Laryngoscope and occlusion apparatus
This application discloses embodiments for a device contemplated for use by combat medics and first responders for rapid treatment of Zone 2 penetrating neck injuries. The device incorporates a support arm and an occlusion arm featuring an occluding head which is applied to the wound. In certain embodiments, the support arm is in the form of a detachable neck support which attaches to a laryngoscope blade.
1 . An apparatus for occluding arterial blood flow from a neck wound of a patient, comprising:
an occluding arm comprising:
a occluding arm first limb comprising a straight first elongated member;
a straight occluding arm second limb extending from one end of the occluding arm first limb at an encounter angle;
whereas the occluding arm second limb comprises an adjustable occlusion applicator, the adjustable occlusion applicator comprising:
a swiveling occlusion head comprising a tapered cylinder comprising a top that is flat or concave, and adapted to apply pressure to a first side of the patient's neck in the vicinity of the neck wound;
a support arm comprising:
a support arm first limb, comprising a straight second elongated member; and
a support arm second limb extending from one end of the support arm first limb comprising a curved member adapted to apply pressure to a second side of a patient's neck approximately opposite from the neck wound;
wherein the support arm second limb further comprises a laryngoscope blade disposed within a channel disposed within the curved member, such that the curved member is adapted to be detachable from the laryngoscope blade; and
wherein the first elongated member and the second elongated member are adapted to engage and translate linearly relative to each other, such that the distance between the occlusion head and the curved member is reduced, whereby the occlusion head and curved member each exert an opposing collinear resultant force through a blood vessel in the patient's neck.
2 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the encounter angle is from 15-25 degrees.
3 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the encounter angle is 20 degrees.
4 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the pressure exerted by the occlusion head is manually adjustable using an occlusion head adjustment knob connected to the occlusion head.
5 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first elongated member comprises:
a first set of ratcheting teeth disposed on either side of a t-shaped rail extending outwardly from a first side of the first elongated member; and
wherein the second elongated member comprises:
a second set of ratcheting teeth disposed on either side of a slot disposed on a first side of the second elongated member, and
a t-shaped channel disposed in the interior of the second elongated member, the t-shaped channel being adapted to accommodate the t-shaped rail, whereas a gap exists between a top of the t-shaped rail and the corresponding portion of the channel, such that the first set of ratcheting teeth and the second set of ratcheting teeth can be manually engaged and disengaged.
6 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein a lower side of the laryngoscope blade incorporates a light, and wherein the second elongated member further comprises a battery compartment for the light.