US20060161184A1 - Auricular hematoma clamp - Google Patents

Abstract

An auricular hematoma clamp for treatment of a hematoma in a pendant ear of an animal, comprising first and second plates shaped like the pendant ear and formed as mirror images, each first and second plate having a raised rib on an inward surface thereof along edges of the plate; fastening means for securing the first and second plates in a clamping manner on respective first and second sides of the pendant ear, abutting the raised ribs against the pendant ear on opposite sides thereof; the fastening means comprising a plurality of sutures around the edges of the first and second plates.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• The present application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/246,346 filed Sep. 19, 2002 and entitled AURICULAR HEMATOMA CLAMP.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• 1. Field of the Invention
• The present invention generally relates to a compression device in the field of veterinary medicine for use in the treatment of hematomas in the pendant ears of animals.
• 2. Background and Description of the Prior Art
• Treatments such as surgery to repair the affected ear can cause infection, pain, and discomfort especially when associated with pressure devices for healing the hematoma including penetrations through the ear and conchal cartilage with sutures or wire securing devices. Surgery to the affected ear often leaves permanent scarring, wilting, shriveling to the ear. The opening of the inner, ear flap and suturing the broken blood vessel allows for possibility of infection, ‘The use of quilting stitches to control the ear flap from expanding are uncomfortable for the animal. In addition, backing members used for the compression are made of heavy materials to retain their rigidity but add unneeded weight to the animals head and allow for discomfort to the animal. Furthermore, compression devices made of metal strips for conformity over the ear remain malleable and allow for expansion in the area of treatment.
• As presented in U.S. Pat. No. 5,827,212, issued to Gaskill in Oct. 1997, there are limitations associated with present ear pressure dressings to fill the need for a device and process providing such a dressing that is capable of applying a uniform pressure, with compression forces that are generally perpendicular to all of the relevant surfaces of the injured portion, which is minimally invasive, simple and expeditious to apply, and inexpensive.
• There are problems with Gaskill's invention as it relates to auricular hematoma in animals. The use of a heavy material will cause discomfort due to the size of the plates required for performing the intended function. Attachment of Gaskill's invention requires penetration through the ear with a wire implement and securing the implement to retain pressure. The attachment through the ear and subsequent conchal cartilage can cause a tear in the pinna and may cause discomfort along with the possibility of infection.
• As presented in U.S. Pat. No. 5,295,950, issued to Godley in Oct. 1992, the ear pressure dressing is comprised of thin ductile material bendable to the desired form as to insure proper alignment with the opposite side of ear. There are limitations with this ear pressure dressing in respect to size and ability to create consistent pressure over a wide area such as the animal's pendant ear. The use of bendable material to perform the function of applying pressure at a point away from the helix can only produce a negative pressure difference at the point furthest from the helix thus exerting less pressure to the affected area.
• As presented in U.S. Pat. No. 5,792,176, issued to Chang in Aug. 1998, pressure devices are at present used for the purpose of providing controlled pressure to a selected point on the skin of a patient as per the field of the invention, acupressure.
• As presented in U.S. Pat. No. 6,314,961, to Barnes in Nov. 2001, the device for protecting newly cropped ears of animals is intended for post surgery, and to promote the earlier recovery from said surgery. The cause for surgery is elective and an ear portion is removed leaving much recovery to occur from underneath the protective cups.
• Barnes improvement over the U.S. Pat. No. 4,221,189, issued to Olvera in Sept. 1980, comprises the perforations for adjustment and the ventilated materials used for creating such cups. Both features would not work well with pendant ears.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• The auricular hematoma clamp with a raised rib offers a healing solution for auricular hematoma in a pendant animal's ear without surgical treatments, lessens the chance of infection, and provides a less painful means to heal the hematoma. The auricular hematoma clamp is a simple device consisting of two opposing rigid plates, each said plate containing a raised rib rising from an inward surface, when positioned and attached to and over the ear and the opposing plate, form a clamp to prevent a hematoma from pooling in the pinna (auricle) while the raised ribs control the blood flow to and from the affected area.
• The auricular hematoma clamp may be attached to the ear of the animal with athletic tape or a similar adhesive tape. In an alternate embodiment, the auricular hematoma clamp may be attached using sutures. The entire device may then be attached to the head of the animal with a loop of tape over and under the head and neck of the animal. The loop may be secured using a hook and loop fastener or other similarly adjustable fastener. The plates may be either flat or conform similar to the ear's shape. The raised ribs apply pressure to allow the controlled blood flow to and from the area of injured ear making healing recovery time sooner. The auricular hematoma clamp requires no need for surgery, eliminates the danger of rupture, and provides more comfort for the animal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 exhibits an auricular hematoma clamp comprised of two opposing plates, wherein each plate contains a raised rib rising from an inward surface;
• FIG. 2A illustrates an edgewise view of first and second plates of an auricular hematoma clamp having ribs rising from the surface a small amount;
• FIG. 2B illustrates an edgewise view of a single plate having raised ribs on both opposite sides of the single plate;
• FIG. 3 exhibits an auricular hematoma clamp comprised of two plates, each plate with a raised rib located on the inward surface, whereas one plate is shown properly positioned and secured with athletic tape to an affected ear, and the second plate is shown ready for attachment with athletic tape over ear and to the other plate;
• FIG. 4 exhibits that the athletic tape is first folded over the ear's edges forming tabs when the tape is extended beyond the ear;
• FIG. 5 exhibits an inward plate surface with an area encompassed by the raised rib;
• FIG. 6 exhibits a cross-section ofFIG. 5;
• FIG. 7 exhibits an auricular hematoma clamp comprised of two plates, each plate with a raised rib located on the inward surface, whereas one plate is shown properly positioned and secured with athletic tape to a tab and an affected ear, and the second plate is shown attached with athletic tape over the ear and to the other plate;
• FIG. 8 exhibits the ear prepared with athletic tape folded over the ear's edges forming a tab when the tape is extended beyond the ear;
• FIG. 9 illustrates one embodiment of a universal plate for an auricular hematoma clamp according to the present invention;
• FIG. 10 illustrates a cross section view of one embodiment of an installed auricular hematoma clamp according to the present invention; and
• FIG. 11 illustrates one application of an auricular hematoma clamp showing the support of the clamp upon a canine patient.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
• The auricular hematoma clamp1 illustrated inFIG. 1 consists of twoopposing plates3A,3B, each of said plates to be thin, rigid, lightweight, and contain at least one raisedrib2 disposed along the bottom edge of eachplate3A,3B and rising above the inward surface facing toward an affected pendant ear (not shown inFIG. 1) in direct opposition with the other plate. The inward surface of theplates3A,3B may otherwise be curved or flat. Eachrib2 rises only a small amount above the surface of the plate. The size and configuration of theplates3A,3B need to be slightly larger than and conform to a pendant ear of an animal patient so as to encompass and conceal the pendant ear inside the hematoma clamp1. In specific instances, the plates of the auricular hematoma clamp1 may be smaller than the whole ear but remain large enough as to encompass the affected area of the pendant ear while maintaining the raised ribs beyond the affected area. In other embodiments aplate3A,3B may include more than one raisedrib2 on the inward surfaces of theplate3A,3B or a raisedrib2 may be separately attachable to the inward surfaces of theplates3A,3B. Further, the area of a raisedrib2 may be increased to provide a larger area of pressure.
• FIG. 2A illustrates an edgewise view of the opposingplates3A,3B shown inFIG. 1 wherein theplates3A,3B are positioned apart by a space indicated by the reference number3C. The space3C corresponds to the space to be occupied by the pendant ear of an animal such as a canine patient on which the auricular hematoma clamp1 may be applied.FIG. 2B illustrates an edgewise view of an alternate embodiment of theplates3A,3B wherein a single plate includes a raisedrib2 on each opposing side of theplate3D.
• FIG. 4 illustrates a method wherein athletic tape is used to prepare the external pendant ear (pinna)4 for acceptance of the auricular hematoma clamp1, by folding first5A and second5B lengths of tape over the ear's edges (helix) from the base end of theear4 at the animal's head to the outward end of theear4 leaving a segment beyond the outward end forming atab5C. It should be noted that cutting the second length oftape5B from one end along the crease9 enables both halves of the second length oftape5B to “straddle” the first length oftape5A. Athletic tape, or a similar adhesive tape, is also used to secure the two opposingplates3A,3B together around the affected pendant ear to form the hematoma clamp1 as shown inFIG. 3. InFIG. 3, thefirst plate3A is held against one side of theear4 while it is taped to theear4 in the manner described inFIG. 4. Thesecond plate3B may then be applied to the other side of theear4 using an additional section ofadhesive tape6 that extends past both edges of theplate3B, enabling theadhesive tape6 to be affixed lengthwise around the edges of both of the plates of the hematoma clamp1 and the ear assembly. With the device secured to the ear and the tabs exposed, the auricular hematoma clamp1 may then, as will be described hereinafter, be taped over the head of the animal to assist in prevention of blood pooling and to prevent flapping of the device and the ear by the animal. Proper care of the exposed under side of animal's ear needs to be attended to while the auricular hematoma clamp is in place to prevent foreign objects from entering the ear canal, and/or to prevent chaffing or abrasions from occurring to the softer tissues exposed.
• Although the device can remain in the pendant position and have healing occur, the chance of accidental removal by the animal may cause the treatment to be interrupted. The pendant position is not recommended for these reasons and the device would need to be properly reattached in the proper location for additional treatment.
• Proper attachment of the auricular hematoma clamp plates to the ear proceeds as follows: aspirate the blood pool from the ear with a hypodermic needle; prepare the affected ear with tape for attachment of the first opposingplate3A; secure thefirst plate3A to theear4 with tape by folding the tape over thefirst plate3A and the ear edges (helix), making sure theear4 is centered inside all edges of thefirst plate3A and that the raisedrib2 is towards theear4; carefully position thesecond plate3B over theear4 and thefirst plate3A, maintaining the proper position of thesecond plate3B over thefirst plate3A in parallel, which will correctly align the two opposing raisedribs2 and allow the auricular hematoma clamp1 to perform properly; tape the auricular hematoma clamp1, with theear4 inside and thetab5C exposed, to the top of the animal's head with a loop of tape over and under the animal's head, making sure the loop of tape does not prohibit the animal from normal breathing; and, the animal must wear the auricular hematoma clamp1 for several consecutive days for healing to occur.
• The auricular hematoma clamp1 can be worn with theear4 in the pendant position, but the chance of the animal shaking the hematoma clamp1 (also called “device”) free, or dislodging the device from the ear is greater. Take care of the exposed under side ofear4 to prevent chaffing and or debris accumulation. After five or more consecutive days, remove the auricular hematoma clamp1 and letear4 rest for at least two days before attaching the auricular hematoma clamp1 for an additional treatment. More than one treatment may be required to fully heal the hematoma.
• The auricular hematoma clamp1 fills the needs described, and with the use of the raisedrib2, sufficiently makes improvements to the treatments here associated.
• The rigid material used for the auricular hematoma clamp1 allows for even pressure to be applied across the surfaces of bothplates3A,3B and insures consistency with respect to theplates3A,3B remaining parallel. Also, therigid plates3A,3B perform the function of holding constant the raisedribs2 with regard to the distance between the raisedribs2 as set during initial attachment over the affected area.
• Chang's invention is not intended to control blood flow as are the raisedribs2 of the auricular hematoma clamp.
• The raisedrib2 on theplate3A or3B of the auricular hematoma clamp1 is used in conjunction with the opposing raisedrib2 on the opposingplate3B or3A to enable the process to control the blood flow to and from the area being treated and is not intended to apply pressure to a specific acupressure point, but rather to apply pressure in a linear fashion to the specific area between the two raisedribs2.
• The auricular hematoma clamp1 is a device used as an alternative to surgery on an affected ear having a hematoma. The raisedrib2 might act as an improvement to Barnes' device for assistance in healing surgery performed for ear alteration. Although the perforations in Barnes' device for adjustment to ear size are an important feature, a better fit is accomplished by trimming the auricular hematoma clamp1 to fit slightly larger than ear being treated. Pendant ears require flat plates and a rigid material for the saidplates3A,3B construction.
• The raisedrib2 performs the function of maintaining a slight pressure on either side of the ear flap thus controlling the amount of blood flow to and from the area affected. The pressure, which depends on a constant distance between the two said ribs to apply the selected amount of pressure need not be enough to stop the flow of blood as per a tourniquet, but only to apply light pressure to inhibit the flow of blood. As the process of healing continues with the auricular hematoma clamp in place, the swelling will decrease, thus decreasing the pressure applied at said raised ribs, allowing for more normal flow of blood to and from the affected area, and for natural healing to take place.
• FIG. 5 illustrates analternate embodiment10 of the auricular hematoma clamp1 ofFIG. 1 wherein the raisedrib12 encircles each first13A and second13B plate just inside the perimeter of therespective plate13A,13B.FIG. 6 illustrates the corresponding edgewise view of a pair ofplates13A,13B positioned apart by aspace13C.
• FIG. 7 exhibits anauricular hematoma clamp11 comprised of twoplates13A,13B, each plate with a raisedrib12 located on the inward surface, whereas oneplate13A is shown properly positioned and secured with first and second pieces of athletic tape having atab15A,15B and anaffected ear14, and thesecond plate13B is shown ready for attachment with athletic tape over the ear and to thefirst plate13A. In some applications an additional piece of athletic tape may be attached to the “inside” junction of theplates13A,13B of thehematoma clamp11.
• FIG. 8 exhibits the ear prepared with first15A and second15B pieces of athletic tape folded over the ear's edges forming atab18 when the tape is extended beyond theear14.
• In regard to claim17: The post attachment of the raised rib to a desired location on said plates offers variability in treatment without deviating from the original purpose.
• In regard to claim18: The larger the surface of the raised rib at the point of pressure may offer increased restriction of blood flow to and from the affected area.
• In regard to claim19: Preparing the ear with a base application of tape allows the auricular hematoma clamp to have a positive attachment to the ear.
• In regard to claim20: The tab formed when extending the tape beyond the ear tip gives surface area beyond the ear surface to provide for attaching the clamp to the head of the animal.
• In regard to claim21: Provides for a means of attachment, other than adhesive tape, such as a hook and loop or other harness.
• In regard to claim22: Having a hinge at one edge of said plates may offer ease in the attachment and positioning of the clamp.
• In regard to claim23: Having a spring in the hinge may provide supplemental pressure to the ear.
• In regard to claim24: The intended function of the auricular hematoma clamp will not be compromised while worn in the pendant position. The benefits of having the device secured over the head is to take advantage of the small force of gravity imparted upon the ear.
• FIG. 9 illustrates auniversal plate30 for fabricating aplate32 for the hematoma clamp of the present invention that is cut to size along one of a series of scored or embossed or raisedoutlines34 to fit an individual pendant ear of an animal patient. The series of outlines38 shown inFIG. 9 includeoutlines34 for defining eleven different sizes in the embodiment shown, all having substantially the same shape. A raisedrib36 is formed across a lower edge of theuniversal plate30. Theuniversal plate30 may include a raisedrib36 on the opposite side (nor shown) as illustrated inFIG. 2B hereinabove.
• Also shown inFIG. 9 are several series ofholes40 disposed in rows such that any sizeindividual plate32 will have, illustratively, five pairs ofholes40 disposed at intervals around the edges of anysize plate32, regardless of which size of universal plate is cut to size. Further, the holes may be sized to accept suture wire, thread, or other fastening material therethrough for securing theplates30 to an ear and/or each other. As will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art, the sizes, patterns, and locations of these “suture” holes40 may be varied to suit the particular application. Similarly, the position and spacings of theoutlines34 may be varied to suit particular applications. Moreover, the overall shape of theplates32 may be varied to best fit a particular animal patient's ear.
• FIG. 10 illustrates a cross section view of anauricular hematoma clamp50 having first42A and second42B plates, further having raisedribs46 and attached on respective sides of apendant ear52 using fastening sutures48. The fastening sutures are generally applied around the perimeter of (or along the edges of) the auricular hematoma clamp as indicated by the locations of the suture holes. The cross section view ofFIG. 10 is taken at a location where sutures48,56, or60 may be positioned. The fastening sutures48 may be fabricated from well-known synthetic or natural materials, wire sutures56 secured withwire keepers58, or elastic or non-elastic strand sutures60 secured withstrand keepers62. Elastic sutures may be used to provide a controlled amount of pressure to the affected tissue of the pendant ear. Some types of sutures may be secured using knots tied in the suture material. The “keepers” may be of many types, including crimp-on clips, small retaining washers placed on the suture before a knot or other device is placed upon it, and the like. Sutures may also be molded or extruded plastic ties having integral keepers of the type used to affix price and other types of tags to garments and other merchandise. Also shown inFIG. 10 is one set ofpositions64A,64B of a “loop” (or “hook”) portion of a hook and loop fastening device. The first64A and the second64B “loop” (or “hook”) receiving portions may be mated with respective opposite first and second “hook” (or “loop”) adjusting or movable portions (not shown inFIG. 10) of a hook and loop fastening device, as will be described withFIG. 11 herein below.
• FIG. 11 illustrates oneapplication70 of an auricular hematoma clamp, according to the present invention, upon apendant ear74 of an animal (e.g., a canine pet or dog)72 having thefirst pendant ear74 being treated for a hematoma (not shown) and a seconduninjured pendant ear76. Thefirst ear74 is shown secured between first78A and second78B plates of the hematoma clamp. Thesecond plate78B includes attached thereon the first80 and second82 receiving portions of a hook and loop fastening device attached at the first88 and second90 ends thereof. Thesupport strap84, which includes the opposite member (loop or hook) of a hook and loop fastening device on eachend92,94 of thestrap84, may be looped around the head and behind the untreated ear of theanimal72. Thesupport strap84 may be adjusted to support theear74 being treated in a suitable position to promote healing and comfort of the animal patient.
• In addition to the aforementioned examples, it is made clear that any deviation by those skilled in the art, in materials, attachment procedures, locations of one or all of the features associated are not to be construed as limiting the invention set forth in the appended claims that are to be interpreted as encompassing the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (18)

1. An auricular hematoma clamp for treatment of a hematoma in a pendant ear of an animal, comprising:

first and second plates having an outline substantially similar to the pendant ear and formed as mirror images of each other, each first and second plate having a raised rib on an inward surface of the plate substantially along and proximate a defined one of a plurality of edges of the plate; and

fastening means for securing the first and second plates in a clamping manner on respective first and second sides of the pendant ear, the raised rib on each first and second plate being disposed in an abutting relationship against the pendant ear on opposite sides thereof.

2. The auricular hematoma clamp ofclaim 1, wherein the fastening means comprises first and second strips of an adhesive tape material wrapped lengthwise over adjacent edges of the first and second plates and the pendant ear wherein an adhesive side of the first and second strips of adhesive tape is secured to outermost surfaces of the respective first and second plates.

3. The auricular hematoma clamp ofclaim 1, wherein the fastening means comprises:

a plurality of sutures disposed at intervals around corresponding edges of the first and second plates, the sutures being secured in predetermined holes disposed at the corresponding intervals around the corresponding edges of the first and second plates.

4. The auricular hematoma clamp ofclaim 3, wherein the sutures further pass through tissue of the pendant ear positioned between the first and second plates.

5. The auricular hematoma clamp ofclaim 3, wherein the sutures are selected from the group consisting of synthetic sutures, natural sutures, wire sutures, and natural fiber sutures.

6. The auricular hematoma clamp ofclaim 5, wherein the sutures are retained with a keeper.

7. The auricular hematoma clamp ofclaim 5, wherein the sutures are retained with a knot tied in the suture.

8. The auricular hematoma clamp ofclaim 3, wherein the sutures are elastic.

9. the auricular hematoma clamp ofclaim 8, wherein the sutures are retained by a keeper.

10. The auricular hematoma clamp ofclaim 3, wherein the sutures are non-elastic.

11. The auricular hematoma clamp ofclaim 10, wherein the sutures are retained by a keeper

12. The auricular hematoma clamp ofclaim 1, wherein the sutures are molded of plastic material having integral keepers.

13. A method of attaching an auricular hematoma clamp to a pendant ear of an animal patient wherein the auricular hematoma clamp includes first and second opposing plates each having a shape corresponding substantially to the pendant ear and at least one raised rib disposed on an inward surface thereof along and proximate a defined edge of each respective plate, and suture means for securing the first and second plates in a clamping manner on respective first and second sides of the pendant ear, comprising the steps of:

preparing the pendant ear to be treated, having a hematoma at a hematoma location within the pendant ear, to receive the first and second plates of the auricular hematoma clamp;

holding the first plate against the first side of the pendant ear, the raised rib of the first plate in contact therewith;

positioning the second plate against the second side of the pendant ear such that the respective raised ribs of the first and second plates are opposingly aligned; and

clamping with slight pressure the second plate against the second side of the pendant ear, the raised rib in contact therewith, securing the combination of the pendant ear disposed between the first and second plates using a plurality of sutures disposed at intervals along the corresponding edges of the first and second plates.

14. The method ofclaim 13, further comprising the step of:

supporting the clamped pendant ear in an upward-extending orientation.

15. The method ofclaim 13, wherein the step of preparing further comprises the steps of:

aspirating blood pooled at the hematoma location in the auricle of the ear; and

temporarily affixing the first and second plates to the opposite sides of the pendant ear.

16. The method ofclaim 15, wherein the step of positioning further comprises the step of:

aligning suture holes in the first and second plates to receive sutures to be inserted therethrough.

17. The method ofclaim 13, wherein the step of securing comprises the step of: positioning the raised rib across a path between the source of blood entering the auricle and the hematoma location.

18. The method ofclaim 13, wherein the step of clamping comprises the step of.

adjusting the amount of pressure exerted on the auricle by the clamped first and second plates to limit blood flow into the hematoma location without causing cessation of blood flow thereto.

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