Otorhinologic Irrigation Systems

Abstract

Systems, apparatus and methods related to improved otorhinologic irrigation and lavage comprising a drainage collector and one or more otorhinologic adapters, which are capable of coupling to an irrigation-liquid container.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)[0001]The present application is related to and claims priority form Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 911,921 filed Dec. 4, 2013, and from Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 758,692 filed Jan. 30, 2013, the contents of all of which are incorporated herein by this reference.BACKGROUND[0002]This invention relates to a medical system assisting more efficient and safer performance of otorhinologic medical procedures. More particularly, this invention concerns a medical system comprising apparatus and methods for improved ear-canal and nasal-passage irrigation.[0003]With respect to ear canal irrigation problems, when a patient complains of a foreign body or cerumen impaction within the external ear canal, it is desirable to irrigate the external ear canal with a solution such as normal saline. Presumably the dilution effect of the irrigation will wash out cerumen and debris. A physician or user may wish to control the source and positioning of...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides an otorhinologic irrigation system that can collect liquid from an ear canal or nasal passage. The system includes anatomical adapters with a discharge port that can be adjusted for position within the ear canal. The system also includes a liquid transport tube and an extendable tube that can be extended into the ear canal. The extendable tube is in fluid communication with the liquid transport tube and can be symmetrically or asymmetrically positioned relative to the surrounding wall of the system. The system also includes pressure-relieving apertures to prevent harmful pressure differentials. The invention allows for safer and more effective irrigation of the otorhinologic structure.

Problems solved by technology

For example, improper positioning of an ear canal irrigation device may sometimes present the risk of trauma, e.g., to the external ear canal.

This is not always convenient for the patient or caregiver.

When using large volumes of liquid or high amounts of pressure, contaminated liquid may spread to unwanted surfaces, including splashing onto a health care provider or drenching the patient.

This is undesirable as, e.g., the risk of spreading of disease is heightened and there may be undesirable effects of getting a patient wet.

The excess liquid may also be an inconvenience for otherwise healthy patients; they may have to remove their clothing to prevent them from getting soaked.

The above situation may be uncomfortable for the patient in a busy emergency room; and, the time necessary for the patient to disrobe would delay a doctor's or nurse's ability to treat such patient or other waiting patients more expeditiously.

These disadvantages may decrease the incentive for an operator, such as a physician, to appropriately use optimal large volumes of irrigation liquid, and therefore the difficulty of properly irrigating the ear canal increases.

A female threaded device does not exist that fit any of the commercially available standard wide-mouth irrigation pour bottles.

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