Sanitary support device for a medical instrument

Abstract

A sanitary support device (10) for holding medical instruments during a medical procedure. The device includes a receptacle (12) having a closed end (13) relatively isolated from the environment and an open end (15) adapted for passage of at least a portion of a medical instrument into its closed end, and a mounting member 30) or other support for mounting the receptacle adjacent the patient, e.g. to an item commonly found in hospital rooms, etc. The receptacle may be of a single- or multi-piece design. In a multi-piece design, a lower portion of the receptacle is fixed to the mounting member, and the upper portion of the receptacle is removably supportable thereon. The receptacle may include a notch (20) having sidewalls spaced for pinching the instrument's tube to disrupt a vacuum flow. A removable liner (40) may be held by the receptacle or a portion thereof to prevent cross-contamination among patients.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates generally to medical devices and particularly to a receptacle for supporting a medical instrument, such as a vacuum-operated aspirator tube. BACKGROUND [0002] Medical procedures are typically performed while a patient is resting on a bed, gurney, or operating table, etc. (collectively “bed”). Such medical procedures often involve the intermittent use of medical instruments. Before the present invention, an adequate place of rest for medical instruments was unavailable, particularly in hospital and nursing home rooms, which generally are not fully equipped for performance of medical procedures. [0003] Applicants have thus identified a need for a supportive receptacle, and preferably a readily-accessible, sanitary receptacle, for medical instruments while such instruments are not in use during the course of a medical procedure. This need is particularly acute when the instrument is of a type intended to be inserted into a pat...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] The present invention provides a sanitary support device for containing and isolating medical instruments in a substantially sanitary environment during the course of a medical procedure performed on a patient. In preferred embodiments, the device comprises a receptacle having a closed end relatively isolated from the environment and an open end adapted for passage of at least a portion of a medical instrument into its closed end, and a mounting member for securing the receptacle in a position adjacent the patient. The sanitary support device provides a sanitary, readily accessible location to retain the medical instruments during periods of non-use of a medical procedure.

[0008] In certain embodiments, the sanitary support device includes a receptacle having a notch over which a tube, hose, cord, cable, etc. (collectively “tube”) of the medical instrument may be draped for support. The notch limits lateral movement of the medical instrument. The notch may be provided with spaced sidewalls for forming a friction fit with the tube to limit longitudinal movement of the medical instrument. In a certain embodiment, the sidewalls are spaced for pinching the tube to at least partially disrupt a vacuum flow therethrough to reduce or eliminate unwanted noise, intake of dust, etc.

Problems solved by technology

Applicants have come to appreciate that such vacuum-operated instruments are noisy, which is particularly undesirable for the extended periods of time that such instruments are not in use during a medical procedure.

Additionally, such instruments may draw dust, lint, etc. during such periods that can foul the vacuum system.

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