Portable instrument relieves hematomas beneath fingernails and toenails without surgery. This device simplifies the operative procedure with an instant variable heating tip, adjustable depth settings and interchangeable tip sizes for cauterizing small areas and relieving pressurized clots

Raggio, L. J.

Robertson, T. L.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

•	
September 96 ,
	
Brief 67-10332 
cq 
NASA TECH BRIEF 
NASA Tech Briefs are issued to summarize specific innovations derived from the U.S. space program, 
to encourage their commercial application. Copies are available to the public at 15 cents each 
from the Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific and Technical Information, Springfield, Virginia 22151. 
Hand-Held Instrument Should Relieve Hematoma Pressure 
Tip Control And 
Switch 
.
Guard 
Heater Element 
Stainless Tip
Temperature Controller 
off O	 : 
The problem: 
The relief of excessive pressure buildup (hema-
tomas) beneath fingernails and toenails caused by 
ruptured blood vessels is normally obtained by an 
involved surgical procedure. The nail area is scrubbed 
clean, the member is anesthetized by freezing with 
ethyl chloride or by digital block with a local. The 
nail is then pierced with a sterile drill or heated hypo-
dermic needle, neither technique being devoid of 
psychological trauma on the part of the patient.
The solution: 
A device, that simplifies the operative procedure, 
in the form of a self-contained portable instrument 
with an instant variable heating tip, adjustable depth 
settings and a variety of interchangeable tip sizes for 
cauterizing small areas and relieving pressurized clots. 
How it's done: 
The device consists of a temperature controller with 
integral battery and a surgical tool connected to it by 
appropriate wiring. The surgical tool consists of a 
(continued overleaf) 
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heating element, removable and interchangeable stain-
less steel tip, and a combination tip depth control and 
switch, all contained in a plastic case. 
To operate, the affected area is cleaned and coated 
with a standard disinfectant but need not be anesthe-
tized. The tip is adjusted to make a penetration 
through the nail but not sufficient to contact any 
tissue thereunder. The heating element is activated 
and, after a 3-second interval, the instrument is 
brought to bear lightly on the nail above the hema-
toma. The heated tip burns easily and quickly through 
the nail without noticeable discomfort to the patient 
and provides instant relief.
Note: 
This development is in conceptual stage only, and 
as of date of publication of this Tech Brief, neither a 
model nor prototype has been constructed. 
Patent status: 
No patent action is contemplated by NASA. 
Source: L. J. Raggio and T. L. Robertson 
of North American Aviation, Inc. 
under contract to 
Manned Spacecraft Center 
(MSC-599) 
Brief 67-10332	 Category 04


Hand-held instrument should relieve hematoma pressure

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