Veterinary surgical stand

Abstract

The present invention relates to a veterinary surgical stand which includes a base pivotably attached to a bed, a retaining element extending from the bed and bars horizontally attached to the retaining element. One of the bars can be translated along up and down the retaining element and the bed is attached to a leg, which can be translated relative to a working surface of the bed, such that the working surface can be angled relative to the base.

Description

VETERINARY SURGICAL STAND

[0001] The present application relates generally to the field of surgical stands and more specifically to veterinary surgical stands for dogs.BACKGROUND

[0002] Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) refers to a group of conditions which occur in certain breeds of dogs with short noses. Brachycephalic dogs struggle with breathing and require a strong negative pressure to pull air into their lungs, causing pressure on the throat, neck and chest. The aim of BOAS surgery is to unblock the airways of the dog by widening the nostrils of the dog and shortening the soft palate, the latter requiring access to the interior of the mouth of the dog.

[0003] Current means for accessing the mouth of the dog include the use of a modified dental rack for rabbits with horizontal bars which can be inserted into the mouth with the upper teeth or gums on the upper bar and the lower teeth below a lower bar to force the mouth of the patient open. Such means are uncomfortable for the patient during recovery due to the gums or teeth resting on a metal bar. This is particularly important for dogs because they exhibit permanent dentition, meaning that damaged teeth cannot be regrown. Additionally, due to the low working volume available, the tongue must be held out of the way by an assistant and additional stands and equipment are required for the provision of breathing tubes, fluid bags etc.

[0004] The dental rack is designed for rabbits and as such is far too small for the body of a dog, causing ergonomic problems for both the patient and the surgeon operating on the patient.

[0005] It is the aim of the present invention to overcome the problems of the prior art.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0006] Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a veterinary surgical stand and a kit of parts as claimed in the appended claims.

[0007] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention there is provided a veterinary surgical stand comprising: a base pivotably attached to a bed, a retaining element extending vertically from the bed, a first bar attached horizontally to the retaining element, a second bar attached horizontally to the retaining element, wherein at least one of the first bar or the secondbar can be translated along a length of the retaining element; wherein the bed comprises at least one leg, wherein the leg can be translated relative to a working surface of the bed, such that the working surface can be angled relative to the base.

[0008] The veterinary surgical stand advantageously includes a bed which is pivotably attached to a base. In use, the bed can be raised and lowered such that the patient is at an appropriate ergonomic height for the surgeon. The front of the bed includes the retaining element and at least one leg. The angle of the bed relative to the base can be adjusted using the leg. The mouth of the anaesthetised patient is opened, and the upper jaw placed on the upper bar and the lower jaw placed on the second bar, such that the mouth of the patient cannot close.

[0009] According to an embodiment, at least one of the first bar or the second bar is translatable in a direction perpendicular to the retaining element.

[0010] Depending on the location of the teeth and the size of the upper and lower jaws, it may be necessary to translate at least one of the bars in a direction perpendicular to the retaining element. In use, this means moving the bar in a distal or proximal direction relative to the patient.

[0011] According to an embodiment, at least one of the first bar or the second bar comprises a straight portion and a translation portion wherein the translation portion extends in a direction perpendicular to the straight portion, wherein the translation portion attaches to the retaining element.

[0012] According to an embodiment, at least one of the first and second bars is releasably connectable to the retaining element.

[0013] Removing the bars from the veterinary surgical stand after use provides benefits, such as being more compact for transport and storage, as well as being easier to clean in a sink or autoclave, for example.

[0014] According to an embodiment, at least one of the first and second bars comprise a cover.

[0015] Providing a cover on the bars may increase the comfort for the patient during recovery, rather than leaning on bare metal components, which may cause bruising or damage to teeth. This is particularly important for dogs, whose canine teeth rest on the bars during surgery and can potentially be damaged. Dogs’ teeth do not regrow so expensive remedial surgery can be necessary when damage is caused to the teeth.

[0016] According to an embodiment, the cover is removable.

[0017] Having a removable or replaceable cover is beneficial for cleaning and providing a sterile environment during surgery.

[0018] According to an embodiment, the cover is formed of silicone.

[0019] According to an embodiment, at least one of the first and second bars or the stand comprises at least one hook for retaining a tube.

[0020] The hook can be used for a variety of functions, including retaining tubes, anesthetic circuits, and holding back the ears or cheeks of the patient.

[0021] According to an embodiment, the retaining element comprises two beams each extending vertically from the bed. Here vertical is taken as in a direction substantially perpendicular to the working surface of the bed.

[0022] Two beams extending from the bed provides a second attachment point for the first and second bars, advantageously, this means that the bars are less likely to flex or bend during use.

[0023] According to an embodiment, the beams are detachably coupled to the bed.

[0024] Removing the beams from the veterinary surgical stand between uses provides benefits, such as being more compact for transport and storage, as well as being easier to clean in a sink or autoclave, for example. When the beams are removed, the bed can also be cleaned easily.

[0025] According to an embodiment, an end portion of the beams are threaded to attach to the bed using wing nuts or the like.

[0026] According to an embodiment, the base further comprises at least one lug and the bed comprises a tubular member, wherein the bed is releasably attached to the base by a pivot bar which extends through said lug and said tubular member.

[0027] This arrangement allows the bed to pivot relative to the base, whilst also allowing the base and the bed to be disconnected by removing the pivot bar from the lug and tubular member. Advantageously, removing the bed from the base allows for easier cleaning of each component.

[0028] According to an embodiment, the pivot bar includes a pivot bar threaded portion which extends through said lug such that the pivot bar can be held in position be means of a nut attached to the pivot bar threaded portion.

[0029] According to an embodiment, the stand further comprises a cleat hook attached to the base.

[0030] According to an embodiment, the cleat hook comprises a flexible member. The flexible member may be suitable for holding and / or retaining a tongue.

[0031] The tongue naturally retracts into the mouth and is an obstacle for the surgeon during use, so an assistant is required to hold the tongue during surgery, providing a means to hold the tongue reduces the number of hands required for surgery.

[0032] According to an embodiment, the at least one leg is releasably attached to the base.

[0033] According to an embodiment, the at least one leg is two legs. The legs may be arranged such as to provide a stable bed working surface, such as by arranging the legs along opposite sides of the working surface and remote from the pivot bar. The opposing sides on which the legs are arranged may not be shared with the side on which the pivot bar is located.

[0034] According to an embodiment, the at least one leg is threaded and comprises a stopper abutting the bed, wherein the stopper is internally threaded such that it can translate along a length of the leg.

[0035] Using a threaded stopper allows continuous (rather than discrete) movement of the bed relative to the base meaning that smooth movement can be achieved even when in use, with a patient in position. The angle of the working surface relative the base may be adjusted by repositioning the threaded stopper on the threaded leg.

[0036] According to an embodiment, the legs are independently translatable.

[0037] According to an embodiment, the bed is configured to support the weight of a dog.

[0038] According to an embodiment, the bed can support between 15-25kg and preferably up to 50kg.

[0039] A further aspect relates to a kit of parts comprising: a base pivotably attachable to a bed, a retaining element attachable to the bed such that it extends vertically from the bed, a first bar attachable horizontally to the retaining element, a second bar attachable horizontally to the retaining element, wherein when attached, at least one of the first bar or the second bar can be translated along a length of the retaining element; at least one leg, attachable to the bed wherein when attached to the bed, the leg can be translated relative to a working surface of the bed, such that the working surface can be angled relative to the base.

[0040] According to an embodiment, the kit further includes a cover attachable to the first or second bars.

[0041] According to an embodiment, the kit further includes at least one hook for retaining a tube attachable to the first or second bar or said retaining element.

[0042] According to an embodiment, the kit further includes a cleat hook attachable to the base.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0044] Figure 1 illustrates a veterinary surgical stand;

[0045] FIG. 2A illustrates a top view of a bed for the veterinary surgical stand;

[0046] FIG. 2B illustrates an exploded plan view of a veterinary surgical stand;

[0047] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded side view of some of the components of a veterinary surgical stand;

[0048] FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of the retaining element and the bar;

[0049] FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of a threaded leg;DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words ‘right’, ‘left’, Tower’, ‘upper’, ‘front’, ‘rear’, ‘upward’, ‘down’, ‘downward’, ‘above’ and ‘below’ designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made and are with respect to the described component when assembled and mounted (e.g. in situ). The words ‘inner’, ‘inwardly1and ‘outer’, ‘outwardly’ refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, a designated centreline or a geometric centre of an element being described (e.g. central axis), the particular meaning being readily apparent from the context of the description.

[0051] Further, as used herein, the terms ‘connected1, ‘attached’, ‘coupled’, ‘mounted’ are intended to include direct connections between two members without any other members interposed therebetween, as well as, indirect connections between members in which one or more other members are interposed therebetween. The terminology includes the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.

[0052] Further, unless otherwise specified, the use of ordinal adjectives, such as, ‘first’, ‘second’, ‘third’ etc. merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking or in any other manner.

[0053] Through the description and claims of this specification, the terms ‘comprise’ and ‘contain’, and variations thereof, are interpreted to mean ‘including but not limited to’, and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality, as well as, singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0054] Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract or drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 1, the veterinary surgical stand 100 includes a base 106 which may rest on a supporting surface such as the floor or a table, a bed 102 lying at an angle relative to the base 106 and attached to the base 106 by a pivot bar 110. The base 106 is flat, to provide a balanced surface for the rest of the components. The bed 102 provides a patient support and working surface, the height of one end of which can be varied by raising and lowering the stopper 116 on leg 108. The leg 108 is attached to each of the bed 102 and the base 106. The bed 102 includes a metal portion 122 through which is inserted first beam 104a and second beam 104b which make up the retaining element in the example shown. In different embodiments the retaining element may include one beam or more than two beams. The beams 104a, 104b pass through a bore in the metal portion 122 and a bore through the bed 102 whichare aligned when retained in place by a fixing, such as but not limited to, a wing nut, attached to a threaded portion of the beams, although it will be apparent that any suitable fixing means whether permanent, releasable, or temporary may be used. A first bar 112 and a second bar 114 are attached to each of the beams of the retaining element such that they are substantially horizontal with respect to the beams. In use, the upper jaw of the patient will rest on the first bar 112 and the lower jaw of the patient will be below the second bar 114 such the jaw is prevented from closing when in position.

[0056] A hook 124b is releasably mounted to the retaining element, and a further hook 124a is releasably mounted to the bed 102. The hooks can be used for retaining tubes, cables, wires, fluid bags etc.

[0057] In the embodiment shown, the leg is L-shaped, connected to the bed by an upper leg lug 120 and connected to the base by a foot of the leg 108 which enters a base lug on the base. The diameter of the leg is smaller than the bore in the lugs, as such, the leg 108 can pivot as the bed is moved up and down. Additionally, the leg can easily be removed from the base 106 and the bed 102 by sliding the leg out of the lugs. Alternatively, a temporary fixing means may be provided to prevent easy, or at least unintentional, removal of the leg from the base, such fixing means may include a cotter pin, a ratchet and pawl arrangement or similar.

[0058] In the embodiment shown, the first bar 112 includes a straight portion and a translation portion 118. The translation portion 118 provides a length along which the first bar 112 may be moved toward or away from the beams and / or patient. The translation portion 118 can be fixed in place using thumb screws or any other appropriate means. By loosening the thumb screws, the first bar 112 becomes translatable in a direction towards or away from the beams and / or patient. When located, the thumb screws can be tightened to hold the first bar 112 in position. Either or both of the first and second bar can include the translation portion, such that either or both can be translated perpendicular to the retaining element.

[0059] The first and second bars 112, 114 can be translated up and down the length of the beams 104a, 104b, by loosening the thumb screws which fix the bars in position and sliding the bars along the beams. Further, the first and second bars can be removed by removing the thumb screws from the bars.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 2A, a top view of the bed 102 is shown, including dotted lines indicating bores within the bed for fixing the various components. The bed 102 comprises apatient support surface 202 which is large enough to accommodate a dog, such as a pug or French Bulldog or any breed that typically require surgery to alleviate BOAS.

[0061] The patient support surface of the bed 102 may be formed of PTFE which is durable and easy to clean, although it will be apparent that other suitable materials may be substituted. A trench may be cut into the bed 102 and a metal portion 122 is located within the trench. The metal portion can be slid in and out of the trench for easy cleaning and is held in position during use by the retaining element. A retaining element bore 212 extends through the metal portion 122 and the portion of the bed formed from PTFE such that the retaining element can be inserted through the bed 102 and fastened in place by a nut, such as, but not limited to, a wing nut. There may be two retaining element bores 212 near opposing edges of the bed 102, each available for retaining a portion of the retaining element in one embodiment of the invention, the retaining element comprises two beams 104a, 104b which are inserted into the retaining element bores.

[0062] The bed 102 comprises several bores for mounting components, leg bores 206 are located in the bed 102 on opposing sides of the bed. In alternative examples, the leg bores may be located at the front of the bed 102. The front of the bed is the end which is intended to accommodate the head and mouth of the dog on the retaining element which extends from the bed. The rear end is the end opposing the front, where the base pivotally attaches to the bed. The leg bores 206 can accommodate either an upper leg lug 120 for retaining the leg or a portion of the leg. The leg or lug can be slid into and out of the leg bores such that the veterinary surgical stand can be easily disassembled when not in use and each of the parts can be easily cleaned before and after each use.

[0063] On a front edge of the bed 102 a hook bore 210 is provided. A hook for retaining a tube or similar can be detachably mounted within the hook bore. Additionally, cleat hook bores 208 are provided on the front edge of the bed 102 for detachably mounting a cleat hook to the bed 102. When attached, the cleat hook can be used to attach a flexible member to the patient, around the tongue. The cleat hook bores 208 are shown located equidistant about a midpoint of the front edge, however it will be apparent that the cleat hook bores 208 may be arranged at any suitable point and / or distance along the front edge of the bed provided they are still able to serve their intended purpose (to bear a flexible member).

[0064] Near the rear edge of the bed 102 which opposes the front edge, a tubular member 204 is provided within the bed, denoted by the dotted lines. A pivot bar can be inserted into the bed102 to connect the bed to the base, whilst allowing the bed to pivot relative to the base. The pivot bar can be slid into and out of the tubular member 204, such that the veterinary surgical stand can be easily disassembled when not in use and each of the parts can be easily cleaned before and after each use.

[0065] FIG. 2B shows an exploded view of the veterinary surgical stand 100, including the components which attach to the base 106 and the bed 102. The pivot bar 110 slidably enters the tubular member 204 of the bed and lugs (not shown) of the base, attaching the base to the bed, such that the bed can pivot with respect to the bed. A thumb screw 214 attaches to a pivot bar threaded portion, releasably connecting the pivot bar 110 to the base.

[0066] Base lug bores 220 in the base 106 are provided to accommodate lugs which detachably mount to the base 106, in addition upper leg lugs 120 attach to the sides of the bed 102. In combination, lugs in the base and lugs in the bed attach the legs 108 to the base and bed respectively. Threaded stopper 116 attach to the threaded legs 108 such that the bed 102 rests on top of the stoppers 116. The stoppers 116 can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise relative to the legs 108 to move them up or down, consequently also changing the pivot angle of the bed 102 with respect to the base 106.

[0067] Hook 124a attaches to the bed, such that it moves with the bed and can be used to keep various tubes and other medical equipment out of the area of operation. The hook 124a and complimentary hook bore 210 may be complimentarily threaded.

[0068] A cleat hook 216 is releasably coupled to the bed via hook screws 218 such that they cleat hook 216 moves up and down with the bed. The cleat hook 216 can be used to attach a flexible member (not shown) to a patient during use by winding or otherwise attaching the flexible member around the cleat hook and fixing the flexible member to the patient. The flexible member may comprise a tongue hook or tongue bar at the end, which can be used to hold the tongue of a patient in position in use.

[0069] FIG. 3 shows a side view of the veterinary surgical stand 100. The bed 102 is connected to the base 106 by the pivot bar (not shown) which passes through pivot lug 302 which is attached to the base 106. The pivot bar is held in place by thumb screw 214 such that the bed 102 can pivot with respect to the base without becoming disconnected from the base 106.

[0070] Base lug 222 releasably mounts the base lug bore (not shown) and the L shaped leg 108 attaches to the base lug 222. The leg 108 also releasable mounts to the upper leg lug 120which releasably mounts to the leg bore 206. Hook 124a is also releasably mountable within the bed 102.

[0071] FIG. 4 shows a top view of the beams 104a, 104b of the retaining element and the first bar 112. The first bar 112 releasably mounts the beams of the retaining element via translation portion 118. The translation portion 118 provides a length along which the first bar 112 can translate towards or away from the patient and / or beams. An end portion of the translation portion 118 is threaded such that the first bar 112 can be releasably mounted to the beams 104a, 104b using a bar nut 404. The first bar 112 is also held in place by bar thumb screw 402 which when tightened prevents the first bar from moving towards or away from the patient. When the bar thumb screws 402 are loosened, the first bar can be moved towards or away from the patient, that is in a direction perpendicular to the retaining element. It will be apparent that any suitable adjustment means may be used in place of the thumb screws, such adjustment mechanism may be indexed or quantized to provide a discrete minimum unit of adjustment.

[0072] FIG. 5 shows a side view of a leg 108. The leg is substantially L-shaped and comprises a threaded portion 504 which extends the length of the vertical portion of the leg. An internally threaded stopper 116 is attached to the leg such that by winding clockwise or counterclockwise, the leg stopper can move up and down the threaded portion of the leg. The stopper 116 can also be removed from the leg by winding it all the way to the top, providing an easy means of removing the components from each other to allow easy cleaning. It will be apparent that any suitable adjustment means may be used instead of the threaded stopper 116, such as, but not limited to pin or a quick release mechanism. In use, the bed 102 rests on top of the stopper 116.

[0073] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the above embodiment(s) have been described by way of example only and not in any limitative sense, and that various alterations and modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Various modifications to the detailed designs as described above are possible, for example, variations may exist in shape, size, arrangement (i.e. a single unitary components or two separate components), assembly or the like.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A veterinary surgical stand comprising: a base pivotably attached to a bed, a retaining element extending vertically from the bed, a first bar attached horizontally to the retaining element, a second bar attached horizontally to the retaining element, wherein at least one of the first bar or the second bar can be translated along a length of the retaining element; wherein the bed comprises at least one leg, wherein the leg can be translated relative to a working surface of the bed, such that the working surface can be angled relative to the base.

2. The veterinary surgical stand of claim 1 wherein at least one of the first bar or the second bar is translatable in a direction perpendicular to the retaining element.

3. The veterinary surgical stand of claim 1 or 2 wherein at least one of the first bar or the second bar comprises a straight portion and a translation portion wherein the translation portion extends in a direction perpendicular to the straight portion, wherein the translation portion attaches to the retaining element.

4. The veterinary surgical stand of claim 1 or 2 wherein at least one of the first and second bars is releasably connectable to the retaining element.

5. The veterinary surgical stand of any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein at least one of the first and second bars comprise a cover.

6. The veterinary surgical stand of claim 5 wherein the cover is removable.

7. The veterinary surgical stand of claim 5 or 6 wherein the cover is formed of silicone.

8. The veterinary surgical stand of any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein at least one of the first and second bars or the stand comprises at least one hook for retaining a tube.

9. The veterinary surgical stand of any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the retaining element comprises two beams each extending vertically from the bed.

10. The veterinary surgical stand of claim 9 wherein the beams are detachably coupled to the bed.

11. The veterinary surgical stand of claim 9 or 10 wherein an end portion of the beams are threaded to attach to the bed using wing nuts.

12. The veterinary surgical stand of any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein the base further comprises at least one pivot lug and the bed comprises a tubular member, wherein the bed is releasably attached to the base by a pivot bar which extends through said pivot lug and said tubular member.

13. The veterinary surgical stand of claim 12 wherein the pivot bar includes a pivot bar threaded portion which extends through said pivot lug such that the pivot bar can be held in position by means of a nut attached to the pivot bar threaded portion.

14. The veterinary surgical stand of any one of claims 1 to 10 further comprising a cleat hook attached to the base.

15. The veterinary surgical stand of claim 14 wherein the cleat hook comprises a flexible member.

16. The veterinary surgical stand of any one of claims 1 to 15 wherein the at least one leg is releasably attached to the base.

17. The veterinary surgical stand of any one of claims 1 to 16 wherein the at least one leg is two legs.

18. The veterinary surgical stand of any one of claims 1 to 17 wherein the at least one leg is threaded and comprises a stopper abutting the bed, wherein the stopper is internally threaded such that it can translate along a length of the leg.

19. The veterinary surgical stand of claim 17 or 18 wherein the legs are independently translatable.

20. The veterinary surgical stand of any one of claims 1 to 19 wherein the bed is configured to support the weight of a dog.

21. The veterinary surgical stand of any one of claims 1 to 20 wherein the bed comprises a metal portion, said retaining element extending through the metal portion.

22. A kit of parts comprising: a base pivotably attachable to a bed, a retaining element attachable to the bed such that it extends vertically from the bed, a first bar attachable horizontally to the retaining element, a second bar attachable horizontally to the retaining element, wherein when attached, at least one of the first bar or the second bar can be translated along a length of the retaining element; at least one leg, attachable to the bed wherein when attached to the bed, the leg can be translated relative to a working surface of the bed, such that the working surface can be angled relative to the base.

23. The kit of claim 22 further comprising a cover attachable to the first or second bars.

24. The kit of claim 22 or 23 further comprising at least one hook for retaining a tube attachable to the first or second bar, or said retaining element.

25. The kit of any one of claims 22 to 24 further comprising a cleat hook attachable to the base, a flexible member, wing nuts for connecting the retaining element to the base.

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