Accessories for a nasal suction device, suction device for the nose and kit

Abstract

Accessories for a nasal aspiration device, comprising: - an accessory body (10) suitable for grasping; wherein the accessory body comprises: - a compressed air inlet channel (16) suitable for fluid communication with a compressed air generator (200) to obtain an airflow with a positive pressure, wherein the compressed air inlet channel (16) defines a constriction (16c) to generate a Venturi effect; - a suction channel (20) extending into the constriction (16c) and in fluid communication with a mucus inlet channel (14) such that a negative pressure is generated in the mucus inlet channel (14) by the Venturi effect, suitable for suctioning the mucus; - a mucus collection chamber (30) formed in the accessory body (10) which is in fluid communication with the mucus inlet channel (14); - an end nozzle (12) arranged at a distal end of the accessory body (10) and suitable forto be inserted at least partially into a user's nostril, wherein the mucus inlet channel (14) is formed in the end nozzle, wherein the suction channel (20) runs outside the mucus collection chamber (30) and characterized in that the end nozzle (12) is removably coupled to the accessory body (10) by means of a calibrated interference, wherein the calibrated interference is selected such that the end nozzle detaches from the accessory body when a positive pressure is generated in the accessory body which is higher than a certain limit value.

Description

The present invention relates to an accessory for a nasal aspiration device, an aspiration device and a kit for using this accessory. The nasal suction device is used and recommended by pediatricians for conditions related to mucus production in children's noses. A young child who is unable to blow their nose needs frequent cleaning to ensure that minor inflammatory conditions do not become more serious. For this purpose, the baby's nose is usually moistened with physiological saline solution (for example, 0.9% isotonic or hypertonic saline), and then the nasal suction device is used to remove the mucus. This ensures proper breathing for the child, promotes restful sleep, and helps prevent major inflammatory diseases. There are currently various types of nasal suction devices. For example, oral suction devices are widely used to suction mucus from a child. These devices consist of a tube held in the adult's mouth, ending in a nozzle that comes into contact with the mucus to be suctioned. The adult sucks through their mouth, and the mucus ends up in the nozzle. These oral suction devices are inexpensive and require no energy to operate, but they have the disadvantage of potentially infecting the user, as microbes are drawn in during use and end up directly in the mouth of the person performing the treatment. Furthermore, the negative pressure created in the child's nostril depends on the intensity with which the adult draws in air, and this intensity is sometimes insufficient and sometimes too strong, risking injury to the child. Battery-operated suction devices are also known: They are more effective than mouth suction devices and portable, but they are more expensive, louder and require the replacement of empty batteries. To solve the problem of battery replacement, there are electric dust extraction devices that operate on mains voltage. They are effective, but more cumbersome, just as noisy and expensive. Finally, manual extraction devices are known: they are simple, inexpensive and do not require electricity, but they are not very effective. US 2,546,214 A relates to a device for atomizing a liquid drug via the nasal passages or the mouth into cranial cavities, for example into the paranasal sinuses, with the features of the preamble of claim 1. US Patent 2013 / 310747 A1 relates to a device for suctioning nasal secretions, comprising a nasal piece having an opening through which the nasal secretions are suctioned, a first conduit, one end of which is connected to the nasal piece and the other end of which opens into a first opening, and a second conduit, one end of which opens into a second opening, wherein the two conduits form an angle of no more than 90° and the opening connected to the nasal piece in the second conduit is located in the airflow exiting the opening of the second conduit. The objective of the present invention is to propose a nasal suction device designed to overcome the disadvantages described above in relation to the prior art. In particular, the invention proposes to provide a mucus suction device that meets all safety standards required in medical applications, does not infect the person performing the treatment, and is small in size and cost-effective. These objectives are achieved with an accessory for a nasal suction device according to claim 1, a nasal suction device according to claim 17, a kit for the treatment of the upper respiratory system according to claim 18, and the method for aspirating nasal mucus according to claim 19. The dependent claims describe the preferred embodiments of the invention. The features and advantages of the accessory and nasal suction device according to the invention will in any case become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments, which is provided by means of non-limiting examples, with reference to the figures in the appendix, in which: - Fig. 1 is a perspective exploded view of the accessory for a nasal suction device according to the invention; - Fig. 2 is an axial sectional view of the accessory assembled and connected to a compressed air supply tube; - Fig. 3 is a view of a distal end of only the accessory body; - Fig. 4 is a view of the proximal end of only the accessory body; - Fig. 5 is a view of a proximal end of the assembled accessory; - Fig. 5a is a view of a proximal end of the assembled accessory in a variant of an embodiment; - Fig.6 is a schematic axial view of a nasal suction device according to the invention; - Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the accessory of Fig. 5a in the step of coupling with the body of a compressor; and - Fig. 8 is an example of a kit for the treatment of the upper respiratory system that uses the accessory according to the invention. In the drawings, reference numeral 1 indicates an accessory for a complete nasal aspiration device according to the invention. In a general embodiment, the accessory 1 comprises an accessory body 10 suitable for grasping and an end nozzle 12 arranged at a distal end of the accessory body 10. The accessory body 10 is suitable for being connected to a compressed air generator 200. The end nozzle 12 is suitable for being inserted, at least partially, into a user's nostril. For this purpose, the end nozzle 12 has a tapered shape towards a distal end 12' thereof, for example, a conical shape. In the following description, distal end or distal area refers to an end or area facing the end nozzle 12, i.e., facing the free end of the accessory 1; proximal end or proximal area refers to an end or area facing or connected to a compressed air generator 200. The end nozzle 12 is designed as an end piece of a mucus inlet duct 14. The mucus inlet duct is thus open in accordance with the distal end 12' of the end nozzle 12. The accessory body 10 has an elongated shape, preferably with a circular cross-section. Considering that the accessory 10 is oriented in a substantially vertical position for use, in one embodiment the accessory body 10 has a vertical cylindrical lower section 10' and an upper section 10'' which is inclined with respect to the vertical axis in order to improve the ergonomics of the accessory and to facilitate the positioning of the distal end 12' of the end nozzle 12 in the child's nostril. The accessory body 10 incorporates a compressed air inlet channel 16, which is designed to be in fluid communication with the compressed air generator 200 to obtain an airflow at positive pressure. The compressed air inlet channel 16 forms a constriction 16c to create a Venturi effect. In other words, the compressed air duct 16 is subjected to a reduction in the cross-sectional area of ​​the compressed air flow in the direction of the further air flow, given that a pressure difference is generated between the area with the larger cross-section, in which the air flow flows at a higher pressure, and the area with the smaller cross-section, i.e. the constriction 16c, in which the air flow flows at a lower pressure. The accessory body 10 also includes a suction channel 20, which runs into the constriction 16c and is in fluid contact with the mucus inlet channel 14. In one embodiment, the extraction channel has a proximal chamber 18 which fluidly interrupts the constriction 16c. Due to the Venturi effect and the fluid connection between the constriction 16c, the suction channel 20 and the mucus inlet duct 14 in the latter generate a negative pressure suitable for suctioning the mucus. In more detail, the compressed air inlet channel 16 has a proximal end region 16a suitable for connection to the compressed air generator 200, a distal region 16b in fluid communication with the external environment, and the constriction 16c between the proximal and distal regions. The constriction 16c has a compressed air channel cross-section smaller than at least the cross-section 16a of the proximal region of the channel. Of course, the proximal-distal orientation of the compressed air inlet channel 16 does not necessarily imply that such a channel 16 has an orientation that follows the orientation of the accessory body 10. The orientation of the compressed air inlet channel 16 may be advantageous with regard to limiting the transverse dimensions of the accessory and minimizing load losses, but it may also be chosen differently, as shown in the drawings in the appendix. In one embodiment, a mucus accumulation chamber 30 is formed in the accessory body 10, which is in fluid communication with the mucus inlet passage 14. Preferably, the suction channel 20 runs outside the mucus collection chamber 30. In other words, the suction channel 20 is fluidly separated from the mucus collection chamber 30 in order to prevent mucus from flowing into this channel and thus damaging it. It should be emphasized, however, that if the constriction 16c is damaged due to the presence of mucus in the suction channel 20, the Venturi effect is interrupted, resulting in a pressure increase within the accessory body. This pressure increase causes the mucus present in the compressed air inlet channel 16 to be expelled through the ventilation openings in the accessory body 10, which will be described later. In other words, the accessory cleans itself while operating under pressure and is then able to restore its suction function. In one embodiment, the mucus inlet channel 14 extends substantially straight from the distal end 12' of the end nozzle 12 in one direction and has a proximal end 14' facing an open side of the mucus collection chamber 30. For example, the mucus collection chamber 30 has a cylindrical shape with a cross-section that substantially matches that of the accessory body 10. Preferably, the mucus collection chamber 30 extends about a chamber axis parallel to the axis of the mucus inlet channel 14. Preferably, the proximal end 14' of the mucus inlet duct 14 extends partially into the mucus accumulation chamber 30. In a preferred embodiment, the suction channel 20 has a distal area 20b that extends to the side of the proximal end 14' of the mucus inlet duct 14 and extends distally beyond it, in order to prevent the mucus originating from this inlet duct 14 from being introduced into the suction channel 20 in addition to being introduced into the mucus collection chamber 30. According to one aspect of the invention, the compressed air inlet channel 16 and a proximal end region 20a of the intake passage 20 are formed in a Venturi insert 40, which is received in an insert receptacle 42, which is preferably formed in a lower region or a proximal region thereof in the accessory body 10. The Venturi insert 40 is therefore a component that is obtained separately from the accessory body 10, for example by molding a single component from plastic material. In more detail, the Venturi insert 40 has a proximal area 40a, which defines a proximal area 16a of the compressed air inlet channel 16, and a distal area 40b, which defines a distal area 16b of the compressed air inlet channel 16, aligned with each other along an insert longitudinal axis. The Venturi insert 40 also includes an intermediate section 40c, which defines a proximal section 20a of the suction channel 20, which runs into the constriction 16c, for example with the proximal chamber 18. In one embodiment, the intermediate section 40c of the Venturi insert extends from the constriction 16c along a transverse direction and terminates with a distal end 44, which is inserted in a sealing manner into an intermediate section 20c of the suction channel 20 formed in the accessory body 10. For example, the intermediate section 20c of the suction channel 20, and thus the distal end 44 of the intermediate section 40c of the Venturi insert, are parallel to the longitudinal axis of the insert. In a preferred embodiment, the distal end 44 of the intermediate region 40c of the Venturi insert 40 is provided with an annular sealing element 46 that interacts with the side wall that limits the intermediate region 20c of the suction channel 20. In one embodiment, the Venturi insert 40 can be removed from the insert receptacle 42 via a proximal opening 48 of the accessory body 10. In a preferred embodiment, the Venturi insert 40 is held in the insert receptacle 42 by the calibrated interference between the annular sealing element 46 and the lateral surface that defines the intermediate area 20c of the suction channel 20. Due to this interference, the Venturi insert 40 cannot detach from the associated insert receptacle 42 by gravity, but remains connected to it even after the lower end element of the accessory body has been removed, as described below. In other words, removing the Venturi insert 40 for cleaning or, if necessary, replacement requires a voluntary manual removal action by the user. In a preferred embodiment, the proximal region 16a of the compressed air inlet channel 16 is configured to engage in a sealing manner with an insert 210, which is connected to the pipe 220 of the compressed air generator 200. For example, the insert 210 is suitable for being inserted into the proximal region 16a of the compressed air inlet channel by pressure. In an embodiment in which the proximal end of the accessory body 10 is open and the access opening to the insert receptacle 42 for inserting and removing the Venturi insert is limited to this proximal end of the accessory body 10, a ring nut 50 is removably attached in which a fitting opening 52 is formed which is aligned with the proximal area 16a of the compressed air inlet channel 16 and is suitable for allowing the passage of the insert 210 through the ring nut 50. In one embodiment, the Venturi insert 40 engages with the ring nut 50 in such a way that the removal of the Venturi insert 40 from the insert receptacle 42 is only possible after the engagement of the ring nut 50 has been released from the holding function of the Venturi insert 40 in the associated insert receptacle 42, when the operator removes the insert piece 210 through the Venturi insert. In one embodiment, the Venturi insert 40 has a ring nut coupling crown 402 which is provided with coupling means that engage in the associated coupling countermeasures formed in an annular area 502 of the ring nut 50. The coupling means, for example, have teeth 404 which are designed to engage in associated openings 504 which are formed in the annular area 502. As explained above, the insert 42 is in fluid communication with the external environment to avoid the occurrence of a potentially dangerous overpressure in the accessory body 10. In one embodiment, the ring nut 50 is provided with a bottom wall 51 traversed by ventilation holes 506, which bring the insert receptacle 42 into fluid contact with the external environment. Further ventilation channels can be provided, for example, between the teeth 404 of the Venturi insert and the openings 504 of the ring nut and / or between the insert piece 210 and the fitting opening 52 formed in the ring nut. In an embodiment shown in Fig. 5a, the lower wall 51 has a recessed area 51' which is suitable for receiving a coupling tooth 202 by means of a form coupling, which is formed in a wall of the body of the compressed air generator 200, as shown in Fig. 7. In one embodiment, the ring nut 50 is connected to the accessory body 10 by means of radial projections 508 which are formed in the annular area 502 of the ring nut 50 and are suitable for engaging in corresponding coupling openings 510 formed in the accessory body 10. In one embodiment, the ring nut 50 is connected to the accessory body 10 by means of a bayonet coupling, which necessitates rotation of the ring nut 50 relative to the accessory body 10. In this embodiment, the Venturi insert 40 and the ring nut 50 are connected to each other, allowing the ring to rotate relative to the Venturi insert. In this way, even when the Venturi insert is inserted into the accessory body, the ring nut can be rotated relative to the Venturi insert in a single action to connect or disconnect the ring nut from the accessory body via the bayonet coupling. For example, the teeth 404 of the Venturi insert have a radial extent smaller than that of the corresponding openings 504 formed in the annular region 502. According to another aspect of the invention, the constriction 16c of the compressed air inlet channel 16 engages with a pointed end 62 of a pin 60, which is arranged in the distal region 16b of the compressed air inlet channel 16. In one embodiment, such a pointed end 62 of the pin 60 geometrically coincides with the tapered end of the distal region 16b of the compressed air inlet channel 16, which faces the constriction 16c. To allow the airflow from the constriction 16c to such a distal region 16b, longitudinal grooves 62' are formed in the pointed end 62 of the pin 60. In an embodiment which provides for the presence of the Venturi insert, the pin 60 has a drilled head 64 which engages in the distal end of the distal region 16b of the compressed air inlet channel 16. Experimental tests have shown that the presence of the pin 60 enhances the Venturi effect and also acts as a damper, reducing the noise of the device. In a preferred embodiment, the end nozzle 12 is removably coupled to the accessory body 10 by means of a calibrated interference between the annular wall of a nozzle base 122 and the side wall of the distal end of the accessory body 10. Preferably, the calibrated interference is selected such that the end nozzle 12 is released from engagement with the accessory body 10 when a positive pressure is generated in the accessory body due to damage, which is higher than a certain limit, for example between 0.1 and 1 bar.In order to provide a further safety element in an embodiment that prevents the occurrence of overpressure in the accessory body 10, the insert 210 and the proximal area 16a of the compressed air inlet passage 16 are coupled to each other by a calibrated interference which is selected such that if a pressure higher than a certain limit value, for example between 0.1 and 1 bar, is present in the accessory body 10, the insert 210 automatically slides down from the compressed air inlet passage 16. In one embodiment, the suction channel 20 communicates with the external environment via an actuating opening 22, which is formed in the side wall of the accessory body 10. The actuating opening 22 is suitable for being manually closed by the operator when suctioning of the mucus is to begin. The accessories according to the described invention thus make it possible to realize a nasal mucus extractor 100 using a compressed air generator 200, which is suitable for generating a compressed air flow at a pressure of, for example, up to 10 bar, and a connecting pipe 220, which is provided with an insert 210 to bring the compressed air generator 200 into fluid contact with the accessory 1. Advantageously, the compressed air generator 200 can use a compressor to perform standard aerosol therapy or atomization treatments. Therefore, the object of the present invention is also a kit for treating the upper respiratory tract, comprising a compressed air generator 200, a suction accessory 1 as described above, at least one further dispenser accessory 300 which operates with a positive pressure generated by the compressed air generator 200 to distribute a mist-like medical substance in the nostrils and / or in the oral cavity, such as a mask for aerosol therapy or a nebulizer, and a connecting tube 220 which is provided with an end piece 210 to bring the compressed air generator 200 into fluid communication with the suction accessory 1 or at least with a dispenser accessory 300. The accessories and nasal aspiration device according to the invention enable the realization of the specific purposes and advantages highlighted below. The strictest safety standards are met, as there is no risk of infection to the operator performing the treatment or to the compressed air generator. The suctioning of mucus is performed using a specific negative pressure that is gentle on the patient. For example, the Venturi effect, using a compressor operating at a pressure of approximately 1 to 5 bar, achieves a negative pressure of between 0.1 and 1 bar, which is sufficient to gently suction mucus from a child's nostrils. Due to the mucus inlet channel 14, which runs into the end nozzle 12, even in the case of positive pressure in the accessory body 10, it is prevented that suctioned mucus flows back towards the patient. The assembly of accessory 1 is achieved with a reduced number of components (for example, plastic parts and an O-ring) and is therefore reliable and cost-effective to manufacture. The overall cost of the nasal suction device is reduced because a single compressor and connecting pipe can perform various functions: nasal suction, aerosol, atomizer, etc. As noted above, the compressor operates in exactly the same way to generate pressure for these different functions. In the embodiments of the mucus suction device according to the invention, a person skilled in the art can make modifications, adaptations, and exchange elements with other functionally equivalent elements to meet possible requirements without deviating from the scope of the following claims. Each of the features described as belonging to a possible embodiment can be implemented independently of the other embodiments.

Claims

Accessories for a nasal aspiration device, comprising: - an accessory body (10) suitable for grasping; wherein the accessory body comprises: - a compressed air inlet channel (16) suitable for fluid communication with a compressed air generator (200) to obtain an airflow with a positive pressure, wherein the compressed air inlet channel (16) defines a constriction (16c) to generate a Venturi effect; - a suction channel (20) extending into the constriction (16c) and in fluid communication with a mucus inlet channel (14) such that a negative pressure is generated in the mucus inlet channel (14) by the Venturi effect, suitable for suctioning the mucus; - a mucus collection chamber (30) formed in the accessory body (10) which is in fluid communication with the mucus inlet channel (14); - an end nozzle (12) arranged at a distal end of the accessory body (10) and suitable forto be inserted at least partially into a user's nostril, wherein the mucus inlet channel (14) is formed in the end nozzle, wherein the suction channel (20) runs outside the mucus collection chamber (30) and characterized in that the end nozzle (12) is removably coupled to the accessory body (10) by means of a calibrated interference, wherein the calibrated interference is selected such that the end nozzle detaches from the accessory body when a positive pressure is generated in the accessory body which is higher than a certain limit value. Accessories according to the preceding claim, wherein the compressed air inlet channel (16) has a proximal end region (16a) suitable for being connected to the compressed air generator, a distal region (16b) in fluid communication with the external environment, and the constriction (16c) between the proximal and the distal region, wherein the constriction (16c) has a compressed air channel cross-section that is at least smaller than the channel cross-section of the proximal region (16a). Accessories according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mucus inlet duct (14) extends substantially in a straight line from the distal end (12) in one direction and has a proximal end (14') that faces an opening of the mucus collection chamber (30). Accessories according to claim 3, wherein the suction channel (20) has a distal area (20b) extending along the proximal end (14') of the mucus inlet duct (14) and extending distally beyond it. Accessories according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the compressed air inlet channel (16) and a proximal end region (20a) of the extraction channel (20) are formed in a Venturi insert (40) which is received in an insert receptacle (42) formed in the accessory body (10). Accessories according to the preceding claim, wherein the Venturi insert (40) has a proximal area (40a) defining a proximal area of ​​the compressed air inlet channel and a distal area (40b) defining a distal area of ​​the compressed air inlet channel, which are aligned with each other along an insert longitudinal direction, wherein the Venturi insert also has an intermediate area (40c) defining a proximal area of ​​the suction channel (20) extending into the structure (16c). Accessories according to the preceding claim, wherein the intermediate section (40c) of the Venturi insert (40) extends from the constriction (16c) along a transverse direction and terminates with a distal end (44) which is inserted in a sealing manner into an intermediate section (20c) of the suction channel (20) formed in the accessory body (10). Accessories according to the preceding claim, wherein the distal end (44) of the intermediate section (40c) of the Venturi insert is provided with an annular sealing element (46), wherein the Venturi insert can be removed from the insert receptacle via a proximal opening (48) of the accessory body, and is held in the insert receptacle (42) due to a calibrated interference between the annular sealing element (46) and the side wall of the intermediate section (20c) of the suction channel (20). Accessories according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the proximal area (16a) of the compressed air inlet channel (16) is configured to engage in a sealing manner with an insert (210) which is connected to the pipe (220) from the compressed air generator (200). Accessories according to claims 8 and 9, wherein a ring nut (50) is removably connected to the proximal end of the accessory body (10), the ring nut having a bottom wall (51) in which a fitting opening (52) is formed, which is aligned with the proximal area (16a) of the compressed air inlet channel (16) and is suitable for allowing the passage of the insert (210) through the ring nut (50), wherein the Venturi insert (40) is engaged by the ring nut (50) in such a way that the removal of the Venturi insert from the insert receptacle (42) is only possible after the engagement of the ring nut (50) has been released from the accessory body (10). Accessories according to the preceding claim, wherein the Venturi insert (40) has a ring nut coupling crown (402) which is provided with coupling means (404) which engage in the associated coupling countermeasures (504) which are formed in an annular area (502) of the ring nut (50). Accessories according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the bottom wall (51) of the ring nut (50) is traversed by ventilation openings (506) which bring the insert receptacle (42) into fluid contact with the external environment. Accessories according to any one of claims 2 to 12, wherein the constriction (16c) of the compressed air inlet channel engages with a pointed end (62) of a pin (60) which is arranged in the distal region (16b) of the compressed air inlet channel (16). Accessories for a nasal aspiration device according to claim 1, wherein the aspiration channel (20) communicates with the external environment via an actuating opening (22) formed in the side wall of the accessory body (10). Accessories for a nasal mucus suction device according to claim 1, wherein a mucus collection chamber (30) formed at the distal end of the accessory body (10) is proximal to the end nozzle (12) and adjacent to the distal area (20b) of the suction channel (20). Accessories for a nasal mucus suction device according to claim 1, wherein a mucus collection chamber (30) formed at the distal end of the accessory body (10) is proximal to the end nozzle (12) and is configured to be in fluid communication with the mucus inlet passage (14). Accessories for a nasal aspiration device according to claim 1, wherein the accessory body (10) has a cylindrical lower region and a cylindrical upper region which is inclined in a vertical position of use with respect to the lower region. Nasal suction device comprising a compressed air generator (200) suitable for generating a compressed air flow at a pressure of up to 10 bar, an accessory (1) according to one of the preceding claims and a connecting tube (22) that brings the compressed air generator into fluid communication with the accessory. A kit for treating the upper respiratory tract, comprising a compressed air generator (200), a suction accessory (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, at least one further dispenser accessory (300) operating with a positive pressure generated by the compressed air generator (200) to distribute a mist-like medical substance in the nostrils and / or oral cavity, such as an aerosol therapy mask or a nebulizer, and a connecting tube (220) to bring the compressed air generator into fluid communication with the suction accessory or at least with a dispenser accessory.

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