The present invention relates to a device configured to disinfect a helmet of the type used by a healthcare worker, in particular a surgeon, during an operation.
Over the past two decades, systems for protecting the head and face of a healthcare worker based on a helmet, to be worn during surgery have become very common. Traditionally, such systems also include a hood, or cape, that covers the helmet and is equipped with a lens-a transparent visor shield-attached to the fabric of the hood. The latter is designed to fit over an open front frame of the helmet.
As mentioned, the system is generally worn by the healthcare worker during surgery, e.g. orthopaedic surgery, and offers superior performance to that of masks and common face shields because it covers the entire head of the healthcare worker, creating a sterile barrier between him and the patient. In addition, the helmet generally includes a ventilation system for forced air circulation within the environment of the surgeon's head. This air circulation counteracts sweating and helps to keep the surgeon cool and oxygenated, thereby increasing his comfort level.
In addition, the above systems also offer valuable protection for the patient against contamination from the surgeon and other healthcare workers, as they prevent hair, dandruff and saliva droplets from falling to the surgical field and thus the possibility of wound infection.
Examples of helmets of the above type are described, for example, in WO2017/120562A2 and WO2012/111030A1.
Known surgical helmets generally have a lattice structure made up of one or more struts and thus a relatively complex shape, including, as mentioned, ventilation components. For this reason, prodromal disinfection operations prior to donning can be time-consuming, complicated and in some cases unreliable.
The technical problem posed and solved by the present invention is therefore primarily that of providing a disinfection device for a surgical helmet, which makes it possible to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks with reference to the known art.
This problem is solved by a device according to claim 1.
Preferred features of the present invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims.
In the context of the present description, by reference to known terminology, spatial attributions such as “sagittal”, “frontal”, “anterior”, “transverse”, “lateral”, “posterior”, “upper”, “lower” and derivatives refer to the position of the helmet in the worn configuration, in association with anatomical definitions of the body of the operator wearing the helmet.
The device of the invention defines a disinfection chamber, and preferably a pair of chambers, each suitable for receiving a surgical helmet. Each disinfection chamber has a closed box-like conformation, with a prevailing extension in a sagittal plane, and in particular in an antero-posterior direction and in a vertical direction, and a thickness in a transverse direction reduced with respect to the other two dimensions.
Each chamber is selectively accessible for the introduction of the respective helmet and then closable, for example by means of a hatch or window in one or more of its perimeter walls that define the internal compartment for the helmet.
Each chamber is in communication with means for selectively supplying a disinfectant substance, configured to feed a controlled quantity, or volume, of disinfectant into one or each chamber. Advantageously, the disinfectant is supplied in nebulised form. In an embodiment, the device may be configured, by means of a corresponding control unit, to sequentially perform a disinfection step, or sanitisation, and a cleaning step with a detergent.
Furthermore, the device may include means for printing a label, the latter containing, for example, a confirmation of disinfection, the date, the time, any parameters of the disinfection process and/or the substance(s) used and/or various operational information.
The label may also be sterile and is immediately applicable on the helmet once removed from the respective disinfection chamber.
Preferably, the device comprises a support base which may include said disinfectant supplying means and/or said control unit.
In an embodiment thereof, the device further includes a user interface for operating and controlling the disinfection, preferably arranged at the support base.
The device is thus specifically configured for disinfection of a surgical helmet, which is performed effectively, with limited space requirements and, advantageously, also in fully automatic mode.
Other advantages, features and methods of use of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of its embodiments, presented for illustrative and non-limiting purposes.
Reference will be made to the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which:
With reference to
For immediate reference, a Cartesian tern (x, y, z) defined according to the position each helmet assumes within the device 1 and according to the arrangement of the helmet itself corresponding to its configuration worn by a standing operator (anatomical position) is shown.
Thus, the xz plane (denoted by F) corresponds to an arrangement substantially parallel to a frontal plane of the operator, the xy plane (T) to an arrangement parallel to a transverse plane and the zy plane(S) to a sagittal plane.
The device 1 comprises a pair of disinfection chambers, 2 and 3 respectively, arranged juxtaposed parallel to the plane F and each configured to receive a respective surgical helmet.
Each of the disinfection chambers 2, 3 has a closed box shape, with prevalent extension according to the sagittal plane S, in particular according to the antero-posterior y direction and the vertical z direction.
The conformation of each of the chambers 2, 3 comprises opposing sagittal walls, one of which is visible in
In the embodiment of
Overall, therefore, each chamber has an outwardly convex profile in the sagittal plane S.
The two chambers 2, 3 each have an independent internal compartment to receive their respective helmets. Between them, a structural septum 7 is defined with substantially vertical extension and parallel to the plane F.
Each of the chambers 2, 3 may present a closable hatch or opening for the introduction of the surgical helmet within it, or allow an opening movement obtained by a dislocation, for example by rotation, of one or more of the respective walls, as shown in
Preferably, each of the chambers 2, 3 has transparent peripheral walls or a transparent viewing window, in order to also allow a visual check of the presence of a helmet and/or a related disinfection operation. Below the two chambers 2, 3, at the inclined walls associated with the sections 25, a support base 4 is defined, for example provided with feet 40.
Referring also to the diagram in
Disinfectant supplying means 5 are advantageously configured to feed a controlled amount, or volume, of disinfectant into one or each of the disinfection chambers 2, 3, preferably in nebulised form.
The device 1 further comprises, as exemplified only in
The control unit 100 can be programmed to perform one or more disinfection or helmet cleaning operations, or cycles, so that the device 1 can operate automatically.
The mode of operation may involve first supplying a sanitiser and then a cleaning solution. Typically, as mentioned, the means for supplying will involve nebulization.
For example, a specific combination of ionic silver, citric acid and lactic acid can be used as a disinfectant solution, in addition to all products suitable for disinfection by nebulisation.
The control unit 100, moreover, may control signalling means arranged at the base 4, for example lights indicating the operational status of the device 1, a disinfection operation in progress and/or the presence of a helmet inside a chamber.
Equally, the signalling means may indicate the state of charge of the device 1, if a self-power supply is also provided, or the need for maintenance.
The device is preferably equipped with suitable sensors to detect the correct closure of the chambers and any deviations from the execution of the disinfection operation programmed by the control unit 100.
Overall, the helmet C1 or C2 can be made as described in WO2017/120562A2.
According to the described configuration, the device 1 is easily transportable and in particular portable.
The present invention has so far been described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof. It is to be understood that there may be other forms of embodiment pertaining to the same inventive core, as defined by the scope of protection of the claims below.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
102021000029966 | Nov 2021 | IT | national |
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/IB2022/061074 | 11/17/2022 | WO |