U.S. patent application number 10/712265 was filed with the patent office on 2005-05-19 for medical vacuum aspiration device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Ipas. Invention is credited to Banker, Robin Lyn, Blumenthal, Paul D., Burton, Nadine Ferdman, Kominski, Terence Stanely, Leonard, Ann Hamilton, Maguire, Elizabeth Shires, Rouleau, Michael Patrick.
Application Number | 20050107757 10/712265 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34573520 |
Filed Date | 2005-05-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050107757 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Burton, Nadine Ferdman ; et
al. |
May 19, 2005 |
Medical vacuum aspiration device
Abstract
A medical vacuum aspiration device includes an aspiration
cylinder and a valve. The valve includes a removable fluid conduit,
a valve housing having at least first and second housing portions,
means for removably attaching the first housing portion to the
second housing portion, and an actuator. The removable fluid
conduit has a first end for attaching to a cannula and a second end
for attaching to the aspiration cylinder. The first and second
housing portions may define a cavity for removably holding at least
a portion of the fluid conduit. The actuator is coupled to the
valve housing and selectively compresses a portion of the fluid
conduit to open and close a fluid path defined by the fluid
conduit.
Inventors: |
Burton, Nadine Ferdman;
(Durham, NC) ; Maguire, Elizabeth Shires; (Chapel
Hill, NC) ; Leonard, Ann Hamilton; (Chapel Hill,
NC) ; Banker, Robin Lyn; (Cary, NC) ; Rouleau,
Michael Patrick; (Cary, NC) ; Blumenthal, Paul
D.; (Baltimore, MD) ; Kominski, Terence Stanely;
(Cary, NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MORGAN LEWIS & BOCKIUS LLP
1111 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE NW
WASHINGTON
DC
20004
US
|
Assignee: |
Ipas
|
Family ID: |
34573520 |
Appl. No.: |
10/712265 |
Filed: |
November 14, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
604/319 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 1/7415 20210501;
A61M 1/7413 20210501; A61M 1/67 20210501 |
Class at
Publication: |
604/319 |
International
Class: |
A61M 001/00 |
Claims
What we claim is:
1. A medical vacuum aspiration device comprising: an aspiration
cylinder; and a valve, the valve comprising: a removable fluid
conduit having a first end for attaching to the aspiration cylinder
and a second end for attaching to a cannula; a valve housing having
at least first and second housing portions that define a cavity for
removably holding at least a portion of the fluid conduit; means
for removably attaching the first housing portion to the second
housing portion; and an actuator, coupled to the valve housing,
that selectively compresses a portion of the fluid conduit to open
and close a fluid path defined by the fluid conduit.
2. The medical vacuum aspiration device according to claim 1,
wherein the first and second housing portions and the means for
removably attaching comprise a single-piece unit.
3. The medical vacuum aspiration device according to claim 2,
wherein the single-piece unit comprises plastic.
4. The medical vacuum aspiration device according to claim 3,
wherein the plastic comprises polypropylene.
5. The medical vacuum aspiration device according to claim 1,
wherein the fluid conduit further comprises a first receptacle
proximate the first end, the first receptacle for receiving an end
of the aspiration cylinder to provide a sealed connection between
the fluid conduit and the aspiration cylinder.
6. The medical vacuum aspiration device according to claim 5,
wherein the fluid conduit and the first receptacle comprises an
integrally formed conduit component such that the fluid passageway
extends continuously through the fluid conduit.
7. The medical vacuum aspiration device according to claim 6,
wherein the integrally formed conduit component comprises a
resilient material.
8. The medical vacuum aspiration device according to claim 7,
wherein the resilient material comprises silicone.
9. The medical vacuum aspiration device according to claim 1,
wherein the first and second housing portions engage the fluid
conduit to restrain movement of the fluid conduit relative to the
housing.
10. The medical vacuum aspiration device according to claim 9, the
valve further comprising a cap that connects to the first and
second housing portions.
11. The medical vacuum aspiration device according to claim 10,
wherein a portion of the fluid conduit extends outwardly from an
end of the housing and the cap extends over the portion of the
fluid conduit.
12. The medical vacuum aspiration device according to claim 11,
wherein the cap engages the fluid conduit to restrain movement of
the fluid conduit relative to the housing.
13. The medical vacuum aspiration device according to claim 1,
wherein the fluid conduit further comprises a sealing receptacle
adapted to cooperate with the aspiration cylinder to provide a
fluid seal between the aspiration cylinder and the fluid
conduit.
14. The medical vacuum aspiration device according to claim 13,
wherein the sealing receptacle is integrally formed portion of the
fluid conduit.
15. A medical vacuum aspiration device comprising: an aspiration
cylinder; and a valve adapted for fluid communication with the
aspiration cylinder, the valve including: first and second housing
portions, each including inner and outer walls; a releasable
connector joining the first housing portion to the second housing
portion such that the first housing portion and the second housing
cooperate to define a housing having first and second open ends and
a cavity defined by the inner walls and extending between the first
and second open ends; a fluid conduit retained in the cavity when
the first and second housing portions are joined by the releasable
connector, and the fluid conduit exposed for removal from the
cavity when the releasable connector is released, the fluid conduit
including a flexible conduit portion; and at least one conduit
clamp movably mounted on one of the housing portions and engagable
with the flexible conduit portion to compress the conduit
portion.
16. The medical vacuum aspiration device according to claim 15,
further comprising a hinge about which the first housing portion
pivots relative to the second housing portion.
17. The medical vacuum aspiration device according to claim 16,
wherein the hinge comprises a living hinge.
18. The medical vacuum aspiration device according to claim 17,
wherein the hinge comprises two living hinges integrally formed on
the housing portions.
19. The medical vacuum aspiration device according to claim 18,
wherein each of the living hinges comprises a double living
hinge.
20. The medical vacuum aspiration device according to claim 16,
wherein the releasable connector comprises a releasable latch.
21. The medical vacuum aspiration device according to claim 20,
wherein the releasable latch comprises a latch tab extending from
an edge of one of the housing portions and a tab recess in an outer
surface of another one of the housing portions, the tab recess
releasably receiving the latch tab when the releasable connector
joins the housing portions.
22. The medical vacuum aspiration device according to claim 21,
wherein the latch tab further comprises a dome portion cooperating
with the tab recess to define a user interface space.
23. The medical vacuum aspiration device according to claim 22,
wherein the latch tab and tab recess are integrally formed on a
respective one of the housing portions.
24. The medical vacuum aspiration device according to claim 15,
wherein the valve further comprising a cap connected to at least
one of the first and second ends of the housing.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a medical vacuum aspiration
device (MVA). In general, it is more economical for MVAs to be used
multiple times before they are disposed. Between uses, the MVA
should be sterilized and/or disinfected. However, the materials
chosen for the components of the MVA may be susceptible to
degradation and/or damage by certain sterilization procedures and
disinfectants. For example, latex components of the MVA can oxidize
in an autoclave and certain plastic components can melt in an
autoclave or degrade in the presence of chemical disinfectants.
[0002] Some MVAs are difficult to adequately clean and sterilize
because they cannot be disassembled sufficiently. Other MVAs can
include multiple parts that can be disassembled for sterilizing and
disinfecting. However, the parts are easily misplaced or lost when
disassembled. Further, a plurality of interfaces must be provided
between each of the parts in order to connect the parts together
and provide proper sealing to maintain the vacuum in the fluid path
extending through the MVA. The plurality of interfaces can harbor
tissue and fluid that can be difficult to remove during the
sterilizing and disinfecting procedures. There remains a need for
an MVA that is economical, safe, effective, and easily cleaned and
sterilized.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] There is provided an MVA that is easily cleaned and
sterilized.
[0004] There is provided an MVA that is less susceptible to
material degradation.
[0005] There is provided an MVA that can be used safely.
[0006] There is provided an MVA that can be made and used
economically.
[0007] There is provided an MVA that can maintain the vacuum seal
along the entire fluid path of the MVA.
[0008] There is provided an MVA that can be easy and comfortable to
grasp and operate by a user.
[0009] There is also provided a medical vacuum aspiration device
including an aspiration cylinder and a valve. The valve includes a
removable fluid conduit, a valve housing having at least first and
second housing portions, means for removably attaching the first
housing portion to the second housing portion, and an actuator. The
removable fluid conduit can have a first end for attaching to a
cannula and a second end for attaching to the aspiration cylinder.
The first and second housing portions may define a cavity for
removably holding at least a portion of the fluid conduit. The
actuator can be coupled to the valve housing and selectively
compresses a portion of the fluid conduit to open and close a fluid
path defined by the fluid conduit.
[0010] There is yet also provided a medical vacuum aspiration
device including an aspiration cylinder and a valve adapted for
fluid communication with the aspiration cylinder. The valve
includes first and second housing portions, a releasable connector,
a fluid conduit and at least one conduit clamp. The first and
second housing portions each include inner and outer walls. The
releasable connector joins the first housing portion to the second
housing portion such that the first housing portion and the second
housing can cooperate to define a housing having first and second
open ends and a cavity defined by the inner walls and extending
between the first and second open ends. The fluid conduit can be
retained in the cavity when the first and second housing portions
are joined by the releasable connector. The fluid conduit can be
exposed for removal from the cavity when the releasable connector
is released. The fluid conduit can include a flexible conduit
portion. The at least one conduit clamp can be movably mounted on
one of the housing portions and engagable with the flexible conduit
portion to compress the conduit portion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and
constitute part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of
the invention, and, together with the general description given
above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain
the features of the invention.
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of
an medical vacuum aspiration device according to the invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 is perspective view of a valve of the medical vacuum
aspiration device according to FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a housing of the valve according to
FIG. 2 with the housing in the opened position and the fluid
conduit exposed.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the inside of the housing according
to FIG. 3 with the fluid conduit removed.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the outside of the housing
according to FIG. 4.
[0017] FIG. 6 is an end view of the housing according to FIG.
4.
[0018] FIGS. 7 and 8 are perspective views of the fluid conduit
according to FIG. 3.
[0019] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a cap according to FIG.
2.
[0020] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a button face of a button
for opening and closing the valve according to the FIG. 2.
[0021] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a clamp stem of a button
for opening and closing the valve according to the FIG. 2.
[0022] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the aspiration cylinder of
the medical vacuum aspiration device according to FIG. 1.
[0023] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a collection tube of the
aspiration cylinder according to FIG. 12.
[0024] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a plunger stop of the
aspiration cylinder according to FIG. 12.
[0025] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the cannula of the medical
vacuum aspiration device according to FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a medical
vacuum aspiration device (MVA) 10. The MVA 10 may include a cannula
100, a valve 200, and an aspirator cylinder 300. The cannula 100
removably connects to a first opening of valve 200 and the
aspirator cylinder 300 removably connects to a second opening of
the valve 200. The valve 200 opens and closes fluid communication
between the cannula 100 and the aspirator cylinder 300.
[0027] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the valve 200 may include a
housing 202, a cap 204, buttons 206, and a fluid conduit 208. The
housing 202 includes first and second fluid openings 210, 212 into
which the cannula 100 and the aspirator cylinder 300, respectively,
are inserted. The housing 202 can be opened to permit access to and
removal of the fluid conduit 208. As shown in FIG. 3, an interior
of housing 202 receives at least part of the fluid conduit 208.
According to one embodiment, each end of the fluid conduit 208
extends outward beyond the respective ends of the housing 202.
However, in other embodiments the housing 202 may receive the
entirety of the fluid conduit 208. The housing 202 may include
alignment and retention features that cooperate with features of
the fluid conduit 208 to properly orient and seat the fluid conduit
208 relative to the housing 202. As shown in FIG. 2, the cap 204
may be connected to one end of the housing 202 and can extend over
one of the ends of the fluid conduit 208. The cap 204 can be used
to reinforce the housing 202 and fluid conduit 208 against
deflection that may occur if the cannula is rocked back and forth
during use. However, the cap 204 may be omitted from MVAs 10 if
such additional reinforcement is not necessary or useful, or is
provided by other structural features. Referring to FIG. 1, one end
of the fluid conduit 208 can sealingly receive one end of the
aspirator cylinder 300 and the other end of the fluid conduit 208
can sealingly receive the cannula 100. However, one or more
adapters and/or fluid segments may be provided between the fluid
conduit 208 and the cannula 100 and/or the aspirator cylinder 300.
Referring to FIG. 2, buttons 206 are movably mounted on the housing
202 to engage and disengage the fluid conduit 208 to close and
open, respectively, fluid communication between the cannula 100 and
the aspirator cylinder 300, as will be explained later.
[0028] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4-6, the housing 202 may include
first and second housing walls 214, 214'. The housing walls 214,
214' each include an inner surface 216, 216' and an outer surface
218, 218'. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the inner surfaces 216, 216'
cooperate to define a cavity in which the fluid conduit 208 is
received and retained. The outer surfaces 218, 218' may cooperate
to define an ergonomic shape, such as an ovoid with each end
truncated. Of course, the outer surfaces 218, 218' may form other
shapes. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the outer surfaces 218, 218' may
include concave portions 220, 220'. The concave portions 220, 220'
can provide sufficient clearance with the outer surfaces 218, 218'
for unobstructed operation of the buttons 206 with ergonomic
comfort for the user. As shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5, the housing 202
may be generally circular in transverse cross-section, except along
the concave portions, and can have a first end that is larger in
diameter than a second end. The generally ovoid shape and the
concave portions 220, 220' of the outer surfaces 218, 218' of the
housing enhance ergonomic comfort for a user's hand.
[0029] As note above, the outer surfaces 218, 218' of the housing
walls 214, 214' alternatively can be configured to define any
desired shape, such as, polygonal, cylindrical, or conical shapes
or any combination of such shapes.
[0030] A releasable connector can permit the housing walls 214,
214' to be joined together to enclose the fluid conduit 208 and
taken apart to expose the fluid conduit 208. The housing walls 214,
214' can be releasably connected by hinge straps 222, 224 and a
latch 226, as illustrated in FIGS. 4-6, so that the housing walls
214, 214' form a single piece. The hinge straps 222, 224 may
connect to the outer surfaces 218, 218' proximate engaging edges
228, 228', 230, 230' of the housing walls 214, 214' by end portions
232, 234 (FIG. 6). The hinge straps 222, 224 enable one housing
wall to pivot relative to the other housing wall. Thus, the housing
walls 214, 214' can be brought into contact with each other to
enclose the fluid conduit 208 (FIG. 2) or opened way from each
other to expose the fluid conduit 208 for removal from the valve
200 (FIG. 3) for sterilizing, disinfecting and/or replacement by
another fluid conduit 208.
[0031] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the hinge straps 222, 224 include
living hinge portions 236, 238 spaced inwardly from the end
portions 232, 234 and separated by central portions 240, 242.
Referring to FIG. 6, the living hinge portions 236, 238 have a
reduced thickness as compared to the central portions 240, 242 and
end portions 232, 234 to permit one housing wall to pivot relative
to the other housing wall. The living hinge portions 236, 238
define double pivot hinges. As shown in FIG. 4, the mating edges
228, 228', 230, 230' of the housing walls 214, 214' are curved from
end to end as a result of the general ovoid shape of the housing
202. Preferably, the hinge straps 222, 224 are equidistantly spaced
on either side of the apexes of the edges. The double pivot hinges
sufficiently space the apexes from each other when the housing
walls 214, 214' pivot toward and way from each other such that the
apexes do not interfere with the pivoting motion. The double pivot
hinges allow the hinge straps 222, 224 to lie adjacent the outer
surfaces 218, 218' when the housing 202 is closed and minimize
interference with a user's hand. The reduced thickness portions
elastically deform and can accommodate repeated bending.
[0032] Although two hinge straps are shown, any number of hinge
straps can be used as dictated by the shape of the edges of the
housing walls. Additionally, other arrangements can be used with or
in place of the hinge straps, such as hinge pins or a single living
hinge radially spaced from the outer surface by a flange extending
from each of the housing walls. While the housing walls have been
described as pivoting relative to each other, in the alternative or
in addition, other arrangements are also possible that permit
rotational and/or translational movement. Also, the housing walls
can be releasibly connected together, such as by one or more
screws, notches, threads, latches, snaps, pins, clasps,
protrusions, indentions, tabs, clips, or other fasteners or
combinations thereof, for example, or may be permanently connected
by, for example, adhesives, welding or heat staking. Alternatively,
the housing could be formed as a continuous one-piece housing that
does require further assembly to complete the housing. The fluid
conduit can be inserted in the continuous one-piece housing along
the longitudinal axis of the housing and the ends of the fluid
conduit can be rolled back over the ends of the housing.
[0033] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4-6, the latch includes a tab
recess 244 in the outer surface 218' of the second housing wall
214' and a latching tab 246 extending from the edge 228 of the
first housing wall 214. Preferably, the tab recess 244 and the
latching tab 246 can be located on the outer surfaces 218, 218' of
the respective housing portions 214, 214' at a position opposite to
the to the positions of the hinge straps 222, 224. In FIG. 5, the
latching tab 246 includes recesses 248 (only one is visible) that
receive ramps 250, 252 on the tab recess 244 so that the latching
tab 248 snaps into engagement with the tab recess 244 to secure the
first housing wall 214 to the second housing wall 214'. In one
embodiment, the latching tab 246 extends continuously from the
outer surface 218 of the first housing wall 214 and lies
substantially flush with the outer surface 218' of the second
housing wall 214', as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 6. In FIG. 2, the
latching tab 246 includes a partial dome portion 254 that
cooperates with a semicircular extension 256 (FIGS. 2 and 5) of the
recess 244 to define a space for receiving a user's finger so that
the user can disengage the latching tab 246 from the recess 244 and
open the housing walls 214, 214'.
[0034] In one embodiment, the latch 226, hinge straps 222, 224 and
housing walls 214, 214' are integrally coupled to form as a single
component. For example, the latch 226, hinge straps 222, 224 and
housing walls 214, 214' may be injection molded from a plastic
material that can withstand repeated sterilizing/disinfecting
procedures (e.g., autoclaving and chemical disinfectants), such as
polypropylene, or polymethyl pentene blended with polypropylene. In
one embodiment, the housing is made from polypropylene.
Alternatively, the hinge straps and the latch could be formed
separately from the housing walls and then mounted to the housing
walls and other suitable materials such as, polysulfones (e.g.,
polyphenylsulfone and polyethersulfone), polyethermide, or
polymethyl pentene, can be used for the housing and its
features.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 4, the housing walls 214, 214' may include
first conduit support walls 258, 258', second conduit support walls
260, 260', button extensions 262, 262', second conduit support ribs
264, 264', and second lips 266, 266' extending from and along the
inner surfaces 216, 216'. Arcuate walls 268, 268' may extend
longitudinally from the first conduit support walls 258, 258' and
include first conduit support ribs 270, 270' and first lips 272,
272'. The first and second conduit support walls 258, 258', 260,
260', button extension 262, 262', the arcuate walls 268, 268', the
first and second conduit support ribs 270, 270', 264, 264', and the
first and second lips 272, 272', 266, 266' may be integrally formed
on the housing walls by plastic injection molding.
[0036] The conduit support walls 258, 258', 260, 260' may lie
intermediate the respective first and second support ribs 270,
270', 264, 264'. The button extensions 262, 262' can be located
intermediate the first conduit support walls 258, 258' and the
second conduit support walls 260, 260'. The inner surfaces 216,
216' may include convex portions 274, 274' aligned with the
respective concave portions 220, 220'. In FIG. 4, the button
extensions 262, 262' are shown to lie on the convex portions 274,
274'. The conduit support walls 258, 258', 260, 260' and the button
extensions 262, 262' can include arcuate recesses 276, 276' 278a,
278a', 278b, 278b', 280, 280' that receive, support and coaxially
align the fluid conduit 208 within the housing 202. The conduit
support ribs 270, 270, 264, 264' the conduit support walls 258,
258', 260, 260' and the button extensions 262, 262' can cooperate
to engage, position and support the fluid conduit 208 inside the
cavity of the housing 202.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 7, the fluid conduit 208 can include a
first mounting portion 281, a second mounting portion 282 and a
conduit portion 283 connected between and in fluid communication
with the first and second mounting portions 281, 282. As shown in
FIGS. 7 and 8, the first and second mounting portions 281, 282
include first and second receptacles 284, 285. According to one
embodiment, the cannula 100 may be inserted into the first
receptacle 284 in a fluid tight manner and the aspiration cylinder
300 may be inserted into the second receptacle 285 in a fluid tight
manner. The first mounting portion 281 and the conduit portion 283
include fluid passages in fluid communication with each other and
in fluid communication with the respective first and second
receptacles 284, 285. The first and second mounting portions 281,
282 and the conduit portion 283 can be cylindrical and coaxially
aligned, with the outer diameter of the second mounting portion 282
being greater than the outer diameter of the conduit portion 283
and the first mounting portion 281.
[0038] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the inner 286, 286' surfaces of
the arcuate walls 268, 268' define a space that can receive the
first mounting portion 281 and the inner surfaces 216, 216' of the
housing walls 214, 214' define a space at the second end of the
housing 202 for receiving the second mounting portion 282. The
inner surfaces 286, 286' of the arcuate walls 268, 268' and the
inner surfaces 216, 216' of the housing walls 214, 214' at the
second end of the housing 202 may be complimentary in size and
shape to the first and second mounting portions 281, 282.
[0039] As shown in FIG. 7, the first mounting portion 281 can
include a first circular flange 287, the second mounting portion
282 can include a second circular flange 288, and the conduit
portion 283 can include a third circular flange 289 (FIG. 4). The
first circular flange 287 can be located at the junction of the
first mounting portion 281 and the conduit portion 283, the second
circular flange 288 can be located at the junction of the second
mounting portion 282 and the conduit portion 283, and the third
circular flange 289 can be located intermediate the first and
second circular flanges 287, 288 and closer to the second circular
flange 288 than to the first circular flange 287. The first
mounting portion 281 can include a first ring 290 at the first end
of the fluid conduit 208 and an intermediate ring 291 between the
first ring 290 and the first circular flange 287. The second
mounting portion 282 can include second ring 292 at the second end
of the fluid conduit 208 and third ring 293 spaced inwardly from
the second ring 292. The first ring 290 cooperates with the inner
surfaces 286, 286' and the lips 272, 272' of the arcuate walls 268,
268' to provide a conforming fit between the housing 202 and the
fluid conduit 208 that can accommodate different sizes of cannulae.
The ribs 270, 270' can enhance the moldability of the arcuate walls
268, 268' by reducing the cross-sectional area of the arcuate walls
268, 268'. This reduction in cross-section area can reduce the
occurrence of sinks and dimensional variation which can adversely
affect the aesthetics and/or the vacuum seal. The rings 292, 293
cooperate with the inner surfaces 216, 216' and the lips 266, 266'
of the housing walls 214, 214' to provide a conforming fit between
the housing 202 and the fluid conduit 208 that can promote the
vacuum seal between the valve 200 and the aspirator cylinder 300.
Alternatively, separate sealing devices, such as O-rings, can be
affixed to one or both of the aspirator cylinder 300 and the fluid
conduit to form a fluid tight seal between the aspirator cylinder
300 and the fluid conduit, as will be explained below.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 3, the fluid conduit 208 can be mounted in
the housing 202 with the first mounting portion 281 located
adjacent the first ends of the housing walls 214, 214' and the
second mounting portion 282 located adjacent the second ends of the
housing walls 214, 214'. The fluid conduit 208 can be received in
the housing walls 214, 214' so that the first circular flange 287
lies adjacent the inner faces of the first conduit support walls
258, 258' and the second conduit support walls 260, 260' are
sandwiched between the second and third circular flanges 288, 289.
The circular flanges 287, 288, 289 cooperate with the conduit
support walls 258, 258', 260, 260' to locate the fluid conduit 208
longitudinally within the housing 202. The arcuate recesses 276,
276' 278a, 278a', 278b', 278b', 280, 280' in the conduit support
walls 258, 258', 260, 260' and the button extensions 262, 262' may
be designed to receive and support the conduit portion 283 and
center the conduit portion 283 coaxially about the longitudinal
axis of the housing walls 214, 214'. The second support ribs 264,
264' can receive and support the second mounting portion 282 at a
position intermediate the third ring 293 and the second circular
flange 288.
[0041] The fluid conduit 208 can include first radial flanges 294a,
294b extending from the first mounting portion and second radial
flanges 295a, 295b extending from the second mounting portion 282.
For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the first radial flanges 294a,
294b may be diametrically opposed to each other and the second
radial flanges 295a, 295b may be diametrically opposed and spaced
at an angle (e.g., ninety degrees) about the longitudinal axis of
the fluid conduit relative to the first radial flanges. Referring
to FIG. 7, the first radial flanges 294a, 294b extend
longitudinally from the first ring 290 to the first circular flange
287 and the second radial flanges 295a, 295b extend longitudinally
from the second ring 292 to the third ring 293. Referring to FIGS.
3-5, the edges of the arcuate walls 268, 268' can be spaced from
each other to define longitudinal openings extending inwardly from
the first end of the housing 202 when the housing walls 214, 214'
are closed. The first longitudinal openings receive the first
radial flanges 294a, 294b. The second end of the housing 202 can
include second longitudinal openings 296, 296' spaced apart (e.g.,
ninety degrees) about the longitudinal axis of the housing walls
214, 214' relative to the first longitudinal openings. The second
longitudinal openings 296, 296' can receive the first and second
radial flanges 295a, 295b, respectively. The radial flanges can
cooperate with the longitudinal openings to rotationally retain the
fluid conduit within the housing 202 during insertion of the
cannula 100 and the aspiration cylinder 300. Although one
embodiment can have two pairs of radial flanges and longitudinal
openings, any number of flanges and openings can be used. Also,
other features such as interlocking gear features can be used
instead of the flanges and longitudinal openings to reduce rotation
of the fluid conduit.
[0042] The fluid conduit 208 shown in FIGS. 3, 7 and 8 may be
integrally formed as a single component having a continuous fluid
passage therethrough. The single component fluid conduit 208 can be
made from any suitable resilient material, such as silicone, that
can withstand repeated sterilizing by autoclaving and/or chemical
treatment.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 9, the cap 204 can be removably connected
to the housing 202 over the arcuate walls 268, 268' and the first
mounting portion 281. The cap 204 can cooperate with the arcuate
walls 268, 268' and the latch 226 to retain the housing walls 214,
214' in the closed position (FIG. 2). The cap 204 may encircle both
arcuate walls 268, 268' and can resist separation of the housing
walls 214, 214' at the first end of the housing 202 that can be
caused by movement of the cannula 100 during use of the medical
vacuum aspiration device 10.
[0044] The cap 204 may include first and second ends, inner and
outer surfaces (e.g., having generally frustoconical shapes), and
arms 204a extending outwardly from the outer surface. The inner
surface of the cap 204 may be complimentary in size and shape to
the arcuate walls 268, 268' and defines a cavity that can receive
the first mounting portion 281. The arms 204a include channels 204b
that open to the inner surface of the cap 204 and can receive the
first radial flanges 294a, 294b of the fluid conduit 208. The arms
204a can cooperate with the first radial flanges 294a, 294b to
restrain rotational displacement of the first mounting portion 281
relative to the housing 202 during insertion of the cannula 100
into the first mounting portion 281.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 2, the first end of the cap 204 can include
a rounded lip 204c. The first ring 290 can be located between and
engaged by the rounded lip 204c and the ends of the arcuate walls
268, 268'. The rounded lip 204c at least partially overlaps the
first ring 290.
[0046] The cap 204 includes features for removably connecting the
cap 204 to the housing walls 216, 216'. For example, the inner
surface of the cap 204 can include a circumferential groove 204d
extending between the channels 204b proximate the second end of the
cap 204. The circumferential groove 204d can receive ramps 297,
297' (FIG. 5) extending from the outer surfaces of the arcuate
walls 268, 268'. The groove 204d can cooperate with the ramps 297,
297' to provide a snap fit between the cap 204 and the arcuate
walls 268, 268' so that the cap 204 can be removably connected to
the housing walls 214, 214'. The second end of the cap 204 can
include diametrically opposed recess 204e that can receive
diametrically opposed tabs 298, 298' (FIG. 5) extending radially
from the outer surface of the arcuate walls 268, 268'. The recesses
204e can cooperate with the tabs 298, 298' to reduce rotation of
the cap 204 relative to the housing 202.
[0047] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5, the housing walls 214, 214' can
include button openings 299, 299' through which the buttons 206
extend into the housing 202 and can engage the fluid conduit 208.
Preferably, the button extensions 262, 262' can include a plurality
of recesses 262a, 262a', 262b, 262b', 262c, 262c' that each extend
from the end faces of the button extensions 262, 262' to the inside
surface 216, 216' of the housing walls 214, 214'. As will be
explained below, these recesses 262a, 262a', 262b, 262b', 262c,
262c' can cooperate with the buttons 206 to locate, guide and
restrain the buttons 206 within the housing 202. Pins 262d can
extend from button extension 262' of the second housing wall 2124'
and engage blind holes 262e in the button extension 262 of the
first housing wall 214 when the housing walls 214, 214' are closed
together. The pins 262d can cooperate with the blind holes 262e to
ensure proper alignment of the button extensions 262, 262' when the
housing walls 214, 214' are closed.
[0048] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the buttons 206 can include a
button face 206a (FIG. 10) and a clamp stem 206b (FIG. 11). As
shown in FIGS. 2 and 10, the button face 206a can provide an
interface for receiving a user's finger to effect opening and
closing of the valve 200. The button face 206a is positioned
external to the housing 202 for actuation by a user can so that the
valve 200 can be selectively opened and closed. The button face
206a can be oval in shape and can include a concave contact surface
for engagement by a user's finger. Alternatively, other shapes for
the button face 206a can be used, such as rectangular, convex, and
planar. Preferably, the button faces 206a can be separate
components from the respective clamp stems 206b and can be made
larger than the button openings 299, 299' to prevent displacement
of the button faces 206a through the button openings 299, 299' and
into the housing 202. The button faces 206a can be connected to one
end the respective clamp stems 206b by any conventional fastening
methods, such as welding, adhesives or fasteners. A post 206c may
extend from the bottoms of the button faces 206a and be received in
respective blind holes 206d formed in the clamp stems 206b, as
shown in FIG. 11.
[0049] To assemble the buttons 206 in the housing walls 214, 214',
preferably, the button faces 206a are properly oriented over the
button openings 299, 299' above the outer surface 218, 218' of the
housing walls 214, 214' and the clamp stems 206b are aligned over
the button openings 299, 299' above the inner surfaces 216, 216' of
the housing walls 214, 214'. The clamping stems 206b can be passed
through the button openings 299, 299' and the posts 206c can be
inserted to the blind holes 206d. The button faces 206a and the
clamp stems 206b can be secured together, for example, by adhesives
or welding.
[0050] The clamp stems 206b can extend through the respective
button openings 299, 299' in housing walls 214, 214' and slide
along the respective button extensions 262, 262' between a valve
closed position and a valve opened position. The button openings
299, 299' and the cross-sections of the clamp stems 206b can be
rectangular in shape. However, other shapes can be used for the
button openings and the clamp stems, such as, oval, triangular,
pentagonal, cruciform, etc.
[0051] Referring to FIG. 11, a conduit clamp 206e can be connected
to the other end of the clamp stem 206b. The conduit clamp 206e may
include a wedge-shaped transverse cross-section. The conduit
portion 283 of the fluid conduit 208 includes a resilient portion
that is engaged by the conduit clamps 206e. The conduit clamps 206e
are biased to an opened position by the resilient portion of the
conduit portion 283 and movable by a user pushing the button faces
206a toward the resilient portion against the bias of the resilient
portion to move the conduit clamps 206e to a closed position. The
recesses 262a, 262a', 262b, 262b' receive and guide the ends of the
conduit clamps 206e as the clamps 206e move between the closed and
opened positions. The button mechanism can be designed to provide
either a normally open valve 200 or a normally closed valve
200.
[0052] Preferably the clamp stems 206b and the conduit clamps 206e
are integrally formed from any material that can withstand repeated
sterilizing by autoclaving and/or chemical disinfecting. The button
faces 206a, clamp stems 206b and conduit clamps 206e can be formed
from any suitable a material that can withstand repeated
conventional sterilizing and cleaning procedures (e.g., autoclaving
and chemical disinfectants), such as polyethermide, polyoxyethylene
copolymer, polysulfones (e.g., polyphenylsulfone and
polyethersulfone), polyethermide, and polymethyl pentene. In the
preferred embodiment, the button faces 206a, the clamp stems 206b
and the conduit claims 206e are made from polyethermide or
polyoxyethylene. The conduit clamps 206e can have ends that extend
transversely beyond the transverse width of the openings 299, 299'.
The ends can have stop faces 206f that engage the inner surface
216, 216' of the housing walls 214, 214' in the recesses 262a,
262a', 262b, 262b' and can prevent removal of the buttons 206 by
displacing the buttons 206 outwardly of the housing 202. The stop
faces 206f can cooperate with inner surface 216, 216' and bottoms
of the button faces 206a can cooperate with the outer surfaces 218,
218' of the housing walls 214, 214' to retain the buttons 206 in
the button openings 206 when the housing is closed or opened.
[0053] To close the valve 200, a user pushes on the buttons 206
inwardly toward the housing 202 to move the conduit clamps 206e to
compress the resilient portion of the conduit portion 283 against
the bias of the resilient portion and collapse the fluid passage of
the conduit portion 283. The valve 200 is in the closed position
when the fluid passage is collapsed. Preferably, the buttons 206
can be diametrically opposed and the conduit clamps 206e clamp the
resilient portion between them.
[0054] The buttons 206 may be set to lock the valve 200 in a closed
position. For example, a locking projection 206g can extend away
from the stem 206b and engage a respective recess 262c, 262c' in
the button extensions 262, 262' to maintain the buttons 206 in the
valve closed position against the bias of the resilient portion of
the conduit portion 283. After the buttons 206 have been moved to
the valve closed position, the user may push the buttons 206
longitudinally toward the first end of the housing 202 until the
locking projections 206g extend fully into the recesses 262c,
262c'. The bias of the resilient portion of the conduit portion 283
pushes the projections 206g into engagement with the inner surface
216, 216' of the housing wall 214, 214' and can hold the buttons
206 in the valve closed position. In order to release the buttons
206 from the valve closed position and return the buttons 206 to
the valve opened position, the user may pull the buttons 206 toward
the second end of the housing 202 to disengage the locking
projections 206g from the recesses 262c, 262c'. The bias of the
resilient portion of the conduit portion 283 pushes the buttons 206
outward from the conduit portion 283, returns the buttons 206 to
the valve opened position, and opens the fluid passageway of the
conduit portion 283.
[0055] Although an embodiment in which two buttons collapse the
fluid passageway is described above, it should be understood that a
single button can be used to collapse the fluid passageway.
Alternatively, the buttons can include pivoting links, gears,
springs or combinations thereof.
[0056] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 12, the
aspiration cylinder 300 is in the form of a syringe 302.
Alternatively, the aspiration cylinder 300 can be any one of a
variety of components in which a vacuum can be drawn, such as, an
electric vacuum pump or a type of manual vacuum pump manual that is
different from the aspiration cylinder 300. The syringe 302 can
include a collection tube 304, a plunger 306 slidably received in
the collection tube and a handle 308 connected to the plunger
306.
[0057] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the collection tube 304 may
cylindrical and can include two open ends. A first end 322 of the
collection tube 304 can be inserted into the second end of the
housing 200 to engage the base of the second receptacle 285 of the
fluid conduit. The base of the receptacle and the first end 322 of
the collection tube 304 cooperate to form a vacuum seal
therebetween. An elongate flange 312 can be mounted at one end of
the collection tube 304. The elongate flange 312 can provide a grip
for a user when the handle 308 is displaced by the user. Mounting
rings 314, 316 can be located proximate the other end of the
collection tube 304. The mounting rings 314, 316 can reduce the
surface area of the collection tube 304 that contacts the second
receptacle 285 during insertion and removal of the tube 304,
thereby, reducing the insertion and removal forces. The mounting
rings 314, 316 can cooperate with the inner surface of the second
receptacle 285 in the second mounting portion 282 of the fluid
conduit 208 to provide a secondary vacuum seal between the valve
200 and the collection tube 302.
[0058] Referring to FIG. 12, the plunger 306 can include an O-ring
310 that cooperates with the inner surface of the collection tube
304 to form a fluid seal between the plunger 306 and the collection
tube 304. Alternatively, a plunger tip such as that commonly used
on smaller syringes could be used in place of the O-ring.
[0059] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 14, a plunger stop 318 can be
connected to the collection tube 304 proximate the elongate flange
312. The plunger stop 318 can include an arcuate body having two
free ends and two projections 324 (FIG. 14). The projections 324
can extend from the arcuate body proximate the free ends and can
pass through respective holes 326 (FIG. 13) in the side of the
collection tube 304. Preferably, the plunger 306 contacts the
projections 324 to prevent removal of the plunger 306 from inside
the collection tube 304. When the valve 200 is closed, a vacuum can
be drawn in the collection tube 304 by displacing the plunger 306
toward the flange 312. The valve 200 may then be opened to create
suction at the end of the cannula 100. A retaining clip 328 can
extend from the elongate flange 312 and over the plunger stop 318.
The retaining clip can hold the plunger stop on the collection tube
304 when the projections 324 are removed from the holes 326. The
retainer clip 328 and the flange 312 can be integrally formed.
[0060] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the plunger 306 can include
lock faces 330 that can expand radially outward when the plunger
306 is displaced toward the second end 332 of the tube 304 and
engage a rim 334 at the second end 332. The lock faces 330
cooperate with the rim to retain the plunger 306 adjacent the
second end 332.
[0061] It should be appreciated that other structure for generating
a vacuum can be used in connection with the valve 200 described
herein. For example, the collection tube 304 may be evacuated with
a pump.
[0062] FIGS. 1 and 15 illustrate a cannula 100 that is consistent
with the invention. it should be understood that other cannula
designs can be used.
[0063] While the present invention has been disclosed with
reference to certain embodiments, numerous modifications,
alterations and changes to the described embodiments are possible
without departing from the sphere and scope of the present
invention, as defined in the appended claims. Accordingly, it is
intended that the present invention not be limited to the described
embodiments, but that it has the full scope defined by the language
of the following claims, and equivalents thereof.
* * * * *