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.

Claims

1. An illuminated suction device comprising: 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.

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 illumination assembly is enclosed within a container that is shrink-wrapped to the device.

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 illumination assembly is enclosed within a container, and 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 illumination assembly to the suction device.

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

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

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

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

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

12. An illuminated suction device as in claim 1, wherein the activation device is activated when a suction valve of said device is opened.

13. An illuminated suction device as in claim 12, wherein the activation device comprises a magnetic reed switch located in close proximity to a magnet embedded into said valve.

14. An illuminated suction device as in claim 12, wherein the activation device comprises a Hall effect sensor located in close proximity to a magnet embedded into said valve.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a conventional suction device made of metal.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a conventional suction device made of plastic.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a conventional suction device having a built-in shutoff valve.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a conventional suction device having a light channel connected to an external laser unit.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an illuminated suction device according to a first exemplary embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of an illuminated suction device according to a second exemplary embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of an illuminated suction device according to a third exemplary embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 8 is a schematic view of an illuminated suction device according to a fourth exemplary embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 9 depicts a disassembled version of an exemplary embodiment.

[0025] FIGS. 10-12 depict an embodiment of the assembled device.

LEGEND

[0026] In the drawings, the following legend applies to the use of reference numerals. [0027] 10 suction device [0028] 11 LED [0029] 12 LED wires [0030] 13 illumination switch [0031] 14 battery pack [0032] 15 suction device [0033] 16 suction control switch [0034] 17 grip

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SELECT EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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).

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.sup.−6 A.

[0046] FIG. 9 depicts a disassembled version of an exemplary embodiment.

[0047] Item 7 is the handle portion of a standard Yankauer suction device.

[0048] Item 12 is the connection port for attaching a suction hose.

[0049] 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).

[0050] Item 13 is a suction valve which inhibits or restricts the connection between the suction port (12) and the suction input (14).

[0051] 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.

[0052] Item 9 are connecting wires that make the circuit between the switch (3), the batteries (11) and the LED (1).

[0053] 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).

[0054] 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).

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] FIGS. 10-12 depict the assembled device.

[0060] 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.