Fluid collection and disposal system and related methods

Abstract

A fluid collection system includes a disposable collection container and a disposable collection container receiving housing, the housing having a cavity and a suction source. The fluid collection container may include a flexible liner and a shelf for diverting fluid from the suction and to assist with a collapse of the liner during evacuation of the fluid from the liner. The collection container receiving housing may include a piston assembly having a main piston body and a scraper ring. The collection container receiving housing may include a piston stop feature. The system may include a partially hydrophobic filter and a flat surface suction tool.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY UNDER 35 U.S.C. §119[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 225,812, entitled “FLUID COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL SYSTEM AND RELATED METHODS” and filed on Jul. 15, 2009, which is expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Technical Field of the Invention[0003]Aspects of the present invention relate generally to fluid collection and disposal systems and related methods. More specifically, particular aspects relate to liquid collection and disposal systems that utilize flexible liners and related methods of use thereof.[0004]2. Brief Description of Related Art[0005]Hospital operating rooms, emergency rooms, and other healthcare facilities generate a large volume of liquid waste, which may include irrigation liquids and secretions removed from a patient's body (e.g., blood and other bodily liquids). To collect and dispose of such liquid waste, suction canisters are typically u...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a fluid collection system and waste disposal system that may reduce the risk of exposure to potentially hazardous waste and improve labor efficiency, safety, and convenience of medical personnel participating in a medical procedure. The system includes a lid that automatically connects to a suction source and provides a clean and convenient interface between the source of waste and the waste disposal station. The system also includes a shelf that guides collected fluids away from the access port of the suction source and prevents the liner from collapsing against the screen during removal of the collected fluid. Overall, the present invention is designed to provide a safe, efficient, and convenient system for collecting and disposing of medical waste.

Problems solved by technology

This process can be labor intensive and time consuming.

Furthermore, since this process is performed following every medical procedure, the frequency of the process may increase the clinicians' risk of exposure to potentially hazardous waste.

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