Device and method of using the same for removing a flowable material contained within a vessel or cavity

Abstract

A device for removing a flowable material such as a fluid contained within a vessel or cavity includes a nozzle body having an outlet, a first side portion impermeable to the flowable material located distally from the outlet, a second side portion permeable to the flowable material located proximate to the outlet, the second side portion being in fluid communication with the outlet through the nozzle body, and negative pressure generating means operatively associated with the outlet for generating negative pressure at the second side portion of the nozzle body sufficient to draw the flowable material into the nozzle body without damaging or substantially disrupting the vessel or cavity. Methods of using the same are also disclosed.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This Application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 571,407, filed on Jun. 27, 2011, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 517,788, filed on Apr. 26, 2011, the contents of which is incorporated herein by reference in the entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to devices, including medical and non-medical devices, and particularly to devices and methods of using the same for removing a flowable material such as a fluid from a site within the interior of a vessel or cavity in a safe and reliable manner.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]It is known in the art to draw or remove fluid from a site within an enclosed cavity or vessel. Among other applications, in the medical field, there is a need for removing fluids pursuant to a treatment regimen. For example, in a medical procedure, a surgical site is typically irrigated with a physiological aseptic solution and then sucti...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]The present invention relates generally to devices and methods of using such devices for removing a flowable material such as a fluid contained within a vessel or cavity. Broadly, the device of the present invention includes a nozzle body configured for removing the flowable material from the vessel or cavity, and negative pressure generating means operatively associated with the nozzle body for generating negative pressure sufficient to draw the flowable material into the nozzle body in a manner that substantially minimizes damage or disruption of the vessel or cavity. The device of the present invention is designed to direct negative pressures associated with aspiration, removing or suctioning away from the distal end thereof, thereby significantly minimizing damage or disruption to immediate areas of the vessel or cavity (e.g., mucosal lining of tissue). As a result, the device of the present invention may be placed substantially closer to the surface of the vessel or cavity to enhance removal of the flowable material from the site. The present device enables greater levels of negative pressure to be achieved, while maintaining safety and reliability.

[0009]In the present invention, devices, including medical and non-medical devices and kits comprising a plurality of such devices form part of the invention. During operation, the device of the present invention is used to draw or remove a flowable material such as a fluid at a site within the interior cavity or vessel, while avoiding or at least substantially minimizing any injury or disruption to the surrounding inside surfaces of the interior cavity or vessel due to high back pressure.

[0015]negative pressure generating means operatively associated with the outlet for generating negative pressure at the second side portion thereof sufficient to draw the flowable material therein without damaging or substantially disrupting the vessel or cavity.

[0025]generating negative pressure at the second side portion of the nozzle body sufficient to draw the fluid from the vessel or cavity into the nozzle body without damaging or substantially disrupting the vessel or cavity.

[0026]The present invention as herein described by making the second side portion permeable to the flowable material (and not the first portion) minimizes occlusion of the device that can occur when, as in prior art devices, the permeable portion is positioned proximate the vessel walls.

Problems solved by technology

The tissues around the fluids are sensitive to pressure and could be injured if excessive suction is applied.

In addition to mucosal trauma, tracheal or endotracheal suctioning is often associated with other potentially harmful complications including hypoxemia, diminished cerebral blood flow, and vasovagal response causing arrhythmias and hypotension.

These restrictions limit the extent and the areas that can be effectively treated and the amount of material that can be removed from a given treatment area.

This limits the effective area of the open portion of the suctioning device.

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