Ring Remover and Method

Abstract

A procedure and a medical kit for removing a ring from a swollen finger are described. The kit includes a panel set, a compression tape, and a compression tape puller. The panel set encircles the swollen finger with a cylindrical assembly that decreases in diameter when wrapped by said compression tape, forcing excess fluid from said swollen finger back into the hand. Swelling is thereby reduced allowing for removal of the ring.

1 . A ring remover comprising:
 an elongated panel configured to be insertable between a finger and a ring worn on the finger; and   a hand side retainer coupled to the elongated panel and configured to prevent a portion of the elongated panel from being drawn under the ring.   
     
     
         2 . The ring remover of  claim 1  wherein the elongated panel is formed by laminating two layers of sheet material. 
     
     
         3 . The ring remover of  claim 2  wherein the hand side retainer is configured to create a space between the ring and the finger that aids in the insertion of a compression wrap between the ring and the finger. 
     
     
         4 . The ring remover of  claim 3  wherein the hand side retainer comprises two retainer elements separated by a gap configured to allow the insertion the compression wrap through the gap. 
     
     
         5 . The ring remover of  claim 4  further comprising:
 a puller loop retained between the two layers of the elongated panel. 
 
     
     
         6 . The ring remover of  claim 5  wherein the hand side retainer is secured between the two layers of sheet material. 
     
     
         7 . The ring remover of  claim 6  further comprising:
 an internal arch secured between the two layers of sheet material. 
 
     
     
         8 . A method of removing a ring from a swollen finger comprising the steps of:
 inserting an elongated panel between a finger and a ring worn on the finger;   applying a compression wrap over the elongated panel and the finger; and   removing the ring from the finger over the compression wrap and the elongated panel.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8  further comprising the steps of:
 drawing the elongated panel toward the distal end of the finger; and 
 preventing the elongated panel from moving entirely under the ring using a hand side retainer element coupled to the elongated panel. 
 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9  further comprising the steps of:
 inserting an end of the compression wrap under the ring; and 
 pulling the end of the compression wrap toward the distal end of the finger thereby removing the ring over the elongated panel.