US20210244574A1 - Nasal compression device - Google Patents

Abstract

A nose compression device for treating a nosebleed of a person. The device includes a wire frame having a straight middle section and two end sections angled with respect to the middle section. The device also has a body attached to the wire frame, and two nasal sponges attached to the body for insertion into the person's nasal passages. The end sections are wider than the user's nose, and the device is slid upward on the user's face so that the nasal sponges enter the user's nasal passages. The end sections are then bent inward to a pinch position where they pinch the upper lateral side surfaces of the user's nose. The nasal sponges can be pre-treated with medication to further stop the nosebleed. Ice pack may also be provided that extends over the compression device. The combination of compression, medication, and cooling facilitate treatment of the nosebleed.

Description

Related Applications
• This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/146,697, filed Apr. 13, 2015, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONField of the Invention
• The present invention relates to nasal compression devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to a nasal compression clip to treat nosebleeds.
Background of the Related Art
• Sixty percent of people will experience a nosebleed in their lifetime. In the United States, nosebleeds account for approximately 1 in 200 emergency department visits, which is over 500,000 visits to the emergency room annually of which nearly 90% safely sent home. Nosebleeds are very messy, bloody, anxiety provoking experiences that could be easily managed at home if treated appropriately. Epistaxis, the medical term for nosebleed, is one of the most common ear, nose, and throat emergencies. Epistaxis has a bimodal age distribution, with most cases in children 2-10 years old and adults 50-80 years old. Certain high-risk groups, such as the elderly, require rapid intervention to stem bleeding and prevent further complications.
• Nosebleeds are commonly mismanaged when they first begin. One common mistake in treating nosebleeds relates to improper compression. Nosebleeds should be treated by applying appropriate pressure to the soft side walls of the nose, for 10 to 15 minutes without interruption, and positioning the head slightly forward. While this sounds simple, it is hard to do. Another common mistake is inadequate compression time. Nosebleeds need compression for 10 to 15 minutes without interruption. Due to arm fatigue, these steps are hard to do consistently.
• Medications can be used to constrict vessels to help stop bleeding. However, there is little education or awareness of how, when and what medications can be used. At home, children and elderly may easily tire, forget, or not understand these steps for successful nosebleed rescue.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a device that treats nosebleeds. It is another object of the invention to provide a device that treats nosebleeds by applying a compression force against the lateral side surfaces of the user's nose. It is another object of the invention to provide a device that treats nosebleeds by inserting a sponge inside the user's nasal passage. It is another object of the invention to provide a device that treats nosebleeds by applying a compression force against the lateral side surfaces of the user's nose at the same time it inserts a sponge inside the user's nasal passage. It is a further object of the invention to provide a nose compression device that can be used hands-free and that does not obstruct the user's mouth and/or eyes.
• A nose compression device for treating a nosebleed of a person. The device includes a wire frame having a straight middle section and two end sections angled with respect to the middle section. The device also has a body attached to the wire frame, and two nasal sponges attached to the body for insertion into the person's nasal passages. The end sections are biased inward so that they are at an acute angle with respect to the middle section. The end sections are spread apart to be wider than the user's nose, and the device is slid upward on the user's face so that the nasal sponges enter the user's nasal passages. The end sections are then released so that they return inward to a pinch position where they pinch the upper lateral side surfaces of the user's nose. The nasal sponges can be pre-treated with medication and/or materials to further stop the nosebleed.
• These and other objects of the invention, as well as many of the intended advantages thereof, will become more readily apparent when reference is made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
• FIG. 1 is a top view of the nasal compression device positioned on a user in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 2 is a side view of the nasal compression device positioned on a user;
• FIG. 3(a) is a top view of the nasal compression device in an open position;
• FIG. 3(b) is a top view of the nasal compression device in a closed or pinch position;
• FIG. 3(c) is a front view of the nasal compression device in the closed position;
• FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the nasal compression device;
• FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the nasal compression device;
• FIG. 6 is a side view of the nasal compression device;
• FIG. 7 is a front view of the nasal compression device
• FIG. 8 is a front view of an ice pack positioned on a user in accordance with another aspect of the invention;
• FIG. 9 is a view of the ice pack and compression device used together;
• FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the ice pack;
• FIG. 11 is a detailed view of the ice pack;
• FIG. 12 is a detailed perspective view of the compression device and ice pack; and
• FIG. 13 is a view of a bib positioned on a user in accordance with another aspect of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
• In describing a preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents that operate in similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. Several preferred embodiments of the invention are described for illustrative purposes, it being understood that the invention may be embodied in other forms not specifically shown in the drawings.
• Turning to the drawings,FIGS. 1-7 show anasal compression device100 in accordance with one illustrative non-limiting example of the invention. As best shown inFIGS. 1-2, thedevice100 may be a clip that is designed to treat anterior epistaxis or nosebleeds. Referring toFIGS. 3-5, thedevice100 may include aframe member110, an adaptor orbody portion120,external pressure members150, andinternal pressure members170.
Frame Member110
• As best shown inFIG. 4, theframe member110 may be, for instance, an elongated flexible wire. Thewire110 may have acentral portion112, two intermediate orside portions114, and adistal end portion115. Eachside portion114 extends outward from an opposite end of thecentral portion112, so that thecentral portion112 is positioned between the twoside portions114. Thecentral portion112 and eachside portion114 are substantially straight, and have a curved corner orbend113 therebetween. Theside portions114 are flexible and can be moved. In a rest position, theside portions114 are positioned outwardly, as shown inFIGS. 1, 3(a),4-7. In this manner, thecentral portion112 andside portions114 form a general U-shape.
• However, one or both of theside portions114 can be moved inwardly by the user into a closed position or a pinch position, which is shown inFIGS. 3(b), 3(c). For instance, the user may simultaneously press inwardly on theside portions114 and/or on the outside of theexternal pressure members150 to bend thecorners113 so that the distal ends115 of theside portions114 move inward toward each other and toward theinternal pressure members170, so that eachside portion114 is at an acute angle with respect to thecentral portion112. However, the distal ends115 do not touch one another. Theside portions114 may retain the inward shape until changed by the user.
• Thedistal end portion115 can optionally be configured to provide a structure that may readily be coupled with a respectiveexternal pressure member150. For instance, thedistal end portion115 may form a reverseU-shaped bend116 at the distal end of theside portions114. Thereverse bend116 leads to a cross-member that curves back and crosses theside portion114, such that thereverse bend116 and cross-member118 substantially form a closed oblong shape when viewed from the side. The cross-member118 is separated from theside portion114 so that they do not touch one another and so theexternal pressure member150 can be readily fitted to thedistal end portion115 without obstruction by theside portion114. As shown, the verydistal end119 of thedistal end portion114 may further optionally be slightly bent or offset (upward in the embodiment ofFIG. 4) to more reliably couple with theexternal pressure member150.
• The entire frame member110 (including the central portion, side portions14, and distal end portion115) is formed as a single unitary and continuous member. Theframe110 and the inward tension may be formed in any suitable manner, including molded shape, by spring, by shape memory polymer or by metal. Preferably, however, theframe member110 pinches the nasal pads to allow for constant, appropriate and effective pressure on the outer nose. Still in further embodiments, theframe110 can be a shape memory polymer that is cold activated.
ClippingMechanism120
• Referring toFIGS. 3 and 4, thebody portion120 of thedevice100 is also shown. Thebody portion120 may be formed as a clipping or attachment mechanism having amain body122, aclip124, and prongs129. The main body may have a semi-circular shape with a bottom side and a top side. As best shownFIG. 5, theattachment mechanism120 includes a recessedportion121 that creates aledge132 formed at the bottom side of themain body122. Acentral cutout126 is provided in theledge132. Theclip124 extends outward from the recessedportion121 and is aligned with thecutout126. The clip has a lip that extends upward tin the embodiment ofFIGS. 5, 7), and theledge132 has a lip that extends downward (inFIGS. 5, 7), Theclip124 andledge132, and their respective lips, form achannel134 at the bottom of theclipping mechanism120.
• As further illustrated inFIGS. 5-7, theclipping mechanism120 can be removably coupled with theframe110, such as at thecentral portion112 of theframe110. Theclip124 may have a tapered top surface and theledge132 can have a tapered bottom surface. The user can connect theframe110 to thebody portion120 by pushing theframe110 inward against the tapered surfaces. The tapered surfaces cause theclip124 to be pushed out slightly with respect to theledge132 to allow thecentral frame portion112 to snap into thechannel134. Once theframe110 is coupled to thebody portion120, it remains in position. The clip is sufficiently strong to provide enough friction between the clip and the frame to prevent thebody portion120 from rotating with respect to the framecentral portion112. Thebody portion120 can be removed by the user forcing the clip apart from theledge132 and pulling theframe120 outward with respect to themain body122. It will be appreciated that othersuitable attachment mechanisms120 can be provided, such as by use of a fastener, and/or adhesive. Preferably, however, thebody portion120 can be removed from theframe110 so that differentsize body portion120 orframe110 can be provided or replaced.
• As best shown inFIG. 4, a set of twoprongs129 are provided at the top surface of themain body122. Theprongs129 are elongated and extend outward (upward inFIG. 4). The prongs are separated from each other. Eachprong129 can receive a respective one of theinternal pressure members170. A smallcurved recess121 can be provided in the top surface of themain body122 to conform to the user's nasolabial angle of the external nose. Accordingly, thebody portion120 couples theinternal pressure members170 to theframe110. In addition, theexternal pressure members150 are coupled to theframe110. Thus, thedevice100 provides both internal andexternal pressure members170,150 in a single unit. Or, thebody portion120 can be removed from theframe110 so that the user can utilize only theinternal pressure member170 or theexternal pressure member150, depending on a particular application.
• Thebody portion120 may preferably be made of a plastic that is rigid but allows theclip124 to flex slightly due to the small amount of material where theclip124 connects to themain body122. Thebody portion120 may be made from plastic polymers, metal, foam or combination materials to help with traction and comfort. Thebody portion120 can be formed as a discrete member, as shown, or can be integral with theframe110. Thebody portion120 may have a surface with edges, ridges or material to help the user grip thebody portion120.
External Pressure Member150
• Referring toFIG. 4,external pressure members150 are attached to thedistal end portion115 of theframe member110. For instance, theexternal pressure members150 may be nasal pinch pads, such as soft material made of silicone or other soft material to apply constant no-slip pressure to the soft part of the nose on either side. As shown, thepads150 may have amain body152 that is substantially circular in shape and contoured, and an optionalupper ledge154. Theledge154 projects upward and forward (with respect to the embodiment ofFIG. 2) to extend toward the top of the user's nose. Themain body152 is configured to evenly disperse constant pressure to the sidewalls of the nose. And theupper ledge154 may provide support to a nasal icepack.
• Thepad150 is sufficiently thick and soft to be comfortable to a user, but also to apply sufficient pressure to the nose to stop bleeding. Thepad150 can be molded directly to thedistal end portion115 of theframe110, and may surround thereverse bend116, cross-member118, and/ordistal end119. In an alternative embodiment, thepad150 can have an internal opening that has a shape which matches thedistal end portion115 of theframe110. Accordingly, the user can removably attach thepad150 to thedistal frame portion115 by sliding thedistal frame portion115 into the opening inside thepad150. The opening can be located in themain body152 as well as theledge154, to fully receive thereverse bend116.cross member118 and bentdistal end119. Theledge154 is provided at the same bend as thedistal end119 to match the shape of thedistal end119. Of course, other suitable connections can be provided between thepad150 and theframe110. For instance, thepad150 can be adhered, strapped or fastened to theframe110, and no opening or recess need be provided in thepad150.
• Thepad150 is soft and malleable so that it conforms to the shape of the nose. Thus, pressure may be controlled by the force exerted by the user to apply enough pressure to stop bleeding but the user can control the force to gage for comfort. Thepad150 and theentire clip100 can be made in various dimensions to fit an adult, child or different sized noses.
Internal Pressure Members170
• Referring toFIG. 4, a set of twointernal pressure members170 are provided and each attach to theclip mechanism120. Each of the internal pressure members has abase portion172 and amain body portion174. A central elongated hole or receptacles extends into thebase172. The hole is configured to be slightly larger than theprongs120 on theclip mechanism120. The hole slidably receives one of therespective prongs120 and forms a friction fit therewith. The friction fit prevents theinternal pressure member170 from inadvertently sliding off of theprong129, but allows theinternal pressure member170 to be removed and replaced from theclip mechanism120 after use.
• Themain body portion174 extends outward at an angle (upward inFIG. 1) with respect to thebase172. As best shown inFIGS. 3(c),5,6, themain body174 extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to that of theledge154 of theexternal pressure member150. Thus, themain body174 can enter the internal nose of a person, while theledge154 extends up along the outer lateral surface of the person's nose. The main body portion is tapered to be larger at thebase172 and narrowed at the distal end, which may also be rounded, to form a general cone shape. As best shown inFIG. 3, an inside side edge176 of the sponge is relatively straight, whereas the outer side edge178 is angled inward. Thus, the twointernal pressure members170 are each configured to be shaped and sized to fit in a person's nose. Theinternal pressure members170 are inserted into each nare before the device100 (i.e., theside portions114 and pads150) is pinched in place. Thesponges170 are sufficiently large to exert an inward pressure against the internal parts of the nose, including the ant septum, to facilitate stopping of the bleeding by causing a tamponade.
• In one exemplary embodiment, theinternal pressure member170 may be a nasal sponge insert and can be made for instance of foam, sponge, dehydrated sponge like materials, and can optionally be presoaked with medication (and optionally dehydrated). They can be biocompatible foam that absorbs blood and/or induces clot formation or hemostais. The sponges can expand to further exert a pressure against the nose to stop bleeding. In addition, thenasal sponges170 may be made out of absorbable polymers or other absorbable material with zinc oxide, bacitracin or antibiotic ointment in addition to analgesic and vasocontrictive medications such as but not limited to oxymetazoline, epinephrine, phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine, lidocaine or tranexamic acid (TXA).
• As shown inFIG. 1, themain body174 of thesponge170 extends upward upon entry and then posterior the nare, while the base172 max project slightly out of the nasal passage at the exterior of the nose. Thenasal sponges170 fit securely below nose but above the level of the upper lip to be comfortably positioned in the nasal passages, and can be readily inserted into and withdrawn from the nasal passages. Thesponge170 can easily slide into the nare and quickly and easily release pre-soaked medication to mucous membranes inside the nasal shaft. They do not adhere to or disrupt scab formation. Thesponges170 can be provided in different sizes, shapes and angles to fit different ages (nose size) and internal nose shapes.
Overall Operation
• Theframe member110 may form two positions for the device100: an open position (FIG. 3(a)) and a closed or pinch position (FIGS. 3(b), 3(c)). In the open position (FIG. 3(a)), theside frame portions114 may be substantially; orthogonal or at an obtuse angle with respect to the middle portion112 (though in some embodiments theside frame portions114 can be slightly smaller than orthogonal). Thus, the distal ends115 are wider apart than the user's nose so that the user can insert thenasal sponges170 into the user's nasal passages by moving theside frame portions114 upward (and posteriorly) along the external lateral side surface of the user's nose. The open position is the normal position for the device when it is at rest.
• Once thedevice100 is in the proper position on the nose, the user can then bend theside portions114 inwardly to the pinch position. In the pinch position (FIG. 3(b), (c)), theside frame portions114 are positioned inward so that thedistal end portion115 is narrower than the normal width of a user's nose. In that position, theside frame portions114 are at an acute angle with respect to themiddle portion112. Theside frame portions114 remain in that position and applies an inward pinch force against the user's nose to help stop the nosebleed. Theside frame portions114 remain in that pinched position until separated by the user for removal from the nose.
• As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, thecentral portion112 of theframe member110 is intended to be positioned at the patient's upper lip directly below the nostrils and septum. Theside frame portions114 extend upward on the patient along the lateral surface of the nose. The distalend frame portions115 are positioned at the lateral surface of the nose, so that theexternal pads150 apply pressure at a proper position to stop the nosebleed. Theside frame portions114 exert an inward force so that thenasal pads150 apply an inward pressure or pinch force against the lateral surface of the nose. Thenasal pads150 thereby apply pressure to the ala (soft side walls of the nose). The pinch force can be controlled by adjusting the amount of inward bias of theside portions114, so that enough force is applied to control the bleeding, but without exerting too much force to cause pain or damage the user's nose.
• As shown, once thedevice100 is positioned on the nose, it is hands-free since it remains in place on the user's nose by itself due to the inward pinch force once theside portions114 are bent to the inward pinch position, and without the user having to hold it in position. Thedevice100 remains in position until the user separates theside portions114 and then withdraws thenasal sponges170 from the user's nasal passage. Thus, the device100 (i.e.,distal end portions115 and pads150) pinches the lateral side surfaces of the user's nose, and simultaneously stops bleeding through delivery of vasoconstrictive medications applied by thenasal sponges170. Of course, thedevice100 need not have both thepads150 and thenasal sponges170. For instance, the sponges170 (and body portion120) can be removed, so that only a pinching force is applied by thedistal end portion115 andpads150.
• In an alternative embodiment of the invention, theframe member110 may be inwardly biased, whereby theside portions114 are positioned inwardly (FIGS. 3(b), 3(c)) when at rest and may be separated outwardly by the user to be in the open position. In the open position, thedevice100 may be placed over the user's nose, and when the user releases theside potions114, they return to the inward position to apply a pressure to the nose.
• According to this alternative embodiment, the pinch position may be the normal position for thedevice100 when it is at rest. To place thedevice100 on the user's nose, thedevice100 is moved to the open position whereby theside frame portions114 are forced. apart against the inward bias force. That can be performed, for instance, by pulling outward on theside portions114 and/or thenasal pads150. Thenose sponges170 are then positioned inside the user's nasal passage and thenasal pads150 are simultaneously positioned along the exterior lateral surface of the nose. Theside frame portions114 are then released, so that they move inward and return to the pinch position (FIG. 3(b)). In that pinched position, thenasal pads150 exert a pinching force. In the open position, theside frame portions114 can be at an acute angle, or more preferably at an orthogonal or obtuse angle with respect to themiddle portion112.
• The vast majority of nosebleeds occur in the anterior part of the nose and from the nasal septum. This area contains many blood vessels from Kiesselbach's plexus, also known as Little's area. Thenasal compression device100 is designed to control bleeding via direct compression on the outer nose, by placing pressure directly over Kiesselbach's plexus, in combination with vasoconstriction from sponge inserts soaked with oxymetalozine or other vasocontricting medication or hemostatic agent possible with some analgesic ingredient such as lidocaine and/or antibacterial agent such as bacitracin. Thedevice100 may also be designed to come in multiple sizes to fit adults and children.
• The device can be made available in several sizes, such as child, teen, and adult. Each size may have, for instance, a different width (e.g., by varying the length of the central portion112), a different height (e.g., by varying the length of the side portions114), and/or a different inward pinch force (e.g., by varying the inward bias of the side portions114). The different sizes can also have different sizes ofnasal pads150 andnasal sponges170.
Ice Pack
• Turning toFIGS. 8-11, anice pack assembly200 may optionally also be provided in accordance with a non-limiting illustrative embodiment of the invention. As shown inFIG. 9, theice pack200 may be utilized together with thenasal compression device100 ofFIGS. 1-7 (or with a different nasal compression device). Or as shown inFIG. 8 theice pack200 may instead be utilized by itself separate from and without thenasal compression device100. Likewise, thenasal compression device100 can be utilized by itself separate from and without the ice pack200 (or with a different ice pack). When used in combination with thenasal compression device100, the combination of compression (by theframe110 and pads150), medication (applied by the sponges170), and cooling (by the ice pack200) together facilitate treatment of the nosebleed.
• In one illustrative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, theice pack assembly200 has two primary ice pack layers orsheets210,250. The first andsecond layers210 have the same exact size and shape as each other. Each are each elongated and have amiddle portion212,252 and twoend portions214,254 that are at opposite ends of themiddle portion212,252 so that themiddle portion212,252 is positioned between the twoend portions214,254, respectively. Themiddle portion212,252 is generally rectangular in shape and has a smaller width than theend portions214,254. Theend portions214,254 are formed as wings that are tapered outward from themiddle portion212,252, so that the first andsecond layers210,250 (as well as the overall ice pack assembly200) each have a general bow-tie shape. The first andsecond layers210 each have aninner surface216,256 that faces toward the user (when theassembly200 is applied to the user), and anouter surface218,258 that faces away from the user (when applied).
• The shape enables theassembly200 to extend across the user's nose, above the lips and below the eyes. More specifically, as shown inFIGS. 8-9, themiddle portion212,252 extends across the bridge of the user's nose, along the outer lateral sides of the nose. And theside portions214,254 reach opposite cheeks of the user's face.
• The firstice pack layer210 is closest to the user when theice pack assembly200 is applied to the user. Anadhesive layer220 is applied to theinner surface216 of thefirst layer210. The adhesive layer has the same general shape as the first andsecond layers210,250, with amiddle portion222 and anend portion214. But theadhesive layer220 is smaller than and has a smaller outer periphery than the first andsecond layers210,250, as shown inFIG. 11. In addition, the end portion224 may be split or divided into aninner end portion224aand anouter end portion224bas shown, which allows for greater flexibility and ease of handling.
• Theadhesive layer220 has aninner surface226 that faces toward the user, and anouter surface228 that faces away from the user. Theouter surface228 is adhered to theinner surface216 of thefirst layer210. Aplastic film229 is a polyurethane film that is permanently attached to theinner surface226 of themiddle portion222, which in turn is connected to the middle212 of thelayer210. Theplastic film229 slightly reduces the cold against the bridge of the nose. The ends224 have an adhesive, such as a gentle tape, that adhere to the skin so that it can reliably attach to the person and be easily removed following treatment. The adhesive layer220 (and ice pack assembly200) can then be placed on the user so that theice pack assembly200 is adhered to the user's face. Theadhesive layer220 may be coated with any suitable adhesive that holds theice pack200 in place on the user's face and can be readily removed, such as a gentle tape.
• The first andsecond layers210,250 are sealed together to form a pocket. For instance, the outer peripheral edge of thelayers210,250 can be heat sealed together to form a pocket therebetween. A material may be added to the pocket that creates cold, such as ammonium nitrate or urea. The material may be added, for instance, after 3 sides of thelayers210,250 are sealed together. After the cooling material is added, the final side can be heat sealed so that thelayers210,250 form a complete enclosure.
• In addition, awater pouch230 may be provided in the pocket. More particularly, thepouch230 can be in the large pocket, i.e. sandwiched between theouter surface218 of thefirst layer210 and theinner surface256 of thesecond layer250 before they are sealed together (or after 3 sides have been sealed together). Thepouch230 is a small enclosure that retains water. In the embodiment ofFIG. 10, twosheets230 are shown; those can be sealed together at the peripheries with the cold-retaining material therebetween. For instance, the two sheets may be made of plastic and are heat sealed together to form asingle pouch230 with water contained in thepouch230 formed between the two sealed sheets. Once theice pack assembly200 is ready to use, the user squeezes thewater pouch230 to break thepouch230 and release the water into the surrounding ammonium nitrate in the large pocket (formed betweenlayers210,250). That reaction causes the mixture to get cold. Theassembly200 can then be placed on the user by adhering theadhesive layer220 to the user.
• It will be appreciated that alternative methods for providing a coldice pack assembly200 can be utilized. For instance, water or other material that retains the cold can be added to the pocket created by the twolayers210,250; and thesmall pouch230 need not be provided. Theentire assembly200 can then be placed in a refrigerator or freezer to cool or freeze the material in the pocket, so that it is cold and ready for use.
• As shown inFIGS. 8-9, theice pack assembly200 is configured to apply cold across the nasal bridge and checks of the user for the requisite period of time (at least 10-20 minutes), without obscuring the user's vision. The ice pack may have a colorimetric indicator, such as a liquid crystal thermometer that changes color when cold and back to a different color when warm indicating a relative time that the device should be left in place before checking for bleeding, approximately 10-15 minutes.
• It will also be appreciated that theadhesion layer220 need not be provided. Instead, theassembly200 can be provided with an elastic band that connects to the side edges of theassembly200. The elastic band can extend around the user's head to hold theassembly200 to the user's face. Still other techniques can be utilized, such as VELCRO® straps.
• With reference toFIG. 12, theice pack200 is shown in use with thenasal compression device100. As illustrated (see alsoFIG. 9), thenasal compression device100 may be designed to hold and support the facialinstant ice pack200 across the nasal bridge and cheeks without obscuring any part of the visual profile. The ice pack can be placed across the nasal bridge and supported by the upper edge of themain body152 and theledge154 of thenasal pinch pads150, as well as the adhesive material that holds the icepack to the outer cheeks.
• The cooling affect by theice pack200 can shape thecompression device100 and serve as a timer. By using smart polymer materials (such as the temperature responsive polymer Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)) for the frame110 (such as at thebend113 between thecentral portion112 and the side portions114), thecompression device100 could be placed in the pinched position. For instance, the polymer material could straighten at the bends at a temp range of about 50 degrees. Thus, as the ice pack warms over about 15 minutes, it would change the temperature of thedevice100 metal and the polymer materials would begin to straighten, reducing the pinch and signaling the time to remove the device.
• Theice pack assembly200 may also have an outer lining that is contoured to the nasal ice pack and shaped to fit comfortably below the eyes, over the nasal bridge and extend over the maxilla. An inner icepack lining may also be provided as a comfort barrier with polyurethane film to sit directly over nose and face to prevent over cooling. The ice pack may come in different size to fit children and adults of various dimensions.
Nosebleed Kit
• Thenasal compression device100 and/or theice pack200 can be packaged with other nosebleed accessories. Thus, a kit can be provided that includes two or more of the following:compression device100,ice pack200,bib300, medication, and timer.
• A plastic orabsorbent bib300 is shown inFIG. 13. Thebib300 may provide protection from blood and body fluids. The bib attaches around the neck via a fastener302 (such as Velcro, button, tie or adhesive). Thebib300 has apocket306 at its bottom to catch run off liquid or bodily fluids that can be drained from the corner of the bib via a re-sealable hole308 (or a valve or opening). One or more grooves ordrainage channels304 can extend along the entire length (or portion of the length) of thebib300 to direct fluids into thepocket306. Thebib300 can be a plastic or cloth material with enough surface area to cover patient's chest and collect blood and bodily fluids into a pocket that has a sealable hole in the corners for drainage.
• The medication can include chemical vasoconstriction (oxymetalzoline, neosynephrine, epinephrine, phenylephrine, cocaine, TXA, other hemostatic agent), chemical absorptive polymer, or analgesia such as lidocaine. The medication can be in the form of a powder, gel, liquid, and can be impregnated on a sponge (such as the nasal sponge170) or a sealed packet for one time use. The timer assists the user to maintain pressure for adequate time (10+ min). For instance, the timer may be a liquid crystal thermometer strip that changes color based on temperature change of cooling pack, or other electronic or simple timer mechanism can be used.
Conclusion
• Thedevice100 provides a safe, effective and low-cost solution to nosebleed emergencies. The device comes in adjustable sizes and applies constant hands-free pressure to the soft side walls of the nose, incorporates cooling to help constrict vessels to control bleeding, and is designed to automatically apply adequate pressure to the nose for the appropriate amount of time so users know when to remove the device to check for bleeding. The invention can also utilize medication that further controls bleeding by constricting bleeding vessels and improves the success of hemorrhage control.
• The present invention provides value to three different customer segments: medical providers, sports medicine professionals and parents, caretakers or individuals who suffer from frequent nosebleeds. For medical providers, this device can reduce the time needed by medical professionals to effectively manage common nosebleeds. For coaches, trainers and school nurses, this device is easy to use and effective for nosebleed emergencies. For parents and caretakers, the invention is the comfortable, safe, low-cost solution to nosebleed rescue that can reduce or eliminate costly visits to the emergency room or doctor's office.
• The invention is available in adjustable sizes and applies constant hands-free pressure to the soft side walls of the nose, incorporates cooling to help constrict vessels to control bleeding, and is designed to automatically apply adequate pressure to the nose for the appropriate amount of time so consumers know when to remove the device to check for bleeding. The invention also uses medication that further controls bleeding by vasoconstriction and improves the success of hemorrhage control.
• The invention is a safe, effective and simple to use device that be placed on the patient by a nurse or even a family member and does not require constant supervision by a medical professional. It allows providers to effectively manage epistaxis with minimal cost, time or repeated attempts and helps to facilitate throughput which reduces length of stay, an important hospital benchmark. These advantages make the present invention attractive not only to the beneficiary, the patient, but also to the hospital or physician who recommends use of the product.
• The invention is easy to use, stops bleeding immediately and has step-by-step instructions for managing nosebleeds. It is a device that any trainer or first aid station would want to have on hand for disposable, immediate and effective treatment for nosebleed emergencies. Any customers who are prone to nosebleeds would be attracted to the low price, intuitive design, effectiveness and comfort. The device provides easy step-by-step instructions to apply constant pressure to the correct part of the nose with the added value of including cooling and medication which increases the success of bleeding control and potentially prevents unnecessary visits to the doctor's office or emergency room. Currently, there are no devices on the market that use this combination of technique and medication to treat nosebleed emergencies. The invention is valuable because it provides cost savings, effective management and ease of use to (1) medical providers/physicians, (2) school and sports professionals and (3) direct to consumer customer segments and by preventing prolonged nosebleeds it avoids overutilization and expense to the health care system.
• Thedevice100 is adjustable for comfortable fit to the contour of the nose, since thenasal pads150 are soft and malleable and with applied pressure conforms to the shape of the nose. It applies the appropriate amount of pressure in the appropriate location at the soft side walls of the nose, hands-free. It is positioned completely below or to the side of the nose, and does not extend upward above the soft side walls of the nose. Thus, it does not obstruct vision or line of sight of the user's eyes. It also does not extend below the upper lip, so that it does not obstruct the user's mouth.
• It is noted that thedevice100 as shown and described is configured for simultaneous use on both nostrils. However, thedevice100 can be configured so that only one nostril is treated, such as by providing oneinternal pressure member170 and one respectiveexternal pressure member150.
• The description uses several geometric or relational terms, such as curved, orthogonal, circular, rounded, straight, and tapered. In addition, the description uses several directional or positioning terms and the like, such as top, bottom and side. Those terms are merely for convenience to facilitate the description based on the embodiments shown in the figures. Those terms are not intended to limit the invention. Thus, it should be recognized that the invention can be described in other ways without those geometric, relational, directional or positioning terms. In addition, the geometric or relational terms may not be exact. For instance, elements may not be exactly perpendicular to one another but still be considered to be substantially perpendicular because of, for example, roughness of surfaces, tolerances allowed in manufacturing, etc. And, other suitable geometries and relationships can be provided without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
• Within this specification embodiments have been described in a way which enables a clear and concise specification to be written, but it is intended and will be appreciated that embodiments may be variously combined or separated without departing from spirit and scope of the invention. For example, it will be appreciated that all preferred features described herein are applicable to all aspects of the invention described herein.
• The foregoing description and drawings should be considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. The invention may be configured in a variety of shapes and sizes and is not intended to be limited by the preferred embodiment. Numerous applications of the invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it is not desired to limit the invention to the specific examples disclosed or the exact construction and operation shown and described. Rather, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims (16)

1. A nose compression device for treating a nosebleed of a person, the device comprising:

a wire frame having a straight middle section and two side sections angled with respect to the middle section to apply an inward compression against an outside of the person's nose;

a body attached to the wire frame; and

two nasal sponges attached to the body and configured for insertion into the person's nasal passages.

2. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the middle section can be positioned below the person's nose and the two side sections extend upward along opposing lateral side surfaces of the person's nose.

3. The device ofclaim 1, said body having a clip mechanism for removably coupling said body to said wire frame.

4. The device ofclaim 1, wherein said body is attached to the middle section of said wire frame.

5. The device ofclaim 1, wherein each of said side sections have a distal end, and further comprising a pad attached to the distal end.

6. The device ofclaim 5, wherein the pad extends upward along the lateral surface of the user's nose.

7. The device ofclaim 5, wherein the distal end has a reverse bend.

8. The device ofclaim 1, further comprising two prongs extending outward from said body, each of said two prongs receiving a respective one of said two nasal sponges.

9. The device ofclaim 1, wherein said two nasal sponges contain a medication.

10. The device ofclaim 9, wherein the medication is a vasoconstrictive medication or an analgesic medication, and/or an antibacterial agent.

11. The device ofclaim 9, wherein the medication comprises one or more of oxymetazoline, epinephrine, phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine, lidocaine, tranexamic acid, lidocaine, zinc oxide, and bacitracin.

12. The device ofclaim 1, wherein said two side sections are flexible and moveable between a pinch position where the two side sections are at an acute angle to the middle section and an open position where the two side sections can be moved outward with respect to the middle section.

13. The device ofclaim 12, wherein in the open position the two side sections are orthogonal or obtuse with respect to the middle section.

14. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the device does not obstruct the person's eyes or mouth.

15. The device ofclaim 1, further comprising an ice pack applied over the compression device, said ice pack cooling the person's nose.

16. A nose compression device for treating a nosebleed of a person, the device comprising:

a wire frame having a straight middle section and at least one side section angled with respect to the middle section, said at least one side section applying an inward compression against an outside of the person's nose;

a body attached to the wire frame;

a nasal sponge attached to the body for insertion into the person's nasal passage, said nasal sponge having a medication and configured to apply the medication to an inside of the person's nose.

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