U.S. patent application number 14/885274 was filed with the patent office on 2016-04-21 for infusion device and method.
The applicant listed for this patent is Edwin Ryan. Invention is credited to Edwin Ryan.
Application Number | 20160106579 14/885274 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55748123 |
Filed Date | 2016-04-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160106579 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ryan; Edwin |
April 21, 2016 |
INFUSION DEVICE AND METHOD
Abstract
An ophthalmic infusion support and associated methods are shown.
Example infusion support devices include a base unit, a fixation
device coupled to the bottom surface of the base unit, and an
infusion tube holding device configured to hold a loop of an
infusion tube an angle projecting upward from the patient.
Inventors: |
Ryan; Edwin; (St. Paul,
MN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ryan; Edwin |
St. Paul |
MN |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
55748123 |
Appl. No.: |
14/885274 |
Filed: |
October 16, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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62065428 |
Oct 17, 2014 |
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62154462 |
Apr 29, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
604/506 ;
604/180 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 2009/0052 20130101;
A61F 9/0026 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61F 9/00 20060101
A61F009/00 |
Claims
1. An ophthalmic infusion support, comprising: a base unit having a
bottom surface and a top surface; a fixation device coupled to the
bottom surface of the base unit to attach to a patient; and an
infusion tube holding device coupled to the top surface of the base
unit, wherein the infusion tube holding device is configured to
hold a loop of an infusion tube an angle projecting upward from the
patient.
2. The ophthalmic infusion support of claim 1, wherein the fixation
device includes adhesive.
3. The ophthalmic infusion support of claim 2, wherein the fixation
device includes a peel off backing covering the adhesive.
4. The ophthalmic infusion support of claim 1, wherein the infusion
holding device includes adhesive.
5. The ophthalmic infusion support of claim 4, wherein the infusion
holding device includes a peel off backing covering the
adhesive.
6. The ophthalmic infusion support of claim 1, wherein the bottom
surface is curved to match a patient's face contour.
7. The ophthalmic infusion support of claim 1, wherein the infusion
tube holding device includes an angled top surface projecting away
from the patient.
8. The ophthalmic infusion support of claim 1, wherein the infusion
tube holding device includes a pair of infusion tube holding
devices.
9. The ophthalmic infusion support of claim 1, wherein the infusion
tube holding device includes at least one integrally formed
infusion tube holding device.
10. The ophthalmic infusion support of claim 1, wherein the
infusion tube holding device is formed from a resilient
material.
11. An ophthalmic infusion support, comprising: a base unit having
a bottom surface and a top surface; a fixation device coupled to
the bottom surface of the base unit to attach to a patient; and a
pair of infusion tube holding devices coupled to the top surface of
the base unit, wherein the pair of infusion tube holding devices
are configured to hold a portion of an infusion tube in a loop that
projects upward from the patient.
12. The ophthalmic infusion support of claim 11, wherein the
fixation device includes adhesive.
13. The ophthalmic infusion support of claim 12, wherein the
fixation device includes a peel off backing covering the
adhesive.
14. The ophthalmic infusion support of claim 11, wherein the pair
of infusion tube holding devices include resilient clips.
15. The ophthalmic infusion support of claim 11, wherein the pair
of infusion tube holding devices are integrally formed with the
base unit.
16. The ophthalmic infusion support of claim 13, wherein the pair
of infusion tube holding devices are integrally formed with the
base unit.
17. A method, comprising: inserting a cannula into a patient's eye;
coupling an infusion tube to the cannula; forming a loop with the
infusion tube that projects upward from the patient at an angle;
fixing an ophthalmic infusion support to the patient; and coupling
the infusion tube to an ophthalmic infusion support that holds the
infusion tube at the angle.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein fixing an ophthalmic infusion
support to the patient includes adhering an ophthalmic infusion
support to the patient.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein fixing an ophthalmic infusion
support to the patient includes peeling an adhesive backing off to
expose an adhesive, and placing the adhesive in contact with the
patient.
20. The method of claim 17, wherein placing the adhesive in contact
with the patient includes placing the adhesive directly in contact
with skin of the patient.
21. The method of claim 17, wherein placing the adhesive in contact
with the patient includes placing the adhesive in contact with a
surgical drape near an eye of the patient.
22. An ophthalmic infusion support, comprising: a base unit; a
fixation device coupled to a bottom surface of the base unit to
attach to a patient; and an infusion tube holding device coupled to
the base unit at an angle, wherein the infusion tube holding device
is configured to hold a loop of an infusion tube an angle
projecting upward from the patient.
23. The ophthalmic infusion support of claim 22, further including
a second infusion tube holding device.
24. The ophthalmic infusion support of claim 22, wherein the
ophthalmic infusion support is formed at least partially from a
resilient material.
25. The ophthalmic infusion support of claim 22, wherein the
ophthalmic infusion support is formed from a rigid material.
Description
CLAIM OF PRIORITY
[0001] This application claims the benefit priority to U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 62/065,428, filed Oct. 17, 2014,
and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/154,462, filed
Apr. 29, 2015 which are incorporated herein by reference in their
entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This invention relates to devices and methods for
ophthalmological procedures, such as an infusion procedure.
BACKGROUND
[0003] A number of ophthalmological procedures require the use of
an infusion line. Infusion lines have weight, and in some cases,
may tend to flex as they hang from their coupling location on a
patient's eye. It is desirable to avoid kinking and/or twisting of
the infusion line, which may cause problems such as restricting
fluid flow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] FIG. 1 shows an ophthalmic infusion support according to an
embodiment of the invention.
[0005] FIG. 2 shows another ophthalmic infusion support according
to an embodiment of the invention.
[0006] FIG. 3 shows one example of an ophthalmic infusion support
in use according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0007] FIG. 4A shows another example of an ophthalmic infusion
support according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0008] FIG. 4B shows an isometric view of an ophthalmic infusion
support according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0009] FIG. 5 shows another ophthalmic infusion support according
to an embodiment of the invention.
[0010] FIG. 6 shows another ophthalmic infusion support according
to an embodiment of the invention.
[0011] FIG. 7 shows another ophthalmic infusion support according
to an embodiment of the invention.
[0012] FIG. 8 shows another ophthalmic infusion support according
to an embodiment of the invention.
[0013] FIG. 9 shows an example method of using an ophthalmic
infusion support according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0014] FIG. 10 shows another ophthalmic infusion support according
to an embodiment of the invention.
[0015] FIG. 11 shows another ophthalmic infusion support according
to an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] In the following detailed description, reference is made to
the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is
shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the
invention may be practiced. In the drawings, like numerals describe
substantially similar components throughout the several views.
These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable
those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other
embodiments may be utilised and structural, or logical changes,
etc. may be made without departing from the scope of the present
invention.
[0017] FIG. 1 shows an ophthalmic infusion support 100 according to
one example of the invention. The ophthalmic infusion support 100
includes a base unit 102 having a bottom surface 104 and a top
surface 106. In one example the base unit 102 is substantially flat
in one dimension (for example in the plane of the page of FIG. 1).
In such an example the base unit 102 may be cut from a sheet of
material, such as a closed or open cell polymer foam sheet. In one
example, a resilient material such as foamed polymer sheet provides
a desirable level of compliance that may allow a user to conform
the ophthalmic infusion support 100 to a patient for improved
fixation as discussed below. In other examples, the base unit 102
may be molded from a compliant polymer, or rigid polymer. Other
materials such as metals are also possible, but may add unwanted
cost to the ophthalmic infusion support 100.
[0018] In the example of FIG. 1, an adhesive 120 is coupled to the
bottom surface 104. The adhesive serves as a fixation device, and
may be used to attach to a patient. In one example the adhesive
such as a pressure sensitive adhesive is used. In the example of
FIG. 1, a peel off backing 122 is shown that may be removed to
expose the adhesive 120 for attaching to a patient.
[0019] In one example, the adhesive 120 is used to attach directly
to a patient, such as adhering to the patient's skin in a region
adjacent to an eye, as will be discussed in more detail below. In
one example, a fixation device, such as the adhesive 120 is used to
attach indirectly to a patient, such as attaching to a surgical
drape that is place on the patient. Both direct fixation, and
indirect fixation methods are encompassed in the present
disclosure. Any number of suitable adhesives may be used as a
fixation device, as discussed above. Other fixation devices
include, but are not limited to, mechanical fixation, such as
spring clips, pins, etc. Mechanical fixation device examples will
primarily be used for indirect fixation to an intermediate element,
such as a surgical drape.
[0020] The ophthalmic infusion support 100 of FIG. 1 further shows
an infusion tube holding device 110 coupled to the top surface 106
of the base unit 102. In the example of FIG. 1, the infusion tube
holding device 110 includes an adhesive 110. The adhesive 110 may
be the same or similar adhesive to the adhesive 120. In one
example, a first adhesive 110 is chosen to securely hold an
infusion tube, while a second, different adhesive 120 is chosen to
adhere to the patient, either directly or indirectly.
[0021] In one example an adhesive such as a pressure sensitive
adhesive is used for the infusion tube holding device 110. Similar
to the adhesive 120, in the example of FIG. 1, a peel off backing
112 is shown that may be removed to expose the adhesive 110 for
attaching to an infusion tube.
[0022] Although an adhesive is shown as the infusion tube holding
device 110, the invention is not so limited. Other infusion tube
holding devices may include mechanical holding devices, such as
clips, clamps, fasteners, zip ties, etc. may be used as an infusion
tube holding device 110.
[0023] FIG. 2 shows an ophthalmic infusion support 200 according to
an example of the invention. The ophthalmic infusion support 200
includes a base unit 202 having a bottom surface 204 and a top
surface 206. Similar to the ophthalmic infusion support 100, in one
example the base unit 102 is substantially flat in one dimension
(for example in the plane of the page of FIG. 1). As described
above, materials for the base unit 202 may include, but are not
limited to, polymers, foamed polymers, metals, composites, etc.
[0024] Similar to the example of FIG. 1, an adhesive 220 is coupled
to the bottom surface 204. The adhesive serves as a fixation
device, and may be used to attach to a patient, directly or
indirectly as discussed above. In one example the adhesive such as
a pressure sensitive adhesive is used. In the example of FIG. 2, a
peel off backing 222 is shown that may be removed to expose the
adhesive 220 for attaching to a patient. In the example of FIG. 2,
the bottom surface 204 is anatomically curved to better conform and
adhere to a patient, either directly or indirectly.
[0025] Similar to the example of FIG. 1, in one example an infusion
tube holding device 210 is coupled to the top surface 206 of the
base unit 202. In the example of FIG. 2, the infusion tube holding
device 201 includes an adhesive 210. In one example an adhesive
such as a pressure sensitive adhesive is used for the infusion tube
holding device 210. Similar to the adhesive 220, a peel off backing
212 is shown that may be removed to expose the adhesive 210 for
attaching to an infusion tube.
[0026] FIG. 3 shows an example of an ophthalmic infusion support
300, similar to infusion supports 100 and 200 discussed above. The
ophthalmic infusion support 300 is shown attached to a patient
adjacent to the patient's eye. An infusion tube 310 is shown
coupled to the ophthalmic infusion support 300. The infusion tube
310 includes a supply end 312, and an outlet end 314. A loop 316 of
the infusion tube 310 is shown adjacent to the patient's eye. The
loop projects upward from the patient as a result of being coupled
to the ophthalmic infusion support 300.
[0027] The loop 316, and the upward projection provide comfort to
the patient by allowing the infusion tube to move slightly without
any excessive forces to the patient's eye. Example infusion support
devices, such as infusion supports 100, 200, 300 and other examples
as described in the present disclosure, help resist the weight of
the tubing that may tend to pull a tip of the infusion line into
unwanted orientations. The loop 316, and the upward projection
provide an infusion supply that is directed toward a desired
portion of the eye, with unobstructed flow, and is much less likely
to kink, twist, or otherwise become obstructed during a
procedure.
[0028] FIG. 4A further illustrates how examples of ophthalmic
infusion supports provide a secure loop with an upward projection.
In the example of FIG. 4, the infusion tube 310 is attached to the
ophthalmic infusion support 300 along a top surface. In one
example, the infusion tube 310 is attached using an adhesive as
described in FIGS. 1 and 2. Other examples of attachment without
adhesives are described in additional examples below, including
FIG. 4B. The infusion tube 310 of FIG. 4, includes a loop 316 that
projects upward from the patient as depicted by surface 304. The
loop 316 projects upward at an angle 320 from the surface 304. In
one example, the upward projection of the loop 316 provides a
downward projection of the supply end 314 of the infusion tube 310.
Such a configuration provides a reliable, substantially fixed angle
of supply to an eye of the patient without unwanted misdirection of
infusion flow, obstruction of infusion flow, kinking, twisting,
etc. of the infusion tube 310.
[0029] In the example of FIG. 4A, the upward projection of the loop
316 is a direct result of aligning the infusion tube 310 along an
angled top surface of the ophthalmic infusion support 300, however,
the invention is not so limited. Other configurations may use other
types of infusion tube holding devices to provide an upward
projection of a loop. Selected other examples are discussed in more
detail below.
[0030] FIG. 4B shows an example of an ophthalmic infusion support
400, including a base unit 402 having a bottom surface 404 and a
top surface 406. Similar to other example ophthalmic infusion
supports (100, 200, 300) in one example the base unit 402 is
substantially flat in one dimension. As described above, materials
for the base unit 402 may include, but are not limited to,
polymers, foamed polymers, metals, composites, etc.
[0031] In one example, the bottom surface 404 includes an adhesive
coupled to the bottom surface 404. As in other examples described,
the adhesive may serve as a fixation device, and may be used to
attach to a patient. In one example an adhesive such as a pressure
sensitive adhesive is used. A peel off backing for an adhesive may
also be used in selected embodiments. As in other embodiments
described, the bottom surface 404 may be flat, or curved. As
discussed above, in alternate examples, other fixation devices that
may be used in place of adhesive 520 include, but are not limited
to, mechanical fixation, such as spring clips, pins, etc.
Mechanical fixation device examples will primarily be used for
indirect fixation to an intermediate element, such as a surgical
drape.
[0032] In the Example of FIG. 4B, a pair of infusion tube holding
devices are shown, including a first infusion tube holding device
410 and a second infusion tube holding device 412. In the example
shown, the infusion tube holding devices 410, 412 include resilient
clips, although the invention is not so limited. In the resilient
clip example of FIG. 4B, arms of the infusion tube holding devices
410, 412 are flexible and can deform to allow insertion of an
infusion tube (not shown) into the resilient clips. The pair of
infusion tube holding devices 410, 412 of the ophthalmic infusion
support 400 are configured to hold a portion of an infusion tube in
a loop that projects upward from a patient, as shown in FIG. 4A
above.
[0033] FIG. 5 shows an example of an ophthalmic infusion support
500, including a base unit 502 having a bottom surface 504 and a
top surface 506. Similar to other example ophthalmic infusion
supports (100, 200, 300) in one example the base unit 502 is
substantially flat in one dimension (for example in the plane of
the page of FIG. 5). As described above, materials for the base
unit 502 may include, but are not limited to, polymers, foamed
polymers, metals, composites, etc.
[0034] The example of FIG. 5 shows a pair of infusion tube holding
devices, including a first infusion tube holding device 510 and a
second infusion tube holding device 512. In the example shown, the
infusion tube holding devices 510, 512 include resilient clips,
although the invention is not so limited. In the resilient clip
example of FIG. 5, arms 511 of the infusion tube holding devices
510, 512 are flexible and can deform to allow insertion of an
infusion tube (not shown) into the resilient clips. The pair of
infusion tube holding devices 510, 512 of the ophthalmic infusion
support 500 are configured to hold a portion of an infusion tube in
a loop that projects upward from a patient, as shown in more detail
in FIGS. 7 and 8 below.
[0035] Similar to other example ophthalmic infusion supports (100,
200, 300), an adhesive 520 is coupled to the bottom surface 504 of
the base unit 502. The adhesive 520 serves as a fixation device,
and may be used to attach to a patient, directly or indirectly as
discussed above. In one example the adhesive such as a pressure
sensitive adhesive is used. In the example of FIG. 5, a peel off
backing 522 is shown that may be removed to expose the adhesive 520
for attaching to a patient. As discussed in other examples, the
bottom surface 504 may be flat as shown in FIG. 5, or optionally
anatomically curved as shown in FIG. 2 to better conform and adhere
to a patient, either directly or indirectly.
[0036] As discussed above, in alternate examples, other fixation
devices that may be used in place of adhesive 520 include, but are
not limited to, mechanical fixation, such as spring clips, pins,
etc. Mechanical fixation device examples will primarily be used for
indirect fixation to an intermediate element, such as a surgical
drape.
[0037] FIG. 6 shows an example of an ophthalmic infusion support
600, including a base unit 602 having a bottom surface 604 and a
top surface 606. Similar to other example ophthalmic infusion
supports (100, 200, 300, 500) in one example the base unit 602 is
substantially flat in one dimension although other configurations
are within the scope of the invention. As described above,
materials for the base unit 602 may include, but are not limited
to, polymers, foamed polymers, metals, composites, etc.
[0038] The example of FIG. 6 shows a pair of infusion tube holding
devices, including a first infusion tube holding device 610 and a
second infusion tube holding device 612. In the example shown, the
infusion tube holding devices 610, 612 include resilient clips,
although the invention is not so limited.
[0039] In the resilient clip example of FIG. 6, the infusion tube
holding devices 610, 612 are integrally molded or cut from the base
unit 602. Similar to the example of FIG. 5, the infusion tube
holding devices 610, 612 are flexible and can deform to allow
insertion of an infusion tube (not shown) into the resilient clips.
In one example by integrally molding or cutting the infusion tube
holding devices 610, 612 from the base unit 602, manufacturing cost
and materials cost savings are provided. The pair of infusion tube
holding devices 610, 612 of the ophthalmic infusion support 600 are
configured to hold a portion of an infusion tube in a loop that
projects upward from a patient, as shown in more detail in FIGS. 7
and 8 below.
[0040] Similar to other example ophthalmic infusion supports (100,
200, 300, 500), an adhesive 620 is coupled to the bottom surface
604 of the base unit 602. The adhesive 620 serves as a fixation
device, and may be used to attach to a patient, directly or
indirectly as discussed above. In one example the adhesive such as
a pressure sensitive adhesive is used. In the example of FIG. 6, a
peel off backing 622 is shown that may be removed to expose the
adhesive 620 for attaching to a patient. As discussed in other
examples, the bottom surface 604 may be flat as shown in FIG. 6, or
optionally anatomically curved as shown in FIG. 2 to better conform
and adhere to a patient, either directly or indirectly.
[0041] As discussed above, in alternate examples, other fixation
devices that may be used in place of adhesive 620 include, but are
not limited to, mechanical fixation, such as spring clips, pins,
etc. Mechanical fixation device examples will primarily be used for
indirect fixation to an intermediate element, such as a surgical
drape.
[0042] FIGS. 7 and 8 further illustrate how examples of ophthalmic
infusion supports shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 provide a secure loop with
an upward projection. In the example of FIG. 7, an infusion tube
710 is attached to an ophthalmic infusion support 700. In one
example, the infusion tube 710 is attached using a pair of infusion
tube holding devices 701, 703, two possible examples of which are
shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.
[0043] The ophthalmic infusion support 700 is shown attached to a
patient adjacent to the patient's eye 730. The infusion tube 710
includes a supply end 712, and an outlet end 714. A loop 716 of the
infusion tube 710 is shown adjacent to the patient's eye. The loop
projects upward from the patient, as further illustrated in FIG. 8,
as a result of being coupled to the ophthalmic infusion support
700.
[0044] As shown in FIG. 8, the loop 716 projects upward from the
patient as depicted by surface 704. The loop 716 projects upward at
an angle 720 from the surface 704. In one example, the upward
projection of the loop 716 provides a downward projection of the
supply end 714 of the infusion tube 710. Such a configuration
provides a reliable, substantially fixed angle of supply to an eye
of the patient without unwanted kinking, twisting, etc. of the
infusion tube 710.
[0045] In the example of FIG. 8, the upward projection of the loop
716 is provided by the arrangement and orientation of the pair of
infusion tube holding devices 701, 703. In one example, both the
arrangement and orientation of the pair of infusion tube holding
devices 701, 703, and the upward angle of the top surface of the
base unit 702 provide the upward projection of the loop 716. The
loop 716, and the upward projection provide comfort to the patient
by allowing the infusion tube to move slightly without any
excessive forces to the patient's eye. The loop 716, and the upward
projection further provide a reliable, substantially fixed angle of
supply to an eye of the patient without unwanted misdirection of
infusion flow, obstruction of infusion flow, kinking, twisting,
etc. of the infusion tube during a procedure.
[0046] FIG. 9 shows a method of using an ophthalmic infusion
support, such as one or more of the ophthalmic infusion supports
described in examples above. In operation 902, a cannula is
inserted into a patient's eye. In operation 904, an infusion tube
is coupled to the cannula. In operation 906, a loop is formed with
the infusion tube that projects upward from the patient at an
angle. In operation 908, an ophthalmic infusion support is fixed to
the patient. In operation 910, the infusion tube is coupled to an
ophthalmic infusion support that holds the infusion tube at the
angle.
[0047] FIG. 10 shows an example of an ophthalmic infusion support
1000, including a base unit 1002 having a bottom surface 1004 and a
top surface 1006. As described above, materials for the base unit
1002 may include, but are not limited to, polymers, foamed
polymers, metals, composites, etc.
[0048] In one example, the bottom surface 1004 includes an adhesive
coupled to the bottom surface 1004. As in other examples described,
the adhesive may serve as a fixation device, and may be used to
attach to a patient. In one example an adhesive such as a pressure
sensitive adhesive is used. A peel off backing for an adhesive may
also be used in selected embodiments. As in other embodiments
described, the bottom surface 1004 may be flat, or curved. As
discussed above, in alternate examples, other fixation devices that
may be used in place of adhesive include, but are not limited to,
mechanical fixation, such as spring clips, pins, etc.
[0049] In the Example of FIG. 10, a single, elongated infusion tube
holding device 1008 is shown. In one example, the infusion tube
holding device 1008 is integrally molded or cut from the base unit
1002. Similar to the example of FIG. 5, the infusion tube holding
device 1008 is flexible and can deform to allow insertion of an
infusion tube (not shown). In one example by integrally molding or
cutting the infusion tube holding device 1008 from the base unit
1002, manufacturing cost and materials cost savings are
provided.
[0050] FIG. 11 shows an example of an ophthalmic infusion support
1100, including a base unit 1102 having a bottom surface 1104. In
one example, the bottom surface 1104 includes an adhesive coupled
to the bottom surface 1104. As in other examples described, the
adhesive may serve as a fixation device, and may be used to attach
to a patient. In one example an adhesive such as a pressure
sensitive adhesive is used. A peel off backing for an adhesive may
also be used in selected embodiments. As in other embodiments
described, the bottom surface 1104 may be flat, or curved. As
discussed above, in alternate examples, other fixation devices that
may be used in place of adhesive include, but are not limited to,
mechanical fixation, such as spring clips, pins, etc.
[0051] The ophthalmic infusion support 1100 example of FIG. 11
shows a first infusion tube holding device 1110 and a second
infusion tube holding device 1112. In one example, the ophthalmic
infusion support 1100 is wholly or partially formed from a
resilient material, such as a polymer material, or flexible metal.
In one resilient material example, a top portion 1106 may be tilted
slightly to one side or the other in order to facilitate insertion
of an infusion tube into the first or second infusion tube holding
device 1110, 1112. The resilient nature of the material will then
serve as a clamping force to hold the infusion tube in place within
the chosen infusion tube holding device. One advantage of two
infusion tube holding devices 1110, 1112 includes a greater number
of options to hold the infusion tube in place without obstructing
view of the eye for the procedure.
[0052] Although in one example, the entire ophthalmic infusion
support 1100 is formed from a resilient material, although the
invention is not so limited. In one example, only a portion, such
as a connecting region 1108 is formed from a resilient material. In
other examples, the ophthalmic infusion support 1100 is formed from
a rigid material, and a resilient nature of the infusion tube is
used to hold the tube within either one of the first or second
infusion tube holding devices 1110, 1112.
[0053] In all examples shown, the infusion tube holding devices
provide an important feature of permitting a user to adjust an
amount of infusion tube that extends beyond an end of an ophthalmic
infusion support toward the patient. This allows a user to adjust a
correct length of infusion tube to provide an optimal length of
tubing to form a loop that projects upward from the patient. As
discussed above, in one example, the upward projection of a loop
provides a downward projection of a supply end of the infusion
tube. Such a configuration provides a reliable, substantially fixed
angle of supply to an eye of the patient without unwanted
misdirection of infusion flow, obstruction of infusion flow,
kinking, twisting, etc. of the infusion tube.
[0054] To better illustrate the method and apparatuses disclosed
herein, a non-limiting list of embodiments is provided here:
[0055] Example 1 includes an ophthalmic infusion support. The
ophthalmic infusion support includes a base unit having a bottom
surface and a top surface, a fixation device coupled to the bottom
surface of the base unit to attach to a patient, and an infusion
tube holding device coupled to the top surface of the base unit,
wherein the infusion tube holding device is configured to hold a
loop of an infusion tube an angle projecting upward from the
patient.
[0056] Example 2 includes the ophthalmic infusion support of
example 1, wherein the fixation device includes adhesive.
[0057] Example 3 includes the ophthalmic infusion support of any
one of examples 1-2, wherein the fixation device includes a peel
off backing covering the adhesive.
[0058] Example 4 includes the ophthalmic infusion support of any
one of examples 1-3, wherein the infusion holding device includes
adhesive.
[0059] Example 5 includes the ophthalmic infusion support of any
one of examples 1-4, wherein the infusion holding device includes a
peel off backing covering the adhesive.
[0060] Example 6 includes the ophthalmic infusion support of any
one of examples 1-5, wherein the bottom surface is curved to match
a patient's face contour.
[0061] Example 7 includes the ophthalmic infusion support of any
one of examples 1-6, wherein the infusion tube holding device
includes an angled top surface projecting away from the
patient.
[0062] Example 8 includes the ophthalmic infusion support of any
one of examples 1-7, wherein the infusion tube holding device
includes a pair of infusion tube holding devices.
[0063] Example 9 includes the ophthalmic infusion support of any
one of examples 1-8, wherein the infusion tube holding device
includes at least one integrally formed infusion tube holding
device.
[0064] Example 10 includes the ophthalmic infusion support of any
one of examples 1-9, wherein the infusion tube holding device is
formed from a resilient material.
[0065] Example 11 includes an ophthalmic infusion support. The
ophthalmic infusion support includes a base unit having a bottom
surface and a top surface, a fixation device coupled to the bottom
surface of the base unit to attach to a patient, and a pair of
infusion tube holding devices coupled to the top surface of the
base unit, wherein the pair of infusion tube holding devices are
configured to hold a portion of an infusion tube in a loop that
projects upward from the patient.
[0066] Example 12 includes the ophthalmic infusion support of
example 11, wherein the fixation device includes adhesive.
[0067] Example 13 includes the ophthalmic infusion support of any
one of examples 11-12, wherein the fixation device includes a peel
off backing covering the adhesive.
[0068] Example 14 includes the ophthalmic infusion support of any
one of examples 11-13, wherein the pair of infusion tube holding
devices include resilient clips.
[0069] Example 15 includes the ophthalmic infusion support of any
one of examples 11-14, wherein the pair of infusion tube holding
devices are integrally formed with the base unit.
[0070] Example 16 includes the ophthalmic infusion support of any
one of examples 11-15, wherein the pair of infusion tube holding
devices are integrally formed with the base unit.
[0071] Example 17 is a method that includes inserting a cannula
into a patient's eye, coupling an infusion tube to the cannula,
forming a loop with the infusion tube that projects upward from the
patient at an angle, fixing an ophthalmic infusion support to the
patient, and coupling the infusion tube to an ophthalmic infusion
support that holds the infusion tube at the angle.
[0072] Example 18 includes the method of example 17, wherein fixing
an ophthalmic infusion support to the patient includes adhering an
ophthalmic infusion support to the patient.
[0073] Example 19 includes the method of any one of examples 17-18,
wherein fixing an ophthalmic infusion support to the patient
includes peeling an adhesive backing off to expose an adhesive, and
placing the adhesive in contact with the patient.
[0074] Example 20 includes the method of any one of examples 17-19,
wherein placing the adhesive in contact with the patient includes
placing the adhesive directly in contact with skin of the
patient.
[0075] Example 21 includes the method of any one of examples 17-20,
wherein placing the adhesive in contact with the patient includes
placing the adhesive in contact with a surgical drape near an eye
of the patient.
[0076] Example 22 includes an ophthalmic infusion support,
including a base unit, a fixation device coupled to a bottom
surface of the base unit to attach to a patient, and an infusion
tube holding device coupled to the base unit at an angle, wherein
the infusion tube holding device is configured to hold a loop of an
infusion tube an angle projecting upward from the patient.
[0077] Example 23 includes the ophthalmic infusion support of
example 22, further including a second infusion tube holding
device.
[0078] Example 24 includes the ophthalmic infusion support of any
one of examples 22-23, wherein the ophthalmic infusion support is
formed at least partially from a resilient material.
[0079] Example 25 includes the ophthalmic infusion support of any
one of examples 22-24, wherein the ophthalmic infusion support is
formed from a rigid material.
[0080] These and other examples and features of the present
infusion devices, and related methods will be set forth in part in
the above detailed description. This overview is intended to
provide non-limiting examples of the present subject matter--it is
not intended to provide an exclusive or exhaustive explanation.
[0081] The above detailed description includes references to the
accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed
description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific
embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. These
embodiments are also referred to herein as "examples." Such
examples can include elements in addition to those shown or
described. However, the present inventors also contemplate examples
in which only those elements shown or described are provided.
Moreover, the present inventors also contemplate examples using any
combination or permutation of those elements shown or described (or
one or more aspects thereof), either with respect to a particular
example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect to other
examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described
herein.
[0082] In this document, the terms "a" or "an" are used, as is
common in patent documents, to include one or more than one,
independent of any other instances or usages of "at least one" or
"one or more." In this document, the term "or" is used to refer to
a nonexclusive or, such that "A or B" includes "A but not B," "B
but not A," and "A and B," unless otherwise indicated. In this
document, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as the
plain-English equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and
"wherein." Also, in the following claims, the terms "including" and
"comprising" are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article,
composition, formulation, or process that includes elements in
addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still
deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the
following claims, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc.
are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical
requirements on their objects.
[0083] The above description is intended to be illustrative, and
not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one
or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each
other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary
skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The Abstract
is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. .sctn.1.72(b), to allow the
reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure.
It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to
interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Also, in the
above Detailed Description, various features may be grouped
together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be
interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is
essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may lie in
less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus,
the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed
Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate
embodiment, and it is contemplated that such embodiments can be
combined with each other in various combinations or permutations.
The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to
the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to
which such claims are entitled.
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