SURGICAL TRAY SYSTEM

Abstract

A surgical tray system is disclosed. The system includes a tray for use in an operating room environment. In various embodiments, the tray includes an indentation having a bowl shape. A vacuum sealed bag is fitted over the tray and form fitted to the tray when the air is removed from within the bag. The tray optionally includes an light source for illuminating an area under the tray, a magnification element, and pouches for storing items used during a surgical procedure. The tray is optionally substantially transparent to allow light to pass through the tray. The tray is ideally positioned over a patient bed. It may be mounted via an arm to a bed frame member, a monitor station, or a ceiling fixture.

Claims

1. A surgical tray system comprising: a substantially planar tray having an interior cavity defined by at least a first surface and a second surface, wherein each of the first surface and second surface comprise a plurality of holes providing access to the interior cavity of the tray; and a vacuum fitted covering element comprising a valve; wherein the plurality of holes and the valve are configured to allow air to be vacuumed out of the cavity and to allow the covering element to be substantially form-fitted to the substantially planar tray.

2. The surgical tray system of claim 1, wherein the tray further comprises an indentation formed in the first surface.

3. The surgical tray system of claim 1, wherein the tray is configured to be movably mounted above a patient bed.

4. The surgical tray system of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the tray is substantially transparent.

5. The surgical tray system of claim 4, further comprising a light source mounted to the tray, the light source positioned to illuminate an area beneath the tray.

6. The surgical tray system of claim 1, wherein the vacuum fitted covering element comprises a seal.

7. The surgical tray system of claim 1, further comprising a magnification element positioned to magnify an area below the tray.

8. The surgical tray system of claim 1, wherein the tray is mounted to a frame member of a patient bed via a movable arm.

9. The surgical tray system of claim 1, wherein the tray is mounted to a monitor station via a movable arm and positioned above a patient bed.

10. The surgical tray system of claim 1, wherein the tray is mounted to a ceiling fixture via a movable arm and positioned above a patient bed.

11. A surgical tray system comprising: a substantially planar, substantially transparent tray having an interior cavity defined by at least a first surface and a second surface, wherein each of the first surface and second surface comprise a plurality of holes providing access to the interior cavity of the tray; a vacuum fitted covering element comprising a valve; a light source mounted to or integral with the tray, wherein the light source is positioned to illuminate an area underneath the tray; and a magnification element; wherein the plurality of holes and the valve are configured to allow air to be vacuumed out of the cavity and to allow the covering element to be substantially form-fitted to the substantially planar tray.

12. The surgical tray system of claim 11, wherein the tray further comprises an indentation formed in the first surface.

13. The surgical tray system of claim 11, wherein the vacuum fitted covering element comprises a seal.

14. A method of maintaining sterility in an operating room environment, comprising: providing a substantially planar tray having at least a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface has an indentation formed therein; covering the substantially planar tray with a bag; suctioning air from the bag such that the bag is substantially form-fitted into the indentation; and sealing the bag to envelope the tray.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the tray further comprises an interior cavity defined by the first surface and the second surface.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein each of the first surface and second surface comprise a plurality of holes.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the bag comprises a valve.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the plurality of holes and the valve are configured to allow air to be vacuumed out of the cavity.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the tray system of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the tray system of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the tray system of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the tray system of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the tray system of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the tray system of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a container for the vacuum sealed bag and other items according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail, preferred embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated.

[0033] The present invention is a surgical tray system 10. The system 10 includes a substantially planar tray 20 having an upper surface and a lower surface. In various embodiments, the tray 20 includes an indentation 30 formed in the upper surface of the tray 20. The indentation 30 may take the shape of a container or a bowl. It is contemplated to be within the scope of the present invention that additional indentations taking on any desired shape for other purposes may be added.

[0034] In certain preferred embodiments, the tray 20 is covered by a vacuum fitted covering element 40 which covers at least the upper surface of the tray 20 and becomes form-fitted into the indentation 30 when air is removed from the bag. Ideally, the bag includes a valve 50 through which air can be removed.

[0035] In various embodiments, the surgical tray system 10 configured and adapted to be movably mounted above a patient bed 60. For example, the tray 20 may be mounted to an arm 70 which is attached to a bed frame member. Ideally, an articulating arm 70 is used that is configured to allow a range of positioning options. Thus, the tray 20 can be moved side to side, front to back, and up and down. Ideally, a limiting safety feature is included to prevent the tray 20 from moving too far down toward the patient. The arm 70 may be jointed in various manners to enable this full range of movement.

[0036] In other embodiments, a similar arm 70 may mount the tray system 10 to a monitor system 110 such as those typically used in an operating room, or to a ceiling fixture. The arm 70 would allow the tray 20 to be positioned in a range of suitable positions.

[0037] The tray 20 can be formed of a plastic resin, molded, or formed of any suitable material. In some embodiments, the tray 20 is substantially transparent. This allows light to pass through the tray 20 so that it does not block light which is needed to illuminate an area during a procedure. Furthermore, this allows a surgeon to be able to see through the tray 20 when necessary.

[0038] In various embodiments, the tray system 10 may also include a light source 80 adapted and positioned to illuminate an area beneath the tray 20. The light source 80 may be any suitable light source, such as an LED light source. It may optionally be positionable so that a user can direct it to a desired area.

[0039] In particular embodiments, the tray system 10 includes a magnification element 90 or 100 positioned and adapted to magnify an area below the lower surface of the tray 20 when viewed from above the tray 20. FIG. 6 illustrates various alternate manners of providing a magnification element. An integral magnification element 90 may be formed in the tray 20. Alternatively, an attachable magnification element 100 may be attached to an edge of the tray 20. Thus, a surgeon, for example, can use this for magnification when needed during a procedure. Various other alternative magnification elements are also contemplated. For example, a magnification element 150 may be integral with the vacuum bag 40 itself, or may be an extension of the bag 40 such as a flap 160, which may either be integral with the bag 40 or affixed to the exterior of the bag 40.

[0040] In various preferred embodiments, external pouches 120 are provided and adapted to provide a storage area mounted externally on the bag 40. Such pouches 120 may be formed integrally with the bag 40, or may be attached to the external portion of the bag 40 during use. These pouches provide a storage area, and may be labeled using stickers 130, for example.

[0041] The vacuum bag 40 of the present invention may stored in a sterilized package, such as an outer sleeve or bag, and rolled up and placed in a shell 140. This shell 140, or a portion thereof, is ideally configured to provide a useful channel. The shell 140 can be placed on a patient bed during a procedure such as an angioplasty procedure, and a tool such as the wire used for such a procedure, may be conveniently positioned within this channel to prevent it from accidentally being placed in contact with a non-sterile surface such as the floor.

[0042] While specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of protection is limited by the scope of the accompanying claims.