DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DELIVERING LIQUIDS DURING SURGERY

Abstract

A scalpel body including an attachment for a removable blade, a spray head adapted to operatively deliver a surgical liquid as a spray proximal to a removable blade, and an external connection for allowing the spray head to be connected to an external supply of surgical liquid. A release mechanism allows for selective release of the spray, proximal to the blade.

Claims

1. A scalpel body, comprising an attachment for a removable blade, a spray head adapted to operatively deliver a surgical liquid directly onto a surgical incision site as a spray proximal to a removable blade, and an external connection to allow the spray head to be connected to an external supply of surgical liquid, wherein the scalpel body includes a release mechanism to allow for the selective release of surgical liquid from the spray head.

2. A scalpel body according to claim 1, wherein the spray head is configured so that the surgical liquid is operatively delivered as a spray with an axis generally parallel to the blade.

3. A scalpel body according to claim 1, wherein the scalpel is connected to the external supply of surgical liquid, and a one way valve is provided to prevent back pressure to the external supply.

4. A scalpel body according claim 2, wherein the removable scalpel blade is attached to the scalpel body.

5. A scalpel body according to claim 1, further comprising a handle.

6. A method of delivering a surgical liquid directly onto a surgical incision site, including the steps of: (a) Providing a scalpel body comprising a removable blade and an integral spray head; (b) Connecting the integral spray head to an external supply of surgical liquid, so that the spray head may operatively deliver the surgical liquid as a spray proximal to the removable blade; and (c) Providing a selective release mechanism on the scalpel body for the surgical liquid, so that the liquid may be selectively sprayed from the scalpel body in association with a surgical procedure.

7. A method according to claim 6, wherein the spray head is configured so that the surgical liquid is operatively delivered as a spray with an axis generally parallel to the blade.

8. A method according to claim 7, wherein a one way valve is provided to prevent back pressure to the external supply.

9. A method according to claim 6, wherein the scalpel body further comprises a handle.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] One implementation of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0025] FIG. 1 is a conceptual side view of an implementation of the present invention;

[0026] FIG. 2 is an isometric front view of the implementation of FIG. 1; and

[0027] FIG. 3 is an isometric rear view of the implementation of FIG. 1; and

[0028] FIGS. 4A, B and C illustrate a blade connection procedure for an implementation of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] The present invention will be described with reference to a specific implementation, having particular application to veterinary procedures. However, it will be appreciated that this example is illustrative and not limitative of the scope and field of application of the present invention. The present invention is applicable to any form or animal or human surgery is which it is desired to spray a medical liquid.

[0030] The present invention is particularly concerned with the delivery of surgical liquids. This term is intended to be understood broadly, as encompassing liquids intended to be delivered before, during and after surgery. These may include one or more components, including without limitation antiseptic agents, anaesthetics, carriers, hemostatic agents, and other materials. It is emphasised that the present invention is not specific to the actual fluid which is delivered, but is rather concerned with the mechanical systems to facilitate the delivery of such liquids. For example, one suitable product is the above referenced Tri-Solfen product, a gel containing Lignocaine (as hydrochloride) 40.6 g/L, Bupivacaine (as hydrochloride) 4.2 g/L, Adrenaline (as tartrate) 24.8 mg/L, and Cetrimide 5 g/L.

[0031] The surgical liquid is discussed as coming from a supply of liquid. This may be, for example, a container supplied by the product supplier, with a tube connecting the device to the contents. Other options include an infusion bag, elevated in use; a backpack type reservoir; a drum or other container, or any other suitable arrangement. Whilst the illustrated example is not pressurized, the present invention could be implemented using a pressurised system, either by a propellant or a pumped pressurisation technique (i.e. as in some agricultural sprayers).

[0032] The present implementation is intended to be used with disposable scalpel blades, and to operate as a body to retain such blades so that they can function as a scalpel. Of course, the present invention could in principle be used with re-usable blades if desired, but for the primary application described for the present implementation, blades become blunt from use. Any suitable blades may be used, with a corresponding mount compatible with the disposable blades being provided. It will be appreciated that the term scalpel is used in a broad sense, and encompasses any surgical instrument for cutting or penetrating an animal or person.

[0033] FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 illustrate external views of an implementation of the present invention. Device 10 includes a liquid chamber 13, connected to a stem 12. Stem includes an internal liquid path (not visible) to the spray head 20. Adjacent to spray head 20 is a fitting 18 for receiving a disposable scalpel blade (not shown).

[0034] Device 10 further includes a handle 17, connected at one end via hinge 15 to stem 12, and at the other to plunger 11. Handle 17 preferably has a surface texture to enhance friction and reduce slipping. Similar treatment is preferred for the stem 12. Surgical liquid enters the liquid chamber 13 via barbed fitting 14, which incorporated a one way valve to prevent back pressure. Barbed fitting 14 in use is connected to a flexible tube and then to the supply of surgical liquid. Thus, if handle 17 is depressed, plunger 11 is forced into liquid chamber 13, exerting pressure so that a spray of surgical liquid is produced from spray head 20.

[0035] It will be understood that handle 17 preferably provides a resilient return force, so that the handle returns to an outward position once released. This may be provided in any suitable way, for example by the shape and angle of the handle and its interaction with the plunger; a return spring associated with the handle; by the reaction of the liquid system; or by a spring associated with the plunger.

[0036] The device 10 may also include additional features. For example, the volume of liquid dispensed by each operation of the handle may be adjustable. In one form, the plunger have an adjustable stroke length, so that the volume displaced is changed, for example by a screw adjustment. In another form, the extent of travel of the handle may be adjustable.

[0037] FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C illustrate various stages of attaching a blade to the attachment to fitting 18. As can be seen in FIG. 4A, fitting 18 includes a groove 19, and blade 30 includes an opening 31, with a narrowed section 32 located towards the cutting edge 34.

[0038] In FIG. 4B, the fitting 18 can be seen to pass into opening 31, noting that the blade is somewhat flexible, so that the opening 31 receives fitting 18 and enters groove 19 with the narrowed section 32. The result of the sliding fit is that the fitting 18 and opening 31 are mated, so that the blade is firmly and safely mounted on fitting 18 and hence the device 10. The blade is preferably held with forceps 35 to safely carry out this procedure.

[0039] It will be understood that the fitting is specific to the brand and type of blade intended to be used, and the fitting will vary as required for different blades.

[0040] In use, the surgeon holds device 10 within one hand, so that the handle 17 can be squeezed by one or more fingers, for example the middle, ring and little fingers. A blade is attached to the fitting 18. The end of handle 17 in this implementation is shaped to prevent the little finger from slipping off. Thus, the surgeon can use the blade to make the necessary incisions, while applying the surgical liquid spray as they wish by selectively operating handle 17. It will of course be understood that different finger arrangements and hand positions are possible with different implementations of the present invention.

[0041] The narrowed portion 16 serves to locate the surgeon's forefinger and thumb for operation of the scalpel.

[0042] It will be appreciated that this arrangement aligns the spray generally with the scalpel, so that it is easy for the surgeon to understand where the spray will go. In some implementations, an adjustment mechanism (such as a set of screws) could be provided to allow the direction and range of the spray to be adjusted. The spray is preferably aligned so that its axis (assuming the spray is generally conical) is generally parallel to the blade, so that it is clear to the surgeon where the spray will fall relative to the blade.

[0043] It will be understood that the spray head may allow for the shape, width, orientation, etc. of the spray to be adjusted as required, to accommodate different procedures, or the preferences of the user.

[0044] The handle and release mechanism illustrated is of course only one possible mechanism for release of the surgical liquid. For example, a spring operated release similar to a spray bottle mechanism could be used in a non-pressurised implementation. In a pressurised implementation, for example one where a container is pumped up, a simple release valve may be all that is required to be operated by the handle. The release could take the form of a trigger, a button, or any other suitable mechanism.

[0045] The internal passage through stem 12 could take any suitable form. In one implementation if may be a simple tube extending from within the chamber 14 through portion 16 to spray head 20. The passage may be integrally formed with the stem structure, or be a separate tube passing through it.

[0046] It will be appreciated that the principle of the present invention may be incorporated into various shapes and sizes of device, depending upon the intended use for the scalpel and the associated liquid. For example, the invention could be applied to a surgery robot, or to any other mechanism used to hold a blade. The spray head could be incorporated into an entire scalpel, so that the entire scalpel is disposable.