Abstract:
An apparatus and method to apply bilateral medial pressure against a position proximate to the ramus of the mandible jawbone of a patient. The apparatus includes a first pressure device, a second pressure device, and a locking mechanism operably associated with the first pressure device and the second pressure device. The method includes simultaneously applying bilateral medial pressure against a position proximate to the ramus of the mandible jawbone of the patient and locking the first pressure devices in position with the locking mechanism.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present application relates generally to medical devices, and more specifically, to a jaw thrust apparatus and method of use. 
         [0003]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0004]    Method and devices configured to retain the airway in an open position is well known in the art. During medical procedures, it is critical that the patient&#39;s airway remains open for proper breathing during operation. It is especially important in procedures where anesthesia is used because the anesthesia causes the muscles to relax and renders the patient in a sedated state, which in turn prevents the patient from waking up if the airway passage is blocked. 
         [0005]    A common method to maintain an open airway includes the process of inserting an endotracheal tube through the mouth. However, endotracheal tubes can cause irritation of the throat and/or vocal chords that could lead to additional surgeries or problems. 
         [0006]    Another commonly known method includes the process of having the anesthesiologist monitor and continuously hold the patient&#39;s head in the proper position. If the airway becomes blocked, the anesthesiologist can merely perform a chin lift maneuver by tilting and holding the patients chin in a backward fashion, or a “jaw thrust” by pushing the patient&#39;s jaw upward to open the airway. However, this method disadvantageously requires the anesthesiologist to continuously monitor and hold the patient&#39;s head throughout the procedure, thereby limiting the tasks the anesthesiologist can do. Furthermore, during long procedures, the anesthesiologist may become fatigued an incapable of effectively performing the task. 
         [0007]    Yet another method includes using an adjustable air management device that rests under the head of the patient and applies pressure at selected areas on the jaw. The pressure applied against opens the jaw, which in turn maintains an open airway. U.S. Pat. No. 7,055,524 to Taimoorazy is one known embodiment indicative of a current state-of-the-art air management device. 
         [0008]      FIG. 1  depicts a side view of the Taimoorazy device  101  having a base  103  adjustably attached to a post  105  and a padded head  107 . The Taimoorazy device  101  applies a force F 1  on the mandibular angle of the jaw, as depicted with arrow F 1 . The applied force F 1  causes the jaw to pivot open, which in turn maintains an open airway. It should be understood that the Taimoorazy device  101  is not configured to apply bilateral medial pressure against the laryngospasm notches of the patient (hereinafter shown in phantom). 
         [0009]    Although the Taimoorazy device  101  provides effective means for opening the jaw and retaining an open airway, considerable shortcomings remain. For example, extensive time and effort is exhausted preparing device  101  prior to and during use. In addition, the device  101  is configured to retain the patient&#39;s head in a neutral, non-angled position, which is not always ideal in scenarios, e.g., wherein the patients head must rest at a slightly angled position. Furthermore, the device  101  must be placed underneath the patient&#39;s head, thereby requiring the potentially dangerous process of lifting the head prior to use. It should be understood that in some scenarios, lifting the head is an undesired process that can be dangerous, e.g., neck injuries. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. However, the invention itself, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  is a side view of a conventional airway management device; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a top view of a jaw thrust apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present application; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a top view of an alternative embodiment of a pressure device; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a top view of the jaw trust apparatus of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a top, partially cutout view of the pressure device of the jaw trust apparatus of  FIG. 4 ; and 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a side view of the jaw trust apparatus according to an alternative embodiment of the present application. 
       
    
    
       [0017]    While the apparatus and method according to the present application are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the process of the present application as defined by the appended claims. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0018]    Illustrative embodiments of the jaw trust apparatus and methods of use are provided below. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions will be made to achieve the developer&#39;s specific goals, such as compliance with assembly-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. 
         [0019]    Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to.” Words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number respectively. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below” and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. When the claims use the word “or” in reference to a list of two or more items, that word covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list and any combination of the items in the list. 
         [0020]    The jaw trust apparatus of the present application overcomes the abovementioned problems commonly associated with conventional systems and methods to maintain an open airway of a sedated patient. Specifically, the present invention is configured to open the airway by applying bilateral medial pressure at a position to the posterior to the ramus of the mandible of a jaw and anterior to the mastoid processes, which in turn forces the jaw and airway to open. The jaw trust apparatus is also provided with a locking mechanism configured to lock the apparatus in a fixed position during use. It will be appreciated that the jaw thrust apparatus has proven to be an effective, rapid, and cost-reducing means to retain the airway in an open position, thereby greatly reducing the time exhausted in the time-sensitive and potentially life-threatening procedure. Further detailed description and illustration of the different embodiments and methods are provided below and shown in the corresponding figures. 
         [0021]    Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference characters identify corresponding or similar elements throughout the several views,  FIG. 2-6  depicts various views of a jaw thrust apparatus  201  in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present application. Apparatus  201  is configured to apply and retain bilateral medial pressure against the posterior to the ramus of the mandible of the jaw and anterior to the mastoid processes. For example, as depicted in the figures, the jaw thrust device is configured to apply bilateral medial pressure against the laryngospasm notches of the patient during operation. Hereinafter, the figures depict the jaw trust device operably associated with the laryngospasm notches; however, it will be appreciated that the apparatus  201  could be operably associated with other positions posterior to the ramus of the mandible and anterior to the mastoid process. 
         [0022]    It should be understood that the jaw thrust configured to apply bilateral medial pressure posterior to the ramus of the mandible and anterior to the mastoid processes causes anterior motion of the mandible thus relieving obstruction from the tongue falling back or other soft tissue obstruction in the pharynx. The laryngospasm notch is a very closely related anatomical location, but by applying bilateral medial pressure here, the painful stimulation supposedly allows the user to break a spasming larynx (i.e. closed vocal cords preventing airflow) which can be different from applying bilateral medial pressure to the posterior to the ramus of the mandible and anterior to the mastoid processes that causes the mandible to move anteriorly. 
         [0023]      FIG. 2  depicts a top view of apparatus  201  having two pressure devices  203 ,  205  attached to respective arms  207 ,  209 . The pressure devices are configured to come into contact with the laryngospasm notches, while the arms are configured to retain the pressure devices in a relatively locked position. Arms  207 ,  209  pivotally attach about a pivot joint  211  and are secured in a locked position via a locking mechanism  213 . 
         [0024]    In the contemplated embodiment, pressure devices  203 ,  205  are composed of a durable, elastomeric material having a nipple-shaped geometry. It will be appreciated that the nipple-shaped geometry provides efficient means to receive the index finger of a user (e.g., see  FIG. 4 ). One feature believed characteristic of the present invention is removably attaching the pressure device, e.g., nipples  215 ,  217  from the arms, which in turn facilitates easy and rapid disposal of the pressure device after use. 
         [0025]    Arms  207 ,  209  preferably bifurcate at respective endings  219 ,  221  to form a plurality of attachment members  223 ,  225 ,  227 , and  229 . The attachment members are configured to receive and interlock with the pressure devices. In the preferred embodiment, the attachment members are separated from each other to form gaps  231 ,  233 . The gaps are sufficiently spaced apart from each other so as to receive the index fingers of the user therethrough (see, e.g.,  FIG. 4 ). 
         [0026]    Locking mechanism  213  provides efficient means for locking the arms as bilateral medial force is applied via pressure devices  203 ,  205 . In one contemplated embodiment, locking mechanism is a device that gradually ratchets into position with movement of the arms and is configured to be release from the locked position via a quick release device  235 . Other locking mechanisms having these features are also contemplated in alterative embodiments. 
         [0027]    It will be appreciated that alternative embodiments of pressure devices could include wedges and/or other geometric shapes and sizes in lieu of the preferred nipple-shaped configuration. For example,  FIG. 3  illustrates a top view of an alternative embodiment, wherein the pressure device  301  is manufactured having a wedge-shaped configuration. 
         [0028]    In  FIGS. 4 and 5 , top views of apparatus  201  are depicted. For simplicity, only one of pressure devices and associated attachment members is discussed in detail, although both pressure devices share the same features. 
         [0029]    Nipple  215  is composed of an elastomeric material that stretches and conforms to the index finger. In the contemplated embodiment, the nipple has an ending  401  that elastically deforms and receives the tip of the index finger. This feature allows the user to accurately position the nipple on the laryngospasm notch with the index fingers. During operation, the user selectively positions apparatus  201  so that the nipples  215 ,  217  come in contact with the laryngospasm notches of the patient, then applies bilateral medial pressure against that notches with the index fingers, as indicated with arrow F 2  and F 3 . The locking mechanism  213  repeatively locks “ratchets” arms  207 ,  209  into a fixed position relative to each other as forces F 2 , F 3  are applied. 
         [0030]    As discussed, the nipples are removably attached to the attachment members. To facilitate this feature, nipple  215  is provided with one or more notches  403 ,  405  or similar means to receive and interlock with attachment members  223 ,  225 . The attachment members are shaped to receive and secure to the nipples. 
         [0031]    These above-described features of apparatus  201  provide significant improvements over the known art. For example, the apparatus allows for jaw thrust maneuverability that can mimic the motion an anesthesiologist would manually perform in such procedures. The apparatus can be utilized such that only medial pressure is applied at selective locations, thus eliminating the need to use upward pressure. Further, the apparatus  201  can be utilized when the patient&#39;s head is in a non-neutral, non-zero angel. For example, in some scenarios, the head will be rotated slightly, thereby causing difficulty in utilizing known devices. The apparatus also does not require the potentially dangerous process of lifting the patient&#39;s head. 
         [0032]      FIG. 6  shows a side view of apparatus  201  with additional optional features. In the exemplary embodiment, apparatus  201  is further provided with a stand  601  configured to support arms  207 ,  209  in a fixed position relative to a resting structure  603 . The stand can be removably attached to either one or both of arms  207 . Apparatus  201  could also include one or more straps  605  attached to arms  207 ,  209  and/or pressure devices  203 ,  205 . In the contemplated embodiment, the strap is configured to extend over or under the head of the patient, e.g., the forehead or face. Also, one of more adjustable supports  607  could be utilized to support either ending  219  and/or ending  221  in a fixed position relative to resting structure  603 . 
         [0033]    Particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed Description section explicitly defines such terms. 
         [0034]    Accordingly, the actual scope of the invention encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the invention. 
         [0035]    The above detailed description of the embodiments of the invention is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed above or to the particular field of usage mentioned in this disclosure. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. Also, the teachings of the invention provided herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. 
         [0036]    Changes can be made to the invention in light of the above “Detailed Description.” While the above description details certain embodiments of the invention and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the invention can be practiced in many ways. Therefore, implementation details may vary considerably while still being encompassed by the invention disclosed herein. As noted above, particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated. 
         [0037]    While certain aspects of the invention are presented below in certain claim forms, the inventor contemplates the various aspects of the invention in any number of claim forms. Accordingly, the inventor reserves the right to add additional claims after filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of the invention.