An Improved Truss for Inguinal and Scrotal Hernias.
Year: 1897

page_text: Date of Application, 27th Apr., 1897--Accepted, 19th June, 189
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
An Improved Truss for Inguinal and Scrotal Hernias.
I, HERMANN WOLFERMANN M.D., of 9, Ferkelmarkt, Strasbourg, in the
Empire of Germany, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what
manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement:-
This invention relates to an improved bandage for inguinal and scrotal hernias,
the object being to produce a truss or bandage more comfortable in wear and of
greater efficiency than those commonly employed for the purpose.
I will now proceed to describe my invention, reference being had to the
accompanying drawings in which similar reference letters denote different views of
the same parts:-
Figure 1 is a longitudinal section of my improved bandage.
Figure 2 is a cross section on line A B of Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a plan without the upper plate.
Figure 4 is a plan view of the upper plate and spring.
At the top of a steel spring h, which surrounds the pelvis between the edge of
the os innominatum and the pubis, is secured a plate c, hinged to a plate b, carrying
a pad a, preferably oval in shape, the slight external curvature of which is directed
towards the abdomen. The plate c is connected in front by a hinge d, to another
plate & carrying a pad a of the same size and shape. The pad a, of the plate bis
of porous india rubber having the highest possible degree of resiliency; this pad a
is raised sidewise and serves to prevent any undue pressure on the parts and hence
the abrasions of the skin which may result therefrom. The curvature of the plate c,
which is directed towards the abdomen, requires a corresponding curve for the neck
of the spring and in consequence of this curve, the front end of the pad is separated
from the abdominal wall when the spring is placed in position. The plate 6 has a
tendency to keep back from the plate c under the pressure of a spring e therein
inserted, but the moveable stop piece or catch engaging with the staple g, permits
of this plate b being locked to the plate c. The whole arrangement produces the
following results :--
1. The compression of the inguinal canal throughout its length is carried on
in such a manner that the front and rear walls are firmly pressed one against the
other.
2. The peritoneum is pushed backward so that instead of bulging forward it
bulges rearwardly.
3. The internal opening of the inguinal canal is entirely closed in consequence
of this compression, while leaving the external opening of this canal entirely free
so as to prevent the entrance of the intestines and of the epiploön into the inguinal
canal.
4. The pressure exerted on the plate b, directed towards the abdomen and
carrying the convex india-rubber pad a, ensures, owing to the spiral spring e (the
tension of which can be regulated (by varying gauge of wire) so as to correspond
to a weight of from to 4 kilos.) and independently of the absolute support
afforded to any inguinal or scrotal hernia, a considerable reduction of the tensional
strain of the steel spring which surrounds the pelvis, so that all pain due to too
great a pressure of the spring and which might cause not only local but general
troubles is entirely avoided.

page_text: The hernial bandage is fixed by means of a perforated belt or strap starting
from the posterior end of the steel spring, the hernial bi-lateral bandage is fixed
by means of a perforated belt in front. The front end of the pad which is held
away from the abdomen and carries the stud for hooking thereto the fixing belt, is
brought close to the abdomen by the tension of the belt which has for its object to
cause the lateral end of the pad to sink more deeply into the abdomen.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
A truss for inguinal and scrotal hernia, consisting of the combination of a convex
plate bulging towards the hernial outlet, secured to a supporting spring and
connected by a hinge to a second similar plate which carries also a pad of resilient
rubber; a spring inserted between the two said padded plates, a moveable stop
plate or catch and staple, and binding strap or other suitable means for attachment
|-to-the body, all substantially as herein described and illustrated.
Dated his 07h 1
1 1007
PHILLIPS & LEIGH,
No. 22 Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane, London, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicant.