JUGULAR VENOUS DISTENTION MEASUREMENT DEVICE PRIORITY OF INVENTION

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application no.62/494,937 filed August 26, 2016. FIELD

The present invention relates to the field of methods and devices for measuring medical conditions. More particularly, the present invention relates to a device for measuring Jugular Venous Distention. BACKGROUND

A preliminary and minimally invasive method of examining a human for heart failure is by measuring the jugular venous distension (“JVD”; also known as“jugular vein distension,”“jugular vein pressure,”“jugular vein pulsation,” and“jugular venous pressure.”) There are generally two methods of measuring JVD: a traditional method and an advanced method. While both are acceptable practices, the traditional method is requires either one straight edge or ruler and estimation or two straight edges. Using the traditional method of measuring JVD, a patient care provider, such as a doctor, takes a measurement of the vertical distance between the angle of Louis (manubrio sternal joint; sternal angle) and the highest level of jugular venous distension using the centimeter side of a ruler and a straight edge or another ruler to place perpendicular to the first ruler. Alternatively, a patient care provider will estimate the vertical distance without assistance of a straight edge. Even though studies show that the traditional method is an accurate measure of JVD (see Usefulness of the External Jugular Vein Examination in Detecting Abnormal Central Venous Pressure in Critically Ill Patients; Arch Intern Med.2006;166(19):2132-2137) there is no standardized tool to assist patient care providers with a consistent means of quickly measuring JVD without the risk of poor estimation. Furthermor, advanced methods of measuring JVD involve using pulmonary artery catheterization or ultrasound imaging, which are not often quickly available for patients in need.

Thus, there is a need for a more accurate tool to improve patient care and the medical field. In particular, there remains a need for a single, standardized, and non-invasive tool for measuring JVD that is also cost effective. SUMMARY

The present invention provides a device possessing the utility of a standardized non-invasive tool for accurately measuring Jugular Venous Distention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figures are provided to assist in the understanding of the claimed subject matter. One having ordinary skill in the art would understand that the Figures depict specific non-limiting embodiments of the claimed invention, and are not included to represent the all embodiments of the invention. Figures are not drawn to scale. FIG.1A is an angled front view of an embodiment of the ruler.

FIG.1B is a front view of an embodiment of the ruler. FIG.2A is an angled side view of an embodiment of the slider.

FIG.3A is an angled side view of an embodiment of the pointer.

FIG.4A is an angled side view of an embodiment of a pin, particularly a screw and screw top.

FIG.5A is an angled front view of an embodiment of the cap.

FIG.6A is an angled front view of an embodiment of the device when the pointer is parallel with the ruler.

FIG.6B is a side view of an embodiment of the device when the pointer is parallel with the ruler.

FIG.7A is a side view of an embodiment of the device when the pointer is perpendicular with the ruler. DESCIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to certain claims of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying figures. While the invention will be described in conjunction with the enumerated claims, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention to those claims. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, which may be included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment of the invention, or a particular claim, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with and/or in the context of other particular aspect and embodiments of the invention, and in the invention generally. Where reference herein to a method comprising two or more defined steps, the defined steps can be carried in any order or simultaneously (except where the context excludes that possibility), and the method can include one or more other steps which are carried out before any of the defined steps, between two of the defined steps, or after all of the defined step (except where the context excludes that possibility). DEFINITION

Unless stated otherwise, the following terms and phrases as used herein are intended to have the following meanings: “Axis” refers to a spatial relationship to provide orientation of a specific embodiment of the device. An“Axis of Rotation” refers to a point where an object may only move in a rotational motion around the point (i.e. pivot around the point). “Carve-out” refers to an absence of material that does not go all the way through a particular object. In contract to a hole (defined herein), a carve-out is similar to an empty box missing one of the four walls. A non-limiting example of a carve-out is 207 of FIG.2A “Comprises” and grammatical equivalents thereof are used herein to mean that other components are optionally present. For example, an article“comprising” components A, B, and C, can consist of components A, B, and C or can contain not only components A, B, and C, but also one or more other components. “Cap” (top or bottom) refers to a part of a specific embodiment of the invention that prevents the slider from detaching from the ruler. Dimensions:

“Height” refers to a vertical dimension of the device. A non-limiting example of height is the“Z” axis of the following XYZ plane. One having skill in the art would recognize that the orientation of this plane can be variable and that“height” or“Z” are with respect only to“length” (“Y”) and“width” (“X”) as described herein.

“Length” refers to one horizontal dimension of the device. A non-limiting example of length is the“Y” axis of the foregoing XYZ plane. “Width” refers to a horizontal dimension of the device perpendicular to length. A non- limiting example of width is the“X” axis of the foregoing XYZ plane. “Hole” refer to an absence of material from either one side to the opposite side of a part of an embodiment of the invention; or from the top to the bottom of a part of an embodiment of the invention. A hole can be created in many ways. For example, a hole may be punched out with a punch; alternatively, a hole can be drilled out. Non-limiting examples of a hole include an absence of material from the top to the bottom of the slider; an absence of material from one side of the slider to the opposite side; or an absence of material from one side of the pointer to the other side of the pointer. One having ordinary skill in the art would recognize that a hole does not have a particular shape. For example, a hole can be a round absence of material (cylindrical), a square absence of material (cubic), a rectangular absence of material, an oval absence of material, or any other polygon. “Measure” or“Measuring” refer to a means of determining a particular variable. In a non- limiting example, measure as used herein refers to a means of determining jugular venous distension of a human in need thereof. “Pin” refers to an object that allows a connected object to rotate around the pin as an axis of rotation (or a pivot). A non-limited example of a pin is a screw and a screw top. “Pointer” refers to a part of an embodiment of the device. The pointer is a part that can be rotated on an axis of rotation determined by a pin connecting the pointer and the slider. “Ruler” refers to a part of an embodiment of the device comprising a unit of measurement. In non-limiting examples of a ruler, the unit of measurement is centimeters. “Slider” refers to a part of an embodiment of the device that houses a pin to determine an axis of rotation for the pointer and can move along the ruler to display specific units of measurement. DETAILED DESCIPTION OF THE ELEMENTS

Specific depictions as well as specific embodiments of the invention described herein are for illustration only; they do not exclude other configurations. In an embodiment, a method of measuring jugular venous distension in a human in need thereof comprising a single hand-held device. In one embodiment, a device for measuring jugular venous distension in a human in need thereof comprising a ruler, a slider, and a pointer wherein:

the ruler comprises

a first axis: height ^R ;

a second axis: width ^R ;

a third axis: length ^R ; and

a unit of measurement along height ^R ;

the slider can slide parallel along height ^R ; and

the slider connects to the pointer at an axis of rotation wherein the pointer can pivot around the axis of rotation. In one embodiment, a device comprising a ruler, a slider, and a pointer wherein:

the ruler comprises

a first axis: height ^R ;

a second axis: width ^R ;

a third axis: length ^R ; and

a unit of measurement along height ^R ;

the slider can slide parallel along height ^R ; and

the slider connects to the pointer at an axis of rotation wherein the pointer can pivot around the axis of rotation. In one embodiment, a device comprising a ruler, a slider, and a pointer wherein:

the ruler comprises

a first axis: height ^R ;

a second axis: width ^R ;

a third axis: length ^R ; and

a unit of measurement along height ^R ;

the slider can slide parallel along height ^R ;

the slider connects to the pointer at an axis of rotation wherein the pointer can pivot around the axis of rotation; wherein pointer can rotate between a 0° angle and a 90° angle, respective to the ruler. In one embodiment, a device comprising a ruler, a slider, and a pointer wherein:

the ruler comprises a first axis: height ^R ;

a second axis: width ^R ;

a third axis: length ^R ; and

a unit of measurement along height ^R ;

the slider surrounds the ruler;

the slider can slide parallel along height ^R ;

the slider connects to the pointer at an axis of rotation wherein the pointer can pivot around the axis of rotation; wherein pointer can rotate between a 0° angle and a 90° angle, respective to the ruler. In one embodiment, a device comprising a ruler, a slider, and a pointer wherein:

the ruler comprises

a first axis: height ^R ;

a second axis: width ^R ;

a third axis: length ^R ; and

a unit of measurement along height ^R ;

slider comprises a hole wherein the unit of measurement is visible to a human through the hole

the slider comprises a second hole that surrounds the ruler;

the slider can slide parallel along height ^R ;

the slider connects to the pointer at an axis of rotation wherein the pointer can pivot around the axis of rotation; wherein pointer can rotate between a 0° angle and a 90° angle, respective to the ruler. In one embodiment, a device comprising a ruler, a slider, and a pointer wherein:

the ruler comprises

a first axis: height ^R ;

a second axis: width ^R ;

a third axis: length ^R ; and

a unit of measurement along height ^R wherein the unit of measurement is centimeters;

slider comprises a hole wherein the unit of measurement is visible to a human through the hole

the slider comprises a second hole that surrounds the ruler;

the slider can slide parallel along height ^R ;

the slider connects to the pointer at an axis of rotation wherein the pointer can pivot around the axis of rotation; wherein pointer can rotate between a 0° angle and a 90° angle, respective to the ruler. In one embodiment, a device comprising a ruler, a slider, and a pointer wherein:

the ruler comprises

a first axis: height ^R ;

a second axis: width ^R ;

a third axis: length ^R ; and

a unit of measurement along height ^R wherein the unit of measurement is centimeters; slider comprises a hole wherein the unit of measurement is visible to a human through the hole

the slider comprises a second hole that surrounds the ruler;

the slider can slide parallel along height ^R ;

the slider connects to the pointer at an axis of rotation wherein the pointer can pivot around the axis of rotation; wherein pointer can rotate between a 0° angle and a 90° angle, respective to the ruler; and the axis of rotation is a pin. In one embodiment, a device comprising a ruler, a slider, and a pointer wherein:

the ruler comprises

a first axis: height ^R ;

a second axis: width ^R ;

a third axis: length ^R ; and

a unit of measurement along height ^R wherein the unit of measurement is centimeters;

slider comprises a hole wherein the unit of measurement is visible to a human through the hole

the slider comprises a second hole that surrounds the ruler;

the slider can slide parallel along height ^R ;

the slider connects to the pointer at an axis of rotation wherein the pointer can pivot around the axis of rotation; wherein pointer can rotate between a 0° angle and a 90° angle, respective to the ruler; the axis of rotation is a pin;

further comprises a cap connected to one end of height ^R . In one embodiment, a device comprising a ruler, a slider, and a pointer wherein:

the ruler comprises

a first axis: height ^R ;

a second axis: width ^R ;

a third axis: length ^R ; and

a unit of measurement along height ^R wherein the unit of measurement is centimeters;

slider comprises a hole wherein the unit of measurement is visible to a human through the hole

the slider comprises a second hole that surrounds the ruler;

the slider can slide parallel along height ^R ;

the slider connects to the pointer at an axis of rotation wherein the pointer can pivot around the axis of rotation; wherein pointer can rotate between a 0° angle and a 90° angle, respective to the ruler; the axis of rotation is a pin;

further comprises a cap connected to one end of height ^R and a second cap connected to the opposite end of height ^R .

In one embodiment, a device comprising a ruler, a slider, and a pointer wherein:

the ruler comprises:

a length: length ^R ; a width: width ^R ; and

a height: height ^R ;

wherein height ^R comprises:

a top: top ^R ;

a bottom: bottom ^R ; and

a unit of measurement in centimeters;

the slider comprises:

a length: length ^S ;

wherein length ^S comprises:

a top: top ^S ;

a bottom: bottom ^S ;

a first side: side ^1S and a second side: side ^2S ;

a hole: hole ^TB wherein:

hole ^TB is from top ^S to bottom ^S and is about the same perimeter as (2 x width ^R ) + (2 x length ^R ); a hole: hole ^SSS wherein:

hole ^SSS is from side ^1S to side ^2S ; and a carve-out wherein the carve-out is from hole ^SSS to an end of length ^S opposite hole ^TB .

a width: width ^S ; and

a height: height ^S ;

the pointer comprises:

a length: length ^P ;

wherein length ^P comprises:

a first side: side ^1P and a second side: side ^2P ;

a hole: hole ^SSP wherein:

hole ^SSP is from side ^1P to side ^2P

a width: width ^P ; and

a height: height ^P ;

hole ^TB surrounds the length ^R and width ^R ;

hole ^TB can move along height ^R ;

pointer connects to the slider with a pin that fills hole ^SSS and hole ^SSP ; and the pin is an axis of rotation to the pointer. In one embodiment, a device comprising a ruler, a slider, and a pointer wherein:

the ruler comprises:

a length: length ^R ;

a width: width ^R ; and

a height: height ^R ;

wherein height ^R comprises:

a top: top ^R ;

a bottom: bottom ^R ; and

a unit of measurement in centimeters;

the slider comprises:

a length: length ^S ;

wherein length ^S comprises: a top: top ^S ;

a bottom: bottom ^S ;

a first side: side ^1S and a second side: side ^2S ;

a hole: hole ^TB wherein:

hole ^TB is from top ^S to bottom ^S and is about the same perimeter as (2 x width ^R ) + (2 x length ^R ); a hole: hole ^SSS wherein:

hole ^SSS is from side ^1S to side ^2S ; and

a carve-out wherein the carve-out is from hole ^SSS to an end of length ^S opposite hole ^TB .

a width: width ^S ; and

a height: height ^S ;

the pointer comprises:

a length: length ^P ;

wherein length ^P comprises:

a first side: side ^1P and a second side: side ^2P ;

a hole: hole ^SSP wherein:

hole ^SSP is from side ^1P to side ^2P

a width: width ^P ; and

a height: height ^P ;

hole ^TB surrounds the length ^R and width ^R ;

hole ^TB can move along height ^R ;

pointer connects to the slider with a pin that fills hole ^SSS and hole ^SSP ; and the pin is an axis of rotation to the pointer wherein the axis of rotation is limited to between 0° and 90° respective to length ^R . FIGS.1A-1B show specific embodiments of the ruler.100 and 103 show specific embodiments of height ^R . 101 and 104 show specific embodiments of width ^R .102 shows a specific embodiment of length ^R . FIGS.1A and 1B depict an embodiment of the invention wherein a side of the ruler comprises measurements in centimeters; accordingly in one embodiment of the invention, the unit of measurement is in centimeters. In one embodiment of the invention, the measurement in centimeters counts from 1 centimeter to 12 centimeter (for example 1 centimeter, 2 centimeter, 3 centimeter ...10 centimeter, 11 centimeter, and 12 centimeter are included). In one embodiment of the invention, the 1 centimeter is located toward 106 bottom ^R and the 12 centimeter is located toward 105 top ^R . FIG.2A shows a specific embodiment of the slider.200 shows a specific embodiment of height ^S .201 shows a specific embodiment of width ^S .202 shows a specific embodiment of length ^S .203 shows a specific embodiment of hole ^TB .204 shows the length of the hole. In one embodiment, 204 is about the same size as 102, wherein“about” is +/- 0.001 centimeter to +/- 0.1 centimeter.205 shows the width of the hole. In one embodiment, 205 is about the same size as 101 and 104, wherein“about” is +/- 0.001 centimeter to +/- 0.1 centimeter.206 shows an embodiment of hole ^SSS .207 shows a carve-out portion of the slider. FIG.3A shows a specific embodiment of the pointer.300 shows a specific embodiment of height ^P .301 shows a specific embodiment of width ^P .302 shows a specific embodiment of length ^P .303 shows a specific embodiment of hole ^SSP . In one embodiment, hole ^SSP in the pointer depicted in 303 is the same size as hole ^SSS in the slider depicted in 206.304 shows a specific embodiment of the pointer including a pointed tip. FIG.4A shows a specific embodiment of a pin, particularly a screw and screw top.400 shows a specific embodiment of the screw.401 shows an embodiment of the width of a pin. In one embodiment, 401 is about the same size to fill holes 206, 303, and 403.402 shows an embodiment of the screw top.403 shows a specific embodiment of a hole in the screw top. In one specific embodiment, 403 is same size as 206 and 303. In one embodiment, 401 is an axis of rotation. FIG.5A shows a specific embodiment of the cap.500 shows a specific embodiment of the height of the cap.501 shows a specific embodiment of the width of the cap.502 shows a specific embodiment of the length of the cap.503 shows a specific embodiment of the cap comprising an optional prong to attach to the top or bottom of the ruler.504 shows a specific embodiment of the length of a carve-out. In one embodiment, 504 is about the same size as 204.505 shows a specific embodiment of the width of a carve-out. In one embodiment, 505 is about the same size as 205. FIGS.6A-6B show a specific embodiment of the device when the pointer is parallel with the ruler.600 shows a specific embodiment of the ruler.601 shows a specific embodiment of the slider, fitted around the ruler.602 shows a specific embodiment of the pointer, connected to the slider via a 603 screw and screw top.604 and 605 show specific embodiments of the top and bottom end caps, respectively.610 shows a side view of a specific embodiment of the ruler.611 shows a side view of a specific embodiment of the slider, fitted around the ruler. 612 shows a side view of a specific embodiment of the pointer, connected to the slider via a 613 screw and screw top.614 and 615 show a side view of a specific embodiment of the top and bottom end caps, respectively. FIG.7A shows a side view of a specific embodiment of the device when the pointer is perpendicular with the ruler.700 shows a specific embodiment of the ruler.701 shows a specific embodiment of the slider, fitted around the ruler.702 shows a specific embodiment of the pointer, connected to the slider via a 703 screw and screw top.704 and 705 show specific embodiments of the top and bottom end caps, respectively. Methods of Measuring Jugular Venous Distension

One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the device described herein can be used for measuring jugular venous distension according to the traditional method. In particular, use of the device described herein includes approximating central venous pressure (CVP) by measuring JVD, adding 5 centimeters to the measurement and dividing the total by 1.36. Accordingly, in one embodiment, a method of measuring jugular venous distension in a human in need thereof using the device described herein. In one embodiment, a method of measuring jugular venous distension in a human in need thereof using a device comprising a ruler, a slider, and a pointer wherein:

the ruler comprises

a first axis: height ^R ;

a second axis: width ^R ;

a third axis: length ^R ; and

a unit of measurement along height ^R ;

the slider can slide parallel along height ^R ; and

the slider connects to the pointer at an axis of rotation wherein the pointer can pivot around the axis of rotation. In one embodiment, a method of measuring jugular venous distension in a human in need thereof using a device comprising a ruler, a slider, and a pointer wherein:

the ruler comprises:

a length: length ^R ;

a width: width ^R ; and

a height: height ^R ;

wherein height ^R comprises:

a top: top ^R ;

a bottom: bottom ^R ; and

a unit of measurement in centimeters;

the slider comprises:

a length: length ^S ;

wherein length ^S comprises:

a top: top ^S ;

a bottom: bottom ^S ;

a first side: side ^1S and a second side: side ^2S ;

a hole: hole ^TB wherein:

hole ^TB is from top ^S to bottom ^S and is about the same perimeter as (2 x width ^R ) + (2 x length ^R ); a hole: hole ^SSS wherein:

hole ^SSS is from side ^1S to side ^2S ; and a carve-out wherein the carve-out is from hole ^SSS to an end of length ^S opposite hole ^TB .

a width: width ^S ; and

a height: height ^S ;

the pointer comprises:

a length: length ^P ;

wherein length ^P comprises:

a first side: side ^1P and a second side: side ^2P ;

a hole: hole ^SSP wherein:

hole ^SSP is from side ^1P to side ^2P

a width: width ^P ; and

a height: height ^P ;

hole ^TB surrounds the length ^R and width ^R ;

hole ^TB can move along height ^R ; pointer connects to the slider with a pin that fills hole ^SSS and hole ^SSP ; and the pin is an axis of rotation to the pointer. All literature and patent citations above are hereby expressly incorporated by reference at the location of their citation. Specifically cited sections or page of the above cited works are incorporated by reference with specificity. The invention has been described in detail sufficient to allow one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the subject matter of the following Claims. It is apparent that certain modifications or the method and compositions of the following Claims can be made within the scope and spirit of the invention.