Addition to a medical applicator

Abstract

The presently disclosed subject matter relates to an addition to a medical applicator in general and in particular to an addition to a medical applicator for applying on a surface a curable liquid substance having multi components.

Claims

1. An applicator assembly comprising: a medical applicator configured for applying a curable liquid substance, and an addition to the a medical applicator, the medical applicator including at least one cannula hub for providing therethrough a curable liquid substance, a lumen inlet for receiving therein gas from an exterior source, and a tubular body for applying the curable liquid substance on a surface, wherein the tubular body is in fluid communication with the lumen inlet, the addition comprising a turbulating unit configured for mixing said gas with a powder stored in a vial, the turbulating unit having: an inlet port connectable to the exterior source; an outlet port connectable to the lumen inlet of the medical applicator; and a spike member configured for being entered into the vial and having a first passage for providing fluid communication between said inlet port and the vial, and a second passage for providing fluid communication between the vial and said outlet port; wherein the delivery path of powder is through the outlet port, lumen inlet, and tubular body, and wherein the delivery path of the curable liquid substance is through the cannula hub and tubular body whereby the assembly enables delivery of the curable liquid substance and the powder on the surface through the tubular body.

2. The applicator assembly of claim 1, wherein said spike member includes a beveled tip configured for introducing said spike through a membrane covering the opening of the vial.

3. The applicator assembly of claim 1, wherein said gas is a medical gas, and wherein said powder is a medicament.

4. The applicator assembly of claim 1, wherein said powder comprises solid fibrinogen particles and/or solid thrombin particles.

5. The applicator assembly of claim 1, wherein the substance includes at least a first component and a second component, wherein said first component being activated by said second component.

6. The applicator assembly of claim 5, wherein the tubular body contains a first channel for transferring therethrough said first component, a second channel for transferring therethrough said second component, and a third channel for transferring therethrough said powder.

7. The applicator assembly of claim 5, wherein the applicator comprises a first cannula hub for providing therethrough said first component and a second cannula hub for providing therethrough said second component.

8. The applicator assembly of claim 5, wherein said first component comprises liquid fibrinogen, and said second component comprises liquid thrombin.

9. The applicator assembly of claim 1, further comprising a bypass lumen fluidly coupling said first lumen directly with a second lumen.

10. The applicator assembly of claim 9 further comprising a valve coupled to said bypass lumen, said valve being configured to shift between a first position in which fluid flow is allowed between said exterior source and said vial whereby said powder is mixed with said gas, and a second position in which fluid flow is allowed between said exterior source and said bypass lumen whereby said gas flows directly to said lumen inlet.

11. The applicator assembly of claim 10, wherein said valve allows gas flow from said exterior source, to be apportioned from said first lumen into said inlet port and into said bypass lumen.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) In order to better understand the subject matter that is disclosed herein and to exemplify how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a known medical applicator configured for applying a curable liquid substance on a surface;

(3) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an addition according to an example of the presently disclosed subject matter coupled to the medical applicator of FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 3 is a side view of a turbulating unit according to an example of the presently disclosed subject matter;

(5) FIG. 4 is bottom view of a turbulating unit of FIG. 3;

(6) FIG. 5 is sectional view of the turbulating unit of FIG. 3;

(7) FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a tubular body according to an example of the presently disclosed subject matter; and

(8) FIG. 7 is an applicator assembly according to an example of the presently disclosed subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

(9) As discussed hereinabove in the Background Section FIG. 1 shows a known medical applicator 10 configured for applying a multicomponent medicament on a surface, for example, a curable liquid substance, including two or more components. The medical applicator 10 includes two or more cannulas 16a and 16b into which the components can be fed and a tubular body 15 for applying thereof on a surface.

(10) According to an example the medical applicator 10 further includes a lumen inlet 25 for receiving therein gas from an exterior source. FIG. 2 shows an addition 30 to a medical applicator 10 configured for providing a mixture of a gas and a powdered component to the medical applicator. The addition 30 comprising a turbulating unit 35 configured for mixing gas, such as a medical gas, with a powder stored in a vial 5. The turbulating unit 35 includes an inlet port 37a (shown in FIG. 3) connectable to the exterior source, such as a gas tank (not shown), and an outlet port 37b connectable to the lumen inlet 25 of the medical applicator 10.

(11) In addition, the turbulating unit 35 can further include a spike member 40 configured for being entered into a vial, and can include a beveled tip 45 configured for introducing the spike through a membrane covering the opening of the vial 5.

(12) The spike member 40 includes a first passage 42a for providing fluid communication between the inlet port 37a and the inside volume of the vial 5 and a second passage 42b for providing fluid communication between the inside volume of the vial 5 and the outlet port 37b.

(13) The turbulating unit 35 is configured to form a mixture of the powder stored in the vial 5 and the gas with a predetermined concentration thereof. That is to say, the amount and rate of gas introduced to the vial is set in accordance with the required concentration of the mixture of the powder and the gas. It is appreciated that the concentration level of the mixture may depend on various parameters such as the specific gravity of the gas, the pressure in the exterior source, the properties of the powder stored inside the vial 5, etc. For example, the pressure of the gas delivered to the vial can be 5 to 30 psi and/or the volumetric flow rate can be set to 2-7 liter gas per minute. In addition, it is appreciated that the diameter of the first passage 42a is configured such that the gas introduced therethrough homogeneously mixes the powder inside the vial 5.

(14) The turbulating unit 35 can be further configured for sealing engagement with the opening of the vial 5, such that the desired pressure inside the vial 5 is maintained while the gas, or other fluids are introduced therein.

(15) According to an example the addition 30 further includes a first lumen 39a configured for fluidly coupling the inlet port 37a to the exterior source of gas, such as to the gas tank. According to another example, the addition 30 can include a second lumen 39b configured for fluidly coupling the outlet port 37b to the lumen inlet 25 of the medical applicator 10. This way the addition can be assembled together with an applicator of any kind, that is to say the second lumen 39b can serve as an adaptor between the outlet port 37b and the lumen inlet 25 of the medical applicator.

(16) According to an example the second lumen 39b can be configured to allow disposing the turbulating unit 35 and the vial 5 remotely from the applicator facilitating thereby the use of the applicator. This way, the applicator 10 can be operated by one medical attendant while the addition 30 can be operated by another medical attendant.

(17) Utilizing the applicator 10 with the addition 30 allows applying a curable liquid substance on a surface, for example on a tissue for holding together two adjacent tissue portions, such as following a surgery, and a powder such as solid fibrinogen and/or solid thrombin, e.g. as disclosed in WO 2011092694, or any other powder which can facilitate treatment.

(18) In addition the gas delivered from the exterior source and introduced into the vial can be a medical gas, and wherein the powder can be a medicament such as a medicament including solid fibrinogen particles and/or solid thrombin particles.

(19) The curable liquid substance applied by the applicator can include a first component contained within the first syringe 20a and a second component contained within the second syringe 20b. The first component can be such which interacts with the second component, for example the first component can include fibrinogen, and the second component can include thrombin. Examples of the two components include, but are not limited to, fibrinogen and thrombin, alginate and calcium, pectin and calcium a synthetic sealant such as acrylates, cyanoacrylates, and polyethylene glycol (PEG) polymers with their crosslinkers; and a semisynthetic sealant e.g. made from a combination of biological and synthetic materials such as gelatin-formaldehyde-resorcinol (GFR) glue, albumin and glutaraldehyde.

(20) In one embodiment of the invention, the two components of the substance are fibrinogen and thrombin. In such an embodiment, when the two liquid components are mixed polymerization process is activated and application of the sealant is advantageously carried out without delay before resistance to flow becomes excessive. This way, the first and second components can be in a liquid (e.g. aqueous) form when stored separately, and can cure when mixed together, or engage one another. Thus, the first component can be applied on the surface through the first cannula hub 18a, while the second component is applied through the second cannula hub 18b.

(21) As shown in FIG. 6 in order to preclude undesirable activation of the first component by the second component inside the tubular body 15, the latter can contain a first channel 17a for transferring therethrough the first component, a second channel 17b for transferring therethrough the second component. Thus, the activation of the component takes place outside the tubular body 15, for example on the treated surface e.g. as in WO2012168933A2[1] and as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,403,882. The tubular body 15 can further include a third channel 17c for transferring therethrough the mixture of the powder and the gas.

(22) Alternatively, the two components can be mixed within the device prior to exiting the tip of the tubular body. In that case the tubular body can be structured as described in WO10095128A2, U.S. Patent Application 2007/0191781 A1.

(23) According to the presently disclosed subject matter the operator can provide pressurized gas into the vial through the first lumen 39a and inlet port 37a of the turbulating unit 35. The pressurized gas causes turbulence inside the vial resulting in a mixture of the powder therewith. Due to the continuous flow of pressurized gas the mixture is urged into the outlet port 37b and the second lumen 39b towards the lumen inlet 25 of the applicator 10. The mixture can then be applied with the tubular body 15 on the surface e.g. the surface to be treated.

(24) At this point the plungers 22 of the syringes 20a and 20b can be activated by pushing the bridging member 23 so as to urge the first and the second components towards the tubular body 15, through the first and second hubs 18a and 18b, respectively.

(25) The components can then be applied at least partially on the applied powder through the tubular body 15 and onto the surface, resulting in the formation of the curable substance.

(26) It is appreciated that delivery of the components of the curable substance and the powder on the surface can be carried out simultaneously, sequentially or alternatingly.

(27) According to an example, the components of the curable substance can be delivered through a first and second channels 17a and 17b of the tubular body (FIG. 6), while the powder can be delivered through a third channel 17c, such that the powder does not engage the components of the curable substance or residue thereof, if so desired.

(28) In another example, the powder can be delivered through the same channel as that through which the components are delivered. In the latter case the powder can be delivered before the components while the channels 17a and 17b are still empty of any component residue.

(29) It is appreciated that in the event where all the powder from the vial is delivered, gas from the external source can be further delivered through the tubular body. This way the gas can be utilized for cleaning the channels of the tubular body of any component residue.

(30) In addition, if the tubular body of FIG. 6 is utilized, once the vial is empty of powder, gas can be delivered through the empty vial, towards the third channel 17c of the tubular body 15 while the first and second components are delivered through the first and second channels 17a and 17b respectively. This way the gas can be used for atomization of the components, such that the components are sprayed over the treated surface.

(31) According to an example, a bypass lumen (not shown) can be provided. The bypass lumen allows the operator to provide gas form the exterior source directly to the medical applicator 10 without entering into the vial and/or mixing thereof with the powder inside the vial 5. For example such bypass lumen can be placed between the first lumen 39a and the second lumen 39b. This example is explained in more detail hereinafter with reference to FIG. 7.

(32) Reference is now made to FIG. 7, the presently disclosed subject matter further provides an applicator assembly 50 having a medical applicator 51, substantially the same as the applicator of FIG. 1 and having a headpiece 52 including a tubular body 55, two or more cannulas 56a and 56b into which the components can be fed, and a lumen inlet 65 for receiving therein gas from an exterior source. The applicator assembly 50 further includes an addition 70 substantially the same as the addition 30 of the previous examples and comprising a turbulating unit 75 configured for mixing gas, such as a medical gas, with a powder stored in a vial 5. The turbulating unit 75 includes an inlet port 77a connectable to the exterior source e.g. via a first lumen 79a, and an outlet port 77b connectable to the lumen inlet 65 of the medical applicator 51 e.g. via a second lumen 79b.

(33) According to this example, the assembly 50 further includes a bypass lumen 80 fluidly coupling the first lumen 79a directly with the second lumen 79b. The bypass lumen 80 allows the operator to provide the gas form the exterior source directly to the medical applicator 51 without entering into the vial and/or mixing thereof with the powder inside the vial 5.

(34) The bypass lumen 80 can be further provided with a valve 85 coupled thereto. In one embodiment, valve 85 allows gas flow from the exterior source, to be apportioned from the first lumen 79a into the inlet port 77a and the bypass lumen 80. The valve 85 can be configured to shift between a first position and a second position. In the first position, gas flow is allowed between the exterior source and the vial 5, through the first lumen 79a and into inlet port 77a, whereby the powder is mixed with the gas. In the second position, a direct gas flow is allowed between the exterior source and the lumen inlet 65 of the medical applicator 51 through the bypass lumen 80. Thus, in the second position, gas from the exterior source can be fed into the medical applicator, without entering into the vial and/or mixing thereof with the powder inside the vial 5.

(35) Referring back to FIGS. 3 and 4, the spike member 40 includes a first passage 42a for providing fluid communication between the inlet port 37a and the inside volume of the vial 5 and a second passage 42b for providing fluid communication between the inside volume of the vial 5 and the outlet port 37b. Passage 42a can be oriented laterally with respect to the spike member 40. Lateral orientation enables greater separation between the first passage 42a and the second passage 42b which thereby allows for more efficient transfer of powder to the second passage 42b. Further, the lateral orientation can be angled such that gas inflow through first passage 42a creates a swirling effect within vial 5 to more efficiently engage the powder with the gas such that a more homogenous mixture is formed.

(36) Referring again to FIG. 7, valve 85 can be configured to allow for proportional distribution of the gas inflow from first lumen 79a such that a portion of the gas flow passes through first passage 42a and a second portion passes through bypass lumen 80. Proportional distribution enables greater control over the concentration of powder delivered through second lumen 79b and ultimately to the tissue surface. This effect may also be achieved by the addition of a variable restrictor element within the bypass lumen 80 or between valve 85 and inlet port 77a. This feature can be used to adjust for variation in available gas pressure to enable more predictable delivery of powder volume. Adjustment positions may be pre-calibrated and labeled to correspond to various gas pressure supplies.

(37) The presently disclosed subject matter thus provides an addition to a medical applicator (10), the medical applicator configured for applying a curable liquid substance, and including a lumen inlet (25) for receiving therein gas from an exterior source, and a tubular body (15) for applying the curable liquid substance on a surface, wherein the tubular body is in fluid communication with the lumen inlet, the addition comprising a turbulating unit (35) configured for mixing the gas with a powder stored in a vial (5). The turbulating unit having: an inlet port (37a) connectable to the exterior source, an outlet port (37b) connectable to the lumen inlet (25) of the medical applicator; and a spike member (40) configured for being entered into the vial and having a first passage (42a) for providing fluid communication between the inlet port (37a) and the vial (5), and a second passage (42b) for providing fluid communication between the vial (5) and the outlet port (37b). Whereby assembling the addition with the medical applicator enables delivery of the substance and the powder on a surface.

(38) The second passage (42b) can be configured to allow a flow of the gas homogeneously mixed with the powder.

(39) The spike member (40) can include a beveled tip (45) configured for introducing the spike through a membrane covering the opening of the vial.

(40) The applicator can comprise a first cannula hub (18a) for providing therethrough the first component and a second cannula hub (18b) for providing therethrough the second component.

(41) The turbulating unit (35) can be configured for sealing engagement with the opening of the vial.

(42) The turbulating unit (35) can be configured to homogeneously mix the powder with the gas.

(43) The turbulating unit (35) can be configured to form a mixture of the powder and the gas with a predetermined concentration of the powder in the gas.

(44) The addition can further comprise a first lumen (39a) configured for fluidly coupling the inlet port (37a) to the exterior source.

(45) The addition can further comprise a second lumen (39b) configured for fluidly coupling the outlet port (37b) to the lumen inlet (25) of the medical applicator.

(46) The addition can further comprise a bypass lumen (80) fluidly coupling the first lumen (39a) directly with the second lumen (39b).

(47) The addition can further comprise a valve coupled to the bypass lumen, the valve being configured to shift between a first position in which gas flow is allowed between the exterior source and the vial (5) whereby the powder is mixed with the gas, and a second position in which gas flow is allowed between the exterior source and the bypass lumen whereby the gas flows directly to the lumen inlet (25).

(48) The applicator is capable of applying, liquid solution in dripping form, atomized liquid solution with gas, powder with gas, and combinations thereof.

(49) The presently disclosed subject matter further provides an applicator assembly (50) comprising: at least one cannula hub (18) for providing therethrough a curable liquid substance; a lumen inlet (25) for receiving therein gas from an exterior source; and a turbulating unit (35) configured for mixing the gas with a powder stored in a vial (5), the turbulating unit including an inlet port (37a) connectable to the exterior source; an outlet port (37b) connectable to the lumen inlet (25); and a spike member (40 FIG. 3) configured for being entered into the vial and having a first passage (42a) for providing fluid communication between the inlet port (37a) and the vial (5) and a second passage (42b) for providing fluid communication between the vial (5) and the outlet port (37b); and a tubular body (15) for applying the substance and a mixture of the gas and the powder on a surface.

(50) The applicator assembly can further comprise a first lumen (39a FIG. 2) fluidly coupling the inlet port (37a) to the exterior source.

(51) The applicator assembly can further comprise a second lumen (39b) fluidly coupling the outlet port (37b FIG. 2) to the lumen inlet (25).

(52) The applicator assembly can further comprise a bypass lumen (80, FIG. 7) fluidly coupling the first lumen directly with the second lumen.

(53) The applicator assembly can further comprise a valve (85) coupled to the bypass lumen the valve being configured to shift between a first position in which gas flow is allowed between the exterior source and the vial (5) whereby the powder is mixed with the gas, and a second position in which gas flow is allowed between the exterior source and the bypass lumen whereby the gas flows directly to the lumen inlet.

(54) Those skilled in the art to which the presently disclosed subject matter pertains will readily appreciate that numerous changes, variations, and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention, mutatis mutandis.