A Protective Device For Use In Oral Surgical Procedure

Abstract

A protection device for use in oral surgery. The device comprises; a body having a first part which locates outside a patient's mouth and a second part which, during use, locates inside the mouth. The body is arranged such that at least a part of the body is resiliency deformable to enable manual shaping to accommodate an anatomical shape of at least part of a patient's mouth, thereby providing a physical barrier between surgical instrumentation and a patient's soft tissue.

Claims

1-32. (canceled)

33. A protection device for use in oral surgery, the device comprising; a body having a first part which locates outside a patient's mouth and a second part which, during use, locates inside the mouth; the device body arranged such that at least a part of the body is resiliently deformable to enable manual shaping to accommodate an anatomical shape of at least part of a patient's mouth, thereby providing a physical barrier between surgical instrumentation and a patient's soft tissue; the device including a plurality of tubes each one having a first end disposed outside the mouth and a second end disposed inside the mouth and each extending along the body of the device and having at least one through passage extending from a location inside the mouth to a location outside the mouth.

34. A protection device according to claim 33, wherein the device body includes a planar region arranged to oppose an adjacent inside surface of the mouth.

35. A protection device according to claim 34, wherein the body has a return portion through which the body transitions from the planar region inside the mouth to a cheek engagement portion outside the mouth.

36. A protection device according to claim 35, wherein the device body is malleable is arranged to accommodate different mouth shapes; wherein, a majority of the body of the device locates inside the mouth and a minority of the body extends outside the mouth.

37. A protection device according to claim 36, wherein the return portion is a substantially U shaped formation.

38. A protection device according to claim 37, wherein the substantially U shaped formation is adjustable to suit the anatomical mouth geometry of a particular patient.

39. A protection device according to claim 38, wherein the substantially U shaped formation is made from a pliable material to enable said adjustability.

40. A protection device according to claim 39, wherein the planar region and face engagement portions have common side edges.

41. A protection device according to claim 40, wherein the planar region and face engagement portions are integrally connected and formed from the same material.

42. A protection device according to claim 41, wherein the first end of each said tubes is adapted to receive and retain a discharge tube which locates outside the mouth, to enable discharge of gaseous products from inside the mouth to a collection receptacle or to the outside air.

43. A protection device according to claim 42, wherein the second end of each tube has an opening which receives gaseous effluent created inside the mouth from such sources as diathermy burning.

44. A protection device according to claim 43, wherein the tubes act as suction tubes which are attached to the side edges of the body of the device.

45. A protection device according to claim 44, wherein the suction tubes are detachably attached to the body of the device.

46. A protection device according to claim 45, wherein the body of the device is manufactured from materials selected from plastics, metals or a combination of the two.

47. A protection device according to claim 46, wherein the device is manufactured from materials which are pliable and plastic, electrically insulating and thermally inert.

48. A protection device according to claim 47, wherein the device is capable of self-locating and remaining connected to the mouth of a patient, while protecting such areas as the corner of the mouth and lips.

49. A protection device according to claim 48, wherein the shape of the device can be varied to suit different anatomical sizes selection of a size suitable for a particular patient.

50. A protection device according to claim 49, wherein, the device has inbuilt plasticity to enable a surgeon to locate the device over at least a portion of lip margins.

51. A protection device according to claim 50, wherein the device can be crimped against the mouth using the inbuilt plasticity.

52. A protection device according to claim 51, wherein the device is disposable.

53. A protection device according to claim 51, wherein the device is reusable.

54. A protection device according to claim 51, wherein the device is supplied as component of a kit of components.

55. A protection device for use in oral surgery, the device comprising a body having a first end which locates, during use, outside the mouth of a patient and a second end which locates inside the mouth, the device body including a return portion to engage and accommodate the shape of at least part of a patient's lips, thereby providing a physical barrier between surgical instrumentation and a patient's soft tissue; the device further comprising, at least one discharge tube each including a through passage which allows transmission there through of smoke or gas induced during surgery from inside the mouth to the outside of the mouth.

56. A protection device according to claim 55 wherein the device is manufactured from a rigid material or combination of materials which are non-pliable and pre-formed to accommodate a particular patient's mouth.

57. A protection device according to claim 55 wherein the device is manufactured from a pliable/deformable material or combination of materials which are user adjustable to accommodate a particular patient's mouth. which is deformable

58. A protection device according to claim 55 wherein, the physical barrier extends from the inside to the outside the patent's mouth.

59. A protection device according to claim 58 wherein, said at least one discharge tube extends from a first end to a second end, the first end adapted to receive a suction tube to remove gases entering via said second end.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

[0036] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a mouth protector according to a preferred embodiment.

[0037] FIG. 2 shows a rear perspective view the protector of FIG. 1.

[0038] FIG. 3 shows an opposite side perspective view of the protector of FIG. 1.

[0039] FIG. 4 shows a side elevation view of the protector of FIG. 1.

[0040] FIG. 5 shows a front elevation view of the protector of FIG. 1.

[0041] FIG. 6 shows a top elevation view of the protector of FIG. 1.

[0042] FIG. 7 shows a plan view of an open mouth of a patient with a protection device used either side of the mouth engaging the lips.

[0043] FIG. 8 shows the protection devices of FIG. 8 each connected to a gas discharge tube.

[0044] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a smaller version of a protective device according to one embodiment.

[0045] FIG. 10 shows a more elongated version of a protective device according to another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] The present invention will now be described in more detail according to a preferred embodiment but non limiting embodiment and with reference to the accompanying illustrations. The examples referred to herein are illustrative and are not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the invention. While various embodiments of the invention have been described herein, it will be appreciated that these are capable of modification, and therefore the disclosures herein are not to be construed as limiting of the precise details set forth, but to avail such changes and alterations as fall within the purview of the description.

[0047] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a mouth protecting device 1 according to a preferred embodiment. Protector 1 comprises a body 2 having a first end 3 and second end 4. Second end 4 locates inside the mouth of a patient (not shown) and first end 3 locates outside the mouth of a patient with return portion 5 defining a recess 6 which accommodates and wraps around the lips of the patient. Return portion 5 according to one embodiment, resiliently deformable and/or pliable and allows a surgeon to adjust to accommodate the patient's lip. Body 2 includes a planar region 7 which, when device 1 is in use, lies against the outside of the patient's cheek and provides protection while the mouth is held open during surgery, a physical barrier between surgical instrumentation such as a hot diathermy and the cheek and to some extent the buccal region.

[0048] Protector 1 includes tubes 8 and 9 adapted to respective edge regions 10 and 11 of body 2. These may be integrally formed with body 2 or alternatively connected to body 2 depending upon particular design requirements and selected materials of construction. Tubes 8 and 9 are joined to a vacuum line which evacuates gases from the surgical field (see FIG. 8). Tube 8 has a first end 12 which when device 1 is in use locates inside a mouth of a patient and a second end 13 which terminates outside the mouth. Likewise tube 9 has a first end 14 which, when device 1 is in use, locates inside a mouth of a patient and a second end 15 which terminates outside the mouth. According to one embodiment, tubes 8 and 9 each include respective through passages 17 and 18 which provide a suction paths to evacuate the toxic gases which accumulate at the site of the oral surgery. Ends 13 and 15 engage a gas discharge tube (see FIG. 8).

[0049] FIG. 2 shows with corresponding numbering a rear perspective view of the protector 1 of FIG. 1.

[0050] FIG. 3 shows with corresponding numbering a side perspective view of the protector of FIG. 1.

[0051] FIG. 4 shows a side elevation view of the protector of FIG. 1.

[0052] FIG. 5 shows a front elevation view of the protector of FIG. 1.

[0053] FIG. 6 shows a top elevation view of the protector of FIG. 1.

[0054] FIG. 7 shows a plan view of an open mouth 30 of a patient with a first protection device 31 and opposing second device 32 respectively engaging lip regions 33 and 34. Protector 31 comprises a body 35 having a first end 36 and second end 37. Second end 37 locates inside the mouth 30 and receives lip region 33 in recess 38 defined by radiused return 39. Likewise protector 32 comprises a body 40 having a first end 41 and second end 42. Second end 42 locates inside the mouth 30 and receives lip region 34 in recess 43 defined by radiused return 44. Return portions 39 and 44 are according to one embodiment, resiliently deformable and/or pliable and allow a surgeon to adjust to accommodate the patient's lip regions 33 and 34 respectively. Body 35 of device 31 and body 40 of lie against and protect cheeks 46 and 47 respectively and provide a physical barrier to unwanted instrument contact with the patient.

[0055] Protection device 31 includes tubes 50 and 51 adapted to respective edge regions of body 35. Tubes 50 and 51 are joined to a vacuum line 52 which evacuates gases away from the surgical field to a collection unit or other known collector. Likewise, protection device 32 includes tubes 53 and 54 adapted to respective edge regions of body 40. Tubes 53 and 54 are joined to a vacuum line 55 which also evacuates gases away from the surgical field to a collection unit or other known collector. Although the arrangement in FIG. 7 employs bi lateral opposing like devices, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the following combinations can also be employed: one device without gas evacuation tubes, one device with gas evacuation tubes, two devices but only one with gas evacuation tubes.

[0056] FIG. 8 shows with corresponding numbering, the protection devices 31 and 32 of FIG. 8 each connected to respective vacuum discharge lines 52 and 55 which both terminate in a single line 56 en route to the gas collection apparatus (not shown).

[0057] FIG. 9 shows a perspective enlarged view of a smaller version of a protective device 60 according to one embodiment connected to a vacuum tube 61. Protector 60 comprises a body 62 including a planar region 63 and tubes 64 and 65 preferably integrally formed with body 62. Tubes 64 and 65 are joined to vacuum line 61 which evacuates gases from the surgical field (see FIG. 8).

[0058] FIG. 10 shows a more elongated version of a protective device 70 according to another embodiment. Protector 70 comprises an elongated body 72 including a planar region 74 having significantly increased surface area and elongated evacuation tubes 75 and 76. Tubes 75 and 76 are joined to vacuum line 77 which evacuates gases from the surgical field.

[0059] The vacuum tubes preferably enter the mouth to a depth as far as possible. The mid tube lengths of the vacuum tubes are preferably around 500 mm long and are press fit into a Y shaped joiner. Preferably the width of the lip protector moulding and tube would be in the region of 25-30 mm but other sizes are contemplated to accommodate different sized patient anatomies.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the device is constructed flat with built in capacity for bending into shape by a user. The pliability may be introduced using an internal membrane in the body. In a further embodiment, the protection device comprises a moulded silicone body which is contoured to slide over a patient's lip and clamp lightly on walls of the cheek. The clamping force can be adjusted by the surgeon when locating the device on the patient's mouth. Incorporated in the moulded silicone are tubes which have a first end which locates in the mouth when the device is in situ and a second end extending outside the mouth. Each tube has a through passage which spans between the first and second ends. The tubes have an inside diameter within the range of 2 mm-5 mm and an outside diameter within the range of 3 mm-7 mm. A preferred tube size is 2 mm inside diameter and 3.2 mm outside diameter. Preferably the tubes are clear and either bonded to guide channels or moulded integral with the body of the device.

[0061] According to a preferred embodiment the device is malleable and easily applied for selfretention in a corner-of-the-mouth. Preferably, during surgery there is provided one on each side of the patient's mouth. Preferably one or both of the devices include integral suction tubes incorporated into the body of the device with the tubes being connected to known standard suction tubing. The protection device preferably has a length within the range 25-75 mm but alternative sizes are contemplated. Materials of construction are selected from smooth, heat resistant, non reflective, semi-firm material, plastic/silastic or a coated thin malleable metal with a heat/electricity insulating coating. Selecting a malleable material allows the device to engage the lip region of the mouth and with sufficient clamping elasticity in the material to stay in place during surgery. This eliminates the need to use inefficient wet gauze squares which are currently in use and sit on the corners of the mouth.

[0062] Preferably the device is single use and disposable although materials capable of sterilization are contemplated. Although the embodiments shown incorporate two lateral suction tubes, alternative embodiments are contemplated, such as but not limited to, use of one suction tube, location of a tube or tubes intermediate the edges or a tube which can be attached as required to the protection device. As the suction is of a smoke plume, rather than fluid, the suction tubes/canulas do not need to be wide bore. The radii of curvature of the tubes and angles of repose are adapted to suit particular mouth geometry as required and to facilitate passage of gases. The suction tubing would preferably be around 30 cm long with an end able to be attached to standard suction tubing. In a further embodiment, the suction tube includes a form of double adaptor so that theatre wall suction tubing can be used for both this device and a standard gas sucker. Typically the devices are provided in a sterile, disposable kit including those with and without suction tubes and adaptors as required. The device described herein improves patient safety and is convenient for staff application.

[0063] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the overall spirit and scope of the invention broadly described herein.