HEAD TRAUMA BANDAGE CAP AND METHOD

Abstract

An emergency hemostatic head trauma bandage cap with a strap system and method of use, which, when applied to the head, delivers minimal pressure to control bleeding, doesn't compromise cervical spine immobilization, allows for fast and effective application of cooling gel to control intracranial/internal swelling or hot packs to prevent hypothermia in non-trauma situations, doesn't come apart during treatment and transport, and doesn't require a caregiver to re-wrap the dressing.

Claims

1. A head trauma bandage cap comprising: a. a flexible cap made of i. an exterior flexible weather resistant or waterproof material with periphery edges, top and sides defining ear observation openings cut out and adapted to be positioned proximate a patient's ears to enable caregivers to observe any fluid discharge from the ears and variably secured together with a strapping system in a manner so that the ear observation openings may be varied in size as the strapping system is varied in position, and an opening sized to fit about and cover a forehead/crown, sides, and back of a head of a patient with a head trauma; and ii. an interior made of a sterile superabsorbent polymer non-adherent wound contact surface, with enough flex when placed on a patient to apply minimal pressure to a patient's head to control bleeding without aggravating intracranial pressure and can be hydrated and chilled or frozen to provide and extended duration cooling device; and b. a chin strap with a nonwoven structured processed to impart a mechanical micro-crepe allowing conformity and flexibility around contours of the face with releasable fasteners affixed to the periphery edges of the flexible cap and structured to secure the chin strap about a patient's chin to removably secure the flexible cap to a patient's head in a manner to apply minimal pressure to control bleeding without aggravating intracranial pressure in one mode, and loosened and re-attached in another mode to prevent circulation restriction and avoid aggravating intracranial pressure.

2. A head trauma bandage cap according to claim 1, wherein the flexible weather resistant or waterproof material is laminated with layers of film and reinforcing and/or cushioning materials using a permanently flexible UV cured adhesive, which together form a flexible composite structure providing a barrier to help prevent penetration of bacteria, pathogens or contaminants.

3. A head trauma bandage cap according to claim 2, wherein the flexible weather resistant or waterproof material is a monolithic barrier film, which allows air permeability but resists fluid penetration.

4. A head trauma bandage cap according to claim 3, wherein the monolithic barrier film, when placed over the skin, allows moisture or perspiration from skin to escape.

5. A head trauma bandage cap according to claim 1, wherein the flexible weather resistant or waterproof material comprises a monolithic-breathable film with no holes or direct passages that acts as a bacteria and viral barrier.

6. A head trauma bandage cap according to claim 1, wherein the flexible weather resistant or waterproof material is constructed of polyurethanes and block-copolymer polyamides, and blends forming a barrier-dressing so exterior particles, fluids and pathogens cannot penetrate from outside toward a patient.

7. A head trauma bandage cap according to claim 2, including a flexible granular (SAP) or fibrous (SAF) nonwoven superabsorbent polymer inside layer formed of soft textile or nonwoven material that can absorb fluids.

8. A head trauma bandage cap according to claim 7, wherein the granular or fibrous nonwoven superabsorbent polymer inside layer can be hydrated, chilled or frozen to provide an extended duration cooling article.

9. A head trauma bandage cap according to claim 1, including antimicrobials placed in the absorbent sterile non-adherent wound-contact surface, an absorbent layer, or in a waterproof-breathable outer layer to reduce bacterial populations and infections.

10. A head trauma bandage cap according to claim 8, wherein the antimicrobials are selected from the group comprising traditional silver-ion releasing antimicrobials, quaternary amines and oxidizers, silquats, iodine, chlorine or chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG).

11. A head trauma bandage cap according to claim 9, wherein an antimicrobial is 200 ppm of elemental silver embedded in a polyurethane polymer blend.

12. A head trauma bandage cap according to claim 1, wherein the releasable fasteners comprise corresponding hook and loop strips.

13. A head trauma bandage cap according to claim 1, wherein the flexible cap is color-coded to indicate severity of a patient's injuries in an emergency trauma triage setting.

14. A head trauma bandage cap according to claim 1, wherein ends of the chin strap are X shaped, and including three holes in the chin strap proximate the chin and sides of a patient's face to conform to the contours of the face.

15. A head trauma bandage cap according to claim 1, including an interior hemostatic layer or coating associated with the head trauma cap bandage as an independent layer or dressing contacting a wound.

16. A head trauma bandage cap according to claim 1, including at least one sensor embedded or attached to the interior surface of the trauma bandage cap to contact the skin to monitor the condition of the temperature and oxygen levels of a patient.

17. A head trauma bandage cap according to claim 16, wherein multiple sensors are included with different measuring functions.

18. A head trauma bandage cap according to claim 16, wherein a gentle release adhesive holds the sensor in position to provide constant intimate contact with the patient's skin for accurate readings.

19. A head trauma bandage cap according to claim 16 wherein the sensors can be of a wired or wireless design to transmit data to a remote data logger/processor or reporting device.

20. A head trauma bandage cap according to claim 19, wherein the sensors are self-contained with sensor, data logger/processor and indicator all integrated into the cap.

21. A method of making a head trauma bandage cap for covering a head wound of a patient comprising: a. constructing a flexible cap with i. an exterior made of a flexible weather resistant or waterproof material with, periphery edges, top and sides defining ear observation openings cut out and adapted to be positioned proximate a patient's ears to enable caregivers to observe any fluid discharge from the ears and variably secured together with a strapping system in a manner so that the ear observation openings may be varied in size as the strapping system is varied in position, and an opening sized to fit about and cover a forehead/crown, sides, and back of a head of a patient with a head trauma, and ii. an interior made of a sterile superabsorbent polymer non-adherent wound contact surface, with enough flex when placed on a patient to apply minimal pressure to a patient's head to control bleeding without aggravating intracranial pressure and can be hydrated and chilled or frozen to provide an extended duration cooling device; and b. affixing a chin strap with a nonwoven structure processed to impart a mechanical micro-crepe allowing conformity and flexibility around contours of the face with releasable fasteners affixed to the periphery edges of the flexible cap and structured to secure the chin about a patient's chin to removably secure the flexible cap to a patient's head in a manner to apply minimal pressure to control bleeding without aggravating intracranial pressure in one mode, and loosened and re-attached in another mode to prevent circulation restriction and avoid aggravating intracranial pressure.

22. A method of making a head trauma bandage cap according to claim 21, including marking the flexible cap with different triage color codes to indicate severity of a patient's injuries in an emergency trauma triage setting.

23. A method of making a head trauma bandage cap according to claim 21, wherein the flexible weather resistant or waterproof material is laminated with UV cured adhesive layers of film and reinforcing and/or cushioning materials forming a flexible adhesive covered by tape, which together form a flexible composite structure providing a monolithic barrier film to help prevent penetration of bacteria, pathogens or contaminants.

24. A method of making a head trauma bandage cap according to claim 21, wherein the flexible weather resistant or waterproof material is a monolithic barrier film, which allows air permeability but resists fluid penetration allowing moisture or perspiration from skin to escape.

25. A method of making a head trauma bandage cap according to claim 21, wherein the flexible weather resistant or waterproof material comprises a monolithic barrier film with no holes or direct passages that acts as a bacteria and viral barrier.

26. A method of making a head trauma bandage cap according to claim 21, wherein the flexible weather resistant or waterproof material is constructed of polyurethanes and block-copolymer polyamides, and blends forming a barrier-dressing so exterior particles, fluids and pathogens cannot penetrate toward a patient.

27. A method of making a head trauma bandage cap according to claim 21, wherein inside layers are formed of a flexible granular (SAP) or fibrous (SAF) nonwoven superabsorbent polymer inside layer formed of soft textile or nonwoven material that can absorb fluids.

28. A method of making a head trauma bandage cap according to claim 27, wherein the granular (SAP) or fibrous (SAF) nonwoven superabsorbent polymer inside layer can be hydrated, chilled or frozen to provide an extended duration cooling article.

29. A method of making a head trauma bandage cap according to claim 21, including placing antimicrobials in a sterile non-adherent wound-contact surface, an absorbent layer, or in a waterproof-breathable outer layer to reduce bacterial populations and infections.

30. A method of making head a trauma bandage cap according to claim 29, wherein the antimicrobials are selected from the group comprising traditional silver-ion releasing antimicrobials, quaternary amines, silquats and oxidizers, iodine, chlorine or chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG).

31. A method of making a head trauma bandage cap according to claim 30, wherein an antimicrobial is 200 ppm of elemental silver embedded in a polyurethane polymer blend.

32. A method of making a head trauma bandage cap according to claim 21, including adding an interior hemostatic layer or coating integrated in a position affixed to the head trauma cap bandage as an independent layer or dressing to contact a wound.

33. A method of making a head trauma bandage cap according to claim 32. wherein the hemostatic layer or coating includes clays (Kaolin), zeolites and other porous or ion-exchange minerals, super absorbents, such as cellulose in oxidized, non-oxidized, chemically modified, regenerated, and nano formats, compressed sponge or foam that expands when wet.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0075] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention with a detachable chin strap.

[0076] FIG. 2 is a top view of the chin strap of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0077] FIG. 3 is an opposite perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

[0078] FIG. 4 is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

[0079] FIG. 5 is the opposite side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

[0080] FIG. 6 is a front view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

[0081] FIG. 7 is a front bottom view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

[0082] FIG. 8 is a front top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

[0083] FIG. 9 is a bottom front view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8.

[0084] FIG. 10 is the opposite perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 with the chin strap in open position.

[0085] FIG. 11 is an opposite perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 10.

[0086] FIG. 12 is a perspective side view of one embodiment of the invention with a side panel defining a chin strap.

[0087] FIG. 13 is an opposite side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 12 showing the chin strap unfastened.

[0088] FIG. 14 is the side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 13 with the chin strap fastened.

[0089] FIG. 15 is a top front view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 12.

[0090] FIG. 16 is a bottom view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 12.

[0091] FIG. 17 is a cross section view of one embodiment of a three-layer cap material.

[0092] FIG. 18 is a cross section view of another embodiment of a three-layer cap material with a superabsorbent inner layer (core) in the dry state.

[0093] FIG. 19 is a cross section view of the same embodiment of a three-layer cap material with a superabsorbent (core) layer, but in the wet and expanded state.

[0094] FIG. 20 is another embodiment of a three-layer cap material with a hemostatic layer in the dry state.

[0095] FIG. 21 is a cross section view of an embodiment of a four-layer cap material, similar to FIG. 20, with the addition of a non-adherent layer.

[0096] FIG. 22 is a cross section view of FIG. 21, but in the wet and expanded state.

[0097] FIG. 23 is another embodiment of a four-layer cap material containing a film, a superabsorbent core, a hemostatic layer plus a non-adherent surface, in the dry state.

[0098] FIG. 24 is a cross section view of FIG. 23, but in the wet and expanded state.

[0099] FIG. 25 is cross section view of another embodiment, a three-layer cap material plus a traditional or hemostatic gauze bandage positioned on the patient side

[0100] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention with a detachable chin strap and a single sensor in the forehead area.

[0101] FIG. 27 is a cross section of the sensor in FIG. 26 with a gentle release adhesive and sensor

[0102] FIG. 28 is the inside view of the gentle release adhesive and embedded sensor from FIG. 27.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

[0103] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention 10, shown affixed about the head of a patient. The invention 10 comprises a flexible cap 12 with enough stretch to fit about the forehead, back, sides, and upper part of a patient's head securing the cap 12 with ear observation openings 13a, 13b shown in FIGS. 1, 3 about the ears of a patient. Ear observation openings 13a, 13b expose the ears of the patient to allow emergency responders to monitor the absence or presence of cerebrospinal fluid and or blood, which may result from head trauma to the patient.

[0104] The stretchable flexible cap 12 applies gentle compression force around the head to stop bleeding, but is structured to be loosened and re-attached to prevent circulation restriction and avoid aggravating intracranial pressure.

[0105] The cap 12 has an interior sterile dressing liner 14 preferably constructed of an absorbent material, such as cotton, which may stretch approximately 20% to apply gentle pressure on a head wound. It also has sufficient give to accommodate intracranial swelling. The flexible or non-flexible cap 12 and liner 14 have enough flex when placed on a patient to apply gentle pressure to control bleeding. It is also flexible to hold cold packs (not shown) in place, where necessary, about the patent's head for a closed dermal head injury (hematomas).

[0106] The cap 12 may be constructed in segments for better fit, with sewn or welded seams covered in tape to prevent exterior wound contamination.

[0107] FIG. 2 is a top view of the chin strap 16 of the embodiment of FIG. 1. The X shaped chin strap 16 has first ends 16a, 16b, and second ends 16c, 16d with undersides affixed with corresponding hook and loop strips 17 to removably secure the chin strap 16 to the hook and loop strips 18 affixed to the sides of the cap 12. The chin strap 16 has a hole 20 structured to accommodate the chin of a user. Optional additional holes 22 may be included to allow air to circulate through the chin strap 16.

[0108] FIG. 3 is an opposite perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

[0109] FIG. 4 is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

[0110] FIG. 5 is the opposite side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

[0111] FIG. 6 is a front view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

[0112] FIG. 7 is a front bottom view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

[0113] FIG. 8 is a front top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 constructed of three panels 24, 26, and 28 sewn or joined together and covered with tape 19 connected to cover the forehead/crown, sides and back of the head.

[0114] FIG. 9 is a bottom front view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 FIG. 10 is the opposite perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 with the chin strap in open position.

[0115] FIG. 11 is an opposite perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 10.

[0116] FIG. 12 is a perspective side view of one embodiment of the invention with a side panel 28 defining the X-shaped chin strap 16 so that it is firmly attached. The chin strap 16 embodiment thus only has only three adjustable ends 16b, 16c, 16d.

[0117] FIG. 13 is an opposite side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 12 showing the chin strap 16 unfastened. Chin strap ends 16c, 16d have affixed to their undersides corresponding hook and loop strips 17 to secure to their corresponding hook and loop strips 18. FIG. 14 is the side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 13 with the chin strap 16 ends 16c, 16d fastened to the cap 12.

[0118] FIG. 15 is a top front view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 12.

[0119] FIG. 16 is a bottom view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 12.

[0120] FIG. 17 is a cross section view of one embodiment of a three-layer cap material. An exterior laminated film 30 covers an absorbent wicking non-woven layer 32 affixed to a perforated non-adherent wound contact interior layer 34.

[0121] FIG. 18 is a cross section view of another embodiment of a three-layer cap material having an exterior laminated film 30 covering an absorbent wicking nonwoven containing superabsorbent granules (SAP) or fibers (SAF) in the dry state, 37, affixed to a perforated non-adherent wound contact interior layer 34.

[0122] FIG. 19 is a cross section view of FIG. 18, a three-layer cap material having an exterior laminated film 30 covering an absorbent wicking nonwoven containing superabsorbent granules (SAP) or fibers (SAF) in the expanded, gelled or wet state, 38, affixed to a perforated non-absorbent wound contact interior layer 34.

[0123] FIG. 20 is a cross section drawing showing a three-layer cap material. An exterior laminated film 30 covers an absorbent wicking non-woven layer 32 affixed cotton gauze hemostatic layer in its dry state, 40, adjacent to the patient's skin.

[0124] FIG. 21 is a cross section drawing of FIG. 20 with the addition of a non-adherent layer, 34, on the surface toward the patient.

[0125] FIG. 22 is a cross section drawing of FIG. 21 showing the hemostatic gauze layer 40 in its expanded, gelled or wet state, 41.

[0126] FIG. 23 is cross section drawing showing a four-layer cap material. It is similar to FIG. 21 but the absorbent/wicking nonwoven layer has been replaced with a superabsorbent layer, 37, in its dry state.

[0127] FIG. 24 is a cross section drawing showing the four-layer cap from FIG. 23 but in the expanded, gelled or wet state. Both layers 38 and 41 are wet and thus expanded and gelled with fluids.

[0128] FIG. 25 is a cross section view of FIG. 17, a three-layer cap material, with the addition of a non-attached folded piece of traditional or hemostatic gauze 42, placed under the cap

[0129] FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing the typical position of a single embedded sensor 43 for measuring the temperature of the patient. The sensor is positioned at the interior surface and is embedded in a gentle release adhesive. This adhesive performs the functions of attaching (holding) the sensor plus adhering the sensor gently to the skin for to improve accuracy and consistency of performance.

[0130] FIG. 27 is a cross section of the sensor from FIG. 26. The thermocouple, 43 is embedded in a gentle release adhesive, 44, often a silicone gel, which both holds the sensor and holds it gently against the skin for optimum sensor performance.

[0131] FIG. 28 is an inside view of the sensor, 43, embedded in the adhesive, 44.

[0132] Hemostatic dressings may also be applied in conjunction with the invention 10 to control profuse bleeding by applying said dressing to the wound and then applying the cap onto the head of a traumatized patient in the field while maintaining cervical spine immobilization as shown. As the invention 10 is of one-piece construction, and will not come apart during treatment or transport, it is fast and easy to apply to not only apply gentle pressure to the head wound, but also to control the bleeding to enable other treatments of the patient to be completed. If bleeding is profuse and if needed, additional dressings, including traditional or hemostatic dressings, may be inserted into the interior of the cap prior to its application or, an invention 10, adapted with hemostatic materials to control bleeding may be applied.

[0133] The above description and specification should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. Thus, the claims themselves contain those features deemed essential to the invention.