U.S. patent application number 17/391927 was filed with the patent office on 2022-02-24 for powered lavage handle and associated use therefore.
The applicant listed for this patent is Mystro Medical, LLC. Invention is credited to Keith Anderson, Mohammed Ali Barakat, Daniel Glenn Doerr, John A. Farnella, JR., Gary Wayne Haberland, Kenneth M. Roger, Roland Strelitzki.
Application Number | 20220054732 17/391927 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-02-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220054732 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Doerr; Daniel Glenn ; et
al. |
February 24, 2022 |
Powered Lavage Handle and Associated Use Therefore
Abstract
A lavage handle for facilitating at least one of an irrigation
function and a suctioning function at a target zone preferably
includes a portable body, a power-operated fluid-displacing
mechanism in communication with said body wherein said
fluid-displacing mechanism has one of a first operating mode for
inducing outward irrigation of fluid towards the target zone and a
second operating mode for inducing inward suction of fluid from the
target zone. An actuation mechanism is located at said body and
operable communicated with said fluid-displacing mechanism such
that said fluid-displacing mechanism is selectively operated in at
least one of said first operating mode and said second operating
mode. The actuation mechanism may include an irrigation-inducing
mechanism and/or a suction-inducing mechanism.
Inventors: |
Doerr; Daniel Glenn;
(Orlando, FL) ; Strelitzki; Roland; (Altamonte
Springs, FL) ; Barakat; Mohammed Ali; (Casselberry,
FL) ; Anderson; Keith; (Orlando, FL) ;
Haberland; Gary Wayne; (Winter Park, FL) ; Farnella,
JR.; John A.; (Orlando, FL) ; Roger; Kenneth M.;
(Casselberry, FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Mystro Medical, LLC |
Wilmington |
MA |
US |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
17/391927 |
Filed: |
August 2, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14890528 |
Nov 11, 2015 |
11077236 |
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PCT/US2015/059780 |
Nov 9, 2015 |
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17391927 |
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62092112 |
Dec 15, 2014 |
|
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International
Class: |
A61M 1/00 20060101
A61M001/00; A61M 3/02 20060101 A61M003/02 |
Claims
1. A lavage handle for facilitating at least one of an irrigation
function and a suctioning function at a target zone, said lavage
handle comprising: a body; a fluid-displacing mechanism in
communication with said body, said fluid-displacing mechanism
having one of a first operating mode for inducing outward
irrigation of fluid towards the target zone and a second operating
mode for inducing inward suction of fluid from the target zone; and
an actuation mechanism located at said body and operable
communicated with said fluid-displacing mechanism such that said
fluid-displacing mechanism is selectively operated in at least one
of said first operating mode and said second operating mode.
2. The lavage handle of claim 1, wherein said actuation mechanism
is disposed at least partially exterior of said body.
3. The lavage handle of claim 2, wherein said actuation mechanism
comprises: a multi-pole toggle switch.
4. The lavage handle of claim 2, wherein said actuation mechanism
comprises: at least one rheostat.
5. The lavage handle of claim 2, wherein said actuation mechanism
comprises: a spring-resistive trigger.
6. The lavage handle of claim 1, wherein said actuation mechanism
is disposed entirely interior of said body.
7. The lavage handle of claim 6, wherein said body is formed from
deformably resilient material.
8. The lavage handle of claim 7, wherein said actuation mechanism
comprises: a pressure-sensitive contact in communication with said
deformably resilient material such that said fluid-displacing
mechanism is operated when said body is biased to a tensioned
state.
9. The lavage handle of claim 1, further comprising: a feedback
mechanism in communication with said fluid-displacing mechanism for
notifying the user of at least one of said first operating mode and
said second operating mode.
10. The lavage handle of claim 9, wherein said feedback mechanism
comprises: at least one transducer for generating and emitting at
least one alert signal when said fluid-displacing mechanism is at
one of said first operating mode and said second operating
mode.
11. (canceled)
12. (canceled)
13. (canceled)
14. A lavage handle for facilitating at least one of an irrigation
function and a suctioning function at a target zone, said lavage
handle comprising: a portable body; a power-operated
fluid-displacing mechanism in communication with said body, said
fluid-displacing mechanism having one of a first operating mode for
inducing outward irrigation of fluid towards the target zone and a
second operating mode for inducing inward suction of fluid from the
target zone; and an actuation mechanism located at said body and
operable communicated with said power-operated fluid-displacing
mechanism such that said power-operated fluid-displacing mechanism
is selectively operated in at least one of said first operating
mode and said second operating mode.
15. The lavage handle of claim 14, further comprising: a
user-interface; and a voice-activated mechanism operatively coupled
to said actuation mechanism; wherein, upon receiving a user input
signal, said user-interface generates and transmits a corresponding
control signal to said voice-activated mechanism for operating said
actuation mechanism.
16. The lavage handle of claim 14, further comprising: a flow
monitoring mechanism in communication with said power-operated
fluid-displacing mechanism, said flow monitoring mechanism
monitoring at least one of a flow pressure, flow rate, and a volume
of the fluid passing through said body.
17. The lavage handle of claim 14, further comprising: an optics
generating mechanism in communication with said body, said optics
generating mechanism including at least one of a light source for
illuminating the target zone and a camera for capturing a visual
image of the target zone.
18. The lavage handle of claim 14, further comprising: a fluid
storage container in communication with said power-operated
fluid-displacing mechanism, said fluid storage container including
at least one of an irrigation container and a suction container in
communication with said body.
19. The lavage handle of claim 18, wherein said first operating
mode of said power-operated fluid-displacing mechanism causes fluid
displacement from said irrigation container to the target zone;
wherein said second operating mode of said power-operated
fluid-displacing mechanism causes fluid retrieval from the target
zone to said suction container.
20. (canceled)
21. (canceled)
22. (canceled)
23. (canceled)
24. A method of utilizing a lavage handle for facilitating at least
one of an irrigation function and a suctioning function at a target
zone, said method comprising the steps of: providing a portable
body; providing and communicating a power-operated fluid-displacing
mechanism with said body, said fluid-displacing mechanism having
one of a first operating mode for inducing outward irrigation of
fluid towards the target zone and a second operating mode for
inducing inward suction of fluid from the target zone; providing
and locating an actuation mechanism at said body; and operably
communicating said actuation mechanism with said fluid-displacing
mechanism such that said fluid-displacing mechanism is selectively
operated in at least one of said first operating mode and said
second operating mode.
25. The method of claim 24, further comprising the steps of:
accessing a surgical procedure; and employing said lavage handle
during said surgical procedure.
26. The method of claim 24, further comprising the steps of:
accessing a surgical port; and employing said lavage handle in
conjunction with said surgical port.
27. The method of claim 24, further comprising the steps of:
obtaining at least one of a suction probe and an irrigation probe;
and employing said lavage handle in conjunction with said at least
one of a suction probe and an irrigation probe.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/890,528, filed on Nov. 11, 2015, as a
National Stage of PCT/US15/59780, filed Nov. 9, 2015, which claims
the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/092,112,
filed Dec. 15, 2014, all of which are fully incorporated herein by
reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] Exemplary embodiment(s) of the present disclosure relate to
lavage devices and, more particularly, to a lavage handle used to
retrieve and/or discharge fluid to a target zone wherein an
actuation mechanism switches a fluid-displacing mechanism between
operating and non-operating modes. The fluid-displacing mechanism
can be physically incorporated completely within a body of the
handle. A feedback mechanism may be provided to notify the user
when the fluid-displacing mechanism is operating.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
[0003] Development of laparoscope procedures has given physicians
the ability to see inside the body without the necessity of large
incisions and their related hazard of infection. Use of a
laparoscope, and other related devices, allows the physician to
perform a variety of diagnostic and surgical procedures. The scope
allows the introduction of microsurgical tools through the scope
housing without impeding the physician's vision, permitting
simultaneous viewing of the affected area and manipulation of the
tools. During these procedures, it is often desirable to irrigate
tissues. Following irrigation, or when bleeding occurs, or when
smoke is generated by heat or laser evaporation of tissues, it is
often necessary to apply a vacuum (e.g., suction) to evacuate the
area of smoke, blood, or irrigating solution to permit continued
unobstructed viewing of the area.
[0004] Among the common techniques for maintaining a clean surgical
site is to irrigate the site with an irrigation or antiseptic
solution. Typically, the liquid is supplied from a reservoir
through tubing to a dispensing handle that is manipulated by the
surgeon or a surgical assistant. Removal of the irrigation liquid
as well as other fluids may collect at the surgical site is
effected by applying a suction instrument in the region. A number
of irrigation devices have been used and proposed. Generally, they
incorporate an arrangement for developing and delivering the
liquid. Among the systems employed in the prior art include one
that are powered by external energy sources, including electrically
and pneumatically driven pumps. Some systems employ complex
peripheral controls to vary the characteristics of the emitted
fluid stream. The external location of such energy sources and
complexity of peripheral controls frustrates an operator's ability
to freely maneuver the device both during and after the
laparoscopic procedure.
[0005] Accordingly, a need remains for an improved lavage handle in
order to overcome at least one prior art shortcoming mentioned
hereinabove. The exemplary embodiment(s) satisfy such a need by
providing a lavage handle including a fluid-displacing mechanism
physically incorporated completely within a body of the handle that
is convenient and easy to use, lightweight yet durable in design,
versatile in its applications, and designed for retrieving and/or
discharging fluid to a target zone.
SUMMARY
[0006] In view of the foregoing background, it is therefore an
object of the non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) to provide a
lavage handle for facilitating at least one of an irrigation
function and a suctioning function at a target zone. These and
other objects, features, and advantages of the non-limiting
exemplary embodiment(s) are provided by a lavage handle including a
body, and a fluid-displacing mechanism in communication with the
body wherein the fluid-displacing mechanism has one of a first
operating mode for inducing outward irrigation of fluid towards the
target zone and a second operating mode for inducing inward suction
of fluid from the target zone. The lavage handle further includes
an actuation mechanism located at the body and operable
communicated with the fluid-displacing mechanism such that the
fluid-displacing mechanism is selectively operated in at least one
of the first operating mode and the second operating mode.
[0007] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the actuation
mechanism is disposed at least partially exterior of the body.
[0008] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the actuation
mechanism includes a multi-pole toggle switch.
[0009] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the actuation
mechanism includes at least one rheostat.
[0010] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the actuation
mechanism includes a spring-resistive trigger.
[0011] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the actuation
mechanism is disposed entirely interior of the body.
[0012] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the body is formed
from deformably resilient material.
[0013] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the actuation
mechanism includes a pressure-sensitive contact in communication
with the deformably resilient material such that the
fluid-displacing mechanism is operated when the body is biased to a
tensioned state.
[0014] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the lavage handle
further includes a feedback mechanism in communication with the
fluid-displacing mechanism for notifying the user of at least one
of the first operating mode and the second operating mode.
[0015] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the feedback
mechanism includes at least one transducer for generating and
emitting at least one alert signal when the fluid-displacing
mechanism is at one of the first operating mode and the second
operating mode.
[0016] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the at least one
alert signal is selected from the group including: an audio signal,
a visual signal, a mechanical signal, a sensory signal and a
combination thereof.
[0017] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the feedback
mechanism is located interior of the body.
[0018] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the feedback
mechanism is located at least partially exterior of the body.
[0019] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, a lavage handle
includes a portable body, and a power-operated fluid-displacing
mechanism in communication with the body wherein the
fluid-displacing mechanism has one of a first operating mode for
inducing outward irrigation of fluid towards the target zone and a
second operating mode for inducing inward suction of fluid from the
target zone. Such a lavage handle further includes an actuation
mechanism located at the body and operable communicated with the
power-operated fluid-displacing mechanism such that the
power-operated fluid-displacing mechanism is selectively operated
in at least one of the first operating mode and the second
operating mode.
[0020] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the lavage handle
further includes a user-interface, a voice-activated mechanism
operatively coupled to the actuation mechanism. In this manner,
upon receiving a user input signal, the user-interface generates
and transmits a corresponding control signal to the voice-activated
mechanism for operating the actuation mechanism.
[0021] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the lavage handle
further includes a flow monitoring mechanism in communication with
the power-operated fluid-displacing mechanism. Such a flow
monitoring mechanism monitors at least one of a flow pressure, flow
rate, and a volume of the fluid passing through the body.
[0022] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the lavage handle
further includes an optics generating mechanism in communication
with the body. Such an optics generating mechanism includes at
least one of a light source for illuminating the target zone and a
camera for capturing a visual image of the target zone.
[0023] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the lavage handle
further includes a fluid storage container in communication with
the power-operated fluid-displacing mechanism. Such a fluid storage
container includes at least one of an irrigation container and a
suction container in communication with the body.
[0024] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the first operating
mode of the power-operated fluid-displacing mechanism causes fluid
displacement from the irrigation container to the target zone. In
this manner, the second operating mode of the power-operated
fluid-displacing mechanism causes fluid retrieval from the target
zone to the suction container.
[0025] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the lavage handle
further includes a probe connector in fluid communication with the
body, and at least one of a suction probe and an irrigation probe
in fluid communication with the probe connector.
[0026] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the power-operated
fluid-displacing mechanism is at least partially contained within
the body.
[0027] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the actuation
mechanism includes an irrigation-inducing mechanism.
[0028] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the actuation
mechanism includes a suction-inducing mechanism.
[0029] The present disclosure further includes a method of
utilizing a lavage handle for facilitating at least one of an
irrigation function and a suctioning function at a target zone.
Such a method includes the steps of: providing a portable body;
providing and communicating a power-operated fluid-displacing
mechanism with the body wherein the fluid-displacing mechanism has
one of a first operating mode for inducing outward irrigation of
fluid towards the target zone and a second operating mode for
inducing inward suction of fluid from the target zone; providing
and locating an actuation mechanism at the body; and operably
communicating the actuation mechanism with the fluid-displacing
mechanism such that the fluid-displacing mechanism is selectively
operated in at least one of the first operating mode and the second
operating mode.
[0030] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the method further
includes the steps of: accessing a surgical procedure; and
employing the lavage handle during the surgical procedure.
[0031] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the method further
includes the steps of: accessing a surgical port; and employing the
lavage handle in conjunction with the surgical port.
[0032] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the method further
includes the steps of: obtaining at least one of a suction probe
and an irrigation probe; and employing the lavage handle in
conjunction with the at least one of a suction probe and an
irrigation probe.
[0033] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more
important features of non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) of the
present disclosure so that the following detailed description may
be better understood, and that the present contribution to the
relevant art(s) may be better appreciated. There are additional
features of the non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) of the present
disclosure that will be described hereinafter and which will form
the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034] These and other features and advantages will be better
understood by reading the following detailed description, taken
together with the drawings wherein:
[0035] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a lavage handle
in communication with peripheral components associated therewith,
in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the
present disclosure;
[0036] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the lavage handle
illustrated in FIG. 1, wherein a suction side of the handle is
exposed;
[0037] FIG. 3 is another enlarged perspective view of the lavage
handle illustrated in FIG. 1, wherein an irrigation side of the
handle is exposed;
[0038] FIG. 4 is an enlarged exploded view of the lavage handle
illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0039] FIG. 5 is an enlarged side elevational view of the lavage
handle illustrated in FIG. 1, wherein suction and irrigation
buttons are removed from a top surface of the handle;
[0040] FIG. 6 is a side elevational view illustrating an alternate
embodiment of the lavage handle, wherein a rheostat is provided to
control a variable intensity of the irrigation-inducing
section;
[0041] FIG. 7A is an enlarged perspective view of the motor housing
and impeller housing in communication with the irrigation port and
motor;
[0042] FIG. 7B is an exploded view illustrating the interconnection
between the impeller and motor housed in FIG. 7A;
[0043] FIG. 8A is an enlarged elevational view of the
irrigation-inducing section wherein the irrigation button and tube
clamp are released to a raised position relative to a stationary
pin thereby closing (e.g., pinching, collapsing, etc.) the
irrigation tube;
[0044] FIG. 8B is an enlarged elevational view of the
irrigation-inducing section wherein the irrigation button and tube
clamp are pressed to a lowered position relative to a stationary
pin thereby opening (e.g., discharging, releasing, etc.) the
irrigation tube;
[0045] FIG. 8C is a perspective view of the irrigation button and
tube clamp pressed to a lowered position as illustrated in FIG.
8B;
[0046] FIG. 8D is an exploded side elevational view of the
irrigation-inducing section illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8C;
[0047] FIG. 9A is an enlarged elevational view of the
suction-inducing section wherein the suction button and tube clamp
are released to a raised position thereby closing (e.g., pinching,
collapsing, etc.) the suction tube;
[0048] FIG. 9B is an enlarged elevational view of the suction
button and tube clamp pressed to a lowered position thereby opening
(e.g., discharging, releasing, etc.) the suction tube;
[0049] FIG. 9C is an enlarged perspective view of the suction
button and tube clamp pressed to a lowered position as illustrated
in FIG. 9B;
[0050] FIG. 9D is an exploded side elevational view of the
suction-inducing section illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9C;
[0051] FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the lavage handle
shown in FIG. 1, wherein a directional flow of fluid/debris is
shown to ingress a probe removably attached to a probe connector
formed at a distal section of the lavage handle;
[0052] FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the lavage handle
shown in FIG. 1, wherein a directional flow of fluid is shown to
egress a suction port formed at a proximal end of the lavage
handle;
[0053] FIG. 12A is a cross-sectional view showing the irrigation
side of the lavage handle wherein the irrigation-inducing section
is at the raised position thereby causing an open electrical
circuit and constriction (e.g., closing) of the irrigation
tube;
[0054] FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view showing the irrigation
side of the lavage handle wherein the irrigation-inducing section
is at the lowered position thereby causing a closed electrical
circuit and expansion (e.g., opening) of the irrigation tube;
[0055] FIG. 13A is a cross-sectional view showing the suction side
of the lavage handle wherein the suction-inducing section is at the
raised position thereby causing constriction (e.g., closing) of the
suction tube;
[0056] FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view showing the irrigation
side of the lavage handle wherein the suction-inducing section is
at the lowered position thereby causing expansion (e.g., opening)
of the suction tube;
[0057] FIG. 14 is a side elevational view showing an irrigation
container and a suction container removably coupled to the
irrigation connector and suction connector, respectively, of the
lavage handle;
[0058] FIG. 15 is a partially broken view of the lavage handle
shown in FIG. 14, wherein the optics generating mechanism is
positioned proximate to a distal end of a probe employed by the
lavage handle;
[0059] FIG. 16 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a suction
function, of the fluid-displacing mechanism, performed by a suction
mechanism located interior of the lavage handle, and an irrigation
function, of the fluid-displacing mechanism, performed by an
irrigation mechanism located exterior the lavage handle, in
accordance with non-limiting exemplary embodiments;
[0060] FIG. 17 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an
irrigation function and a suction function, of the fluid-displacing
mechanism, respectively performed by a suction mechanism located
interior of the lavage handle and an irrigation mechanism located
exterior the lavage handle, in accordance with non-limiting
exemplary embodiments;
[0061] FIG. 18 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an
actuation mechanism embodied as deformably resilient material
having pressure sensitive contacts located at the lavage handle
body, in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment;
and
[0062] FIG. 19 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the
interrelationship between major components of a feedback mechanism
located at the lavage handle body, in accordance with a
non-limiting exemplary embodiment;
[0063] FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating a bifurcated
lavage handle, in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0064] FIG. 20A is a perspective view illustrating a front side of
the bifurcated lavage handle shown in FIG. 20, wherein a top
portion is separated from a lower portion; and
[0065] FIG. 20B is a perspective view illustrating a rear side of
the bifurcated lavage handle shown in FIG. 20A.
[0066] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the figures
are not intended to be drawn to any particular scale; nor are the
figures intended to illustrate every non-limiting exemplary
embodiment(s) of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is
not limited to any particular non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s)
depicted in the figures nor the shapes, relative sizes or
proportions shown in the figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0067] The present disclosure will now be described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) of the present disclosure is
shown. The present disclosure may, however, be embodied in many
different forms and should not be construed as limited to the
non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) set forth herein. Rather, such
non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) are provided so that this
application will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey
the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure to those
skilled in the relevant art(s). Like numbers refer to like elements
throughout the figures.
[0068] The illustrations of the non-limiting exemplary
embodiment(s) described herein are intended to provide a general
understanding of the structure of the present disclosure. The
illustrations are not intended to serve as a complete description
of all of the elements and features of the structures, systems
and/or methods described herein. Other non-limiting exemplary
embodiment(s) may be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
relevant art(s) upon reviewing the disclosure. Other non-limiting
exemplary embodiment(s) may be utilized and derived from the
disclosure such that structural, logical substitutions and changes
may be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the
present disclosure. Additionally, the illustrations are merely
representational are to be regarded as illustrative rather than
restrictive.
[0069] One or more embodiment(s) of the disclosure may be referred
to herein, individually and/or collectively, by the term
"non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s)" merely for convenience and
without intending to voluntarily limit the true spirit and scope of
this application to any particular non-limiting exemplary
embodiment(s) or inventive concept. Moreover, although specific
embodiment(s) have been illustrated and described herein, it should
be appreciated that any subsequent arrangement designed to achieve
the same or similar purpose may be substituted for the specific
embodiment(s) shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and
all subsequent adaptations or variations of other embodiment(s).
Combinations of the above embodiment(s), and other embodiment(s)
not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of
skill in the relevant art(s) upon reviewing the description.
[0070] References in the specification to "one embodiment(s)", "an
embodiment(s)", "a preferred embodiment(s)", "an alternative
embodiment(s)" and similar phrases mean that a particular feature,
structure, or characteristic described in connection with the
embodiment(s) is included in at least an embodiment(s) of the
non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s). The appearances of the phrase
"non-limiting exemplary embodiment" in various places in the
specification are not necessarily all meant to refer to the same
embodiment(s).
[0071] Directional and/or relationary terms such as, but not
limited to, left, right, nadir, apex, top, bottom, vertical,
horizontal, back, front and lateral are relative to each other and
are dependent on the specific orientation of an applicable element
or article, and are used accordingly to aid in the description of
the various embodiment(s) and are not necessarily intended to be
construed as limiting.
[0072] The terms "suctioning" and "suction" are interchangeably
employed throughout this disclosure. The terms "irrigating" and
"irrigate" are interchangeably employed throughout this
disclosure.
[0073] The non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) is/are referred to
generally in FIGS. 1-19 and is/are intended to provide a lavage
handle 100 used to discharge fluid (preferably via a propulsion
mechanism such as a fluid-displacing mechanism 103) to a target
zone 102 and/or retrieve fluid/debris (preferably via a vacuum
and/or suction mechanism such as a vacuum pump 129) therefrom,
wherein: 1) the fluid-displacing mechanism 103 may include at least
one tube 104, 105, a motor 106, an impeller 107, and a power source
108 physically incorporated completely within the lavage handle
body 101; 2) the fluid-displacing mechanism 103 can be operated by
an actuation mechanism 110 including a resilient spring-actuated
irrigation button 113, a switch 177 (e.g., trigger switch, toggle
switch, etc.), pressure sensitive contacts 137 (e.g., a squeezable
handle body 101 provided with a rheostat 136), which can be located
interior/exterior of the lavage handle 100; and 3) a feedback
mechanism 109 (e.g., transducer 176, etc.) may be provided to
notify the user whether the fluid-displacing mechanism 103 is
operating.
[0074] Generally speaking, the lavage handle 100 is intended to
supply irrigation fluid--from an irrigation fluid supply reservoir
162--into the surgical space (target zone 102) and/or to vacuum
fluid/debris from the target zone 102, wherein the fluid-displacing
mechanism 103 (e.g., at least one of a motorized impeller 107 and a
vacuum pump 129) is physically incorporated within the body 101 of
the lavage handle 100. In operation, an actuation mechanism 110
serves as a controller thereby selectively activating/deactivating
an operating mode of the fluid-displacing mechanism 103.
[0075] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, such an irrigation
fluid supply reservoir 162 is in fluid communication with the
motorized impeller 107 via an external irrigation tube 164 having
an irrigation tube connector 160 located at a distal tip thereof.
Such a connector 160 is interfaced with the irrigation fluid supply
reservoir 162 and affixed at a substantially stable position via
use of an irrigation tube fastener 161. As perhaps best shown in
FIG. 7B, an external irrigation tube connector 171 as well as an
internal irrigation tube connector 121 are both in fluid
communication with the motor housing 170, such that fluid/debris
are permitted to travel from the fluid supply reservoir 162
downstream through lavage handle body 101 and exit therefrom during
irrigation, as needed.
[0076] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the fluid-displacing
mechanism 103 may also include a stand-alone suctioning device 163
in fluid communication with the body 101 via an external suction
tube 165. Such a suctioning device 163 may include a reservoir
(e.g., fluid storage container 157) thereat for storing
fluid/debris retrieved from target zone 102.
[0077] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, with reference to,
inter alia, FIGS. 8A-8D, the actuation mechanism 110 may include an
irrigation-inducing section 112 that includes an irrigation button
113, a resilient irrigation spring 114 having a top end engaged
with the irrigation button 113, a stationary irrigation pin 115
engaged with a bottom end of the resilient irrigation spring 114,
and an irrigation tube clamp 116 receiving the stationary
irrigation pin 115 and resilient irrigation spring 114. The
stationary irrigation pin 115 is anchored to an internal surface of
the body 101 of the lavage handle 100. The irrigation button 113 is
attached to the irrigation tube clamp 116 such that the resilient
irrigation spring 114 and stationary irrigation pin 115 are
intercalated therebetween. When no external force is acting on the
irrigation button 113, the resilient irrigation spring 114 is
released to a less tensioned position thereby urging the irrigation
tube clamp 116 upwards towards the stationary irrigation pin 115.
Thus, the irrigation tube 104 is pinched and is not permitted to
channel fluid therethrough. In particular, the irrigation tube 104
is pinched between the stationary irrigation pin 115 and a bottom
surface of the irrigation tube clamp 116. Conversely, when
irrigation button 113 is compressed, the resilient irrigation
spring 114 is compressed to a more tensioned position and the
irrigation tube clamp 116 is lowered relative to the stationary
irrigation pin 115. Such movement causes the irrigation tube 104 to
decompress (e.g., open) and allows water to flow outwardly via a
probe 139 attached to the distal end 146 of the lavage handle 100.
Notably, the stationary irrigation pin 115 remains statically
disposed at a fixed position while the irrigation button 113 and
irrigation tube clamp 116 synchronously move up and down--upon
compression and expansion of the resilient irrigation spring
114--relative to the stationary irrigation pin 115 and irrigation
tube 104. In this manner, the irrigation button 113 and irrigation
tube clamp 116 reciprocate along a linear path (e.g., suction
button path 166) at least substantially orthogonal to a plane
defined parallel along the stationary irrigation pin 115.
[0078] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, with further
reference to FIGS. 7A-7B and 12A-12B, the irrigation-inducing
section 112 may include an electrically-conductive arm 117 that
protrudes outwardly from the irrigation tube clamp 116. Such an arm
117 serves as a circuit contact and may be registered orthogonal to
the stationary irrigation pin 115 thereby lying along a plane 168
subjacent thereto. The arm 117 comes into communication with
electrical leads 118 (e.g., battery wire 119, motor wire 120)
respectively connected to the battery 108 and motor 106 of the
fluid-displacing mechanism 103. In particular, when the irrigation
button 113 is compressed, the arm 117 engages a connector spring
169 (e.g., conductive contact, terminal, etc.) supported at the
interior of the lavage handle 100 thereby closing an electrical
circuit between the battery wire 119 and motor wire 120, which are
in electrical communication with the battery 108 and motor 106 of
the fluid-displacing mechanism 103. Activation of the motor drives
the impeller 107, which causes fluid to flow outwardly through the
irrigation tube 104 and egresses probe 139 until the electrical
circuit is opened and the irrigation tube 104 is pinched--by
releasing the irrigation button 113. In particular, when the
irrigation button 113 is released, the arm 117 is disconnected from
the connector spring 169 and the irrigation tube clamp 116
restrains (e.g., pinches) the internal irrigation tube 104 against
the stationary irrigation pin 115 thereby preventing further
irrigation discharge. Use of a seal ring 156 ensures fluid/debris
does not pass beyond the impeller 107 and escape the motor housing
170.
[0079] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, as perhaps best
shown in FIGS. 9A-9D, the actuation mechanism 110 further includes
a suction-inducing section 122 that operates in a similar manner as
the irrigation-inducing section 112. Such a suction-inducing
section 122 opens/closes the internal suction tube 105, which is in
communication with the fluid-displacing mechanism 103. For example,
the suction-inducing section 122 includes a suction button 123, a
resilient suction spring 124, a stationary suction pin 125 and a
suction tube clamp 126 operationally interconnected in a
substantially similar manner as described hereinabove for the
irrigation-inducing section 112. It is noted that the suction
function 174 (e.g., FIGS. 13A, 13B) may be driven by motor 106,
impeller 107 and battery 108, in which case an electrically
conductive arm 117 similar to arm 117 would be added to the suction
button 123. However, if the suction function 174 (e.g., FIGS. 13A,
13B) is effectuated by a separate stand-alone suctioning device
163, power may be independently supplied thereto by an external
power source. In such an embodiment, an electrically conductive arm
117 would not be employed.
[0080] In this manner, in a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the
suction function 174 (e.g., FIGS. 13A, 13B) of the fluid-displacing
mechanism 103 may be effectuated by a vacuum pump (e.g.,
stand-alone suctioning device 163) located exterior of the lavage
handle 100. Such a vacuum pump 129 may be powered by an external
power source and independently operated from the irrigation
function 175 (e.g., FIGS. 12A, 12B) of fluid-displacing mechanism
103. In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the vacuum pump may be
comprised of the motor 106 and impeller 107 or another suitable
device such.
[0081] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the irrigation
function 175 (e.g., FIGS. 12A, 12B) of the fluid-displacing
mechanism 103 may be effectuated by a mechanism located exterior of
the lavage handle 100 while the suction function 174 (e.g., FIGS.
13A, 13B) of the fluid-displacing mechanism 103 may be effectuated
by a mechanism located entirely within the lavage handle 100.
[0082] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, both the irrigation
function 175 (e.g., FIGS. 12A, 12B) and suction function 174 (e.g.,
FIGS. 13A, 13B) may be effectuated by one or more mechanisms
located entirely interior the lavage handle 100, such as a
peristaltic pump 138 arrangement where irrigation is achieved by a
clockwise rotation of the impeller 107 and suction is achieved by
an opposite counter clockwise rotation of the impeller 107.
[0083] The fluid-displacing mechanism 103 can serve one or more
functions--irrigation function 175 (e.g., FIGS. 12A, 12B) and
suction function 174 (e.g., FIGS. 13A, 13B)--and may be effectuated
by one or more sections of the actuation mechanism 110 (e.g.,
irrigation-inducing section 112, suction-inducing section 122),
which can be located interior and/or exterior of the lavage handle
100, respectively.
[0084] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, with reference to
FIGS. 1-19, the fluid-displacing mechanism 103 includes an internal
irrigation tube 104, a motor 106, an impeller 107 and a power
source 108 housed within the lavage handle 100. The actuation
mechanism 110 includes an irrigation-inducing section 112
preferably including an irrigation button 113 having an
electro-conductive irrigation tube clamp 116 that serves at least
two functions. First, the irrigation tube clamp 116
pinches/releases the internal irrigation tube 104 for
restraining/freeing fluid flow. Second, the irrigation tube clamp
116 engages/disengages an electrical contact (e.g., connector
spring 169) for closing/opening a circuit thereby powering the
motor 106 and impeller 107. Cooperation of such components enables
selective operation of irrigation function 175 (e.g., FIGS. 12A,
12B) of the fluid-displacing mechanism 103. Thus, such an
embodiment can open/close the battery 108 circuit without employing
the electro-conductive arm 117 because the irrigation tube clamp
116 is electro-conductive.
[0085] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the suction function
174 (e.g., FIGS. 13A, 13B) of the fluid-displacing mechanism 103
may include a vacuum pump 129 (e.g., stand-alone suctioning device
163) located external to the lavage handle 100. Such a vacuum pump
129 may be powered via an external power source and interfaced with
an internal suction tube 105, (via elbow coupling 127, external
suction tube connector 172 and external suction tube 165),
traveling through the lavage handle 100. Notably, the internal
suction tube 105 is isolated from the internal irrigation tube 104
and travels along a mutually exclusive and non-overlapping path 131
relative to path 130 of the internal irrigation tube 104. The
suction function 174 (e.g., FIGS. 13A, 13B) is effectuated by a
suction-inducing section 122 of the actuation mechanism 110. Such a
suction-inducing section 122 opens/closes the internal suction tube
105 in a substantially similar manner as the irrigation-inducing
mechanism 112 opens/closes the internal irrigation tube 104,
explained hereinabove.
[0086] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the fluid-displacing
mechanism 103 may employ a bidirectional displacement device 133
(e.g., peristaltic pump 138) located interior of the lavage handle
100.
[0087] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the fluid-displacing
mechanism 103 may employ a bidirectional displacement device 133
(e.g., peristaltic pump 138) located exterior of the handle.
[0088] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the lavage handle
100 may include a portable body 101 having a cavity 134 formed
therein, the fluid-displacing mechanism 103 can be located within
the cavity 134 wherein the fluid-displacing mechanism 103 has one
of a first operating mode for discharging (e.g., irrigating) fluid
towards the target zone 102 and a second operating mode for
retrieving (e.g., suctioning) fluid/debris from the target zone
102. The actuation mechanism 110 is attached to the body 101 and
communicatively coupled to the fluid-displacing mechanism 103. In
this manner, the actuation mechanism 110 selectively changes the
fluid-displacing mechanism 103 between at least one of the first
operating mode (irrigation) and the second operating mode (suction)
upon receiving a corresponding user input. Of course, the actuation
mechanism 110 may be operated in variable speed (e.g., via rheostat
136) as desired.
[0089] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the actuation
mechanism 110 is disposed at least partially exterior of the body
101. For example, the actuation mechanism 110 may include a
suction-inducing section 122 having a suction button 123 and an
irrigation-inducing section 112 having an irrigation button 113. It
is noted that use of the term "button" is done merely for
simplicity. One skilled in the art understands such "buttons" may
include a variety of suitable implements that can be readily
identified and depressed by the user. For example, in a
non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the actuation mechanism 110
includes a multi-pole toggle switch 177. In another non-limiting
exemplary embodiment, the actuation mechanism 110 includes at least
one rheostat 136. In yet another non-limiting exemplary embodiment,
the actuation mechanism 110 includes a spring resistive
trigger.
[0090] In yet another non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the
actuation mechanism 110 is disposed entirely interior of the body
101 wherein the body 101 is formed from deformably resilient (e.g.,
squeezable) material. In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the
actuation mechanism 110 includes a pressure-sensitive contact 137
in communication with the deformably resilient material such that
the actuation mechanism 110 is displaced to electrically engage the
power source 108 when the body 101 is biased to a tensioned state.
For example, by squeezing a first predefined region of the body
101, the electrical pressure-sensitive contact 137 engages the
power source 108 and closes an electrical circuit thereby powering
the fluid-displacing mechanism 103. When a second predefined region
of the body 101 is squeezed, the fluid-displacing mechanism 103 is
deactivated by separating the contact from the power source 108.
Such a function may be similar to a toggle switch. Alternately, a
single region of the lavage handle 100 may be squeezed a first time
to activate the fluid-displacing mechanism 103, and thereafter
squeezed a second time to deactivate the fluid-displacing mechanism
103. Furthermore, a sliding trigger (e.g., rheostat 136) may be
employed wherein displacement of the trigger, along a predefined
path, causes variable intensity of the fluid-displacing mechanism
103.
[0091] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the lavage handle
100 further includes a feedback mechanism 109 in communication with
the fluid-displacing mechanism 103, for notifying the user whether
at least one of the first and second operating modes (e.g., suction
function 174, irrigation function 175) is active. Such a feedback
mechanism 109 may include sensors 178 in communication with the
fluid-displacing mechanism 103 wherein, upon detecting operation of
the fluid-displacing mechanism 103, such sensors 178 emit signals
to close a circuit between the feedback mechanism 109 and a power
source 108. In this manner, the feedback mechanism 109 is
automatically switched between on and off modes when the
fluid-displacing mechanism 103 is operating and not-operating,
respectively, thereby providing automatic and real-time
detection.
[0092] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the feedback
mechanism 109 includes at least one transducer 176 for generating
and emitting at least one alert signal when the fluid-displacing
mechanism 103 is active at one of the first (e.g., irrigation) and
second (e.g., suction) operating modes.
[0093] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the at least one
alert signal is selected from the group including an audio signal,
a visual signal, a mechanical signal, a sensory signal and a
combination thereof.
[0094] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the feedback
mechanism 109 is located interior of the body 101. For example, a
haptic feedback mechanism 109 may be employed wherein mechanical
signals cause the handle body 101 to vibrate or otherwise oscillate
during use.
[0095] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the feedback
mechanism 109 is located at least partially exterior of the body
101. For example, a visual feedback mechanism 109 may be employed
wherein optical signals (e.g., diodes) cause the handle body 101 to
illuminate or otherwise change color during use.
[0096] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the fluid-displacing
mechanism 103 includes a pump having a motor 106 and an impeller
107 communicatively coupled thereto. Suitable drive mechanisms for
the pump may include an electromechanical actuator (e.g.,
servomotor 106) having a control member that is designed to
generate fluid flow in the suction direction and/or irrigation
direction. A change in the position of the control member produces
a change in the flow of energy to the lavage handle 100 and thereby
affects the suction 174 and/or irrigation 175 functions. The
fluid-displacing mechanism 103 may be fueled by an internal power
source 108 (e.g., DC battery 108) located within the body 101 of
the handle.
[0097] Of course, the power source 108 may include one or more
rechargeable or non-rechargeable disposable batteries, photovoltaic
cells, and/or an AC adapter or other power supply means. As noted
above, a rheostat 136 may be employed to variably adjust the energy
flow thereby increasing and/or decreasing the intensity of suction
174 and/or irrigation 175 functions (e.g., FIGS. 12A, 12B).
[0098] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the internal suction
tube 105 and the internal irrigation tube 104 separately direct
fluid and/or debris along mutually exclusive paths 130, 131
relative to a probe connector 140 (e.g., adaptor). Such a probe
connector 140 is attached to a port that is located at a distal end
146 of the lavage handle 100. The probe connector port 141 serves
both as an inlet and an outlet for the fluid-displacing mechanism
103. The mutually exclusive paths 130, 131 each travel away from
the probe connector port 141, and towards an external suction tube
connector 172 and an external irrigation tube connector 171 both
located at a proximal end 147 of the lavage handle 100,
respectively.
[0099] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the probe connector
port 141 defines a single distal opening that diverges proximally
away therefrom. In this manner, the probe connector port 141
proximally bifurcates into suction connector port 142 attached to
proximal suction opening 144 and, irrigation connector port 143
attached to proximal irrigation opening 145, which respectively
connect to the internal suction tube 105 and internal irrigation
tube 104. In this manner, fluid and/or debris is vacuumed away from
the target zone 102 via the internal suction tube 105 towards a
proximal end 147 of the handle. Conversely, fluid is discharged
toward the target zone 102 via the internal irrigation tube 104,
away from the proximal end 147 of the handle. Advantageously,
vacuumed fluid/debris is collected in a first reservoir 148 (e.g.,
fluid-storage container 157), while irrigated fluid is supplied
from a second reservoir 149 (e.g., supply reservoir 162).
[0100] Although the preferred embodiment of the fluid-displacing
mechanism 103 includes a motor 106 and impeller 107, other suitable
fluid-displacing mechanism(s) 103 may be employed without departing
from the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. For
example, suitable fluid-displacing mechanism(s) 103 may include
hydraulic, pneumatic, or electrical drives. Diaphragm and piston
drives may also be employed. Other suitable configurations may
include an induction motor 106, an electromagnet (e.g., solenoid)
motor 106. Yet further, the fluid-displacing mechanism 103 may be
powered by piezoelectric energy; conversion of potential (e.g.,
stored) energy to kinetic (e.g., hydrodynamic) energy; pneumatic
energy; and/or gas (e.g., CO2) canisters, etc.
[0101] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the lavage handle
100 may further include a user interface 150, and a voice-activated
mechanism 151 operatively coupled to the actuation mechanism 110.
In this manner, upon receiving a user input signal, the user
interface 150 generates and transmits a corresponding control
signal to the voice-activated mechanism 151 for operating the
actuation mechanism 110.
[0102] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the lavage handle
100 may further include a flow-monitoring mechanism 152 in
communication with the power-operated fluid-displacing mechanism
103. Such a flow-monitoring mechanism 152 monitors at least one of
a flow pressure, flow rate, and a volume of the fluid passing
through the body 101.
[0103] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the lavage handle
100 may further include an optics-generating mechanism 153 in
communication with the body 101. Such an optics-generating
mechanism 153 includes at least one of a light source for
illuminating the target zone 102 and a camera for capturing a
visual image of the target zone 102.
[0104] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the
optics-generating mechanism 153 may include one or more LEDs
located at the probe 139 and operably coupled to the present
disclosure's processing and signal generation components and can be
configured to controllably flash, if desired. The disclosure is not
limited to any restricted number or arrangement of LEDs. Any number
and arrangement of LEDs could be provided, within the limits of the
present disclosure's structure and components. The LEDs may flash
if a triggering event is detected, for example. Additionally, any
flashing patterns could be used. The LEDs could flash in harmony,
randomly or sequentially, or groups (e.g., rows) could flash
sequentially, randomly or alternately, or in any other manner
likely to attract attention. One or more processing devices and one
or more LED drivers manages flashing of the LEDs according to
predetermined or user-specified data and instructions. One skilled
in the art understands any number of suitable light sources may be
employed, without departing from the true scope and spirit of the
present disclosure.
[0105] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, one or more of the
voice-activated mechanism(s) 151, fluid-monitoring mechanism 152
and optics-generating mechanism 153 may be wirelessly operated, and
include user interface 150, a communication device 154 and display
screen 155, for example. All or some of these components may be
stand-alone components or at least partially incorporated into the
body 101 of the lavage handle 100.
[0106] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the user interface
150 may include a variety of stand-alone or shared devices that are
capable of generating and transmitting a control signal upon
receiving a user input. For example, exemplary user interface 150
devices may include a remote controller employing RF, infra-red,
acoustic or cellular technology, as well known in the industry. In
alternate embodiments, the user interface 150 may include a
handheld computer, a PDA, a cell phone, a keyboard, a mouse, etc.
that may be comprised of commercially available hardware and
software operating systems, for example. The aforementioned user
interfaces are intended to represent a broad category of exemplary
user interfaces capable of functioning in accordance with the
present disclosure. Of course, the user interfaces may include
other components, peripherals and software applications provided
they are compatible and capable of cooperating with remaining
devices of the present disclosure. In addition, the user interfaces
may include information, documents, data and files needed to
provide functionality and enable performance of methodologies in
accordance with exemplary embodiment(s) of the disclosure.
[0107] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the display screen
155 is configured for displaying various amounts of textual and/or
graphical information. The display screen 155 may be monochrome or
color, of various physical dimensions, of various types. In one
embodiment, the display may be suitable for displaying full motion
video in color. By way of example and not limitation, the display
may be comprised of a liquid crystal display (LCD); a field
emission display FED; so called "E-ink" technologies, which employ
microspheres having at least two reflectance states; a cathode-ray
tube (CRT) display; a gas plasma display; an LED readout configured
to display alpha-numeric and graphical information; or any other
compatible visual display device. In a preferred implementation,
the display screen 155 is large enough to display, with clarity,
one or more lines of information. Optionally, the display screen
155 may be configured with a touch-screen interface, to present a
user with a graphical user interface 150.
[0108] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the communication
device 154 may communicate with the user interface 150 using one or
more wirelessly LAN (WLAN) protocols, using low power, ultra-wide
band (UWB) communication signals or some other type of wireless
signals for RF or optical (e.g., infrared) communication of
information to the flow-monitoring mechanism 152 and
voice-activated mechanism 151. A real-time WLAN protocol or a
standard wireless LAN protocol such as that of IEEE 802.11,
BLUETOOTH.RTM. or IRDA may be used without departing from the scope
of the present disclosure. A local network that connects the
communications device to a respective local computer system may,
for example, include a single, unified full duplex LAN, such as a
100 BaseT Ethernet LAN. Alternatively, the local network may
include two or more interconnected LANs or other network
communications means. Any of a variety of other types of computer
systems and associated applications may be provided on the network
employed by the present disclosure.
[0109] Optionally, various ports and interfaces may be provided to
communicate with peripherals, subsystems and systems. Such devices
may include serial ports for bi-directional communications, and/or
an optical communications (e.g., infrared) port for wireless line
of sight communications. Other ports may include parallel and USB
ports.
[0110] In addition to having a communications module, which may
employ RS232, RS422, Ethernet, 802.11, IRDA, or any other protocol
used to exchange data between the user interface 150,
flow-monitoring mechanism 152 and voice-activated mechanism 151,
the communications device may have a microcontroller, which acts as
a protocol converter for conversion between a protocol used to
communicate with the user interface 150, and a protocol used to
communicate with the flow-monitoring mechanism 152 and
voice-activated mechanism 151. In other embodiments, the
microcontroller could be another PC, or even a separate process,
such as a process that communicates through a PCI interface board.
The microcontroller may have an internal clock oscillator that
provides a time base for all serial communication operations.
Alternatively, a crystal and associated circuitry may be utilized
for a timing base. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that
any device capable of timing and controllably directing data from
stored memory to output ports for communication in a compatible
format to the flow-monitoring mechanism 152 and voice-activated
mechanism 151 could be used and is intended to come within the
scope of the disclosure.
[0111] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the communication
device 154 can wirelessly communicate over a cellular network
capable of sending out control and response signals. Further, the
communication device 154 can use any communication network that
allows the care provider to learn the threat level of the
triggering event via a detection signal. For example, very low
frequency signals or radio signals could be used to communicate
between the patient and care provider.
[0112] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the present
disclosure may employ the cellular communication network, such as
the AMPS (Advanced Mobile Phone System) cellular system, which is
the analog cellular system used in the United States. In another
embodiment, the present disclosure may be coupled via network
connectivity among the various wireless communication
components.
[0113] The present disclosure (system, process, or any part(s)
thereof) may be implemented using hardware, software or a
combination thereof and may be implemented in one or more
communication systems or other processing systems. In fact, in one
embodiment, the disclosure is directed toward one or more
communication devices capable of carrying out the functionality
described herein. The communication device(s) include one or more
processors.
[0114] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the processor may be
connected to a communication infrastructure, such as transceivers
(e.g., components of the user interface 150, flow-monitoring
mechanism 152, and voice-activated mechanism 151). After reading
this description, it will become apparent to a person skilled in
the relevant art(s) how to implement the disclosure using other
communication systems and/or network architectures.
[0115] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, a main memory is
provided that includes, for example, a removable memory chip (such
as an EPROM, or PROM) and associated socket, and other removable
storage units and interfaces which allow software and data to be
transferred from the removable storage unit to the communication
device 154 and/or user interface 150.
[0116] In this document, the terms "programmable software
instructions" and "control logic algorithm" are used to generally
refer to chronological operating steps that are stored memory and
signals, for example. These programmable software instructions are
means for providing instructions to the system of the present
disclosure. The disclosure is directed to such programmable
software instructions.
[0117] The programmable software instructions (control logic
algorithms) are stored in a main memory. The programmable software
instructions may also be received via a suitable communications
interface. Such programmable software instructions, when executed,
enable the user interface 150, flow monitoring device 152 and
voice-activated device 151 to perform the features of the present
disclosure as discussed herein. In particular, the programmable
software instructions, when executed, enable the processor to
perform the features of the present disclosure. Accordingly, such
programmable software instructions represent controllers of the
present system.
[0118] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, where the disclosure
is implemented using software, the software may be stored in a
memory and loaded into the user interface 150 using a conventional
communications interface. The control logic algorithm (software),
when executed by the processor, causes the processor to perform the
functions of the disclosure as described herein.
[0119] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the disclosure is
implemented primarily in hardware using, for example, hardware
components such as application specific integrated circuits
(ASICs). Implementation of the hardware state machine so as to
perform the functions described herein will be apparent to persons
skilled in the relevant art(s).
[0120] In yet another embodiment, the disclosure is implemented
using a combination of both hardware and software.
[0121] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the voice-activated
mechanism 151 may be connected through an interface to an input
port of a processor (e.g., at the user interface 150 and/or lavage
handle 100). The voice-activated mechanism 151 is constructed to
receive sounds and through a microphone or equivalent acoustic
transducer and compare the acoustic information received with
information stored in permanent memory in the voice recognition
device or the processor representative of the sounds corresponding
to a vocabulary of key words necessary for voice operation of the
suction function 174 and/or irrigation function 175. Upon
recognizing such key words, the voice recognition system delivers
an input to the processor through the interface board which input
is equivalent to manual actuation of the suction button 123 and/or
irrigation button 113 of the actuation mechanism 110 (e.g.,
suction-inducing section 122, irrigation-inducing section 112). The
number of words that need to be recognized by the system is limited
and thus does not require an extensive memory capacity for the
stored vocabulary information. These stored words may include the
names of the functions associated with controls; the words "start"
and "finish" for providing select inputs; the words "reset" and
"error" corresponding to respective controls on the user interface
150.
[0122] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, a numeric vocabulary
may be provided, which is sufficient for recognition of the various
input numbers representative of individual throw scores for
providing input to the processor equivalent to actuation of the
user interface 150. Various voice-activated mechanisms are now
commercially available and have a sufficient vocabulary for use
with the present disclosure. While many of the presently available
voice- activated mechanisms need to be "trained" to recognize the
sounds spoken by a particular individual and will not readily
recognize the same words spoken by someone else, to an increasing
extent newer systems being developed are more flexible in the range
of voices to which the device will respond. For example, there are
a number of voice recognitions systems that have of late become
commercially available for use with personal computer systems. Such
a voice-activated mechanism is capable of responding to a limited
vocabulary carefully enunciated by a speaker without preliminary
training of the system to the particular speaker's voice.
[0123] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the voice-activated
mechanism 151 may include a voice synthesized output system which
is connected to an output port of the processor through the
interface. The system is desirably provided with output selection
switching means which allow users to select either a voice
synthesized output, a numerical readout output through the
displays, or simultaneous output through both the voice synthesizer
and the panel displays. The panel displays have the advantage of
continuity of output, in that information may be read at a glance
by the users, while the voice output is stated once for each data
update by the processor. Continuous repetition of the data by the
voice synthesizer would be too annoying and would distract the
user. It is contemplated, therefore, that the disclosure be
provided with both visual and audible output systems. The voice
output overcomes certain limitations of the panel readouts, but
preferably does not replace the panel readouts.
[0124] To avoid interference between the voice output and voice
inputs systems, the voice-activated mechanism 151 is disabled
during output by the voice synthesizer.
[0125] In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the
voice synthesizer includes suitable audio amplifier means and
acoustic driver such as a loudspeaker for delivering the voice
output at a sufficient volume and low distortion to be clearly
heard by all users.
[0126] In a further embodiment of the disclosure, the voice
synthesizer output signal is connected for modulating a low power
radio frequency signal. The radio frequency carrier modulated with
the data is received by lightweight, portable miniaturized radio
receives tuned to the transmitter frequency and accessed by each
user. The personal receivers derive an audio output from the
modulated signal for driving lightweight headphones for earphones
worn by the user to assure clear communication of the score output
information impedance by noise in the environment.
[0127] To increase the reliability of the voice recognition input
system, the voice recognition system of the voice-activated
mechanism 151 is normally nonresponsive to the various
preprogrammed key words and is only responsive to a password which
is preprogrammed in the system. Recognition of the password by the
system opens a window in time, that is, a period of time during
which the system becomes responsive to the key words. In this
manner, the fluid displacing mechanism 103 and/or actuation
mechanism 110 is not erroneously activated and confused by keyword
spoken unintentionally during normal conversation between a user
and a bystander. This period of time during which the voice
recognition system becomes fully operative may be relatively brief,
such as five seconds since typically only one or two words need to
be spoken as the voice input.
[0128] The voice synthesizer output system can be readily
constructed by a person skilled in the art based on any one of
several commercially available electronic voice synthesis boards
available from many suppliers and can be programmed to generate any
desired vocabulary, limited only by the memory capacity of the
particular system. The interfacing of such a voice synthesizer
system to the processor through an interface will be apparent to
those skilled in the art and is readily achievable using known
design techniques.
[0129] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the lavage handle
100 may further include a fluid-storage container 157 in
communication with the power-operated fluid-displacing mechanism
103. As one option, a vacuum pump 129 is intermedially communicated
with external suction tube 165 and first reservoir 148 for
displacing fluid/debris upstream towards fluid-storage container
157, and a second reservoir 149 for displacing fluid downstream
away from irrigation supply reservoir. As perhaps best shown in
FIG. 14, such reservoirs 148, 149 may include at least one of an
irrigation container 158 and a suction container 159 coupled to the
body 101. Of course, such containers 158, 159 may be permanently
affixed or detachably coupled to the body 101. The irrigation
container 158 is isolated from the suction container 159 to prevent
cross-contamination of the irrigated and collected fluids, for
obvious reasons.
[0130] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the first operating
mode of the power-operated fluid-displacing mechanism 103 causes
fluid displacement from the irrigation container 158 to the target
zone 102.
[0131] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the second operating
mode of the power-operated fluid-displacing mechanism 103 causes
fluid retrieval from the target zone 102 to the suction container
159.
[0132] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the lavage handle
100 may further include a probe connector 140 in fluid
communication with the body 101 to allow the user to connect, as
desired, at least one of a suction probe 139 and an irrigation
probe 139 in fluid communication with the probe connector 140.
[0133] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the power-operated
fluid-displacing mechanism 103 is at least partially contained
within the body 101.
[0134] The present disclosure further includes a method of
utilizing a lavage handle 100 for facilitating at least one of an
irrigation function 175 (e.g., FIGS. 12A, 12B) and a suction
function 174 (e.g., FIGS. 13A, 13B) at a target zone 102. Such
method includes the steps of: providing a portable body 101;
providing and communicating a power-operated fluid-displacing
mechanism 103 with the body 101, the fluid-displacing mechanism 103
having one of a first operating mode (e.g., irrigation function
175) for inducing outward irrigation of fluid towards the target
zone 102 and a second operating mode (e.g., suction function 174)
for inducing inward suction of fluid from the target zone 102;
providing and locating an actuation mechanism 110 at the body 101;
and operably communicating the actuation mechanism 110 with the
fluid-displacing mechanism 103 such that the fluid-displacing
mechanism 103 is selectively operated in at least one of the first
operating mode and the second operating mode.
[0135] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the method further
includes the steps of: accessing a target zone 102 during a
surgical procedure; and employing the lavage handle 100 during the
surgical procedure.
[0136] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the method further
includes the steps of: accessing a surgical port at the target zone
102; and employing the lavage handle 100 in conjunction with the
surgical port.
[0137] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the method further
includes the steps of: obtaining at least one of a suction probe
139 and an irrigation probe 139; and employing the lavage handle
100 in conjunction with the at least one of a suction probe 139 and
an irrigation probe 139.
[0138] Referring to FIGS. 20-20B, a non-limiting exemplary
embodiment of the lavage handle 200 is illustrated wherein the body
201 is bifurcated into an upper section 291 and a lower section 292
detachably and operably coupled to the upper section 291. In this
manner, a portion of the fluid-displacing mechanism 203, a portion
of the actuation mechanism 210, a portion of the
irrigation-inducing section 212, and a portion of the
suction-inducing section 222 may be located at the upper section
291 and/or lower section 292 and, thereby substituted as desired.
Such a bifurcated configuration enables a user to customize the
lavage handle 200 by employing a variety of such above-referenced
components as needed for the particular application.
[0139] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the lower section
292 may be configured for performing at least one of the irrigation
function 175 and suction function 174 wherein, after use, each of
the upper section 291 and/or lower section 292 can be discarded or
reused after proper sterilization.
[0140] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the upper section
291 may be retrofitted to operably connect to a variety of lower
sections 292 (which may be dedicated to one or more irrigation
functions 175 and/or suction functions 174).
[0141] While non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) has/have been
described with respect to certain specific embodiment(s), it will
be appreciated that many modifications and changes may be made by
those of ordinary skill in the relevant art(s) without departing
from the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. It is
intended, therefore, by the appended claims to cover all such
modifications and changes that fall within the true spirit and
scope of the present disclosure. In particular, with respect to the
above description, it is to be realized that the optimum
dimensional relationships for the parts of the non-limiting
exemplary embodiment(s) may include variations in size, materials,
shape, form, function and manner of operation.
[0142] The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37
C.F.R. .sctn. 1.72(b) and is submitted with the understanding that
it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of
the claims. In addition, in the above Detailed Description, various
features may have been grouped together or described in a single
embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This
disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that
the claimed embodiment(s) require more features than are expressly
recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect,
inventive subject matter may be directed to less than all of the
features of any of the disclosed non-limiting exemplary
embodiment(s). Thus, the following claims are incorporated into the
Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as
defining separately claimed subject matter.
[0143] The above disclosed subject matter is to be considered
illustrative, and not restrictive, and the appended claims are
intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other
embodiment(s) which fall within the true spirit and scope of the
present disclosure. Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the
scope of the present disclosure is to be determined by the broadest
permissible interpretation of the following claims and their
equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited by the above
detailed description.
[0144] While the principles of the invention have been described
herein, it is to be understood by those skilled in the art that
this description is made only by way of example and not as a
limitation as to the scope of the invention. Other embodiments are
contemplated within the scope of the present invention in addition
to the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein.
Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art
are considered to be within the scope of the present invention,
which is not to be limited except by the following claims.
* * * * *