Applicator tip

Abstract

An applicator tip for selectively dispensing a sterile surgical adhesive from a reservoir and a method for dispensing a sterile surgical adhesive includes a reservoir which contains the adhesive material, an applicator tip with a distal end and an opening offset a distance from the distal end whereby the opening opens to dispense adhesive material when pressure is applied to the applicator tip surface and the applicator tip is in a deformed configuration and whereby adhesive material is not dispensed when pressure is not applied to the applicator tip and the applicator tip is in an un-deformed configuration. A kit includes an applicator tip and a reservoir for dispensing a sterile surgical adhesive within a sealable package.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]1. Technical Field[0002]The present disclosure relates generally to devices for the application of sterile compositions, and more particularly to devices and methods for applying surgical sealants or adhesives with an improved applicator tip design.[0003]2. Background of Related Art[0004]Monomer and polymer adhesives are used in both industrial and medical applications. Included among these adhesives are the 1,1-disubstituted ethylene monomers and polymers, such as the α-cyanoacrylates. Medical applications of adhesive compositions include use as an alternate or an adjunct to surgical sutures and staples in wound closure as well as for covering and protecting surface wounds. When such an adhesive is applied, it is usually applied in its monomer form, and the resultant polymerization gives rise to the desired adhesive bond.[0005]However, with the application of adhesive in a monomeric form, due to the rapid polymerization rate of the monomers, it has been challenging ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]Accordingly, an applicator device in accordance with the present disclosure is provided to address the need for an easy to use and efficient assembly for dispensing and applying sterile compositions, such as during medical procedures.

Problems solved by technology

However, with the application of adhesive in a monomeric form, due to the rapid polymerization rate of the monomers, it has been challenging to design effective and commercially viable packaging and dispensing systems.

One of the problems surgeons have faced with such dispensers is the lack of control of the dispensing rate of the adhesive, e.g., large amounts of the adhesive may be inadvertently dispensed and wasted.

Furthermore, the adhesive may spill into areas of tissue or onto surfaces where it is not needed and can impede the success of the wound closure.

Further, a problem arises if the dispenser is to be used more than once, as is common.

Further, there are other problems associated with conventional techniques with the application of adhesive compositions in certain environments, particularly ones in which the surface is difficult to reach or is isolated and where the surgeon will not be able to visualize both the flow of the adhesive as well as the incision.

Another problem arising from known applicator tips is the reactive nature of the material of the tip with the adhesive composition which disrupts the uniform flow of the adhesive and affects the cure rate.

Further, a problem arises when the tip clogs due to the non-uniform flow or premature curing of the adhesive.

Conventional devices fail to provide an applicator and / or an applicator dispensing system that is optimized for convenient dispensing and controlled application of adhesive materials on a variety of surfaces and structures.

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