U.S. patent application number 13/948770 was filed with the patent office on 2014-01-02 for aspiration apparatus and methods.
This patent application is currently assigned to Control Medical Technology, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Control Medical Technology, LLC. Invention is credited to Shawn P. Fojtik.
Application Number | 20140005634 13/948770 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38686052 |
Filed Date | 2014-01-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140005634 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fojtik; Shawn P. |
January 2, 2014 |
ASPIRATION APPARATUS AND METHODS
Abstract
An aspiration apparatus includes handles with two members. Each
of the handle members includes an actuation end and an opposite
connection end. The members of the handles are associated with one
another (e.g., pivotally, etc.) in such a way that movement of the
actuation ends in first directions (e.g., toward one another, away
from one another) causes the connection ends to move in different
second directions (e.g., away from one another, toward one
another). The connection end of the first member may configured for
association with the barrel of a syringe, while the connection end
of the second member may be configured for association with the
plunger of the syringe. Association of one or both of the
connection ends with its respective syringe element may be pivotal.
Aspiration methods, including, but not limited to, methods of using
such an aspiration apparatus, are also disclosed.
Inventors: |
Fojtik; Shawn P.; (Park
City, UT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Control Medical Technology, LLC |
Park City |
UT |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Control Medical Technology,
LLC
Park City
UT
|
Family ID: |
38686052 |
Appl. No.: |
13/948770 |
Filed: |
July 23, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13181398 |
Jul 12, 2011 |
8491539 |
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13948770 |
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12468729 |
May 19, 2009 |
7976511 |
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13181398 |
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11431420 |
May 9, 2006 |
7534234 |
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12468729 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
604/506 ;
604/223; 604/500 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 5/15003 20130101;
A61M 5/204 20130101; A61M 5/3148 20130101; A61M 2005/3139 20130101;
A61B 5/150221 20130101; A61B 10/0045 20130101; A61B 5/150236
20130101; A61B 5/150259 20130101; A61M 2005/3128 20130101; A61M
5/007 20130101; A61M 1/0009 20130101; A61M 5/3137 20130101; A61B
5/150244 20130101; A61M 2005/3152 20130101; A61B 5/153
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
604/506 ;
604/500; 604/223 |
International
Class: |
A61B 5/153 20060101
A61B005/153; A61M 5/31 20060101 A61M005/31; A61B 10/00 20060101
A61B010/00 |
Claims
1. A method for aspirating a sample, comprising: forcing actuation
ends of first and second handle members toward one another to:
force connection ends of the first and second handle members apart
from one another; pivotally support a barrel of a syringe with a
distal connection end of the first handle member; and draw a
plunger of the syringe out of the barrel with the connection end of
the second handle member.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein forcing actuation ends comprises
forcing the actuation ends toward one another on one side of a
pivot point, while forcing the connection ends apart from one
another on an opposite side of the pivot point.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: forming a vacuum
within the barrel of the syringe as the plunger of the syringe is
drawn out of the barrel.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the vacuum within the barrel
draws a sample into the barrel.
5. The method of claim 4, further comprising: removing the sample
from the barrel of the syringe.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein removing the sample comprises
forcing the actuation ends of the first and second handle members
apart from one another to: force the connection ends of the first
and second handle members toward one another; and force the plunger
into the barrel of the syringe and to expel the sample from the
barrel.
7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: securing a sampling
device to a distal end of the barrel of the syringe.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein securing the sampling device
comprises securing at least one of a needle and a catheter to the
distal end of the barrel of the syringe.
9. A method for aspirating, comprising: introducing a withdrawal
element into communication with a desired location from which
material is to be obtained; forcing actuation portions of members
of a handle of an aspiration apparatus together to: move connection
portions of members of the handle apart; cause a first of the
connection portions to pivot relative to a barrel of the aspiration
apparatus; and draw a plunger of the aspiration apparatus through
the barrel of the aspiration apparatus with a second of the
connection portions; and aspirate the material into the withdrawal
element.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein: introducing the withdrawal
element comprises introducing a needle or a catheter into
communication with a desired location of a subject's body.
11. The method of claim 9, wherein forcing actuation portions of
members of the handle of the aspiration apparatus together
aspirates the material into the barrel of the aspiration
apparatus.
12. An aspiration apparatus, comprising: a syringe, including a
barrel and a plunger; and handles, including a first member and a
second member, the first and second members including connection
ends and actuation ends, the first and second members configured
for association with one another such that movement of the
actuation end of the first member in a first direction forces the
connection end of the first member to move in different, second
direction and movement of the actuation end of the second member in
a first direction forces the connection end of the second member to
move in a different, second direction, the connection end of the
first member configured for pivotal association with the barrel,
the distal connection end of the second member configured to
operate the plunger.
13. The aspiration apparatus of claim 12, wherein the first and
second members are pivotally associated with one another.
14. The aspiration apparatus of claim 12, wherein the actuation end
of the first member is configured to be held by fingers of a user's
hand and the actuation end of the second member is configured to be
held in a palm or by a thumb of the user's hand.
15. The aspiration apparatus of claim 12, wherein the connection
end of the second member is configured for pivotally association
with the plunger.
16. An aspiration apparatus, comprising: a syringe including a
barrel and a plunger; and handles, including a first member and a
second member pivotally associated with one another, the first and
second members including connection ends on a first side of a pivot
point between the first and second members and actuation ends on a
second side of the pivot point, at least one of the connection ends
pivotally associated with the syringe.
17. The aspiration apparatus of claim 16, wherein the first and
second members of the handles are configured such that movement of
the proximal actuation ends of the first and second members in
first directions forces the distal connection ends to move in
different, second directions.
18. The aspiration apparatus of claim 16, wherein at least one of
the first and second members of the handles includes an elbow
configured for pivotal association with the other of the first and
second members.
19. The aspiration apparatus of claim 18, wherein each of the first
member and the second member includes an elbow.
20. The aspiration apparatus of claim 16, wherein the distal
connection end of the first member is configured for association
with the barrel and the distal connection end of the second member
configured for association with the plunger.
21. The aspiration apparatus of claim 20, wherein the distal
connection end of the first member is configured for pivotal
association with the barrel.
22. The aspiration apparatus of claim 20, wherein the distal
connection end of the second member is configured for pivotal
association with the plunger.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/181,398, filed Jul. 12, 2011, which issued
as U.S. Pat. No. 8,491,539 on Jul. 23, 2013, which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/468,729, filed
May 19, 2009, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,976,511 on Jul. 12,
2011, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/431,420, filed May 9, 2006, which issued as U.S. Pat. No.
7,534,234 on May 19, 2009, the disclosures of each of the foregoing
patents and patent applications are hereby incorporated herein, in
their entireties, by this reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to apparatus for
facilitating the movement of a plunger of a syringe through a
barrel of the syringe and, more particularly, to hand-held, hand
operated apparatus that facilitate the movement of a plunger
through a syringe barrel. More specifically, the present invention
relates to hand-held apparatus with scissor grip type leveraged
triggering systems that force a plunger of a syringe through the
length of the barrel of the syringe.
RELATED ART
[0003] The use of syringes for aspirating biological samples from
the bodies of subjects is well known. Typically, the barrel of a
syringe is placed in communication with a desired location of a
subject's body, then a vacuum is created within the barrel of a
syringe by pulling a plunger of the syringe toward a proximal end
of the syringe (i.e., toward the syringe user, away from the body
of the subject). When a vacuum is formed within the barrel of a
syringe, fluid from the desired location is drawn into the
syringe.
[0004] This process can be very difficult with existing devices, as
syringes that are configured to reduce a user's exertion are also
typically configured for fluid delivery rather than for aspiration.
For example, in many conventionally configured syringes, aspiration
is effected by holding the barrel of the syringe with one hand
while pulling the plunger with another hand. Similar actions must
be taken when many other types of manually operated devices are
used to facilitate aspiration with a syringe.
[0005] There are needs for syringes that are configured to be held,
or suspended, and operated by the same hand of a user and that may
be comfortably operated.
SUMMARY
[0006] The present invention includes aspiration apparatus and
aspiration methods.
[0007] By way of nonlimiting example, an aspiration apparatus
according to the present invention may comprise a syringe. Such a
syringe may include a handle that is configured to effectively
reduce the amount of force that must be applied by a user to
aspirate a sample from the body of a subject. Optionally, the
handle may be configured so that aspiration is effected when
members thereof are moved together.
[0008] An example of an aspiration apparatus of the present
invention includes a hand-held, hand-operated syringe with a handle
that is leveraged in such a manner as to apply more pressure to the
plunger or barrel of the syringe than a user applies to the handle.
The handle may include pivotally connected members, one of which is
secured in relation to a barrel of a syringe, the other of which is
secured in relation to a plunger of the syringe. The members of the
handle are configured and oriented relative to one another in such
a way as to facilitate holding (e.g., suspension), manipulation,
and use of the aspiration apparatus with one hand. A first handle
may be rigidly, flexibly, or pivotally associated with the syringe
barrel, while the second handle may be rigidly, flexibly, or
pivotally associated with the syringe plunger.
[0009] In an example of an embodiment of a handle that includes
connection points, the handle may resemble scissors and includes
two members, a first of which is configured to be held by the
fingers of an individual and the second of which is configured to
be held by the individual's thumb or positioned against the palm of
the individual. The members are pivotally connected at
intermediate, or somewhat central, locations along the lengths
thereof. One or both of the first and second handle members may
enable the user to grip both members with one hand while having a
configuration (e.g., a shape, bend, etc.) that provides a user with
a mechanical advantage while maximizing the amount of leverage
provided as the handle members are forced toward one another. When
the first and second members of the handle are moved toward or away
from one another, the pivot point may remain in a substantially
fixed position along the lengths of both the first and second
members. Alternatively, the first pivot point may move in an
elongate path relative to one or both of the first and second
members of the handle as the positions of the first and second
members are changed relative to one another. By way of example
only, the first pivot point may move either eccentrically or in a
linear fashion relative to one of the handle members as the
positions of the members change while remaining substantially
stationary relative to the other handle member.
[0010] In both reusable and single-use variations of an aspiration
apparatus of the present invention, the aforementioned elements may
be part of a single, integral syringe, or the handles may be
configured for association with a separate, disposable syringe.
[0011] As an example of the use of an aspiration apparatus
incorporating teachings of the present invention, a withdrawal
element (e.g., a needle, catheter, etc.) that is in communication
with a desired location of the body of a subject may be placed in
communication with the receptacle of a barrel of the syringe. A
sample may then be drawn through the withdrawal element and into
the barrel by moving the first and second members of the handle
toward one another. The barrel may then be removed from
communication with the withdrawal element, and the sample expelled
from the barrel by moving the members of the handle away from each
other.
[0012] Other aspects, as well as features and advantages of various
aspects of the present invention will become apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art through consideration of the ensuing
description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] In the drawings:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a side view of an aspiration apparatus, in this
instance a syringe, incorporating teachings of the present
invention, including a syringe barrel, a plunger that is
longitudinally movable within a receptacle of the syringe barrel,
and a scissor-grip handle that includes two members with three
connection points, a first between a first member of the handle and
the syringe barrel, a second between the second member of the
handle and the plunger, and a third between the two handle
members;
[0015] FIGS. 1A-1C are cross-sections taken along lines 1A-1A,
1B-1B, and 1C-1C, respectively, of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 1D illustrates a variation on the manner in which a
member of a handle of the syringe of FIG. 1 may be connected to the
barrel of that syringe;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional representation of the syringe
barrel of the syringe of FIG. 1, illustrating the syringe barrel in
an assembled relationship with a catheter;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional representation of a variation of
the syringe barrel illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, which includes an
aspiration port that may communicate with a source or reservoir for
introducing fluid into the syringe barrel upon appropriate movement
of the plunger to increase the available volume within the syringe
barrel;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a side view that depicts a variation of the handle
of FIG. 1, with one of the first and second members including an
arcuate slot through which a movable connection member on the other
of the two members moves when the handle members are moved relative
to one another;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a side view that depicts another variation of the
handle of FIG. 1, wherein one of the first and second handle
members includes a partial gear member and the other of the first
and second handle members includes an elongated slot with teeth
along an edge thereof for receiving teeth of the partial gear
member upon movement of the two handle members relative to one
another;
[0021] FIG. 6A depicts a syringe with a fixed connection between a
barrel and its corresponding handle;
[0022] FIG. 6B illustrates a syringe with a fixed connection
between a plunger and its corresponding handle;
[0023] FIG. 7 is a side view of another embodiment of syringe
incorporating teachings of the present invention, wherein a
disposable syringe barrel and plunger may be assembled and used
with a reusable handle; and
[0024] FIGS. 8A and 8B are schematic representations of use of an
aspiration apparatus incorporating teachings of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an aspiration
apparatus, here a syringe 10, incorporating teachings of the
present invention. Syringe 10 includes a barrel 20, a plunger 30
associated with barrel 20, and a scissor-grip handle 40 which
causes plunger 30 to move longitudinally relative to barrel 20. One
or both of barrel 20 and plunger 30 may be removable from handle 40
to facilitate the replacement of these elements and the reuse of
handle 40.
[0026] Barrel 20 of syringe 10 is an elongate member with a hollow
interior extending through the length thereof. Along the majority
of its length, barrel 20 is substantially uniform in both
cross-sectional shape and cross-sectional dimensions. The region of
barrel 20 having such substantial cross-sectional uniformity is
referred to herein as a "body" 22. As depicted, body 22 extends
from a proximal end 21p of barrel 20 to a tapered section or region
24 thereof. A syringe tip 25 is located on the opposite side of
tapered section 24, at the distal end 21d of barrel 20.
[0027] As shown in FIGS. 1-1C, the distances across opposed points
of various cross-sections taken transverse to longitudinal axis AB
of barrel 20 on the outer surface of barrel 20 or the outer
diameter of barrel 20 are collectively referred to herein as
"OD20." The corresponding distances across opposed points of
various cross-sections taken transverse to longitudinal axis AB on
the inner surface of barrel 20 or the inner diameter of barrel 20
are collectively referred to herein as "ID20."
[0028] As is depicted in FIGS. 1 and 1A, both OD20A and ID20A
remain substantially the same along the substantial length of a
body 22 of barrel 20. At tapered region 24, OD20 and ID20, which
are respectively depicted in FIG. 1B at one location along the
length of tapered region 24 as OD2OB and ID20B, gradually (either
linearly or along a curve) decrease from the sizes of OD20A and
ID20A of body 22 to the much smaller sizes OD20C and ID20C of
syringe tip 25, as shown in FIG. 1C. At syringe tip 25, the sizes
of OD20C and ID20C are again substantially constant.
[0029] The taper of tapered region 24 may, in a specific
embodiment, be oriented at an angle of about 15.degree. to
longitudinal axis AB of barrel 20. Other taper angles are, however,
also within the scope of the present invention.
[0030] Turning now to FIG. 2, the hollow interior of barrel 20,
within body 22 and tapered region 24 of barrel 20, forms a
receptacle 23. The volume of receptacle 23 may correspond to a
desired use for syringe 10 (FIG. 1). For example, in applications
where only small volumes of materials will be aspirated or injected
with syringe 10, barrel 20 may include a receptacle 23 with a
relative small volume (e.g., 5 cubic centimeters ("cc"), 10 cc,
etc.). When syringe 10 is to be used to aspirate or inject larger
volumes of materials, the volume of receptacle 23 may also be
larger (e.g., 20 cc, 30 cc, 60 cc, etc.). Alternatively, receptacle
23 of barrel 20 may have other standard syringe volumes or a volume
that is tailored to a specific use for syringe 10.
[0031] The hollow interior of syringe tip 25 is referred to herein
as a "lumen" 26. Lumen 26 may have a diameter of as small as about
1 mm (0.40 inch) or smaller. Of course, syringe tips 25 with
different sizes of lumens 26 are within the scope of the present
invention, as the size of a lumen 26 depends at least partially
upon the gauge of a needle or the lumen size of a catheter to be
coupled with syringe tip 25.
[0032] In addition, in order to facilitate the coupling of a needle
or catheter with syringe tip 25, syringe tip 25 includes a coupling
member 27 at or near the distal end 21D 21d (FIG. 1) of barrel 20.
Although FIG. 1 depicts coupling member 27 (see also FIG. 1C) as
including a cylindrically shaped recess that extends partially into
syringe tip 25, coupling members of other configurations,
including, without limitation, threaded or nonthreaded coupling
features that facilitate the coupling of a needle, catheter, or
other member to an outer surface of syringe tip 25, are also within
the scope of the present invention.
[0033] As illustrated in FIG. 3, a variation of barrel 20' may
include an aspiration port 80 proximate syringe tip 25. Aspiration
port 80 facilitates the introduction of a fluid, such as a saline
solution, medicine, anesthetic, indicator solution (e.g., dye,
radioactive solution, radio-opaque solution or x-ray contrast
media, etc.), other chemical compound, or the like from an external
source into receptacle 23 of barrel 20. Aspiration port 80 is
depicted as comprising a cylindrical protrusion 81, which is
configured to have a length of tubing coupled thereto, and a lumen
82 that extends through protrusion 81 and communicates with lumen
26 of syringe tip 25. In addition, aspiration port 80 may include a
valve 83, such as a stop cock type valve, which opens and closes
lumen 82. Of course, other configurations of aspiration ports are
also within the scope of the present invention.
[0034] Referring again to FIG. 1, barrel 20 also includes a handle
connection element 28. As depicted, handle connection element 28
extends from body 22 at proximal end 21p of barrel 20 and includes
an aperture formed therethrough. The aperture is sized and
configured to receive a hinge element 70 and, thus, to facilitate
the connection of a member of handle 40 to barrel 20.
[0035] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 1D, a handle connection
element 28'' may include features on opposite sides of barrel 20.
Such a connection point arrangement places the pivotal points that
are established by connection elements 59 and 69'' that are
associated with handle 40 and second and first members 50 and 60,
respectively, substantially in-line with axes AB of barrel 20 and
Ap of plunger 30.
[0036] While FIG. 1 depicts barrel 20, receptacle 23, and lumen 26
as having substantially cylindrical shapes with circular
cross-sections taken transverse to a longitudinal axis AB of barrel
20, syringe barrels with any other suitable cross-sectional shapes
(e.g., ovals, ellipses, polygons, etc.) are also within the scope
of the present invention.
[0037] With continued reference to FIG. 1, plunger 30 is an
elongate member with dimensions that permit plunger 30 to be
inserted into receptacle 23 of barrel 20 through proximal end 21p
thereof. Plunger 30 includes a body 32 and a head 34 at the distal
end 31d of body 32. The proximal end 31p of body 32 and, thus, of
plunger 30 is configured to have force applied thereto to
facilitate movement of plunger 30 in both directions along a
longitudinal axis AP of plunger 30.
[0038] Head 34 of plunger 30 may comprise a somewhat deformable,
resilient member. By way of example, head 34 may be formed from
silicone or any other resilient polymer (i.e., rubber) that is
suitable for use in medical applications. The shape of head 34 may
be substantially complementary to a shape of the portion of
receptacle 23 of barrel 20 that is located within tapered region 24
and a portion of body 22 adjacent thereto. The size of head 34 may
be substantially the same as or somewhat larger than the
correspondingly shaped portion of receptacle 23 so as to facilitate
the substantial displacement of fluid from receptacle 23 as plunger
30 is fully inserted therein.
[0039] In order to facilitate movement of head 34 of plunger 30
along the full length of receptacle 23, the length of plunger 30
may be greater than the combined lengths of body 22 and tapered
region 24 of barrel 20. Of course, in order to apply the amount of
force necessary to move plunger 30 through the length of receptacle
23, body 32 of plunger 30 may be formed from a more rigid material
than that of head 34. Accordingly, head 34 may include a receptacle
(not shown) that is configured to receive a corresponding head
connection protrusion (not shown) at the distal end 31d of body 32,
as known in the art.
[0040] Proximal end 31p of plunger 30 includes a handle connection
element 38. Handle connection element 38 includes an aperture
formed through body 32 of plunger 30 at a location that facilitates
the pivotal connection of a member of handle 40 thereto by way of a
hinge element 70.
[0041] In addition, proximal end 31p of plunger 30 may include a
secondary movement element 36, such as a loop or another member by
which an individual may cause plunger 30 to move in one or both
directions along longitudinal axis AP thereof.
[0042] Still referring to FIG. 1, handle 40 includes two elongate
members, a first member 60 and a second member 50. First member 60
and second member 50 are pivotally connected with one another in a
manner that, along with the shapes of first and second members 60
and 50, provides leverage, or a mechanical advantage, so as to
decrease the amount of force that must be exerted by a user's hand
to move plunger 30 relative to barrel 20.
[0043] First member 60, which is configured to be held with a
user's fingers, includes a gripping end 62 and a barrel attachment
end 68. In addition, first member 60 includes pivotal connection
element 66 positioned at a central region 65 thereof, which is
located substantially centrally along the length thereof, to
facilitate connection of first member 60 to second member 50 of
handle 40. Pivotal connection element 66 includes an aperture that
has a circular shape and that receives a hinge element 70, or pivot
pin, which, in turn, connects first member 60 and second member 50
to one another.
[0044] As shown, first member 60 includes an elongated loop 63
along gripping end 62, through which an individual's fingers may be
inserted. Alternatively, or in addition to loop 63, gripping end 62
may include a finger grip 64 that is contoured so as to comfortably
receive the fingers of a user.
[0045] Barrel attachment end 68 includes (e.g., terminates at) a
barrel connection element 69 that facilitates the pivotal
connection of second member 60 to the corresponding handle
connection element 28 of barrel 20. As depicted, barrel connection
element 69 comprises an aperture that is configured to receive a
hinge element 70. Second member 60 and barrel 20 are pivotally
connected to one another by properly positioning barrel attachment
end 68 and handle connection element 28 against one another, with
the apertures thereof in alignment, and inserting a single hinge
element 70 through both barrel connection element 69 and handle
connection element 28. Hinge element 70 may include an enlarged
head 71 at each end thereof to maintain the assembled, pivotal
relationship of barrel 20 and second member 60. Of course, other
known types of pivotal connection arrangements between barrel 20
and second member 60 and their corresponding elements are also
within the scope of the present invention.
[0046] First member 60 is bent, or angled, at some point along the
length thereof, between gripping end 62 and plunger attachment end
68, to at least partially provide the desired amount of leverage
for forcing plunger 30 to move longitudinally through (e.g., out
of) receptacle 23 of barrel 20. As shown in FIG. 1, first member 60
is angled at central region 65 so that gripping end 62 thereof
extends away from second member 50. Although FIG. 1 depicts
gripping end 62 and plunger attachment end 68 as being oriented at
an angle of about 90[deg.] relative to one another, other angles
and bend locations are also within the scope of the present
invention.
[0047] Still referring to FIG. 1, second member 50 of handle 40 is
an elongate member that is configured to be held by a subject's
palm or thumb. Second member 50 includes a gripping end 52 and
plunger attachment end 58, as well as a central region 55 located
between gripping end 52 and plunger attachment end 58.
[0048] Gripping end 52 of first member 50 may include a thumb loop
53 through which the thumb of a user of syringe 10 may be
inserted.
[0049] Central region 55 of second member 50 includes a pivotal
connection element 56 that corresponds to pivotal connection
element 66 of first member 60. Pivotal connection element 56 may
comprise an aperture formed through central region 55 and
configured to receive hinge element 70. Upon properly orienting
first member 60 and second member 50 relative to one another in an
assembled relationship thereof and aligning the aperture of first
member 60 with the aperture of second member 50, hinge element 70
may be inserted through the apertures to pivotally connect first
and second members 60 and 50 to one another. Hinge element 70 may
include an enlarged head 71 at each end thereof to maintain the
assembled, pivotal relationship of first member 60 and second
member 50.
[0050] Alternatively, as depicted in FIG. 4, a variation of pivotal
connection element 56' may comprise an arcuate slot 57', along the
length of which pivotal connection element 56' may move as first
and second members 60 and 50 are moved toward or apart from one
another.
[0051] As another alternative, shown in FIG. 5, a handle 40'' of a
syringe according to the present invention includes another
embodiment of connection element 66'' on central region 65'' of
first member 60'' and another, corresponding embodiment of pivotal
connection element 56'' on central region 55'' of second member
50''. Connection element 66'', which protrudes from central region
65'' and is fixed in relation thereto, includes a cylindrical
section 66a'', a series of adjacent teeth 66b'' protruding from at
least a portion of the curved surface of cylindrical section 66a'',
and an enlarged retention head 66c'' adjacent cylindrical section
66a'', opposite from the remainder of first member 60''. The
distance that cylindrical section 66a'' protrudes from central
region 65'' of first member 60'' may be slightly larger than the
thickness of second member 50''.
[0052] The corresponding pivotal connection element 56'' of second
member 50'' comprises an elongated slot 56a'' with a series of
adjacent teeth 56b'' protruding from at least a portion of an edge
along the length of slot 56a''. Teeth 56b'' are configured and
positioned complementarily to teeth 66b'' of pivotal connection
element 66'' such that teeth 56b'' and teeth 66b'' cooperate by
mutually engaging each other upon rotation of cylindrical section
66a'' relative to slot 56a''. The width of slot 56a'' may be
slightly larger than the diameter of cylindrical section 66a'' of
pivotal connection element 66'' so as to substantially prevent
side-to-side movement of pivotal connection element 66'' relative
to pivotal connection element 56''. Consequently, the relative
movement of pivotal connection elements 56'' and 66'' with respect
to one another is substantially confined on the direction in which
pivotal connection element 56'' extends, which, as illustrated, is
along the length of second member 50''. Thus, when first and second
members 60'' and 50'' are forced toward one another, pivotal
connection element 66'' rotates relative to pivotal connection
element 56'' and moves downward through slot 56a'' of pivotal
connection element 56''. Conversely, when first and second members
60'' and 50'' are forced apart from one another, pivotal connection
element 66'' rotates and moves in the opposite direction relative
to pivotal connection element 56''.
[0053] Referring again to FIG. 1, handle 40 may additionally
include a resilient element (e.g. a spring) and may be associated
with first and second members 60 and 50 (e.g., at or near hinge
element 70) in such a way as to force first and second members 60
and 50 apart from one another when they are not being held
together.
[0054] When first and second members 60 and 50, or variations
thereof, have been properly assembled with one another, an adult
user may be able to properly position their fingers on gripping end
62 and their thumb or palm against gripping end 52 while gripping
ends 62 and 52 are spaced a maximum distance apart from one another
with head 34 of plunger 30 located at distal end 21d of barrel
20.
[0055] Plunger attachment end 58 includes (e.g., terminates at) a
plunger connection element 59 that facilitates the pivotal
connection of first member 50 to the corresponding handle
connection element 38 of plunger 30. Plunger connection element 59
may comprise an aperture that is configured to receive hinge
element 70. First member 50 and plunger 30 are pivotally connected
to one another by positioning plunger attachment end 58 against the
appropriate location of plunger 30 with plunger connection element
59 and aperture (not shown) of handle connection element 38 in
alignment. A single hinge element 70 is then inserted through both
plunger connection element 59 and the aperture of handle connection
element 38. Hinge element 70 may include an enlarged head 71 at
each end thereof to maintain the assembled, pivotal relationship of
plunger 30 and first member 50. Of course, other known types of
pivotal connection arrangements between plunger 30 and first member
50 and their corresponding elements are also within the scope of
the present invention.
[0056] Second member 50 of handle 40 may be bent, or angled, to
increase the leverage provided by first member 60 and the
scissor-like arrangement of first member 60 and second member 50.
As illustrated, second member 50 is bent at central region 55
thereof so that gripping end 52 of second member 50 extends away
from first member 60. This configuration and arrangement provides
further leverage, or mechanical advantage, when drawing plunger 30
proximally (i.e., out of) barrel 20.
[0057] Of course, one or both of first member 60 and second member
50 may include reinforcement ribs 72 or other reinforcement
structures along at least a portion of the length thereof. As
depicted, reinforcement ribs 72 are positioned along the edges of
first member 60 and second member 50. Reinforcement ribs 72 may be
positioned to prevent side-to-side bending of first member 60 or
second member 50 during use of handle 40 to move plunger 30
relative to barrel 20.
[0058] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate variations of syringe 10 (FIG.
1), in which first member 60 and second member 50 of handle 40 are
pivotally connected to one another, but at least one connection
point between an end of a member 60, 50 of handle 40 and barrel 20
or plunger 30 does not pivot. In FIG. 6A, a connection point 61
between an end of second member 60 and barrel 20 does not pivot. In
FIG. 6B, a connection point 51 between an end of first member 50
and plunger 30 does not pivot. While connection points 61 and 51 do
not pivot, the ends of second and first members 60 and 50 may still
be nonrigidly (e.g., flexibly) connected with barrel 20 and plunger
30, respectively (e.g., by way of a flexible connecting material,
an integral region of reduced thickness, etc.). Alternatively, at
least one connection point 61, 51 may be substantially rigid.
Although FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate only a single non-pivoting
connection point 61, 51, a syringe may include two non-pivoting
connection points 61, 51.
[0059] Turning to FIG. 7, another embodiment of a syringe 110
according to the present invention is illustrated. Syringe 110
includes a scissor-grip handle 40, a barrel retaining member 120
pivotally secured to a first member 60 of handle 40, and a plunger
biasing member 130 pivotally secured to a second member 50 of
handle 40.
[0060] Barrel retaining member 120 is configured to engage and
retain at least a portion of the barrel 220 of a syringe 200. The
depicted, exemplary embodiment of barrel retaining member 120
includes a flexible, elongate member 121 with a receptacle 124 at
one end 122 thereof. Receptacle 124 is configured to receive the
other end 123 of elongate member 121, as well as to facilitate the
movement of a received portion of elongate member 121 therethrough.
When receiving end 123 of elongate member 121 has been inserted
into or through receptacle 124, barrel retaining member 120 takes
on an annular configuration, forming a barrel receptacle 125 that
may receive a portion of barrel 220 of syringe 200. As elongate
member 121 moves through receptacle 124, the size of barrel
receptacle 125 changes. The position of a portion of elongate
member 121 extending through receptacle 124 may be maintained by
way of a size adjustment member 126 (e.g., a screw, a spring-biased
pin, etc.) that protrudes into receptacle 124 to engage the portion
of elongate member 121 therein. Elongate member 121 may also
include retention recesses 127 (e.g., grooves, slots, etc.) that
are oriented along the length of elongate member 121 and that are
configured to receive an interior end of size adjustment member 126
so as to further maintain the position of elongate member 121
relative to receptacle 124 and, thus, the size of barrel receptacle
125.
[0061] Barrel retaining member 120 also includes a handle
connection element 128 which extends from elongate member 121 and
includes an aperture 129 therethrough. Aperture 129 is sized and
configured to receive a hinge element 70 and, thus, to facilitate
connection of a member of handle 40 to barrel retaining member
120.
[0062] Of course, other embodiments of barrel retaining members,
which may be configured to receive a variety of different sizes of
syringes or single syringe sizes, are also within the scope of the
present invention.
[0063] With continued reference to FIG. 7, an exemplary embodiment
of plunger biasing member 130 is configured to receive, retain, and
apply force to a proximal end 231p of a plunger 230 of syringe 200.
Accordingly, the illustrated plunger biasing retaining member 130
includes a plunger receiving portion 131 that is configured to
receive and apply pressure to proximal end 231p of plunger 230. As
illustrated, plunger receiving portion 131 includes a receptacle
132 that is configured to receive at least a portion of the
disk-shaped proximal end 231p of a conventionally configured
syringe plunger 230. In addition, plunger biasing retaining member
130 includes a slot 134 that is continuous with receptacle 132 and
that is positioned and sized to receive a portion of at least one
of the support ribs 234 of a conventionally configured syringe
plunger 230. As depicted, proximal end 231p is substantially
completely received within receptacle 132. Accordingly, slot 134
may include a narrow bottom section that receives a single,
vertically oriented support rib 234 and a wider top section that
receives opposed, horizontally oriented support ribs 234.
[0064] A handle connection element 138 is positioned adjacent to
(beneath) plunger receiving portion 131 and includes an aperture
139 that is configured to receive a portion of a hinge element 70
and to pivotally connect plunger biasing member 130 to first member
50 of handle 40.
[0065] Handle 40 of syringe 110 may be configured as described
previously herein.
[0066] While the various elements of a syringe according to the
present invention (e.g., syringe 10) may be manufactured from any
suitable material or materials, in some embodiments, each of the
elements of the syringe may be formed by injection molding
processes so as to afford low manufacturing cost and, consequently,
to facilitate single-use, or disposability, of the syringe. For the
more rigid elements, which, in syringe 10 (FIG. 1) include
substantially all of the elements thereof with the exception of
head 34 of plunger 30, polycarbonates, such as LEXAN.RTM.,
manufactured by General Electric, or MAKROLON.RTM., manufactured by
Miles Chemicals, may be used. Of course, other medical grade
plastics having properties (strength, rigidity, structural
integrity, ability to be adequately sterilized while maintaining
other desired properties, etc.) that are suitable for the desired
functions of the various elements of a syringe may be used to form
those elements. Alternatively, suitable metals, such as stainless
steel, which have the desired properties may be used to form one or
more of the elements of a syringe that incorporates teachings of
the present invention. These configurations are not, however,
requirements, nor are the materials or method of fabrication
critical to any inventive aspect disclosed herein.
[0067] Turning now to FIGS. 8A and 8B, an example of the use of an
aspiration apparatus incorporating teachings of the present
invention is illustrated.
[0068] FIG. 8A illustrates an aspiration apparatus 10' in an
initial position, in which a plunger 30 of a syringe is fully or
almost fully disposed within receptacle 23 of barrel 20 and
gripping ends 52 and 62 of second and first members 50 and 60 of
handle 40 are positioned apart from one another.
[0069] As a user U squeezes gripping ends 52 and 62 of second and
first members 50 and 60 of handle 40 together, as shown in FIG. 8B,
plunger 30 is drawn distally through receptacle 23 of barrel 20,
creating a vacuum therein that, in turn, draws fluid 300, tissues,
or cells through either lumen 26 of syringe tip 25 (FIGS. 1 and 2)
or lumen 82 of aspiration port 80 (FIG. 3) and into receptacle
23.
[0070] Fluid 300 may then be removed from receptacle 23 of barrel
20 by moving gripping ends 52 and 62 of second and first members 50
and 60 of handle 40 apart from one another.
[0071] Returning reference to FIG. 1, handle 40 provides sufficient
leverage that the force applied by a single hand of a user will be
translated into an adequate amount of force upon plunger 30 and
within receptacle 23 to force even relatively high viscosity fluids
into receptacle 23. Moreover, the configurations of second and
first members 50 and 60 of handle 40 facilitate gripping thereof
with a single hand, the fine motor skills of which can be used in
such a way as to precisely control the amount of fluid being
introduced into or discharged from receptacle 23 of syringe barrel
20.
[0072] Aspiration apparatus incorporating teachings of the present
invention may be used in a variety of different procedures,
including, without limitation, obtaining samples of bodily fluids
(e.g., blood, blood clots, etc.) and cells or tissues (e.g., with a
biopsy needle or other biopsy instrument).
[0073] Although the foregoing description contains many specifics,
these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present
invention, but merely as providing illustrations of some exemplary
embodiments. Similarly, other embodiments of the invention may be
devised which do not depart from the spirit or scope of the present
invention. Features from different embodiments may be employed in
combination. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated
and limited only by the appended claims and their legal
equivalents, rather than by the foregoing description. All
additions, deletions, and modifications to the invention, as
disclosed herein, which fall within the meaning and scope of the
claims are to be embraced thereby.
* * * * *