Medical suction apparatus with variable suction

Abstract

A medical suction apparatus 100 comprising a handle 102 with a proximal 114 end and a distal end and a suction probe 108 protruding from the distal end of the handle, a connector configured to attach

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a medical suction apparatus, more specifically, the present invention relates to a medical suction apparatus with variable suction. BACKGROUND

[0002] The ability to be able to regulate suction power can be critical during certain surgical and medical procedures. This is particularly true for when performing aural microsuction to remove earwax. At times greater suction power may be required, for example, when attempting to remove large and hardened plugs of earwax. On other occasions, however, less suction power may be necessary, such as when performing a delicate procedure near to or directly on the eardrum to avoid causing trauma to it.

[0003] Furthermore, suction power has a direct positive correlation with suction noise, with greater suction power resulting in increased suction noise and vice versa. Lower suction noise is sometimes required for when performing aural microsuction in people who have increased sound sensitivity (i.e., hyperacusis) or a perception of sounds becoming rapidly louder with increasing sound level (i.e., loudness recruitment). Young children may also benefit from lower suction noise in order for them to be able to tolerate having aural microsuction performed. In addition, too much suction noise can sometimes result in temporary, or even permanent, tinnitus (or the exacerbation of pre-existing tinnitus) and hearing loss.

[0004] Another problem associated with too much suction power when performing aural microsuction is ‘clar enetting’. Clarenetting is when dead skin begins flapping at the tip of the suction needle resulting in a loud high-frequency sound being generated. This can be both deafening for the patient and clinician.

[0005] Currently, there are different methods available to the clinician to regulate suction power and noise. Firstly, suction power and noise can be manually adjusted on the suction pump itself by turning a dial. This is not always possible or convenient, however, since the suction pump may not be in close proximity to the clinician. It will also mean the procedure will need to be temporarily halted whilst the suction power is being adjusted. Alternatively, suction power and noise can be adjusted on the suction pump via a foot pedal. This can be more convenient than the above but may not always be practical due to the additional equipment and wiring required. In addition, it may not be efficient and sensitive enough to provide fine suction power control which is critical when inside the ear. Different suction probe sizes can also be utilised to regulate suction power and noise. The greater the internal diameter size of a suction probe, the more suction power and noise it will generate and vice versa. However, this could mean interchanging between multiple suction probes during a single procedure. Furthermore, suction probes with smaller internal diameters are more likely to experience blockages from earwax.

[0006] Another option would be to use a suction probe with a fenestration suction hole. The introduction of a suction hole allows for an influx of additional air entering the suction probe from a secondary opening. The net effect is a reduced influx and rate of air entering via the primary opening, therefore leading to reduced suction power. Suction probes of this nature can be provided with either a standard suction hole with a binary finger off (for lowest suction power) or finger on (for maximum suction power), or a teardrop suction hole to allow for more fine suction power. In this design when the finger is completely off it provides the lowest suction power. To increase and adjust suction power, the finger is placed over the hole and then slid upwards to cover more of the teardrop suction hole. To achieve maximum suction power, the finger must cover the entire teardrop suction hole.

[0007] A major shortcoming of both the standard and teardrop suction hole design, however, is that it creates an undesirable direct negative correlation between suction power and suction noise, with lower suction power resulting in increased suction noise and vice versa. The increased suction noise is generated from the additional air entering the suction probe via the suction hole when it is unobstructed by the clinician’s finger.

[0008] Additional issues with providing a hole are that when the clinician ‘releases’ their finger off the suction hole it will also automatically come off the suction probe too, resulting in a less secure and precise grip on the suction probe. This is disadvantageous especially when performing delicate procedures where fine motor control is essential (e.g., near the eardrum).

[0009] Moreover, with the teardrop design, full suction power is only achieved by ensuring the clinician’s finger is blocking the entire teardrop suction hole, which may be difficult to do given its design and / or if the clinician has an unorthodox grip. Furthermore, regulating the suction power and noise by sliding their finger upwards or downwards may cause the finger to deviate slightly to one side of the teardrop suction hole, resulting in not only incorrect suction power, but also reduced fine motor control of the suction probe. Finally, the suction power created by the suction hole itself may make it difficult for the clinician to fully release their finger off, since their skin or glove may be attracted and pulled in by the lower pressure.

[0010] The present invention aims to overcome some of the drawbacks associated with the prior art. BRIEF SUMMARY

[0011] A first aspect of the present invention provides a medical suction apparatus comprising: a handle having a proximal end and a distal end; a suction probe protruding from said distal end of the handle; a connector configured to attach to a suction hose; an internal cavity which is in fluid communication with said suction probe and said connector; said handle comprising a first section and a second section, said second section being connected to said first section and actuatable between a first position and a second position; said second section comprising a blocking section; wherein when said second section is in the first position, said blocking section at least partially blocks the fluid communication between said suction probe and said internal cavity; wherein when said second section is in said second position, said blocking section does not block the fluid communication between said suction probe and said internal cavity.

[0012] This aspect of the present invention provides multiple advantages over prior art medical suction apparatus. First, the movable second section and the blocking section work in concert to allow a user to permit, block or partially block fluid communication between the suction probe and the connector, therefore allowing the user to finely control the amount of suction provided within the ear (or nose, throat, mouth, surgical wound etc.). The user's finger can also constantly be in contact with the second section and does not need to be removed, unlike in the prior art designs which require the removal of the finger from a hole in the handle. Importantly, given the present invention achieves variable suction by reducing the fluid communication between the said suction probe and said internal cavity and not via a suction hole, a direct positive correlation between suction power and suction noise is retained.

[0013] According to an example, said blocking section comprises a bore and wherein when said second section is in the first position said bore is at least partially misaligned with said suction probe and; wherein as said second section is moved from the first position towards the second position, said bore is increasingly aligned with said suction probe.

[0014] Providing a bore on the blocking section which moves into and out of alignment with the suction probe provides further control to the medical suction apparatus.

[0015] According to an example, said first section and said second section are connected by a living hinge.

[0016] According to an example, said second section is biased toward said first position.

[0017] Biasing the second section into the first position means that the user does not need to manoeuvre the second section as often, it moves in one direction automatically.

[0018] According to an example, said first section and said second section are formed of the same material.

[0019] According to an example, said second section fits within said first section or wherein said second section at least partially encapsulates said first section.

[0020] Advantageously, this prevents any additional air from entering other than from the suction probe.

[0021] According to an example, an internal diameter of said bore is substantially the same as an internal diameter of said suction probe.

[0022] According to an example, the medical suction apparatus comprises a control mechanism for retaining said second section in said first position and / or said second position.

[0023] Advantageously, the control mechanism provides the user with the ability to configure the amount of suction and obviate the need for continuous manual adjustments.

[0024] According to an example, said control mechanism further includes a means for retaining said second section intermediate said first position and said second position.

[0025] Advantageously, providing at least one but preferably a plurality of points intermediate said first position and said second position at which the control mechanism can be set allows the user to precisely control the level of suction.

[0026] According to an example, said control mechanism comprises one or more protrusions on each of said first section and said second section, wherein said protrusions are adapted to retain said second section in at least one of said first position or said second position or intermediate said first position and said second position.

[0027] According to an example, said protrusions are located on a side wall of said first section and a side wall of said second section.

[0028] According to an example, said protrusions are located on a front wall of said first section and on said blocking portion of said second section.

[0029] According to an example, the control mechanism comprises a linear ratchet mechanism.

[0030] Advantageously, by providing the control mechanism in the form of a linear ratchet mechanism the amount of suction provided can be precisely varied at various predetermined levels. A first component of the linear ratchet mechanism may be disposed on the first section and a second component of the linear ratchet mechanism may be disposed on the second section.

[0031] According to an example, the second section moves between said first position and said second position along a first path or arc, and wherein said second section can move along a second path which is substantially perpendicular to said first path or arc.

[0032] Allowing the second section to move in two perpendicular directions allows the linear ratchet mechanism to be engaged and disengaged to allow the user to select a new suction power level easily.

[0033] According to an example, moving said second section along said second path in a first direction disengages said control mechanism and moving along said second path in a second direction engages said control mechanism.

[0034] According to an example, said second section is biased toward moving in said second direction.

[0035] A further aspect of the present invention provides a medical suction apparatus comprising: a handle, having a proximal end and a distal end; a suction probe protruding from said distal end of the handle; a connector configured to attach to a suction hose; wherein said handle comprises an internal cavity which is in fluid communication with said suction probe and said connector, wherein said handle further comprises an opening in fluid communication with said internal cavity and wherein said handle further comprises a cap constructed to cover said opening.

[0036] This aspect of the present invention allows the user to set and control the level of suction between two settings. This aspect is more user friendly than prior art medical suction apparatus because the user can feel when the cap is in or out of position to cover the opening, this is in contrast to prior art designs which require the user to cover a small hole with their finger directly to vary the suction force. Furthermore, it helps to ensure that the user’s finger is in contact with the medical suction apparatus at all times for a more secure and precise grip.

[0037] According to an example, said cap is connected to said handle via a living hinge.

[0038] According to an example, said suction probe is constructed for insertion into at least one of a surgical wound, human or animal orifices, an ear canal, nostril or throat.

[0039] According to an example, said cap is actuatable between an open position in which the cap does not cover said opening and a closed position in which said cap at least partially covers said opening.

[0040] According to an example, said cap is biased toward said open position.

[0041] According to an example, said opening is located on a raised portion of said handle.

[0042] According to an example, said cap comprises a cover sized and positioned to close said opening when said cap is in said closed position.

[0043] According to an example, said cap comprises a plug sized and positioned to seal said opening when said cap is in said closed position.

[0044] According to an example, said cap is flush with said handle when in said closed position.

[0045] According to an example, said cap is at least partially embedded within said handle when in said closed position.

[0046] According to an example, said connector is located at said proximal end.

[0047] According to an example, said opening is located on one of the top, bottom, side, distal end or proximal end of said handle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] FIG. 1A &IB illustrate a medical suction apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] FIG. 2I-III illustrate a medical suction apparatus moving between a closed state and an open state.

[0050] FIG. 3A &3B illustrate a control mechanism in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] FIG. 4 illustrates a control mechanism in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] FIG. 5A &5B illustrate various examples according to the present invention.

[0053] FIG. 6A &6B illustrate various examples according to the present invention.

[0054] FIG. 7A - C illustrate various examples according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] FIG. 1A shows a view of a medical suction apparatus 100. The medical suction apparatus 100 includes a handle 102 with a suction probe 108 at a distal end 114 of the handle 102 and a connector (not shown) at a proximal end of the handle 102. The handle 102 further comprises a first section 104 connected via a hinge, such as a living hinge 110 to a second section 106. The second section 106 is actuatable between a first and a second position relative to the first section 104. The second section 106 further includes a blocking section 112 which moves across the path of the suction probe 108. In use the second section 106 is located within the first section 104 or at least partially encapsulated within said first section 104 to prevent air from entering other than from the suction probe. This is to reduce suction noise when suction power is reduced.

[0056] In use, the connector is attached to a vacuum generator, which is in fluid communication with the suction probe 108 via the hollow internal cavity 116 of the handle 102. The blocking section 112 can be moved across the path which forms this fluid connection in order to vary the suction power applied at the distal end of the suction probe 108. The blocking section 112 may include a bore which moves in and out of alignment with the cross section of the suction probe 108 to vary the suction power.

[0057] The second section 106 moves between a closed position in which the suction power is maximised in which the blocking section does not or minimally blocks the fluid communication between the suction probe 108 and the vacuum generator, and an open position in which the suction power is minimised by either completely or partially blocking the fluid communication between the suction probe 108 and the vacuum generator.

[0058] FIG. IB shows the medical suction apparatus 100 in a closed state, with the second section 106 located within the first section 104. When the second section 106 is fully pressed down like this, the flow rate / suction power may be maximised, minimised or optimal for a specific task, such as removing earwax. The second section 106 moves pivotably in relation the first section 104 about a hinge 110 which may be a living hinge. A living hinge is a thin, integrally moulded flexible plastic section that acts as a hinge between two rigid components, providing smooth flexure without separate hinge parts. In some examples with a living hinge 110, the first section 104 and the second section 106 are a unitary part.

[0059] FIG. 2 shows a view of the distal end of the handle from a perspective inside the hollow portion of the handle as it moves between positions I, II and III. The second section 106 moves relative to the first section 104 to provide variation in the suction power. In position I the blocking section 112 and more particularly the bore 202 is out of alignment with the suction probe 108 such that most of the cross section of the suction probe 108 is blocked off. For most circumstances, the zero suction power condition can be achieved by simply moving the medical suction apparatus 100 away from the patient, therefore position I may be the minimal position. For other circumstances position I may have the bore 202 completely out of alignment so that a zero suction power condition is achieved.

[0060] In position II the bore 202 is partially aligned with the cross section of the suction probe 108 such that an increased, but not maximised suction power is achieved. In position III, the bore 202 which in the example shown has a slightly larger radius than the cross section of the suction probe 108 is aligned such that a maximum suction power is achieved.

[0061] FIG. 3 A and FIG. 3B show a further embodiment of the medical suction apparatus 100 which includes a control mechanism for retaining the second section 106 in position relative to the first section 104. As the second section 106 is depressed relative to the first section 104, a stopper 304 on the second section 106 abuts protrusions 302a-c on the first section 104. The protrusions are each sized such that a user depressing the second section 106 receives tactile feedback as the stopper 304 slides over each of the protrusions 302a-c. After the stopper 304 on the second section 106 slides over the first of the protrusions 302a on the first section, the stopper 304 is trapped between the first and second protrusions 302a and 302b. Applying further downward force causes the stopper 304 to become trapped beneath the lowest protrusion 302c. To move back up through the protrusions, the second section 106 can be pushed down and released, the living hinge and the protrusions are constructed such that the momentum of the second section 106 allows the stopper 304 to slide over the protrusions 302 after being released. This can be achieved by, for example, making the protrusions and the stopper small and by biasing the living hinge toward a position with the second section 106 away from the first section 104. Alternatively, or additionally, the second section can slide linearly away from the distal end of the handle and the suction probe 108 such that the stopper 304 and the protrusions 302a-c are out of alignment and the second section is free to move upwards. This linear sliding motion may be achieved, for example, by allowing the living hinge to flex. The locations of the protrusions 302a-c may approximately coincide with positions I, II and III as shown in FIG. 2.

[0062] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the control mechanism of the medical suction apparatus. The front wall of the first section 104 and blocking section 112 of the second section form the control mechanism 402. The embodiment shown is a form of linear ratchet mechanism wherein the blocking section 112 functions as a pawl with an asymmetric tooth 404 in the linear ratchet mechanism and the first section 104 functions as a rack with a plurality of asymmetric teeth 406a-c. As the second section is depressed the asymmetric tooth 404 slides over each of the asymmetric teeth 406a-c in turn but cannot move back in the other direction. To move the blocking section 112 back up the linear ratchet mechanism, the second section can slide linearly away from the distal end of the handle and the suction probe 108 such that the teeth of the linear ratchet mechanism are out of alignment and the second section is free to move upwards. This linear sliding motion may be achieved, for example, by allowing the living hinge to flex. Alternatively, or additionally, to move back up through the teeth 406a-c of the linear ratchet mechanism, the second section 106 can be pushed down and released, the living hinge and the teeth may be constructed such that the momentum of the second section 106 allows the asymmetric tooth 404 to slide over the teeth after being released. It is explicitly intended that the mechanisms shown in FIG 4 and FIGs 3A and 3B have interchangeable features, that it to say that the teeth 406a-c may be protrusions 302a-c and vice versa and the asymmetric tooth 404 may be a stopper 304 and vice versa.

[0063] FIGs 5A and 5B show a further example of a medical suction apparatus, comprising a suction probe 502 at a distal end of a handle 504 in fluid communication with a connector 508 which is constructed to connect to a vacuum generator via a hose. The handle 504 includes an opening 512 and a cap 506 (the term cap and suction cap are used interchangeably throughout the specification and figures) attached to the handle 504 by a hinge, such as a living hinge 510. The cap 506 can be moved in an arcing motion to open and close the opening 512 to vary the suction power applied to the end of the suction probe 502. When the cap 506 is open, the suction power is decreased and when closed, the suction power is increased. FIG. 5A shows the medical suction apparatus in an open configuration and FIG. 5B shows the medical suction apparatus in a closed configuration.

[0064] FIGs. 6A - 7C show various further examples of medical suction apparatus, each comprising a suction probe 502 at a distal end of a handle 504 in fluid communication with a connector 508 which connects to a vacuum generator. The handle 504 includes an opening 512 and a cap 506 attached to the handle 504. In some examples the cap 506 is attached by a hinge, such as a living hinge 510. The cap 506 can be moved to open and close the opening 512 to vary the suction power applied to the end of the suction probe 502. When the cap 506 is not closing the opening, the suction power is decreased and when it is closing the opening, the suction power is increased. In the versions shown in FIG. 6A &6B &7A the cap 506 includes a cover, or plug 602 which is constructed to close opening 512. In the version shown in FIG. 7B, the cap 506 is embedded with the handle 504 such that when closed, the cap 506 is flush with the handle 504. In the version shown in FIG. 7C, the cap 506 is a sliding cap which moves back and forth along the handle to cover the opening 512.

[0065] It will be understood by the skilled person that the term "vacuum generator" refers to any type of apparatus used to generate low pressure in the context of this invention, including but not limited to vacuum pumps, aspirators, air evacuation systems, venturi ejectors, suction devices, or other negative pressure creation mechanisms capable of providing sufficient vacuum levels for the intended operation of the present invention and that the vacuum generator may be attached to the medical suction apparatus via a hose. It will be further understood by the skilled person that the term "hose" refers to any type of flexible conduit used to convey fluids or gases in the context of this invention, including but not limited to rubber hoses, plastic tubes, flexible piping, or other hollow tubing capable of withstanding the required pressures and flow rates for the intended operation of the present invention. It will be further understood by the skilled person that the term "suction power" or "flow rate" refers to the quantitative measurement of the vacuum pressure level or volumetric rate of fluid / gas flow induced by the vacuum generator in the context of this invention. This includes but is not limited to specifications of negative pressure in units of psi, kPa, torr, ATM, or other pressure units, as well as volumetric flow measurements in units of L / min, cfm, mA3 / hr, or other applicable flow rate units that adequately characterize the vacuum performance in the intended operation of the present invention.

[0066] In the foregoing detailed description, specific examples have been used to describe the invention. However, it will be understood by those of skill in the art that the principles of the invention can be practiced other than as specifically described herein, which are presented for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0067] Further, the method steps and system components described in this patent document may be implemented in different sequences, and some steps or components may be omitted, without detracting from the key functionalities of the invention. Moreover, features described in relation to one embodiment may be used in combination with features of other embodiments of the invention. It should also be noted that any reference to 'an' embodiment or 'one' embodiment does not preclude the existence of additional embodiments.

[0068] Although specific terms may have been employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. It will be understood that the specifics of this description may be changed, adapted or modified without departing from the scope of the claims that follow. Thus, such modifications are to be considered as being within the overall scope of the invention as claimed and equivalents thereof. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the exact configuration as illustrated and described herein.

Claims

1. A medical suction apparatus comprising:a handle having a proximal end and a distal end;a suction probe protruding from said distal end of the handle;a connector configured to attach to a suction hose;an internal cavity which is in fluid communication with said suction probe and saidconnector;said handle comprising a first section and a second section, said second section being connected to said first section and actuatable between a first position and a second position;said second section comprising a blocking section;wherein when said second section is in the first position, said blocking section at least partially blocks the fluid communication between said suction probe and said internal cavity;wherein when said second section is in said second position, said blocking section does not block the fluid communication between said suction probe and said internal cavity.

2. The medical suction apparatus of claim 1 wherein said blocking section comprises a bore and wherein when said second section is in the first position said bore is at least partially misaligned with said suction probe and;wherein as said second section is moved from the first position towards the second position, said bore is increasingly aligned with said suction probe.

3. The medical suction apparatus of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein said first section and said second section are connected by a living hinge.

4. The medical suction apparatus any one of any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein said second section is biased toward said first position.

5. The medical suction apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein said first section and said second section are formed of the same material.

6. The medical suction apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein said second section fits within said first section or wherein said second section at least partially encapsulates said first section.

7. The medical suction apparatus of claim 2 or any one of clams 3 to 6 when dependent on claim 2, wherein an internal diameter of said bore is substantially the same as an internal diameter of said suction probe.

8. The medical suction apparatus any one of claims 1 to 7 further comprising a control mechanism for retaining said second section in said first position and / or said second position.

9. The medical suction apparatus of claim 8 wherein said control mechanism further includes a means for retaining said second section intermediate said first position and said second position.

10. The medical suction apparatus of claims 8 or 9 wherein said control mechanism comprises one or more protrusions on each of said first section and said second section, wherein said protrusions are adapted to retain said second section in at least one of said first position or said second position or intermediate said first position and said second position.CM 11 The medical suction apparatus of claim 10 wherein said protrusions are located on a side£\j wall of said first section and a side wall of said second section.

12. The medical suction apparatus of claims 10 or 11 wherein said protrusions are located on a front wall of said first section and on said blocking portion of said second section.

13. The medical suction apparatus of any one of claims 8 to 12 wherein the control mechanism comprises a linear ratchet mechanism.

14. The medical suction apparatus of any one of claims 8 to 13 wherein the second section moves between said first position and said second position along a first path or arc, and wherein said second section can move along a second path which is substantially perpendicular to said first path or arc.

15. The medical suction apparatus of claim 14 wherein moving said second section along said second path in a first direction disengages said control mechanism and moving along said second path in a second direction engages said control mechanism.

16. The medical suction apparatus of claim 15 wherein said second section is biased toward moving in said second direction.18Application No: GB2312946.3Examiner:Mike WoodhamClaims searched: 1-16Date of search: 10 January 2024Patents Act 1977: Search Report under Section 17Documents considered to be relevant:Category Relevant to claims Identity of document and passage or figure of particular relevance X 1-2, 4-9 &14-15 US 2015 / 0343121 Al (KOBI DA et al ) See whole description, especially paragraphs 0027 and figures 1-12 X 1,4-8 FR 2227773 A6 (CHANCHOLLE ANDRE ROBERT) See whole description and figures 1-3 X 1-3, 5-8 WO 97 / 21386 Al (MALLINCKRODT MEDICAL SPA) See whole description, especially "ways of carrying out the invention" section and figures 1-5 X 1-2, 5-8 US 10524889 Bl (BORDAS) See whole description, especially, column 6, line 35 -column 8, line 24 figures 1-9 X 1-2, 5-7 US 5480124 A (BARTLETT et al.) See whole description, especially column 2, line 48 - column 5, line 20 and figures 1-5 X 1, 5-6 US 4662871 A (RAFELSON) See whole description, especially column 4, line 55 -column 7, line 32 and figures 6-10 X 1, 5-6 US 4430073 A (BEMIS et al.) See whole description, especially column 6, lines 3-26 and figure 6Categories:X Document indicating lack of novelty or inventive step A Document indicating technological background and / or state of the art. Y Document indicating lack of inventive step if P Document published on or after the declared priority date but combined with one or more other documents of same category. before the filing date of this invention. & Member of the same patent family E Patent document published on or after, but with priority date earlier than, the filing date of this application.Field of Search:Search of GB. EP, WO &US patent documents classified in the following areas of the UKCX :Worldwide search of patent documents classified in the following areas of the IPC_____________A61C; A61M_______________________________________________The following online and other databases have been used in the preparation of this search report19SEARCH-PATENTInternational Classification:Subclass Subgroup Valid From A61M 0001 / 00 01 / 01 / 2006

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