This invention relates in general to canisters. More specifically, the invention is directed to canisters for use with a medical suction or aspirator device for the collection of fluids during medical procedures.
Medical suction and aspiration devices are used to remove bodily fluids during medical procedures or emergency situations. These suction and aspiration devices often include canisters to receive the bodily fluids. Current devices used for aspiration during surgical procedures include a wandlike collection device connected via a hose to a collection canister. A vacuum pump is also connected to the canister, thereby creating a vacuum in the canister and in the collection device. As aspirated fluids are removed from the body, they are collected in the collection canister.
As it is desirable to minimize contact between the suctioned fluid within the canister and the device operator, and to avoid having fluids sucked into the vacuum pump, it is desirable to provide a means for the isolating the fluids from the orifice to which the vacuum source is connected.
This invention relates to a canister having a filtered, shut off device to retain suctioned fluids within the canister. The device consists of a ball float valve which is capable of making contact with a replaceable filter cartridge. An absorbent valve which constricts the flow of air and fluids when wet, is disposed within the filter cartridge to prevent fluid flow through the vacuum source. In operation, when the canister becomes full, the ball float will rise, blocking the bottom inlet to the filter cartridge. Any fluids that may leak past the ball float will contact the absorbent valve, which will ensure that no fluids are able to enter the vacuum source.
Lip 120 define on filter cartridge 10 engages in opening 430 defined in lid 40 and is held in place thereon by frictional engagement.
The distance between the bottom of retaining tabs 410 and the bottom wall 425 of receptacle 420 is sized to be greater than the diameter of ball float 30. In normal operation, ball float 30 will rest against bottom wall 425 of receptacle 420 and, in situations where canister 50 has become filled with fluid, ball float 30 will float up until further movement is prevented by bottom opening 150 of filter cartridge 10. Filter cartridge extends downward into receptacle 420, such that bottom opening 150 of filter cartridge 10 is even with retaining tabs 410, as shown in
Also shown in
As in many instances, canister 50 and lid 40 are reused by medical personnel. It is intended that filter cartridge 10 along with filter element 20 inserted therein be replaceable and sold separately from the rest of the device such that lid 40 and canister 50 may be reused many times. It is also intended that ball float 30 be easily removed from receptacle 420 by forcing it past retaining tabs 410, which are flexible enough to allow the passage of ball float 30 upwards through opening 430 when pressure is applied from the bottom of ball float 30.
Filter element 20 includes an open end 200, which engages nipple 130 on the interior of filter cartridge 10, an outer wall 220, and a closed end 210. The outer wall 220 and the closed end 210 have an interior surface, an exterior surface, and cooperate to define an interior space, cylindrically-shaped space. The material of the absorbent valve 34 may be of a porous structure having interstitial voids, such as between sintered beads or intertwined filaments, thus creating a capillary effect therein.
Filter element 20 is preferably made from a material exhibiting a hydrophilic or hygroscopic property. This fluid absorptive property of filter element 20 is aided, at least in part, by the capillary action of the interstitial voids of the material. The structure can be made from sintering plastic beads or powders. Such a structure may be formed by a polyethylene plastic having an added cellulose gum filler. Additionally, any suitable plastic or polymer capable of having a porous structure may be a suitable material substitute to support a cellulose gum filler. The cellulose gum filler is used as the reactant medium to reduce the interstitial voids, thus slowing and ceasing fluid flow therethrough. Upon contact with fluid, the interstitial voids of the material of the outer wall 220 and the closed end 210 gradually reduce to increasingly restrict air and fluid permeability, thus preventing bodily fluid fro entering the vacuum source through orifice 110.
While the invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it should be understood that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the essential scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments, but that the invention shall include all embodiments falling within the scope of the following claims.
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Number | Date | Country | |
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20140155847 A1 | Jun 2014 | US |