# US 10,368,877 B2 · Methods and devices to reduce damaging effects of concussive or blast forces on a subject > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 10,368,877 B2 - Document ID: US10368877B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 15/150,243 - Filed: 2016-05-09 - Published: 2016-11-03 - Granted: 2019-08-06 - Earliest claimed: 2009-09-11 - Assignees: Tbi Innovations, LLC; Thornhill Research Inc. - Applicants: TBI Innovations, LLC; Thornhill Research, Inc. - Inventors: David Smith; Joseph A. Fisher - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10368877B2 ## CPC - A61B 17/1325: {with means for applying local pressure (pressure pads A61F5/30)} - A61B 17/135: inflatable - A61B 90/08: {Accessories or related features not otherwise provided for} - A61F 5/30: Pressure pads - A61B 17/1355: {Automated control means therefor} - A61B 2017/00119: {alarm; indicating an abnormal situation} - A61B 2017/00734: {battery operated} - A61B 2090/0807: {Indication means} - A61B: DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION (usefulness limited to only animals A61D) - A61F: FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS (dental prosthetics A61C) ## Abstract A method and device for reducing the damaging effects of a blast or concussive event includes applying pressure to at least one jugular vein to reduce the egress of blood from the cranial cavity during the incidence of the concussive event. Reducing blood out flow from the cranial cavity increases intracranial pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid to reduce the risk of traumatic brain injury and injuries to the spinal column. Reducing blood out flow further increases the intracranial pressure, and thereby increases the pressure of the cochlear fluid, the vitreous humor and the cerebrospinal fluid to thereby reduce the risk of injury to the inner ear, internal structure of the eye and of the spinal column. In addition, increasing intracranial pressure reduces the likelihood of brain injury and any associated loss of olfactory function. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A method for mitigating injury to an inner ear of a subject exposed to a concussive force or a blast wave, the method comprising applying an external pressure to an internal jugular vein of the subject prior to and during exposure to the concussive force or a blast wave, wherein the pressure is sufficient to restrict blood flow through the internal jugular vein. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the pressure applied to the internal jugular vein is equivalent to a fluid pressure of about 5-80 mm Hg. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the pressure is sufficient to increase intracochlear fluid pressure in the subject. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the pressure is sufficient to increase intracochlear fluid volume in the subject. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the pressure is applied to the internal jugular vein by a compression device on or around the subject's neck, the compression device selected from the group consisting of a collar that encircles the subject's neck, a resilient arcuate band that wholly encircles the subject's neck, and a resilient arcuate band that partially encircles the subject's neck. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the pressure is applied to the internal jugular vein with a compression device on or around the subject's neck, the compression device comprising at least one inwardly directed protuberance positioned to apply pressure to the internal jugular vein. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) The method of claim 6, wherein the at least one protuberance comprises a fixed stud resistant to deformation, a pad, or a thickened or inflatable region of the device. ### Claim 8 A method for reducing the risk of an injury to an inner ear of a subject comprising applying an external pressure to a jugular vein of the subject while the subject is at risk of injury to the inner ear. ### Claim 9 (depends on 8) The method of claim 8, wherein the pressure is sufficient to increase intracochlear fluid pressure in the subject. ### Claim 10 (depends on 8) The method of claim 8, wherein the pressure is sufficient to increase intracochlear fluid volume in the subject. ### Claim 11 (depends on 8) The method of claim 8, wherein the subject is at risk of being exposed to an external concussive force or a blast wave. ### Claim 12 (depends on 8) The method of claim 8, wherein the jugular vein is an internal jugular vein. ### Claim 13 (depends on 8) The method of claim 8, wherein the pressure applied to the jugular vein is equivalent to a fluid pressure of about 5-80 mm Hg. ### Claim 14 (depends on 8) The method of claim 8, wherein the pressure is applied to the jugular vein with a compression device on or around a neck of the subject, the compression device selected from the group consisting of a collar that encircles the subject's neck, a resilient arcuate band that wholly encircles the subject's neck, and a resilient arcuate band that partially encircles the subject's neck. ### Claim 15 (depends on 14) The method of claim 14, wherein the compression device further comprises one or more inflatable bladders that alter the circumference of the compression device. ### Claim 16 (depends on 8) The method of claim 8, wherein the pressure to the jugular vein is applied by a compression device on or around the subject's neck, the compression device comprising at least one inwardly directed protuberance positioned to apply pressure to the jugular vein. ### Claim 17 (depends on 16) The method of claim 16, wherein the at least one protuberance comprises a fixed stud resistant to deformation, a pad, or a thickened or inflatable region of the device. ### Claim 18 (depends on 16) The method of claim 16, wherein the compression device is selected from the group consisting of a collar that encircles the subject's neck, a resilient arcuate band that wholly encircles the subject's neck, and a resilient arcuate band that partially encircles the subject's neck. ### Claim 19 (depends on 18) The method of claim 18, wherein the compression device further comprises one or more inflatable bladders that alters the circumference of the compression device. ### Claim 20 A method for mitigating injury to an inner ear of a subject, the method comprising applying an external pressure to a jugular vein of the subject, wherein the pressure is sufficient to restrict blood flow through the jugular vein. ### Claim 21 (depends on 20) The method of claim 20, wherein the pressure is sufficient to increase intracochlear fluid pressure in the subject. ### Claim 22 (depends on 20) The method of claim 20, wherein the pressure is sufficient to increase intracochlear fluid volume in the subject. ### Claim 23 (depends on 20) The method of claim 20, wherein the subject is exposed to an external concussive force or blast wave. ### Claim 24 (depends on 22) The method of claim 22, wherein the pressure is applied prior to and during exposure to the external concussive force or blast wave. ### Claim 25 (depends on 20) The method of claim 20, wherein the jugular vein is the internal jugular vein. ### Claim 26 (depends on 20) The method of claim 20, wherein the pressure applied to the jugular vein is equivalent to a fluid pressure of about 5-80 mm Hg. ### Claim 27 (depends on 20) The method of claim 20, wherein the pressure is applied to the jugular vein by a compression device on or around the subject's neck, the compression device selected from the group consisting of a collar that encircles the subject's neck, a resilient arcuate band that wholly encircles the subject's neck, and a resilient arcuate band that partially encircles the subject's neck. ### Claim 28 (depends on 27) The method of claim 27, wherein the compression device further comprises one or more inflatable bladders that alter the circumference of the compression device depending on inflation status. ### Claim 29 (depends on 20) The method of claim 20, wherein the pressure is applied to the jugular vein with a compression device on or around the subject's neck, the compression device comprising at least one inwardly directed protuberance positioned to apply pressure to the jugular vein. ### Claim 30 (depends on 29) The method of claim 29, wherein the at least one protuberance comprises a fixed stud resistant to deformation, a pad, or a thickened or inflatable region of the device. ### Claim 31 (depends on 29) The method of claim 29, wherein the compression device is selected from the group consisting of a collar that encircles the subject's neck, a resilient arcuate band that wholly encircles the subject's neck, and a resilient arcuate band that partially encircles the subject's neck. ### Claim 32 (depends on 31) The method of claim 31, wherein the compression device further comprises one or more inflatable bladders that alters the circumference of the compression device.