DEVICE FOR PRODUCING A PLASTER IMPRESSION OF A LIMB STUMP WITH CONNECTOR

Abstract

A medical apparatus is provided for use in manufacturing a plaster impression of limb stump, in particular of a lower stump, wherein the apparatus comprises a pressure vessel with a fluid container of pressure chamber for receiving or storing a fluid being under pressure, wherein the pressure vessel comprises a wall made of a first material, wherein the wall limits the an interior of of the pressure vessel against an exterior, wherein the pressure vessel comprises an insertion opening for the insertion of a limb stump into the interior of the pressure vessel and a fluid-tight membrane made of a second materials, which is arranged to form or limit the fluid container or the pressure chamber. An upper section of the membrane is preferably releasably fastened at or to the pressure vessel by a connector.

Claims

1. A medical apparatus for use in the preparation of a plaster impression or a data model of a limb stump, in particular of a lower leg stump, wherein the apparatus comprises at least: a pressure vessel with a fluid container or a pressure chamber for receiving or storing a fluid, in particular one being under pressure, wherein the pressure vessel comprises a wall made of a first material, wherein the wall limits an interior of the pressure vessel against an exterior, wherein the pressure vessel comprises an insertion opening for inserting the limb stump into the interior of the pressure vessel; and a fluid-impermeable membrane made of a second material, the membrane being arranged to form or limit the fluid container or the pressure chamber, wherein at least one section of the membrane is fastened to the pressure vessel via at least one connector, wherein the section lies in an upper region, in a proximal region or in a region facing the insertion opening.

2. The medical apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one connector is fastened to a bottom region, to at least one of the wall and the second end side of the pressure vessel.

3. The medical apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one connector is connected to a reinforced section of the membrane (5).

4. The medical apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the reinforced section of the membrane is both connected to the connector and to the wall of the pressure vessel.

5. The medical apparatus according to claim 4, wherein at least two connectors are fastened to a circumference of the membrane.

6. The medical apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an outlet which is a fluid communication between the fluid container or pressure chamber and the exterior of the pressure vessel; and a valve, a stop or lock device or a stopcock for opening and closing the outlet or the fluid communication.

7. The medical apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the connector is at least one of not elastic and not stretchable.

8. The medical apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the membrane (5) comprises a material having another elasticity or stretchability in a first direction of the material than in a second direction, the second direction being optionally perpendicular to the first direction.

9. The medical apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the membrane comprises a material which comprises, in at least one of a first direction and a second direction of the material, fibers which are embedded into a matrix or which are preferably connected to a matrix in a different way.

10. The medical apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the membrane is not stretchable or is not elastic in at least one of a first direction and a second direction thereof.

11. The medical apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one section of the membrane is releasably fastened to the pressure vessel via the at least one connector.

12. The medical apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the reinforced section of the membrane preferably comprises a thicker wall thickness compared to the non-reinforced section of the membrane and/or preferably comprises a third material.

13. The medical apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the reinforced section of the membrane preferably comprises a third material.

Description

[0145] The present invention is exemplarily explained with regard to the accompanying drawings in which identical reference numerals refer to the same or similar components. The following applies in the, partly, highly simplified figures.

[0146] FIG. 1 shows a longitudinal cut of a first embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention, from the side;

[0147] FIG. 2a, b show the apparatus according to the present invention of FIG. 1 in several embodiments in a further sectioned plane; and

[0148] FIG. 3 shows a longitudinal cut of an apparatus according to the present invention in a further embodiment, from the side.

[0149] FIG. 1 shows a longitudinal cut (i.e. with respect to FIG. 1 from top to bottom) of a first embodiment according to the present invention of an apparatus 100. When herein distal is mentioned, it means a position at or direction to the bottom. Proximal is correspondingly on top, higher or in direction to the top.

[0150] The first embodiment shows a pressure vessel 1 with a pressure chamber DK, a wall 3 and a membrane 5. The membrane 5 comprises a first or proximal membrane section 5a, which is connected to an upper edge 7 of the wall 3. The first membrane section 5a is optionally reinforced in this embodiment, shown by a thicker wall thickness (shown in FIG. 1 by a thicker line width). A reinforced embodiment may alternatively or additionally be done or achieved by a different choice of material, a fiber-reinforced composite material, a material coating or in another way.

[0151] Furthermore, the membrane 5 comprises a second or distal membrane section 5b, which is arranged in the middle section of the membrane 5 and is connected to the first membrane section 5a or is integral therewith. The second membrane section 5b is optionally not reinforced, which is represented by a smaller wall thickness (indicated in FIG. 1 by a thinner line thickness).

[0152] The two different membrane sections 5a, 5b serve different load situations of the membrane 5. When inserting and withdrawing a limb stump KS into the membrane 5, and thus into the pressure vessel 1, particularly the first membrane section 5a is loaded with frictional force between the limb stump KS and the membrane 5. Due to this increased load, the first membrane section 5a is optionally made reinforced. The second membrane section 5b has in particular a sealing function and holding function of the limb stump KS in the pressure vessel DK with lower load compared to the first membrane section 5a.

[0153] Two connectors 53, the function of which will be described in more details below, are optionally arranged in this exemplary embodiment at the connection or interface between the first membrane section 5a and second membrane section 5b or in the transitional region between the two respectively. In particular, the connectors 53 are connected to the first membrane section 5a (optionally alternatively at a point or position other than the one shown in FIG. 1).

[0154] The connection between connectors 53 and membrane section 5a or 5b is designated by the reference A. In the example of FIG. 1, the connection A lies at the distance B below the height H and/or the upper edge of the wall 3.

[0155] The distance B may optionally be between 0 cm and 40 cm, preferably between 5 cm and 30 cm, particularly preferably between 8 cm and 10 cm.

[0156] The region of the connection A is shown enlarged on the left in FIG. 1.

[0157] The membrane 5 is preferably releasably fastened to or at the bottom region 4a, using the at least two connectors 53, which extend from a proximal section of the membrane 5, alternatively, to a region of the wall 3 (for instance in its upper, middle or lower region).

[0158] The proximal region of the membrane 5 is to be understood herein as the upper third of the membrane 5 or as a region in the upper third of the membrane 5, by way of example

[0159] The proximal region of the membrane 5 is recognizable facing the insertion opening 9 or is located in the vicinity thereof.

[0160] The region with which the membrane 5 is connected to the connector 53 is not located in a central, distal section 58 of the membrane. This advantageously prevents radial pressure onto the membrane 5 in a distal section due to the connector preventing the floating of the limb stump KS. This pressure could effect a radial compression of the limb stump KS stuck in the membrane 5 which may lead to an undesirable geometry of the generated plaster impression above all in the distal stump section. The provision of the connector 53 in a proximal section may help to avoid such deformations of the distal part of the limb stump This may advantageously result in a correct geometry of the plaster impression. Although the connector 53 effects a radial pressure onto the limp stump KS in a proximal section, due to its proximal connection to the membrane. However, there (i.e. proximal or with regard to FIG. 1 at the top) the limb stump KS comprises a stronger anatomy and is less susceptible to radial compression which is avoidable by the present invention in some embodiments.

[0161] The pressure vessel 1, shown in FIG. 1 as purely optionally cylindrical, comprises optionally a first end side 2 (at the top in FIG. 1) and a second end side 4 (at the bottom in FIG. 1). The second end side 4 in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 is fluid-tight sealed with a bottom plate or bottom region 4a against an exterior . The bottom region 4a may be made of the same material as the wall 3. It may be manufactured in one piece therewith

[0162] The membrane 5 separates, in a fluid-tight manner, the fluid container or pressure chamber DK of the pressure vessel 1 from an exterior of the fluid container or pressure chamber DK, or exemplarily from the exterior , i.e. a surrounding of the pressure vessel 1, or, as shown in FIG. 1, against a limb stump KS inserted into, or surrounded by, the membrane 5.

[0163] The membrane 5 may be fluid-tight connected to the pressure vessel 1 at an upper, often circular, rectangular, square or differently shaped circumferential edge 7 of the wall 3, or at another site.

[0164] The upper edge or rim 7 is exemplarily situated in a plane in which there is an insertion opening 9 of the pressure vessel 1 or it delimits said insertion opening 9 at its circumference. The insertion opening 9 is optionally situated in the plane H which is indicated with a dashed line.

[0165] The insertion opening 9 serves inserting the limb stump KS which is wrapped with a wet plaster bandage into an interior I of the pressure vessel 1.

[0166] The interior I is the volume delimited by the wall 3 of the pressure vessel 1. It extends from the second end side 4, which is fluid-tightly sealed with the bottom region 4a, to the insertion opening denoted with 9 and indicated by a dashed line.

[0167] The pressure chamber DK is filled with a fluid, here exemplarily with liquid F indicated with points. A filling with gas is also contemplated or covered by the present invention.

[0168] In FIG. 1, the apparatus 100 is illustrated in a state in which the extremely schematically-indicated limb stump KS of the standing patient is inserted into the interior I such that it is surrounded by the membrane 5 at least in its distal section. The membrane 5 contacts the plaster bandage covering the limb stump KS like a second skin, wherein there may be further layers, like liners or the like, provided between the plaster bandage and the membrane 5.

[0169] The limb stump KS is in the example of FIG. 1 loaded with the full body weight of the standing patient. The amount of the liquid F is measured with regard to the known volume of the interior I or the pressure vessel 1 such that the limb stump KS may enter through the insertion opening 9 into the pressure vessel 1 at least so deep or far that the entire region of the plaster bandage contacts the membrane 5; at least as much as it is relevant for the plaster impression. At the same time, the amount of liquid F is measured such that the distal end of the limb stump KS (at the bottom in FIG. 1) does not touch the bottom of the pressure vessel 1 or does not support itself on the bottom. In this way it is ensured that the patient rests with the inserted extremity on the pressure of the fluid and that the plaster bandage is subject to the same pressure at each point by the membrane 5.

[0170] As is shown in FIG. 1, the membrane 5, when no limb stump KS is inserted into the pressure vessel 1, lifts up or floats due to the pressure of the fluid, here of the liquid, and a liquid level appears (not shown in FIG. 1). Hence, the shape of the membrane 5, which is shown in FIG. 1, represents the form which the membrane 5 adopts under loading when it fits closely to the inserted limb stump KS and is pushed under elastic stretching by the latter in the example of FIG. 1into the depth of interior I towards the bottom region 4a

[0171] It is further to be seen in FIG. 1 that due to the fact that both the wall 3 and the membrane 5 prevent a fluid exchange between the pressure chamber DK and the exterior

[0172] A or a fluid leakage from the pressure chamber DK, they, hence, allow that the desired pressure builds up within the pressure chamber DK of the pressure vessel 1. However, they do not permit it to escape from the latter or to dissipate.

[0173] As is seen in FIG. 1, the pressure chamber DK is thus optionally formed by the membrane 5 and at least by parts of the wall 3 which, in this example, include also the bottom region 4a of the end side 4.

[0174] In exemplary embodiments of the present invention unlike those shown in FIG. 1, the pressure chamber DK may consist of or comprise a completely closed membrane, which may lie in the interior I of the pressure vessel 1 like a balloon or a bubble.

[0175] Furthermore, FIG. 1 shows all optional outlet 19 in the side wall or wall 3 of the pressure vessel 1. If provided, this outlet may also be positioned elsewhere at the pressure vessel 1, e.g. in its bottom area.

[0176] The outlet 19 connects the interior I in the region of the pressure chamber DK to the exterior of the pressure vessel 1. It allows the filling level and/or pressure within the pressure chamber DK to be specifically modified, for example by discharging fluid from the pressure chamber DK via the outlet 19. For this purpose, the outlet 19 has a valve or stopcock (not presented in detail) which can be fluid-tight closed. Regardless of its designation as an outlet, the latter may also be used for introducing fluid and thus for the filling of the pressure chamber DK.

[0177] The membrane 5 is in the embodiment of FIG. 1 purely exemplarily connected to the bottom region 4a by the connectors 53 or the connector 53. The connector 53 is not (or only slightly) elastic or stretchable. The membrane 5 is optionally also not (or only slightly) elastic or stretchable in the longitudinal direction.

[0178] The connector 53 allows the membrane 5 to float proximally (upward in FIG. 1) to a small and/or predetermined extent. Therefore, a more or less annular, but in any case, closed in its circumference, uplifting or floating 81 arises at the second end side 2. The uplifting or floating 81 is to be seen, due to the sectional illustration in FIG. 1, as protrusions left and right of the limb stump KS. The connector 53 may be provided in order to prevent such a floating

[0179] The membrane 5 fits the limb stump KS (or a plaster bandage, a liner or the like being pulled thereover) closely at a contact point surface 83, which is more or less annular but, in any case, closed in its circumference. The contact point surface 83 is the circumferentially closed line or surface which comprises the points at which the limb stump KS has a final or closing proximal contact with the membrane 5. The contact point surface may also be referred to as contact region or contact line

[0180] At the same time, the membrane 5, at its radial circumference in the region of the second end side 2 of the wall 3, contacts, or is fixed with, a transition section 85 which is likewise closed in its circumference. The transition section 85 may be understood to be a region in which the limitation of the pressure chamber DK passes or merges from a limitation by the wall 3 into a limitation by the membrane 5. This can be well seen in FIG. 1 in that the pressure chamber DK below the arrow tip of the reference numeral line of the reference numeral 85 is only limited by the wall 3; above only by the membrane 5, which cannot support itself against a section of the wall 3

[0181] The fixing of the membrane 5 in the transition section 85 may be done in many ways. However, in this and in arbitrary other embodiments, it is not fixed by the connector 53. The fixing of the membrane 5 by the connector 53 takes place in the area of the connection A.

[0182] The floating 81 may be adjusted by either releasing or introducing fluid through the outlet or inlet 19 in interaction with the connector 53 such that the contact point surface 83 and the transition section 85 are at the same height H (H is the height above the bottom region 4a) indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 1. Based on the experience of the inventor of the present invention, once this happens, optimal pressure conditions for manufacturing the plaster impression are prevailing.

[0183] Even if the connector is not adjustable in its length, it advantageously ensures that a predetermined extent of floating 81 beyond the height H cannot occur. A predetermined extent may be 1 to 4 cm, more preferably about 2 cm.

[0184] FIG. 1 shows a distal connector 91 which may be optionally providedin any arbitrary embodimentalthough it is not shown in FIG. 3.

[0185] FIG. 2a shows the apparatus 100 according to the present invention of FIG. 1 in a further sectional plane B-B. The sectional plane B-B shows the apparatus 100 in cross section at a position in the longitudinal direction in which the connectors 53 are connected to the membrane 5. The view direction of the sectional plane B-B is directed in FIG. 2a downwards to the bottom region 4a. In FIG. 2a four connectors 53 are arranged each being offset by approximately 90 degrees in the circumferential direction. Alternatively, the connectors could be arranged irregularly about the circumference. They may also be placed in any number and at any distance from each other (about every 5 cm along the circumference).

[0186] The connectors 53 are fastened at one of their ends to the membrane 5, and on their other end they are fastened to the bottom region 4a. The limb stump KS is arranged in the center of the membrane 5.

[0187] The connectors 53 may be connected to each other, for instance in that they, for example all of them, radiate in an annular device or are connected to an annular device which is guided respectively around the circumference of the membrane 5.

[0188] FIG. 2b shows the arrangement of FIG. 2a, however with six connectors 53, which are each offset by approximately 60 degrees in the circumferential direction. Alternatively, the connectors could be arranged irregularly around the circumference.

[0189] FIG. 3 shows the longitudinally cut apparatus 100 in a further embodiment from the side. In this embodiment, the connectors 53 are fastened to the wall 3 of the pressure vessel 1. Functionally, the connectors 53 fastened to the wall have the same task, namely to prevent unwanted floating of the membrane 5. A fastening to the wall 3 may have advantages in terms of assembly and/or handling during use of the apparatus 100 according to the present invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0190] 100 apparatus [0191] 1 pressure vessel [0192] 2 first end side [0193] 3 wall [0194] 4 second end side, may optionally be closed or sealed by the bottom region [0195] 4a bottom region [0196] 5 membrane [0197] 7 upper rim or edge [0198] 5a proximal or first membrane section; reinforced section of the membrane [0199] 5b distal or second membrane section [0200] 9 insertion opening [0201] 19 outlet, inlet [0202] 53 connector [0203] 58 central or middle region or section of the membrane [0204] 81 uplifting or floating of the membrane [0205] 83 contact point surface or plane [0206] 85 transition section [0207] 91 distal connector [0208] A connection [0209] exterior of the pressure vessel [0210] B distance [0211] DK pressure chamber of the pressure vessel [0212] I interior of the pressure vessel [0213] F fluid or liquid [0214] H height of the pressure chamber [0215] KS limb stump