Illuminated suction device

Abstract

An exemplary embodiment comprises an illuminated suction device having a distal end with a suction tip; a proximal end with a connector for a suction tube; and an illumination assembly comprising at least one light source, at least one battery and an activation device for energizing the light source, the illumination assembly being permanently attached to the suction device.

Description

INTRODUCTION

Embodiments described herein relate to a surgical instrument and more particularly to an instrument which is especially well suited for the removal of body fluids such as blood from a surgical wound and for simultaneously illuminating an area of the wound so that the same can be visualized by a surgeon.

It is often necessary during the course of a surgical procedure for body fluids, such as blood, to be removed from the area of the surgical wound in order that the same may be visualized by the surgeon. The arrangements hitherto provided for the removal of such fluids from and for the illumination of surgical wounds have left much to be desired.

This may be better appreciated when it is understood that it is often necessary to maintain a surgical suction device in place in the wound in order to permit the surgeon to visualize the point at which the bleeding has occurred. Particularly when such a suction device is in place, it is extremely difficult and often impossible to prevent the suction device from interfering with the desired visualization and illumination.

Hand-held suction devices are routinely used during surgical procedures. These devices are typically connected to a standard suction source in the operating room, enabling the physician to dynamically and efficiently remove blood, bone fragments, or fluid previously irrigated into the surgical site. These suction devices are sometimes also used to provide low force retraction of fat, muscle, or other structures during the procedure. The surgeon holds the suction device from its proximal end, manipulating the distal portion of the suction device during the surgical procedure in order to provide suction at the desired location. Hand-held suction devices are widely available in a variety of distal tip configurations suited to various surgical applications.

A Yankauer suction device is a medical instrument that provides suction to a wound or other surgical incision to remove fluids from the area. Yankauer suction devices come in a metal version (as shown in FIG. 1) and a plastic version (as shown in FIG. 2). The plastic version depicted in FIG. 2 is a sterile, single-use suction tool used to remove mucus from the mouth, primarily from the throat. The Yankauer suction device in FIG. 2 is rigid and has a curved one-piece design made with shatterproof acrylics plastic.

One end of the depicted Yankauer suction device is connected to a tubing (which provides the suction) that can work with suction machine devices, and the other end is inserted into the area to be evacuated. The devices may come with several style tips. Some have a hole at the end and some have additional holes on the sides.

FIG. 2 shows a device having a hole in the top of the handle. This hole may be used by the operator to control the suction at the tip. If the operator covers the hole with his thumb the full suction will be present at the tip. Opening the hole will dramatically reduce the suction at the tip.

Alternatively, referring to FIG. 3, a Yankauer suction device may have a built-in shutoff valve, which may be used by the operator to control the suction at the tip.

However, none of the traditional suction devices have a permanent, integral light source. Most lack any light source, requiring the operator to provide an external light source. This external light source is often difficult to direct into deep tissue cavities, leaving the operator with limited visibility into the patient cavity.

FIG. 4 shows a recent improvement of a built-in light channel that provides light to the tip of the suction device. Unfortunately, this light channel is not a light source. The light source in this product is a portable external laser unit, connected to the suction device via a fiber optic cable. Such suction devices with optic cables present additional cabling problems during the procedure, cleaning problems between procedures, and cost problems (the laser sources are expensive, as are the fiber optic cables).

One or more embodiments described herein advantageously provide a suction and illumination device which is especially well suited for use in carrying out surgical procedures and which provides for simultaneous evacuation of fluids from and illumination of a surgical wound.

One or more embodiments described herein advantageously provide a hand-held illuminated suction device that includes suction and illumination functions irremovably integrated into the device.

One or more embodiments described herein advantageously provide a disposable suction device to enable leverage of manufacturing efficiencies.

One or more embodiments described herein advantageously provide a low cost, high-performance combination device that provides an attractive alternative to existing discrete illumination and suction devices while minimizing incremental cost to the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a conventional suction device made of metal.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a conventional suction device made of plastic.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a conventional suction device having a built-in shutoff valve.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a conventional suction device having a light channel connected to an external laser unit.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an illuminated suction device according to a first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of an illuminated suction device according to a second exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of an illuminated suction device according to a third exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of an illuminated suction device according to a fourth exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9 depicts a disassembled version of an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 10-12 depict an embodiment of the assembled device.

LEGEND

In the drawings, the following legend applies to the use of reference numerals.

• • 10 suction device
  • 11 LED
  • 12 LED wires
  • 13 illumination switch
  • 14 battery pack
  • 15 suction device
  • 16 suction control switch
  • 17 grip

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SELECT EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Drawings have been used herein to depict select exemplary embodiments. For the sake of clear illustration, many practical details are explained together in the description below. However, it should be appreciated that those details should not be used to limit the scope of any claims that issue in connection with this application. In some embodiments, certain details are not essential.

Moreover, for the sake of drawing simplification, some customary structures and elements in the drawings have been shown in a simplified way. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. It should be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present description, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an illuminated suction device according to an exemplary embodiment. An illuminated suction device 15 includes suction and illumination functions integrated into a hand-held device. As shown in FIG. 5, the illuminated suction device 15 has a proximal end and a distal end connected by a central portion. The proximal end of the suction tube is provided with fittings for connection to a vacuum source, while the distal end enables the operator to apply the suction device directly to the desired region. The illuminated suction device 15 may be constructed with a permanent light source, such as LED 11. LED 11 is powered by battery pack 14 and is directly and permanently embedded into the central portion of the suction device 15. The battery pack 14 is connected to LED 11 through LED wires 12 and provides power to LED 11.

The battery or batteries in battery pack 14 may be sized to contain only enough charge to illuminate a single procedure, thus offering energy-efficient, low-cost illumination. With the low cost LED illumination, the suction device (integrating suction and illumination functions) may be (mandatorily) disposable after a single use. This solves the illumination problem, and also solves the problems of cost, cabling, and cleaning/sterilization.

Alternatively, the batteries may be sized to contain sufficient charge to illuminate multiple procedures. The illuminated suction device may also include an illumination switch 13 for switching LED 11 between ON/OFF status.

In this embodiment, illumination switch 13 may located above the battery pack 14. Illumination switch 13 may be a light dimmer switch, which allows an operator to control the level of illumination. Switch 13 may alternatively be a pull-tab switch, further mandating that the device be disposed of after a single use, or may be any other type of suitable switch, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

In other embodiments, switch 13 may be located at the proximal end of the device (see FIGS. 6 and 7), or at the distal end (see FIG. 8).

In other embodiments, switch 13 may be replaced with a magnetic reed switch located in close proximity to the suction shut off valve and a magnet is embedded into the shut off valve such that the act of opening the shutoff valve will also move the magnet into close proximity to the reed switch and thus active the reed switch and turn on the light. This embodiment enables one control to be used for both the shutoff valve as well as the light switch. Those skilled in the art will understand how sliding the shutoff valve open or partially open can move an imbedded magnet towards a fixed position reed switch which is embedded in the body of the suction device in such a location to activate the magnetic reed switch when the suction valve is open or partially open and deactivate the magnetic reed switch when the shutoff valve is closed. Those skilled in the art will see that the magnetic reed switch can be replaced with other proximity sensors such as hall effect sensors to replicate the convenience created by having one control activate both the suction and the light source.

In other embodiments the LED (11) may directly shine light toward the distal end of the suction device, or may direct light into the clear plastic shaft of the suction device where the light may be conducted and then dispersed from integral lenses at or near the distal tip of the suction device.

With respect to materials, one exemplary aspect comprises an illuminated suction device, comprising: a distal end having a suction tip; a proximal end having a connector for a suction tube; and an illumination assembly comprising at least one light source, at least one battery and an activation device for energizing the light source, and the illumination assembly being permanently attached to the suction device, wherein the suction device is molded from at least one of: an injection moldable polymer, a low conductivity polymer, and a radiolucent polymer. In one or more embodiments the polymer may have a conductivity of less than 10⁻⁶ A.

FIG. 9 depicts a disassembled version of an exemplary embodiment.

Item 7 is the handle portion of a standard Yankauer suction device.

Item 12 is the connection port for attaching a suction hose.

Item 14 is the distal end of the Yankauer suction device which is used to remove fluid from the patient. Item 14 can be of different shapes to facilitate the type of suction needed. Existing art includes a straight end as shown (14), or a ball end which facilitates suction from the sides of the ball (not shown).

Item 13 is a suction valve which inhibits or restricts the connection between the suction port (12) and the suction input (14).

Item 11 is the battery pack which contains sufficient charge for a single use. It may be (and preferably is) disposable and thus compatible with medical waste procedures which include safe incineration. Battery chemistry such as alkaline batteries are compatible with incineration.

Item 9 are connecting wires that make the circuit between the switch (3), the batteries (11) and the LED (1).

Item 5 is an LED holder that is shaped such that it can easily fit over a ball end (at location 14) but still fit flush against the length portion of the suction tube (15).

Items 4 and 2 are covers which contain the Yankauer suction device (7), the batteries (11), the switch (3), and a portion of the wire (9).

Item 10 is a shrink wrap which fits over a portion of the LED holder (5), a portion of the suction tube length (15), a portion of the wire (9), and a portion of the covers (4) and (2). This shrink wrap preferably has several unique properties to the assembly. The shrink wrap shrinks in diameter when heat is applied. After it is properly placed and heated it will shrink to anchor the LED holder (5), wire (9) and the ends of covers (4) and (2). No additional and expensive anchoring is required.

Although all components are properly anchored in position, the shrink wrap still allows the normal flexibility of the Yankauer length portion (14). This flexibility is important to operation during a medical procedure as the Yankauer is often pressed against patient tissue and the Yankauer flexing helps prevent tissue damage and increases patient safety. Although shrink wrap is used in this embodiment, those skilled in the art will understand that other means of attachment, such as welding, adhesives, etc., may also be used without departing from the scope of the invention described herein.

In an embodiment, a light source comprises at least one lamp and at least one battery within a container permanently affixed to the suction device, wherein a longitudinal side of the container opens onto a side of the suction device such that the container and the side together circumferentially enclose and secure the at least one battery to the device.

In an embodiment, the illumination assembly (i.e., at least the light source and at least one battery) is enclosed within a container permanently affixed to the suction device, wherein a longitudinal side of the container opens onto a side of the suction device such that the container and the side together circumferentially enclose and secure the at least one battery to the device.

FIGS. 10-12 depict the assembled device.

Although certain embodiments have been described in considerable detail herein, other embodiments, variations, and modifications that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the scope of any claims allowed for this application should not be limited to any specific embodiments or to any non-claimed details of the embodiments described herein.

Claims

1. An illuminated suction device comprising: a suction tube having a distal end with a suction tip and a proximal end with a connector;a handle adjacent the proximal end of the suction tube; andan illumination assembly comprising at least one light source, at least one battery, and an activation device for energizing the light source, the illumination assembly being attached to the suction device,wherein the at least one light source is provided at a location closer o the distal end than to the proximal end of the suction tube and is axially offset from the distal end along the axis of the suction tube, andwherein the illumination assembly is enclosed within a container, wherein a longitudinal side of the container opens onto a side of the suction tube such that the container and the side together circumferentially enclose and secure the illumination assembly to the suction tube.

2. An illuminated suction device as in claim 1, wherein the suction device is molded from at least one of: an injection moldable polymer, a low conductivity polymer, and a radiolucent polymer.

3. An illuminated suction device as in claim 1, configured to provide simultaneous evacuation of fluids from and illumination of a surgical wound.

4. An illuminated suction device as in claim 1, wherein the container includes shrink-wrap attached to the suction tube.

5. An illuminated suction device as in claim 1, wherein the light source is an LED light.

6. An illuminated suction device as in claim 1, wherein the light source is embedded into the suction tube.

7. An illuminated suction device as in claim 1, wherein the activation device comprises at least one of: a pull-tab switch and a dimmer switch.

8. An illuminated suction device as in claim 1, wherein the light source shines directly toward the distal end of the suction tube.

9. An illuminated suction device as in claim 1, wherein the light source directs light into a shaft of the suction tube, and light from the light source is dispersed from one or more lenses in the distal end.

10. An illuminated suction device as in claim 1, wherein the distal end comprises a ball.

11. An illuminated suction device as in claim 1, wherein opening of a suction valve of said device causes the activation device to be activated.

12. An illuminated suction device as in claim 11, further comprising a magnet embedded into the suction valve, and wherein: the activation device comprises a magnetic reed switch, andthe magnet embedded into the suction valve is moved closer to the activation device when the suction valve is opened.

13. An illuminated suction device as in claim 11, further comprising a magnet embedded into the suction valve, and wherein: the activation device comprises a Hall effect sensor, andthe magnet embedded into the suction valve is moved closer to the activation device when the suction valve is opened.

14. The illuminated suction device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the at least one light source is provided at a location external to the handle.

15. The illuminated suction device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the suction tube includes a curved portion and wherein the at least one light source is provided adjacent the curved portion.

16. An illuminated suction device comprising: a distal end with a suction tip;a proximal end with a connector for a suction tube;a suction valve configured to control suction by the suction device; andan illumination assembly comprising at least one light source, at least one battery, and an activation device for energizing the light source, the illumination assembly being attached to the suction device,wherein opening of the suction valve of said device causes the activation device to be activated.

17. The illuminated suction device in accordance with claim 16, further comprising a magnet embedded into the suction valve, and wherein: the activation device comprises one of a magnetic reed switch and a Hall effect sensor, andthe magnet embedded into the suction valve is moved closer to the activation device when the suction valve is opened.