gauze so that the gauze, with the hemostatic agent, can be inserted into the wound. With large or penetrating wounds, the hemostatic gauze can be followed by regular gauze which can then be wrapped with a bandage to continuously apply pressure to the packed wound.

[0008] Even after applying the hemostatic gauze and the regular gauze, it is important to maintain constant pressure to the injury site. Therefore, the treating individual must apply consistent pressure to the injury after the gauze is packed in the wound and prior to a wrapping such injury with an emergency trauma dressing with a non-adhesive sterile bandage to maintain constant pressure.

[0009] As can be easily seen, when the wound is treated by a single individual, pressure on the wound, a critical component to treatment, may not be consistently applied while the treating individual opens a hemostatic gauze package, applies the gauze, packs the wound, finds a regular gauze package, opens the regular gauze package and applies that gauze. Further, the hemostatic gauze and the regular gauze come in two separate packages which doubles the effort required to pack a wound with hemostatic gauze and to follow it with regular gauze.

[0010] Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a hemorrhage control and wound care kit that is self contained and can be opened and applied with reduced effort over traditional procedures. [0011] It is another object of this invention to provide for a hemorrhage control and wound care kit that allows the treating individual to apply pressure to a wound while also administering hemostatic impregnated gauze followed by regular gauze without having to reduce pressure on the wound.

[0012] It is another object of this invention to provide for an integrated wound care kit that has the necessary components to allow a treating individual to pack a wound with a hemostatic agent and wound dressing from an easy to use compact deliver system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] This invention is a hemorrhage control and wound packing kit comprising: an outer packaging having perforations for tearing open at least one end of the outer packaging; an inner packaging carried within the outer packaging; an opening in the inner packaging for easily deploying the hemostatic gauze and regular gauze; a hemostatic gauze carried within the inner packaging in an "S" or "Z" arrangement (collectively "S" arrangement") allowing for the hemostatic gauze to be removed from the inner packaging in one motion; a regular gauze carried within the inner packaging in an "S" arrangement and placed beneath the hemostatic gauze within the inner packaging so that the regular gauze can be removed through the opening in the inner packaging once the hemostatic gauze has been removed from the inner packaging.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The construction and steps designed to carry out the invention will be described hereinafter, together with other features thereof. Hence, the invention will be more readily understood from a reading of the following specification and by reference to the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof, wherein an example of the invention is shown and wherein:

[0015] Figure 1 is a prospective view of the invention;

[0016] Figures 2 and 2A are perspective views of the invention;

[0017] Figures 3 and 3A are perspective views of the invention;

[0018] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the invention;

[0019] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the invention;

[0020] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the invention;

[0021] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the invention having hemostatic agent included in the packaging;

[0022] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the invention having hemostatic agent and applicator included in the packaging;

[0023] Figures 9A and 9B are perspective views of the invention;

[0024] Figures 10A, 10B and 10C are perspective views of the invention; and,

[0025] Figures 1 1A and 1 1 B are top views of the contents of the inner packaging of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0026] Referring now to Figure 1 , an outer packaging is shown at 10 and can be a shrink type packaging. The outer packaging can be vacuum sealed and can also incorporate perforations 12a and 12b to assist with tearing one end for opening packaging 10. Notches can be positioned at each end of perforations to further assist with tearing an end for ease of opening the package. In one embodiment, the packaging has one side made from a transparent material so that the inner packaging 14 can be viewed through the outer packaging 10. [0027] Inner packaging 14 encloses hemostatic gauze 16 which is orientated in a S-fold or Z-fold for easy of removal from the inner packaging. Regular gauze 18 can be placed beneath the hemostatic gauze so that both gauze types are available to the treating individual from the single inner packaging. Referring to Figure 11A, hemostatic gauze 16 and regular gauze 18 can include x-ray opaque element 48 so that when the patient is transported from the treatment location and subsequently an x-ray is taken, any remaining gauze in the wound can be seen and therefore removed to prevent gauze from accidentally being left in the wound. This is particularly important since the invention is designed for use in the battle field prior to the patient being transported to a hospital or other treatment facility. The hemostatic gauze can be identified by hemostatic indicator 46, for example a single line having a different appear and or color from the hemostatic gauze so that the hemostatic gauze can be quickly and easily identified visually. Regular gauze 18 can also have a regular gauze indicator, for example dual lines 50a and 50b provide easy and quick identification that the gauze is regular gauze through a visual indicator. The indicators can also have a different thickness or surface texture than the respective gauze to provide an identification method that is tactile.

[0028] In one embodiment, hemostatic gauze 16 and regular gauze 18 are integrated into a single piece of gauze having a hemostatic section having an impregnated hemostatic agent and a regular portion comprising of regular gauze. A section boundary indicator 52 can be included which identified the beginning of one section and the ending of the other section.

[0029] Referring now to Figure 2, when using this invention, a treating individual will open outer packaging 10 by tearing an end 20 exposing the inner packaging 14. In one embodiment, the inner packaging includes a tab 22 which can be separated from one side of the inner packaging producing an opening through which to pull the gauze. In one embodiment, strip 24 has a width greater than opening 28 so that the strip can be used to cover the opening and helps prevent foreign objects from entering the opening once the inner packaging has been opened. This allows for a portion or all of the gauze contained in the inner packaging to be used and can allow it to be protected in a resealed inner packaging for future use.

[0030] Referring to Figure 3, tab 22 has been pulled and strip 24 is torn away from the inner packaging to provide opening 26 through which gauze can be removed. The inner packaging allows for the gauze to be removed from its packaging while assisting in maintaining sterility since the gauze remaining in the packaging can be protected from contaminated surfaces. Referring to figure 3A, a portion 28 on the inner packaging can contain a resealable composition such as HDPE or OPP resealable bag sealing tape allowing for the strip 24 to be resealed against the inner packaging after opening. In one embodiment, such resealable composition can be placed on a portion 30 of strip 24. One example of resealable bag sealing tape is from the class of Silicone Coated Polyethylene Films.

[0031] Once the inner packaging is opened, hemostatic gauze can be pulled through opening 26 and packed inside a wound. Once the hemostatic gauze is completely removed from the inner packaging, the regular gauze is accessible since it is placed under the hemostatic gauze in the inner packaging as shown in Figure 4.

[0032] Referring to Figure 5, the hemostatic gauze is shown being removed from the inner packaging and being packed in a wound. In the event that the entire hemostatic gauze is not being used, the hemostatic gauze can be cut and the remainder of the hemostatic gauze be discarded allowing the regular gauze to be pulled from the inner packaging. The amount of the hemostatic gauze that will be used is depend upon the size and depth of the actual wound being treated itself.

[0033] Referring to Figure 9A, one embodiment shows an opening 40 in the inner packaging having a generally oval configuration. The diameter of the longer portion of the oval opening is larger than the width of the hemostatic and regular gauze. This allowed the gauze to easily travel through the opening and be applied to the patient as shown in Figure 9B. In one embodiment, the diameter of the opening is smaller than the width of the hemostatic and regular gauze. When a portion of the hemostatic gauze 42 is pulled through opening 40, the reduced width of the opening applies pressure to the gauze creating resistance and therefore holds the gauze in the inner p[packaging unless force applied to allow the gauze to be removed. This configuration prevents the gauze form "over running" the treating individual and only dispenses the amount of gauze actually pulled from the inner packaging. Further, this configuration also allows, if needed, the entire contents of the inner packaging to be removed so that the treating individual can apply the hemostatic gauze and regular gauze in bulk.

[0034] Referring to Figure 6, the invention is shown with the hemostatic gauze packed within a wound. After pulling hemostatic gauze from the inner packaging, the treating individual simply needs to pull the regular gauze from the inner packaging and continue packing the wound. This eliminates the need to stop the treatment process, find another packaging containing regular gauze, and resume the task of packing the wound.

[0035] Referring to Figure 10A through 10C, a hand strap 44 can be included in the inner packaging. The hand-wrist strap allows the treating individual to wear the inner packaging on his hand or wrist. To illustrate one use, the treating individual removes the inner packaging from the outer packing and places the inner packaging on the back of the treating individual hand. The hand wearing the inner packaging can then be used to apply pressure to the wound. While applying pressure to the wound, the hemostatic gauze can be removed from the inner packaging by the opposite hand and guided onto the wound and held in place by the hand wearing the inner packaging. Therefore, the treating individual can consistently apply pressure while also pack the wound with hemostatic gauze and regular gauze eliminating the need to stop applying pressure when preparing to pack the wound.

[0036] In one embodiment, the oval opening, having diameter less than the widest part of the gauze, includes a raised portion 56 generally arranged at the perimeter of the opening. A gauze lead 54 is carried by the hemostatic gauze or the regular gauze to facilitate removed of the gauze form the inner packaging.

[0037] Referring to Figure 7, another embodiment of this invention is shown.

Inner packaging 14 contains a hemostatic agent 28 carried in a hemostatic agent packaging 30. The hemostatic agent packaging is positioned over the regular gauze within the inner packaging. In this embodiment, when tab 22 is pulled, strip 24 opens the inner packaging. The hemostatic agent packaging can then be removed from the inner packaging, opened and then placed in the wound. The regular gauze can then be removed from the inner packaging and placed in the wound on top of the hemostatic agent. In one embodiment, hand strap 44 allows for the application of the hemostatic agent while also maintain pressure on the wound.

[0038] Referring to Figure 8, another embodiment of this invention is shown.

Inner packaging 10 carries a hemostatic agent applicator 32 positioned on top of regular gauze 18. When tab 22 is pulled to open the inner packaging, the hemostatic agent applicator can be removed from the inner packaging and used to apply hemostatic agent 28 to the wound. Regular gauze 18 can then be placed on the wound over the hemostatic agent. In one embodiment, hand strap 44 allows for the application of the hemostatic agent while also maintain pressure on the wound.

[0039] These embodiments allow for the treating individual to provide a hemostatic agent, whether through gauze, an applicator or granular form, to a wound from a single contained package allowing the treating individual access to the necessary materials without having to locate separate individual components, thereby reducing the time hemorrhaging occurs and providing faster treatment to a wounded victim.

[0040] This invention has been described in a manner to allow one skilled in the art to understand and practice the invention. The examples and embodiments used in this description are not to be used to limit the scope of the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A hemorrhage control and wound packing assemble comprising:

an outer packaging having perforations generally at an end for opening said outer packaging to reveal its contents;

an inner packaging carried within said outer packaging accessible through said opening;

a hemostatic gauze carried within said inner packaging folded in an "S" configuration allowing for said hemostatic gauze to be removed from said inner packaging with one hand and with one motion;

a hemostatic indicator carried by said hemostatic gauze for providing a visual and tactile indicator that said gauze is impregnated with a hemostatic agent;

an x-ray opaque element carried by said hemostatic gauze allowing for said hemostatic gauze to appear in x-ray images;

a regular gauze carried within said inner packaging folded in an "S" configuration and arranged beneath said hemostatic gauze within said inner packaging so that said regular gauze can be removed from said inner packaging once said hemostatic gauze has been removed from said inner packaging and said regular gauze can be removed by one hand and with one motion;

an opening defined in a top portion of said inner packaging having an generally oval configuration and a diameter at its widest part being less than the width of said hemostatic gauze to provide resistant when said hemostatic gauze is removed from said inner packaging; and,

a hand-wrist strap carried by said inner packaging so that a treating individual can wear the inner packaging on the individual's hand or wrist, apply the hemostatic gauze and regular gauze and contemporaneously apply pressure on the wound.

2. The assemble of claim 1 including a strip covering said opening that can be removed to reveal said opening thereby allowing gauze to be removed from said inner packaging.

3. The assemble of claim 2 wherein said strip contains a resealable composition allowing said strip to reseal said opening thereby closing said inner packaging once said strip has been initially removed.

4. The assemble of claim 2 including a tab carried by said strip for separating at least a portion of said strip from said inner packaging.

5. The assemble of claim 1 wherein a first end of said hemostatic gauze is connected to a first end of said regular gauze so that said hemostatic gauze and said regular gauze can be removed from said inner packaging as a single unit.

6. The assemble of claim 4 including a boundary indicator for indicating a hemostatic portion of said single unit that is impregnated with a hemostatic agent and a regular portion of said single unit that is regular gauze.

7. A hemorrhage control and wound packing assemble comprising:

an outer packaging having perforations generally at an end for opening said outer packaging to reveal its contents;

an inner packaging carried within said outer packaging accessible through said opening;

a hemostatic gauze carried within said inner packaging folded in an "S" configuration allowing for said hemostatic gauze to be removed from said inner packaging with one hand and in one motion;

a regular gauze carried within said inner packaging folded in an "S" configuration and arranged beneath said hemostatic gauze within said inner packaging so that said regular gauze can be removed from said inner packaging once said hemostatic gauze has been removed from said inner packaging;

a tab and strip carried by said inner packaging so that said tab can be pulled thereby pulling said strip away from said inner packaging defining an opening in said inner packaging; and,

a hand-wrist strap carried by said inner packaging so that a treating individual can wear the inner packaging, apply the hemostatic gauze and regular gauze while contemporaneously maintaining pressure on the wound.

8. The assemble of claim 7 wherein said opening has generally an oval configuration and a diameter at its widest part being less than the width of said hemostatic gauze to provide resistant when said hemostatic gauze is removed from said inner packaging.

9. The assemble of claim 7 including a hemostatic indicator carried by said hemostatic gauze for providing a visual and tactile indicator that said gauze is impregnated with a hemostatic agent.

10. The assemble of claim 7 including an x-ray opaque element carried by said hemostatic gauze allowing for said hemostatic gauze to appear in x-ray images.

11. The assemble of claim 7 wherein a first end of said hemostatic gauze is connected to a first end of said regular gauze so that said hemostatic gauze and said regular gauze can be removed from said inner packaging as a single unit.

12. The assemble of claim 11 including a boundary indicator for indicating a hemostatic portion of said single unit that is impregnated with a hemostatic agent and a regular portion of said single unit that is regular gauze.

13. A hemorrhage control and wound packing assemble comprising: an outer packaging having perforations for tearing open at least one end of said outer packaging;

an inner packaging carried within said outer packaging having an opening; a hemostatic agent contained within said inner packaging that can be removed from said inner packaging through said opening;

a regular gauze carried within said inner packaging positioned beneath said hemostatic agent within said inner packaging so that said regular gauze can be removed through said opening in said inner packaging once said hemostatic agent applicator has been removed from said inner packaging; and,

a hand-wrist strap carried by said inner packaging so that a treating individual can wear the inner packaging on the individual's hand or wrist, apply the hemostatic agent and gauze while contemporaneously maintaining pressure on the wound.

14. The assemble of claim 13 wherein said opening has an generally oval configuration and a diameter at its widest part being less than the width of said gauze to provide resistant when said gauze is removed from said inner packaging.

15. The assemble of claim 13 including a raised perimeter carried by said opening.

16. The assemble of claim 13 including an x-ray opaque element carried by said gauze allowing for said gauze to appear in x-ray images.

17. The assemble of claim 13 including a hemostatic agent applicator carried by said inner packaging for applying said hemostatic agent to a patient.

18. The assemble of claim 13 wherein said hemostatic agent is impregnated in a hemostatic gauze carried inside the inner packaging.

19. The assemble of claim 13 wherein said gauze includes a lead for facilitating removed of said gauze form said inner packaging.