Instrument for cooling anesthesia

Abstract

INSTRUMENT FOR COOLING ANESTHESIA. This utility model application relates to an instrument for cooling anesthesia, which will be applied to the field of medical devices that cool the surface of human tissue. It consists of a tubular element (1) with an internal tunnel (2) filled with liquid and sealed at its ends by a pair of closing elements (3 and 3a) that fit into said internal tunnel (2) by pressure.

Description

1 / 8 “INSTRUMENT FOR COOLING ANESTHESIA”. FIELD OF APPLICATION

[001] This utility model application relates to an instrument for anesthesia by cooling, which will be applied to the field of medical devices that cool the surface of human tissue. STATE OF THE ART

[002] The term cryoanesthesia will be used in this report to refer to anesthesia by cold.

[003] The term human tissue will be used in this report to refer to the skin covered by an epithelial layer called the epidermis “skin”.

[004] Despite the benefits resulting from the application of botulinum toxin, many patients complain of the pain caused by botulinum injections. Currently, several techniques are used to minimize pain during the toxin application procedure with the use of anesthetic, however, many are unable to immediately generate anesthesia or rapid analgesia at the sites where the needle punctures occur for the application of botulinum injections.

[005] Knowing that the stress caused by the pain from repeated needle punctures during the toxin application procedure generates a lot of discomfort for the patient, leading in some cases to abandoning the use of this technique. To replace the use of injected anesthetics or ointments that have a delayed anesthetic effect due to low subcutaneous permeability, alternative techniques such as the use of tissue cryoanesthesia have been chosen, with the aim of reducing pain at the time of the medical intervention, as used in ocular procedures. Petition 870210029743, dated 03 / 30 / 2021, p. 4 / 19 2 / 8

[006] This use of cryoanesthesia to provide rapid anesthesia on the surface of the ocular tissue is presented in patent document US20190167916A1, which describes a portable cryoanesthesia device for ocular application, formed by a gripping portion 22 with a cooling tip 26 to induce cryoanesthesia on the ocular surface by means of a cooling system that may comprise a combination of thermoelectric devices, liquid evaporation, vapor compression or a low-temperature substance, for example liquid nitrogen, driven by means of a thermoelectric cooling system 24 comprising a cold tip 26, a power source 28, a controller 30, a cooling power concentrator 32, one or more drive modules 34, a heat sink 36, outlet openings 58, air circulation system 50, a fan 52 powered by the power source 28.

[007] The device described above has technical problems that need to be solved, ranging from the need for various mechanical and electronic components, such as a battery as a power source, cooling fans, a cooling energy concentrator, a heat sink, and an air circulation system.

[008] All this apparatus of plastic, metal and electronic components generates a high cost, complexity in its production and assembly, as well as requiring it to be constantly charged electrically by means of an external source.

[009] Another technical problem presented in the device is its fragility, the need for periodic maintenance, its susceptibility to drops, and the fact that it cannot be submerged in liquid for cleaning and sterilization. Furthermore, the professional has no control over the temperature at the tip of the device, making it impossible to know whether or not it is cooling the patient's tissue. Petition 870210029743, dated 03 / 30 / 2021, page 5 / 19 3 / 8

[010] The author sought to solve the technical problems presented and developed an instrument for cooling anesthesia that can cool the tissue at the exact location moments before the procedures for applying botulinum injections.

[011] The instrument claimed here was designed to be compact and lightweight, so that it can be easily held and handled with just one hand during toxin application procedures.

[012] Another technical problem solved is the elimination of the need to use various plastic, electronic and metal components such as controllers, cooling power concentrator, modules, heat sink, ventilation outlet openings, air circulation system, fans and internal battery.

[013] Another improvement obtained due to its construction is its resistance against breakage if it is dropped.

[014] Another technical problem solved was the ability of the instrument claimed here to be submerged in liquid for its complete cleaning and decontamination, a detail that is impossible in the model presented in the prior art.

[015] Also presented as an improvement is the ability of the professional to observe the freezing of the internal liquid, ensuring its full effectiveness and low temperature, allowing them to alternate between the two sides of the instrument's metal freezing tip during the application procedure, thus giving the device time to always remain with one of the tips at a low temperature and with total efficiency. Petition 870210029743, dated 03 / 30 / 2021, page 6 / 19 4 / 8

[016] Another technical problem solved is related to cost reduction due to the reduction of components and simplicity in its industrial production. OBJECTIVES OF THE UTILITY MODEL

[017] The aim of this model is to reduce and simplify the elements required for its manufacture.

[018] Another objective is to develop an instrument to be useful in the daily work of healthcare professionals to anesthetize, by cooling, the area of ​​tissue to be punctured by the needle for toxin application.

[019] Another objective is to develop a lightweight, compact instrument that is easy to handle with just one hand.

[020] Another objective is to develop an instrument that results in functional improvement in its use.

[021] Another objective is to develop means for the professional to visually observe the freezing condition of the internal liquid, ensuring its full effectiveness and low temperature.

[022] It is also an objective to obtain a compact, lightweight, and low-cost manufacturing instrument for cooling anesthesia.

[023] It is also an objective to obtain an instrument for cooling anesthesia that can be submerged in liquid to be washed and decontaminated. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[024] The attached drawings show the instrument for anesthesia by cooling, which together with the detailed numerical references below, is easier to understand, although this model may vary in many different constructive forms, always customized for each application, not shown in the drawings that will be described here in detail and forms for the realization of the said model. Petition 870210029743, dated 03 / 30 / 2021, page 7 / 19 5 / 8

[025] Figure 1 shows an exploded perspective view of the instrument.

[026] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the assembled instrument.

[027] Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the instrument.

[028] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the An assembled instrument containing liquid trapped inside. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE UTILITY MODEL

[029] According to the attached figures, the present object is characterized by a tubular element (1) with a transparent characteristic, equipped with a longitudinal and smooth internal tunnel (2), being sealed at its ends by a pair of metallic closing elements (3 and 3a) that fit by pressure into said internal tunnel (2).

[030] The tubular element (1) has two closing elements (3 and 3a) positioned at opposite ends.

[031] The closing elements (3 and 3a) have a smaller diameter flange (4) to enable it to be pushed under pressure against the tubular element (1) for fitting, locking and sealing in the inner tunnel (2).

[032] The flange (4) is provided with multiple retaining grooves (5) formed on its outer circumference in the circumferential direction of the flanges (4) in both closing elements (3 and 3a).

[033] The closing elements (3 and 3a) have a flat and smooth surface (7) at their opposite “distal” end.

[034] The closing elements (3 and 3a) have an internal circular cavity (6) in their flange (4) so ​​that liquid can enter Petition 870210029743, dated 03 / 30 / 2021, page 8 / 19 6 / 8 which, when frozen, improves the transfer and duration of freezing on the surface (7).

[035] The inner tunnel (2) is filled with liquid with density, viscosity and characteristics that allow it to be frozen.

[036] The freezing of the packaged liquid and removed within the inner tunnel (2) tubular element (1) occurs within a freezer or other external freezing source.

[037] The tubular element (1) is made of non-toxic polymer or silicone with a transparent characteristic to allow the professional to visually observe and monitor at which end of the inner tunnel (2) thawing is occurring.

[038] The tubular element (1) has a spiral steel reinforcement incorporated into its structural wall that extends along its entire length.

[039] The closing elements (3 and 3a) are designed to cover the tip of the ends of the tubular element (1).

[040] The flat and smooth surface (7) of the closing element (3 and 3a) was designed for an operating position.

[041] The flat and smooth surface (7) of the closing elements (3 and 3a) serves for contact and cooling of the patient's tissue.

[042] The flanges (4) of the closing elements (3 and 3a) are designed to be embedded in the inner tunnel (2) and seal the liquid in the tubular element (1).

[043] The liquid inside the tubular element (1) serves to freeze the closing elements (3 and 3a).

[044] The liquid inside the tubular element (1) in its solid “frozen” state comprises the cooling of the closing elements (3 and 3a) for an initial period of time. Petition 870210029743, dated 03 / 30 / 2021, page 9 / 19 7 / 8

[045] The active region for tissue freezing occurs in the distal section of the closing elements (3 and 3a) comprising the surface (7).

[046] The metallic closure elements (3 and 3a) exhibit an excellent rate of energy transfer both for cooling the patient's tissue and for exchanging energy with the frozen liquid retained within the tubular element (1).

[047] The tubular element (1) in the illustrated embodiment has a hollow and smooth inner tunnel (2) in order to save material costs in its manufacture.

[048] The tubular element (1) is made of non-toxic polymer or silicone so as not to conduct thermal energy, and may be rigid or semi-rigid in order to house the liquid to be frozen, preventing heat transfer to the professional's hand.

[049] The use of the tubular element (1) occurs with its removal from the freezer and the cryoanesthesia procedure occurs with the physical contact of the surface (7) of the closing element (3 or 3a) on the patient's tissue for a certain period of time during the procedure.

[050] Monitoring tissue cooling for cryoanesthesia to relieve pain during needle puncture for toxin application by the professional occurs visually, as the transparency of the tubular element (1) allows the professional to observe whether the frozen liquid remains frozen. Thus, when it is observed that the liquid that was in contact has begun to melt and the closing element (3) is freezing, the professional simply needs to invert the side of the tubular element (1) and start the anesthesia procedure using the opposite distal end which comprises the closing element (3a). Petition 870210029743, dated 03 / 30 / 2021, page 10 / 19 8 / 8

[051] This ability to visually monitor freezing due to the tubular element (1) being transparent ensures that the cryoanesthesia effect is working, a detail that is impossible to guarantee in the models presented in the prior art. In other words, the certainty that the cooling tip of the instrument is actually freezing and promoting the cryoanesthesia effect to relieve the patient's pain moments before the needle punctures for the application of botulinum toxin is what defines the success of the efficiency in reducing pain and patient satisfaction.

[052] The advantage of the instrument claimed here also lies in the fact that it is compact, lightweight, hermetically sealed, mechanically resistant and manufactured with corrosion-resistant materials, which allows it to be submerged in a variety of liquid detergents and disinfectants for rapid cleaning and decontamination. This safe and rapid cleaning and decontamination method ensures that the instrument can be re-freezed, accelerating its subsequent reuse, a detail of decontamination by submersion in liquid products that is impossible to achieve with the device known in the prior art.

[053] It is also worth noting that this device can be used as an analgesic before any type of needle puncture, not being restricted to the use of botulinum toxin, or any other purpose that requires ice or low temperature to promote temporary analgesia in the skin, providing greater comfort in painful moments such as injuries, minor bumps, bruises and post-surgery, skin cleansing removing blackheads or pimples with minimal pain, therapeutic massage and minimizing dark circles. Petition 870210029743, dated 03 / 30 / 2021, page 11 / 19

Claims

1 / 1 CLAIM 1) “INSTRUMENT FOR COOLING ANESTHESIA”, comprising a tubular element (1) which has incorporated into its structural wall a spiral steel reinforcement extending along its entire length, which is characterized by: - the tubular element (1) is made of polymer and has transparent characteristics; - the tubular element (1) being a thermal insulator; - the tubular element (1) being provided with a smooth, longitudinal inner tunnel (2); - the tubular element (1) has two closing elements (3 and 3a) positioned at opposite ends; - the tubular element (1) being sealed at its ends by a pair of closing elements (3 and 3a) that fit by pressure into said inner tunnel (2); - the closing elements (3 and 3a) have a smaller diameter flange (4) equipped with multiple retaining grooves (5) formed on the outer circumference in the circumferential direction of the flange (4); - the flange (4) being embedded in the inner tunnel (2) of the tubular element (1) and having a circular inner hollow (6); - the flange (4) has multiple retaining grooves (5) to seal the liquid in the inner tunnel (2) of the tubular element (1); - the closing elements (3 and 3a) have at their opposite “distal” end a flat and smooth surface (7); - the inner tunnel (2) to be filled with liquid. Petition 870210029743, dated 03 / 30 / 2021, page 12 / 19

Images