U.S. patent application number 13/385878 was filed with the patent office on 2012-08-16 for method and apparatus for the nonsurgical correction of chest wall deformities.
This patent application is currently assigned to William Gallo. Invention is credited to Alejandro Castro.
Application Number | 20120209161 13/385878 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44259057 |
Filed Date | 2012-08-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120209161 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Castro; Alejandro |
August 16, 2012 |
Method and apparatus for the nonsurgical correction of chest wall
deformities
Abstract
One embodiment of a method and apparatus for the correction of
pectus excavatum, having two arch shaped braces (22), made of a
rigid durable material, and connected by a flexible belt (42 and
34), each half having the ability of applying positive pressure
(26) to the flared ribs caused by the condition. Positive pressure
is to be applied to the ribs while a suction cup or other device
simultaneously pulls or pushes the sternum to a natural position.
Other embodiments are described and shown.
Inventors: |
Castro; Alejandro; (Miami
Beach, FL) |
Assignee: |
Gallo; William
Miami
FL
|
Family ID: |
44259057 |
Appl. No.: |
13/385878 |
Filed: |
March 12, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12655874 |
Jan 8, 2010 |
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13385878 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
602/19 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61H 1/008 20130101;
A61F 5/03 20130101; A61H 9/0057 20130101; A61F 5/048 20130101; A61H
2201/1619 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
602/19 |
International
Class: |
A61F 5/00 20060101
A61F005/00 |
Claims
1. A rib compressor comprising: a. a rib brace for deformed ribs
designed to envelop the body beneath the arms at the affected area
and b. in combination, having one or more transfer surface areas
and means for providing and transferring force from said transfer
area to the deformed rib whereby pushing the rib or ribs
inward.
2. The rib compressor of claim 5 wherein said brace has a spacer
attached at opposite ends to create space between the patients
ribcage and the brace.
3. The rib compressor of claim 5 wherein said brace transfers
Mechanical force to the ribs via hand grip bolts.
4. The bolt of claim 5 wherein a clutch mechanism dictates the
amount of force transferred to the ribs.
5. The rib compressor of claim 5 wherein said brace transfers
pneumatic force to the ribs via a piston.
6. The rib compressor of claim 5 wherein said brace transfers
hydraulic force to the ribs via a piston.
7. The rib compressor of claim 5 wherein said brace is made of
plastic.
8. The rib compressor of claim 5 wherein said brace is made of
Metal.
9. The rib compressor of claim 5 wherein said brace is composed of
opposing halves held together by a belt.
10. The rib compressor of claim 5 wherein said brace being
continuous encircles the body.
11. The brace of claim 14 wherein said brace has a hinge for the
purpose of opening and closing the brace.
12. The rib compressor of claim 5 wherein said transfer surface has
a soft padding.
13. The rib compressor of claim 5 wherein said brace is supported
by a shoulder strap.
14. A suction device comprising: a. a triangular shape with rounded
edges composed of a pliable material having a sufficient size to
lift the sternum b. a plurality of elongated support members being
joined to the undersurface of said suction device at spaced
locations so as to support the ceiling of said suction device. c. a
tube for the removal of air located at the rear of said subject
device.
Description
[0001] It has been estimated that Pectus Excavatum affects up to 1
percent of the world's population, making it the most common of the
chest wall deformities. This deformity can effect major organs and
impair breathing and heart function.
[0002] In the 1940's the Ravitch procedure was developed, this
involved removal of the ends of the ribs as they attach to the
sternum In the depressed area. The lining membrane around the rib
is left in place. The sternum is then broken horizontally at the
point where it turns downward and is straightened out. It is held
in this position using stitches, the adjacent ribs and usually a
metal bar or strut that goes under the sternum to keep it in an
outward position. This all takes place under the skin, and is not
without its complications. Side effects can Include post operative
pain, infection, and fluid collection under the skin. In addition
the ribs must grow back for complete chest wall stability to
occur.
[0003] The Nuss procedure (U.S. Pat. No. 6,024,759) has become more
popular over the last 10 years. This operation has been described
generally as "minimally invasive." An incision is made on each side
of the chest wall. A bar is bent into the desired shape of the
chest wall. A large surgical clamp is passed through one side of
the chest, under the sternum and out the other side. The bar is
pulled through using the clamp with the curve of the bar in the
opposite direction. It then is flipped over and, in the process,
bends the sternum outward, stretching the ribs as it does so. The
bar is left in place for several months or years. A comparison of
the Nuss "minimally invasive" procedure and the Ravitch procedure,
published in the Journal of Pediatric Surgery, shows no advantage
for the Nuss procedure. The likelihood of recurrence of the chest
deformity following the Nuss procedure has been slightly greater
than with the Ravitch procedure. There have been ongoing
modifications of the Nuss procedure to improve the results and
eliminate complications, some of which have been life
threatening.
[0004] Recently the use of a vacuum bell (U.S. Pat. No. 7,229,422)
for the elevation of the sternum has become popular, though a
similar device was used as early as 1910 by Lange. The suction cup
is applied over the depressed area of the chest. Air is removed
from the chamber creating a vacuum which lifts the sternum
temporarily. After several hours the chest returns to its original
position. The use of a suction device alone has proven ineffective
in maintaining long term results.
[0005] Lastly, the dynamic chest compressor, introduced by Haje,
Involves a brace that is applied to the lower chest. Pressure is
applied to front side of the rib cage. The brace must be worn for a
good portion of the day in order to be effective. A Dynamic Chest
Compressor (DCC) brace by itself is useless unless it is made
correctly and worn for the correct daily number of hours according
to each period of the treatment, and applied along with an
appropriate program of exercises. In addition, the Dynamic Chest
Compressor (DCC) is a device that must be manufactured according to
each individual deformity for successful treatment.
SUMMARY
[0006] In accordance with one embodiment, a means of pushing the
flared ribs back into their normal position, while a suction cup or
other device pulls or pushes the sternum upward into its natural
position.
ADVANTAGES
[0007] Thus several advantages of one or more aspects are as
follows: to provide a safe means of correcting the condition known
as pectus excavatum without having to undergo a risky surgical
procedure, to provide a means for the correction of the flared ribs
associated with pectus excavatum, to provide a means of nonsurgical
correction that does not involve hours of strenuous exercise per
day, to provide a means of correction that does not involve the
wearing of a brace for the majority of the day, to provide a brace
that is one size fits all and does not have to be specially
tailored to each individual. I have found that the depression of
the sternum is caused by an overgrowth of the flared ribs. In order
to correct the position of the sternum the position of the ribs
must be addressed. Other advantages of one or more aspects are to
address the funnel in the chest by simultaneously addressing the
flared ribs, thus permanently correcting the position of both the
sternum and the ribs. These and other advantages of one or more
aspects will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing
description and accompanying drawings.
DRAWINGS
Figures
[0008] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the rib
compressor.
[0009] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the suction device
depicting inside chamber and ribs.
[0010] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the rib
compressor.
[0011] FIG. 4 shows a top plan view of an embodiment of the suction
device.
[0012] FIG. 5a shows an exploded view of the bolt and base plate
assembly.
[0013] FIG. 5b shows a sectional view of an alternate embodiment of
the compression mechanism.
[0014] FIG. 5c shows a sectional view of an alternate embodiment of
the compression mechanism.
[0015] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of my
invention, a rib compressor with shoulder straps and suction device
applied to the human form.
[0016] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of my
invention taken from the top as applied to a sectional view of a
body suffering from pectus excavatum. Arrows depict the forces
being applied to the sternum and flared ribs.
[0017] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of my
invention.
TABLE-US-00001 [0018] Drawings-Reference numerals 22. Brace 24.
Spacer 26. Bolt 27. Clutch mechanism 28. Support Ribs 29. Notched
extrusion 30. Suction Cup 32. Tube Nozzle 34. Front Belt 36. Belt
Buckle 38. Plate 40. Pad 42. Rear Belt 44. Shoulder Strap 46.
Piston Chamber 48. Tube Nozzle 50. Piston 52. Hinge
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
First Embodiment--FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 5a, 6 and 7
[0019] FIGS. 1, 6 and 7 show perspective views of the rib
compressor of the 1.sup.st embodiment from front and top. The rib
compressor has two arch shaped braces 22 of equal length which face
each other at opposite ends. I contemplate that the braces 22 of
this embodiment be made of polyurethane or nylon, but other
materials are also suitable. Both Braces 22 are connected to each
other by a belt at the rear 42 and a belt at the front 34. The
front belt 34 of this embodiment being made of two separate lengths
of material having a belt buckle 36 to secure both together, best
shown in FIG. 1. I contemplate that the belts 42 and 34 can be made
of Leather or canvas but other materials are also suitable.
[0020] Connected to brace 22 is a spacer 24, best shown in FIG. 7,
attached by virtue either of the extrusion of liquid plastic (which
will form the body of the brace) or the application of heat or
adhesive upon the side of the spacer.
[0021] Each brace 22 has a bolt 26 which secures to the brace 22 by
virtue of a threaded opening in the brace to accept the threaded
bolt, being best depicted in FIG. 7. The bolt 26 having a hand grip
and a calibrated clutch mechanism 27 is connected to a plate 38
(depicted in FIG. 5a) by means of a notched extrusion 29 in the
bolt, although other means of attachment would be adequate. The
base plate 38, being made of polyurethane or other suitable
material, is connected to a pad 40 that can be made of liquid
rubber, foam or other soft material that would provide adequate
padding. I contemplate the pad 40 can be attached to plate 38 by
the application of heat or adhesive on either side.
[0022] FIGS. 2, 4, 6 and 7 depict a suction device 30 of an
embodiment from various perspectives. The suction device 30 having
a three sided triangular shape (when viewed from the top as
depicted in FIG. 4) with rounded edges can be constructed of rubber
or other pliable air tight material. Attached to the suction device
30 is a rib system 28 depicted in FIG. 2. I presently contemplate
that the ribs 28 can be made of polyurethane or nylon; however
other materials are also suitable. The ribs 28 are attached to the
suction device 30 by either embedment in the liquid rubber (which
will form the body of the suction device), an adhesive or other
means. Attached to the suction device 30 is a tube nozzle 32, as
depicted in FIG. 2. The tube nozzle, having a circular base, is
attached to the suction device by embedment in the liquid rubber
that will form the body of the suction device 30. The tube nozzle
can be constructed of plastic, copper or other suitable
material.
Operation
First Embodiment--FIGS. 6 and 7
[0023] The rib compressor assembly and suction device of this
embodiment are to be used in unison; however they can also be used
separately. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the rib compressor is placed
so that the pads 40 are in contact with the flared ribs, creating a
surface transfer area. The belt is tightened and the buckle secured
so as to place pressure on the ribs while maintaining the assembly
in place. The suction device 30 is placed so as to cover the
depression at the sternum. Once adequate contact has been made
between the patient's skin and the suction device so as to maintain
an air tight seal, air is removed from the suction chamber via the
nozzle 32 by a hand pump or other device. The sternum is lifted by
the negative forces in the vacuum and in most cases the patients
flared ribs flare further outward. Once the sternum is raised
adequately, the Rib Compressor bolts 26 are tightened so as to
compress the flared ribs inward into the desired position. The
forces applied by both the suction and the rib compression devices
are depicted in FIG. 7. The correction of the flared ribs is
crucial to the correction of the depression in the chest, as I have
discovered, the inwardly sunken sternum is caused by the position
of the outwardly flared ribs.
[0024] The front and rear belts 34 and 42 are adjustable, allowing
the patient to adjust the brace to fit to their own body, thus
eliminating the need for a custom manufactured brace.
[0025] The bolts 26 have a clutch mechanism 27 that can be
calibrated as needed to meet each individual patients needs at
different phases of their treatment. This allows a means for the
patient to apply the prescribed amount of pressure to the ribs.
Description
Alternative-Embodiment--FIGS. 3, 5b and 5c
[0026] There are various possibilities with regard to the means of
exerting pressure to the flared ribs. FIG. 3 shows a front
perspective view of an embodiment with the braces 22 having piston
chambers 46 attached. I presently contemplate that the piston
chamber 46 can be attached to the brace 22 by means of an extrusion
of the liquid plastic which forms the brace, although other means
of attachment may be adequate.
[0027] The piston chamber 46 being best depicted in FIGS. 5b and 5c
has one piston 50, the piston passes through an opening in the
brace 22 and has plate 38 attached. The piston chamber has a nozzle
48 attached at either the rear of the chamber as shown in FIG. 5b
or toward the front of the brace as shown in FIG. 5c.
[0028] There are also various possibilities with regard to the
brace. FIG. 8 depicts a front perspective of any embodiment having
extended versions of the braces 22. The braces are connected at the
rear of this embodiment by a hinge 52.
Operation
Alternative-Embodiment--FIGS. 5b, 5c 6 and 8
[0029] FIG. 5b depicts a sectional view of an embodiment of the
compression mechanism having the nozzle 48 at the rear of the
chamber 46; piston 50 would be pushed out by virtue of a hand pump
or other device pumping gas or liquid into the chamber. The piston
would then move thru the brace 22 and exert added pressure to the
patient's ribs via a surface transfer area.
[0030] FIG. 5c depicts a sectional view of an embodiment of the
compression mechanism having the nozzle 48 toward the front of the
chamber 46 adjacent to the brace 22. Piston 50 would be pulled in,
by the removal of gas or liquid thru the brace 22 and exert the
required pressure to the patients ribs.
[0031] FIG. 8 depicts a front perspective view of an embodiment
having a hinge 52 at the rear providing a means of opening and
closing the brace for access around the patients body.
Conclusion, Ramification, and Scope
[0032] Accordingly the reader will see that, according to one
embodiment of the invention, I have provided a practical means of
permanently correcting the chest wall deformity typically referred
to as pectus excavatum (also known by other names such as funnel
and sunken chest). In addition to the correction of the sternum,
the reader will find that according to one embodiment, the
displaced ribs typically associated with pectus excavatum are also
provided with a means of correction.
[0033] While the above description contains many specificities
these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any
embodiment, but as exemplifications of various embodiments thereof.
Many other ramifications and variations are possible within the
teachings of the various embodiments. For example, the means of
compressing the ribs inward could be an inflatable flexible
envelope that when inflated would expand and place the required
pressure on the ribs. Additionally, the rib compressor may, on
occasion, be used alone in order to only treat the outwardly
deformed ribs of a patient.
[0034] Thus this scope should be determined by the appended claims
and their legal equivalents, and not by the examples given.
* * * * *