Device and method for providing an anticoagulant element for use in conjunction with a medical waste collection system.
The integration of anticoagulant elements in medical waste collection systems, particularly using EDTA, addresses clotting issues, ensuring efficient waste discharge and accurate blood loss assessment by inhibiting coagulation within manifolds and containers.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- STRYKER CORP
- Filing Date
- 2024-04-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-21
AI Technical Summary
Blood clotting in medical waste collection systems during surgical procedures leads to clogging of transfer valves and inaccuracies in blood loss determination, complicating the discharge of waste material and image-based assessments.
Incorporation of an anticoagulant element within various parts of the manifold and waste containers to prevent clotting, including substrates like EDTA, which inhibit coagulation by binding to calcium ions, and positioning the anticoagulant element at strategic locations within the manifold to ensure unobstructed fluid flow and interaction with the fluid stream.
Prevents clotting in manifolds and waste containers, ensuring smooth waste discharge and accurate blood loss determination by maintaining fluid flow and reducing the risk of valve clogging.
Smart Images
Figure 2026512893000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] Claim of Priority This application claims the priority and all benefits of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 458,502, filed on April 11, 2023, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.
Background Art
[0002] As a byproduct of some surgical procedures, liquid, semi-solid and / or solid waste is generated. Liquid waste may include body fluids and irrigation solutions at the surgical site, and solid and semi-solid waste may include tissue fragments and small pieces of surgical materials. Medical waste, regardless of its phase, is preferably collected without contaminating the surgical site and without posing a biological hazard to the treatment room where the procedure is being performed. Medical waste can be removed from the surgical site through a suction tube under the influence of the vacuum provided by a suction source.
[0003] The suction source can be a vacuum pump of a medical waste collection system. An exemplary medical waste collection system is sold under the trade name Neptune by Stryker Corporation (Kalamazoo, Michigan). The manifold can provide a replaceable sterile barrier between the suction tube and the medical waste collection system. An unused manifold can be operably coupled to the medical waste collection system before or during the procedure, and a used manifold can be operably separated from the medical waste collection system and discarded during or after the procedure. The Neptune system also provides for "discharging" waste material from an upper waste container to a lower waste container through a transfer valve. It is also contemplated to utilize a color camera to image the waste material in the waste container to estimate the hemoglobin concentration in the waste material for blood loss determination, as disclosed in International Publication WO2023 / 177832, owned by the same applicant and published on September 21, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0004] The most common bodily fluid removed from a surgical site is the patient's blood. Once removed from the surgical site, the blood passes through a suction tube, manifold, and enters a medical waste collection system, where it is stored in upper and / or lower waste containers. Blood may clot, which is the action or process by which a liquid, particularly blood, changes into a solid or semi-solid state. Blood clotting is commonly referred to as hemoclotting. Hemoclotting may occur in the upper waste container, which can complicate the discharge of waste material through the transfer valve. In other words, semi-solid or solid blood can clog the transfer valve. Furthermore, hemoclotting may result in some of the waste material appearing redder, which can affect the accuracy of image-based blood loss determinations that utilize the color component values of images, as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 8,792,693, issued July 29, 2014, owned by the same rights holder, whose entire contents are incorporated herein by reference.
[0005] Therefore, in this technical field, it is necessary to overcome one or more of the aforementioned drawbacks. [Overview of the project]
[0006] This disclosure relates to an anticoagulant element that functions as an anticoagulant capable of helping to reduce potential clotting in manifolds and waste containers. At least one anticoagulant element can be placed in various parts of a manifold. This disclosure also provides a method for using an anticoagulant as an anticoagulant in a waste container. This disclosure also provides an anticoagulant assembly used between a suction tube and a manifold connection.
[0007] According to a first aspect, the disclosure includes a manifold for a medical waste collection system. The manifold includes a trunk, a head, at least one inlet fitting, and an anticoagulant element. The head is coupled to the trunk and includes at least one inlet fitting. The inlet fitting is configured to removably receive a suction tube. The head defines a cavity, and the anticoagulant element is located within the cavity of the head.
[0008] According to a second aspect, the disclosure also provides a manifold for a medical waste system including a manifold receiving section. The manifold includes a trunk, a head, at least one inlet fitting, a filter element, and an anticoagulant element. The head is coupled to the trunk and includes at least one inlet fitting. The inlet fitting is configured to removably receive a suction tube. The trunk defines an outlet opening. The filter element is located within the trunk, and the anticoagulant element is located within the trunk.
[0009] According to a third aspect, the disclosure also provides a manifold for a medical waste collection system including a trunk. The trunk includes a body portion, a first leg, and a second leg. The manifold also includes a head, at least one inlet fitting, and an anticoagulant element. The first leg extends from the body portion and defines an outlet opening. The second leg extends from the body portion and is spaced apart from the first leg to define a gap. The head is coupled to the trunk. The inlet fitting is configured to removably receive a suction tube. The anticoagulant element is located within the second leg of the trunk.
[0010] According to a fourth aspect, the disclosure also provides a manifold for a medical waste collection system. The manifold comprises a trunk, a head, an inlet fitting, a tray, and an anticoagulant element. The trunk defines an outlet opening and is coupled to the head. The head includes an accessory sleeve and an inlet fitting coupled to the accessory sleeve. The inlet fitting is configured to be detachably coupled to a suction tube. The coupling between the inlet fitting and the suction tube defines a suction path through the inlet fitting and the trunk to the outlet opening. The tray defines a cavity having a porous mechanism configured to hold tissue samples within the suction path. The tray is configured to be detachably positioned within the accessory sleeve such that the cavity opens toward the inlet bore. The anticoagulant element is located within the cavity of the tray.
[0011] According to a fifth aspect, the disclosure also provides an anticoagulation assembly for use in conjunction with a medical waste collection system configured to accept a manifold. The anticoagulation assembly includes a conduit. The conduit includes a distal fitting and a proximal fitting opposite the male fitting. The distal fitting is configured to be detachably coupled to a suction tube or suction device. The proximal fitting is configured to be detachably coupled to an inlet fitting of a manifold. A chamber is coupled to the conduit between the distal and proximal fittings. An anticoagulation element is located within the chamber.
[0012] According to a sixth aspect, the disclosure also provides a method for docking a medical waste collection system to a docking station. The method includes establishing a discharge fluid path and a cleaning fluid path by realizing a removable coupling between the medical waste collection system and the docking station. The method further includes operating the docking station to transfer medical waste held in the waste container of the medical waste collection system to the docking station through the discharge fluid path. The method further includes operating the docking station to transfer a mixture of cleaning agent and anticoagulant through the cleaning fluid path and pre-filling the waste container of the medical waste collection system with the mixture of cleaning agent and anticoagulant.
[0013] Any of the above embodiments can be combined in part or in whole with any other embodiments. Any of the above embodiments combined in part or in whole can be further combined in whole or in part with any of the following embodiments.
[0014] The advantages of this disclosure will be readily apparent, as they will be better understood by considering them in conjunction with the attached drawings and by referring to the detailed description below. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0015] [Figure 1] A perspective view of a medical waste collection system and docking station. The manifold is configured to be removably inserted into the receiving section. An optional anticoagulation assembly is shown configured to be coupled to the manifold. [Figure 2] This is an exploded view of an embodiment of the manifold. [Figure 3] This is a front view of the manifold head. [Figure 4] This is a side view of a manifold having an anticoagulant element positioned within the head. [Figure 5]This is a side view of a manifold having an anticoagulant element positioned within a filter element. [Figure 6] This is a side view of a manifold having an anticoagulant element positioned within the first leg of the trunk. [Figure 7] This is a side view of a manifold having an anticoagulant element positioned within the second leg of the trunk. [Figure 8] A perspective view of another embodiment of the manifold in which the tray is detachably coupled to an accessory sleeve. The anticoagulant element may be positioned within the tray. [Figure 9] This is an upper rear perspective view of a tray having anticoagulant elements positioned at multiple locations within the tray's cavity. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0016] Figure 1 shows a medical waste collection system 20 for collecting waste material generated during medical or surgical procedures. The medical waste collection system includes at least one waste container 22 that defines a waste volume for collecting and storing waste material. The medical waste collection system 20 may also include a vacuum pump configured to apply suction to one or both of the first waste container 22 and the second waste container 22 through one or more vacuum lines. At least one manifold receiver 24 defines an opening 26 formed to a size that will removably receive at least a portion of a manifold 28 as described throughout this disclosure. Although Figure 1 shows a medical waste collection system 20 with two manifold receivers 24, it should be understood that the medical waste collection system 20 may include a different number of receivers 24 than those shown. The appropriate configuration and operation of several subsystems of the medical waste collection system 20 are disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication 2005 / 0171495, published on 4 August 2005 and owned by the same rights holder; International Publication WO2007 / 070570, published on 21 June 2007; International Publication WO2014 / 066337, published on 1 May 2014; International Publication WO2017 / 112684, published on 29 June 2017; and the aforementioned International Publication WO2020 / 210763, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
[0017] Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the manifold 28. The manifold comprises a head 32 and a trunk 34 coupled to the head 32. Referring further to Figure 4, the trunk 34 may include a body portion 75, a first leg portion 76 extending proximal to the body portion 75, and a second leg portion 80 spaced apart from the first leg portion 76 by a gap 77. The second leg portion 80 may extend proximal to the body portion 75. The first leg portion 76 of the trunk 34 defines an outlet opening 36, and a seal 52 is coupled to the edge of the first leg portion 76 to cover the outlet opening 36. The head 32 includes at least one inlet fitting 30 configured to removably receive a suction tube 38. The inlet fitting 30 defines an inlet bore 56 that opens into a cavity 40 defined by the head 32. The inlet fitting 30 may include a pair of upper inlet fittings 44 and a pair of lower inlet fittings 46, which correspond to a pair of upper inlet bores 56 and a pair of lower inlet bores 56. At least one check valve 48 may be coupled to the head 32 and located within the cavity 40. In the illustrated embodiment, an upper check valve 48 is shown, in which the flapper 50 is configured to selectively cover the inlet bores 56 associated with the pair of upper inlet fittings 44, and a lower check valve 48 is shown, in which the flapper 50 is configured to selectively cover the inlet bores 56 associated with the pair of upper inlet fittings 46. The check valves 48 may be coupled to a coupler 58 located within the cavity 40 of the head 32.
[0018] The filter element 42 can be located within the trunk 34. The filter element 42 may include a tray 78, which extends to be located within the second leg 80 of the trunk 34. The filter element 42 may include a proximal base 70 and a side wall 73 that extends distally from the proximal base 70 and defines the mouth 72 of the filter element 42. The filter element 42 can be molded as a filter basket. Further embodiments of the manifold 28 and the filter element 42 are disclosed in International Publication WO2020 / 209898, owned by the same rights holder and published on 15 October 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
[0019] The anticoagulant element 54 can include a substrate and an anticoagulant. The substrate can take any suitable form, such as, for example, loose powder, a pod containing loose powder within a soluble film, a soluble tablet, a liquid, etc. For example, the substrate can initially be in liquid form or can be pre-dissolved from a soluble powder or tablet into a liquid concentrate. The anticoagulant can include ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and / or other compounds having anticoagulant properties at any suitable concentration or amount. EDTA is a known anticoagulant that inhibits coagulation by binding to calcium ions in the blood. The concentration of EDTA within the anticoagulant can be within any suitable range and can be adjusted based on the type of surgical instrument and the type of medical procedure being performed, and the concentration of EDTA within the anticoagulant can be beneficial. The illustration of the substrate of the anticoagulant element 54 in the drawings is merely representative, and the substrate need not be box-shaped, rather any suitable shape, dimensions, form factor, etc. can be envisioned.
[0020] The anticoagulant element 54 can be disposed at any one or more positions within the manifold 28, as further described herein. Additionally, there may be one, two, three, or more anticoagulant elements 54, and the positions described herein can be used in combination. Referring initially to FIGS. 3 and 4, the anticoagulant element 54 can be disposed within the cavity 40 of the head 32 of the manifold 28. The anticoagulant element 54 can be positioned proximal to the inlet bore 56 and thus proximal to the backflow prevention valve 48. Additionally, the anticoagulant element 54 can be axially positioned between the backflow prevention valve 48 and the inlet portion 72 of the filter element 42.
[0021] The check valve 48 is designed to open when the vacuum draws medical waste through the inlet bore 56 into the waste container 22. If the anticoagulant element 54 prevents the check valve 48 from opening, a situation may arise where medical waste is not properly drawn into the waste container 22 through the manifold 28. Therefore, in one embodiment, the anticoagulant element 54 can be positioned between the check valves 48 in the height direction. Doing so provides at least two advantages. First, the flapper 50 of the check valve 48 can be bent proximally or inward without being obstructed by the suction drawn in through the manifold 28. Similarly, the fluid flow into the internal volume of the manifold 28 is not obstructed. In other words, the fluid drawn into the internal volume through the pair of upper inlet fittings 44 can pass along the upper side or upper surface of the anticoagulant element 54, and the fluid drawn into the internal volume through the pair of lower inlet fittings 46 can pass along the lower side or lower surface of the anticoagulant element 54. The fluid flow is generally unimpeded, but interactions occur between the fluid flow and the anticoagulant element 54 in order for the anticoagulant element 54 to dissolve, mix, etc., and are then drawn together with the fluid flow into the waste container 22 of the medical waste collection system 20. For example, if the anticoagulant element 54 is a soluble tablet, the frictional force from the incoming fluid flow can slowly dissolve the top and bottom surfaces of the tablet without significantly affecting the flow rate of the fluid flow through the manifold 28.
[0022] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary method of supporting anticoagulant element 54 within manifold 28 such that it is positioned between check valves 48. The head 32 of manifold 28 can include one or more ribs 60 or other suitable structures coupled to the inner surface of head 32. The longitudinal ribs 60 can be pairs of ribs facing each other. Manifold 28 can also include a support structure 62 supported by ribs 60. Support structure 62 can be removably or fixedly coupled to ribs 60. For example, support structure 62 can be a cage or tray configured to be slidably inserted between ribs 60 during the assembly of manifold 28. Alternatively, support structure 62 need not be a separate component, but rather can be integrally formed with head 32 during the manufacture of manifold 28. In such an alternative configuration, ribs 60 are optional.
[0023] Support structure 62 can define a cavity 64 and a porous mechanism 66. Cavity 64 can be formed in a size and shape to conform to the form factor of anticoagulant element 54. For example, the upper wall, lower wall and / or side walls or partitions can be sized to limit movement or rocking of anticoagulant element 54 within support structure 62 against forces from the incoming fluid flow. As best shown in FIG. 3, anticoagulant element 54 can be disposed within cavity 64 of support structure 62. For example, during dissolution of anticoagulant element 54, the fluid flow mixed with the anticoagulant can pass through porous mechanism 66. Porous mechanism 66 can be sized such that anticoagulant element 54 is reliably and sufficiently dissolved before passing through porous mechanism 66 and through manifold 28. In another embodiment, anticoagulant element 54 can be directly supported within head 32. For example, the substrate can be a tablet sized to be supported by ribs 60 or other suitable structures.
[0024] Figure 4 illustrates that the anticoagulant element 54 can be positioned at any suitable location within the cavity 40. In one embodiment, the filter element 42 may be modified to facilitate support of the anticoagulant element 54 in its desired position. For example, the anticoagulant element 54 may be positioned distal to the inlet 72 of the filter element 42. The filter element 42 may include a structure or support mechanism (e.g., a crossbeam) configured to engage with the proximal surface of the substrate of the anticoagulant element 54. In other words, the anticoagulant element 54 may be axially compressed between the filter element 42 and the corresponding surface, structure, or feature of the head 32 in order to maintain the axial position of the anticoagulant element 54 within the cavity 40.
[0025] Figures 5 to 7 show anticoagulant elements 54 positioned at various locations within the trunk 34 of the manifold 28. Figure 5 shows an anticoagulant element 54 positioned within a filter element 42. In other words, the substrate is positioned between the proximal base 70 and the inlet 72 of the filter element 42. The substrate can be coupled to the inner surface 74 of the filter element 42 or float freely within it. The latter may include the substrate simply resting against the lower surface of the side wall and against the proximal base 70 of the filter element 42. If the anticoagulant element 54 moves during handling and coupling of the manifold 28 to the medical waste collection system 20, the fluid flow drawn in and flowing through the manifold 28 may simply prompt the anticoagulant element 54 to re-contact the proximal base 70. In some embodiments, the filter element 42 may include structures such as protrusions, projections, or partitions, and the anticoagulant element 54 is positioned in contact with these structures to maintain its position relative to the filter element 42. For example, the filter element 42 can be integrally formed with a partition having a porous mechanism to define a cavity, and the substrate of the anticoagulant element 54 can be a soluble tablet placed in the cavity. Placing the anticoagulant element 54 within the filter element 42 has the advantage of preventing or limiting coagulation within the filter element 42 and improving the operating life of the manifold 28. In addition to preventing coagulation of waste materials in the waste container 22, the anticoagulant element 54 has a dual purpose in this respect.
[0026] The anticoagulation element 54 can also be located in a different part of the trunk 34 without being placed inside the filter element 42. For example, the filter element 42 may be narrower than shown in Figure 5, in which case the anticoagulation element 54 is positioned or coupled outside the filter element 42 and inside the trunk 34.
[0027] As another example, Figure 6 shows that the anticoagulant element 54 can be positioned downstream of the filter element 42 and between the proximal base 70 and the outlet opening 36. In this arrangement, the anticoagulant element 54 is positioned within the first leg 76 of the trunk 34. Figure 7 shows another arrangement in which the anticoagulant element 54 is located within the second leg 80 of the trunk 34. In embodiments in which the filter element 42 includes a tray 78, the anticoagulant element 54 can be supported by the tray 78. In embodiments in which the filter element 42 does not include a tray, the anticoagulant element 54 can be held within the second leg 80 by the proximal base 70 of the filter element 42. The substrate of the anticoagulant element 54 can be formed to conform to the dimensions of the inner surface of the second leg.
[0028] In another embodiment, the substrate of the anticoagulant element 54 can be loose powder, filler, or granules. In such an embodiment, the method of assembling the manifold 28 may include supporting the trunk in a generally vertical direction. For example, the trunk can be positioned in a fixture or clamp such that its opening into the manifold volume 35 faces generally upward. The substrate of the anticoagulant element can be guided into the second leg under the influence of gravity. In other words, the anticoagulant element 54 can be poured into the manifold volume 35. The substrate can be compressed within the second leg 80. In one example, the substrate can be compressed within the second leg 80 using a plunger device (not shown). The filter element 42 can be inserted into the manifold volume 35 and coupled to the trunk 34. The head 32 can also be coupled to the trunk 34.
[0029] Referring next to Figure 8, another embodiment of the manifold 28 is shown. In this embodiment, a tray 86 can be used to collect tissue samples or to support the anticoagulant element 54. These functions can be conveniently switched between using the manifold 28 in a relatively seamless manner. The head 32 includes an accessory sleeve 82, to which an inlet fitting 84a is coupled. The inlet fitting 84a of the accessory sleeve 82 is configured to be detachably coupled to a suction tube 38. The coupling between the inlet fitting 84a and the suction tube 38 defines a suction path through the inlet fitting 84a through the trunk 34 to the outlet opening 36. The trunk 34 can be generally as described above.
[0030] The tray 86 includes a base 92 and side walls, which define a cavity 88 and a porous mechanism 90 configured to hold an object (e.g., a tissue sample or anticoagulant element 54) in an aspiration path without excessively obstructing the fluid flow. The tray 86 is configured to be removably positioned within an accessory sleeve 82 such that the cavity 88 opens toward an inlet bore 56. Certain additional features of the tray 86 are disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication 2021 / 0162101, published on 3 June 2021 and owned by the same rights holder, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0031] As shown in Figure 8, the anticoagulant element 54 is located within the cavity 88 of the tray 86. Referring simultaneously to Figure 9, the tray 86 may include a partition wall 94 that divides the cavity 88 into multiple compartments 96. The tray 86 may also include a distal handle 98, in which case the compartments 96 include a distal compartment 100 adjacent to the distal handle 98 and a proximal compartment 102 aligned with the inlet fitting 30. The anticoagulant element 54 may be located within one of the multiple compartments 96, including the distal compartment 100 and / or the proximal compartment 102. Figure 9 further shows a tray 86 including a partition wall 94 that extends upward from the bottom surface 92 to a distance less than the height of the cavity 88 of the tray 86.
[0032] In some cases, it may be desirable for the anticoagulant element 54 to be located on a separate component. For example, the suction system may use a standalone canister with a wall-based vacuum source, as opposed to the medical waste collection system 20. Alternatively, the user may own a manifold that can operate with the medical waste collection system 20, but not a manifold of the type that includes the anticoagulant element 54. Therefore, the object of this disclosure can be incorporated into an anticoagulant assembly 104 configured to be coupled to opposing suction tubes coupled to a standalone canister, or to be coupled via these suction tubes or directly to the inlet fitting 30 of the manifold.
[0033] The anticoagulation assembly 104 includes a conduit 106. The conduit 106 includes a distal fitting 108, a proximal fitting 110 on the opposite side of the distal fitting 108, and a chamber 112. The distal fitting 108 is configured to be detachably coupled to a suction tube 38. The proximal fitting 110 is configured to be detachably coupled to the inlet fitting 30 of the manifold 28 or to another suction tube, as described above. The chamber 112 is in fluid communication with the conduit 106. In some embodiments, the conduit 106 and the chamber 112 may include complementary coupling mechanisms such that the chamber 112 is detachably coupled to the conduit 106 so that it functions as a cartridge.
[0034] Medical waste is collected by using a vacuum pump to draw it into a waste container 22 through a suction tube 38, an anticoagulant assembly 104, and a manifold 28. The anticoagulant element 54 can be placed in a chamber 112 of the conduit 106 of the anticoagulant assembly 104. Once removed from the surgical site, the medical waste passes through the anticoagulant assembly 104 and the chamber 112. The anticoagulant element 54 interacts with the fluid flow passing through the conduit 106. For example, the substrate may be loose powder or a soluble tablet in a soluble membrane and is drawn into the fluid flow.
[0035] Furthermore, the anticoagulation assembly 104 can be configured such that the chamber 112 is suspended from the conduit 106, and the anticoagulation element 54 is siphoned from the chamber 112 into the conduit 106. The anticoagulation assembly 104 may further include an orientation mechanism coupled to either the conduit 106 or the chamber 112. The orientation mechanism is configured to require the anticoagulation assembly 104 to be coupled to the manifold 28 in a single rotational direction in which the chamber 112 is suspended from the conduit 106. In another variation, the conduit 106 and the chamber 112 are separated by a soluble membrane. The soluble membrane allows for a temporary partition that keeps the anticoagulation element 54 isolated from the rest of the anticoagulation assembly 104 until medical waste removal is required.
[0036] Additionally or alternatively, an anticoagulant may be provided through a docking protocol between the medical waste collection system 20 and the docking station 21 (see Figure 1). The medical waste collection system 20 is configured to be detachably coupled to the docking station 21, after which discharge fluid pathways and cleaning fluid pathways are established. The waste material in the waste container 22 is emptied, and a mixture of water and cleaning agent is transferred to the medical waste collection system 20. In particular, the water or mixture may be pre-filled in the upper waste container 22 to set the zero point of the fluid measurement subsystem of the medical waste collection system 20. Further details relating to the docking station and pre-filling are disclosed in International Publication WO2007 / 070570, owned by the same rights holder, published on 21 June 2007, whose entire contents are incorporated herein by reference.
[0037] Figure 1 shows a reservoir of an anticoagulant element 54 that is in fluid communication with the docking station 21. The anticoagulant element 54 may be mixed with a cleaning agent or it may be a separate reservoir. The method of docking the medical waste collection system 20 includes establishing a removable coupling between the medical waste collection system 20 and the docking station to establish a discharge fluid path and a cleaning fluid path.
[0038] The method further includes operating a docking station to transfer medical waste held in the waste container 22 of the medical waste collection system 20 to the docking station through a discharge fluid path. The method may include receiving input from a user based on the fact that subsequent medical procedures are more likely to cause blood coagulation in the waste container of the medical waste collection system. The method further includes operating a docking station to transfer a mixture of cleaning agent and anticoagulant through a cleaning fluid path to pre-fill the waste container of the medical waste collection system with the mixture of cleaning agent and anticoagulant. In view of the aforementioned devices and methods, coagulation in the waste container 22 is minimized or eliminated. As a result, the possibility of clogging of the transfer valve is minimized when it is desired that the upper waste container 22 is sufficiently full and discharged through the transfer valve to the lower waste container.
[0039] Several embodiments have been discussed in the above description. However, the embodiments discussed herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit this disclosure to any particular form. The terms used are intended to be descriptive rather than restrictive. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings, and this disclosure may be implemented in ways different from those specifically described. It should be understood that according to the embodiments disclosed herein, the anticoagulant element 54 may include multiple anticoagulant elements 54 located at various locations within the trunk 34 and / or head 32.
Claims
1. A manifold for a medical waste collection system, A trunk that defines the exit opening, A head coupled to the trunk, comprising at least one inlet fitting configured to removably receive a suction tube, defining a cavity, An anticoagulant element disposed within the cavity of the head and A manifold equipped with this.
2. The trunk further comprises a filter element located within the trunk, The manifold according to claim 1, wherein the anticoagulant element is disposed distal to the inlet of the filter element.
3. The manifold according to claim 2, wherein the opposing side surfaces of the inlet portion of the filter element engage with the anticoagulant element to maintain the axial position of the anticoagulant element within the cavity.
4. The at least one inlet fitting comprises a pair of upper inlet fittings and a pair of lower inlet fittings, The manifold according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the anticoagulant element is located proximal to and between the inlet bores defined by the pair of upper inlet fittings and the pair of lower inlet fittings.
5. The head is coupled to the head and further comprises at least one check valve located within the cavity, The manifold according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the anticoagulant element is positioned proximal to the backflow prevention valve.
6. The at least one inlet fitting comprises a pair of upper inlet fittings and a pair of lower inlet fittings, The at least one check valve comprises an upper check valve configured to selectively cover the inlet bore of the pair of upper inlet fittings, and a lower check valve positioned to selectively cover the inlet bore of the pair of lower inlet fittings. The manifold according to claim 5, wherein the anticoagulant element is positioned between the upper backflow prevention valve and the lower backflow prevention valve.
7. The head is provided with longitudinal ribs bonded to the inner surface of the head, The manifold according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the anticoagulant element is supported by the ribs.
8. The longitudinal ribs further comprise pairs of ribs facing each other, The manifold according to claim 7, wherein the anticoagulant element is supported between the pairs of ribs facing each other.
9. The support structure, further supported by the aforementioned ribs, defines the cavity and porous mechanism, The manifold according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the anticoagulant element is disposed within the support structure.
10. A manifold for use with a medical waste collection system including a manifold receiving section, A trunk that defines the exit opening, A head coupled to the trunk, the head having at least one inlet fitting configured to removably receive a suction tube, A filter element arranged within the trunk, An anticoagulant element placed inside the trunk and A manifold equipped with this.
11. The filter element has a proximal base spaced apart from the outlet opening, The manifold according to claim 10, wherein the anticoagulant element is positioned proximal to the proximal base so as to be downstream of the filter element.
12. The manifold according to claim 10, wherein the anticoagulant element is disposed within the filter element.
13. The manifold according to claim 12, wherein the anticoagulant element is bonded to the inner surface of the filter element.
14. A manifold for a medical waste collection system, A trunk comprising a main body portion, a first leg portion extending from the main body portion and defining an exit opening, and a second leg portion extending from the main body portion and spaced apart from the first leg portion to define a gap, A head coupled to the trunk, the head having at least one inlet fitting configured to removably receive a suction tube, An anticoagulant element disposed within the second leg portion of the trunk and A manifold equipped with this.
15. A filter element disposed within the trunk, further comprising a filter element having a tray extending into the second leg portion, The manifold according to claim 14, wherein the anticoagulant element is supported by the tray of the filter element.
16. A filter element disposed within the trunk, further comprising a filter element having a proximal base and a side wall extending from the proximal base and defining an inlet, The manifold according to claim 15, wherein the anticoagulant element is held within the second leg portion by the proximal base portion of the filter element.
17. The manifold according to claim 15, wherein the anticoagulant element is formed to match the contour of the inner surface of the second leg.
18. A method for assembling a manifold comprising a head, a trunk including a first leg defining an outlet opening and a second leg separated from the first leg by a gap, a filter element, and an anticoagulant element, The trunk is supported vertically, The method involves guiding the substrate of the anticoagulant element into the second leg portion under the influence of gravity, wherein the substrate is optionally in the form of a powder or granules. Compressing the base material within the second leg portion, The filter element is coupled to the trunk, Connecting the head to the trunk Methods that include...
19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising compressing the substrate within the second leg using a plunger device.
20. A manifold for a medical waste collection system, A trunk that defines the exit opening, A head coupled to the trunk, comprising an accessory sleeve and an inlet fitting coupled to the accessory sleeve and detachably coupled to a suction tube, configured to define a suction path through the inlet fitting and through the trunk to the outlet opening, A tray defining a porous mechanism configured to hold a tissue sample within a cavity and the aspiration path, wherein the tray is configured to be removably positioned within the accessory sleeve such that the cavity opens toward the inlet bore, The anticoagulation element is disposed within the cavity of the tray. A manifold equipped with this.
21. The tray further comprises partitions that divide the cavity into a plurality of compartments. The manifold according to claim 20, wherein the anticoagulant element is located in one of the plurality of compartments.
22. The tray further comprises a distal handle, The plurality of compartments comprises a distal compartment adjacent to the distal handle and a proximal compartment configured to be aligned with the inlet joint. The manifold according to claim 21, wherein the anticoagulant element is disposed within the proximal compartment.
23. The tray further comprises a distal handle, The plurality of compartments comprises a distal compartment adjacent to the distal handle and a proximal compartment configured to be aligned with the inlet joint. The manifold according to claim 21, wherein the anticoagulant element is disposed within the distal compartment.
24. The manifold according to any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the partition wall extends upward from the bottom surface to a distance less than the height of the cavity of the tray.
25. The manifold according to any one of claims 1 to 24, comprising a plurality of anticoagulant elements arranged at various locations within the trunk and / or head according to embodiments disclosed herein.
26. The manifold according to any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein the anticoagulant element comprises a base material and an anticoagulant.
27. The manifold according to claim 26, wherein the base material is one of loose powder, a pod containing loose powder in a soluble membrane, or a soluble tablet.
28. An anticoagulation assembly for use with a medical waste collection system configured to removably accept a manifold, A conduit comprising a distal fitting configured to be detachably coupled to a suction tube or suction device, and a proximal female fitting located on the opposite side of the distal fitting and configured to be detachably coupled to the inlet fitting of the manifold, A chamber connected to the conduit between the distal joint and the proximal joint, An anticoagulant element placed in the chamber and An anticoagulation assembly equipped with the following features.
29. The anticoagulation assembly according to claim 28, wherein the chamber is configured to be suspended from the conduit so that the anticoagulant element is drawn up from the chamber into the conduit during a suction flow through the conduit.
30. The anticoagulation assembly according to claim 29, further comprising an orientation mechanism coupled to one of the conduit and the chamber, the orientation mechanism being configured to require the anticoagulation assembly to be coupled to the manifold in a single rotational direction such that the chamber is suspended from the conduit.
31. The anticoagulation assembly according to any one of claims 28 to 30, wherein the anticoagulation element further comprises a soluble membrane separating the conduit and the chamber.
32. The anticoagulation assembly according to any one of claims 28 to 31, wherein the chamber is integrally formed with the suction tube.
33. The anticoagulation assembly according to any one of claims 28 to 32, wherein each of the conduit and the chamber is provided with a complementary coupling mechanism such that the chamber is removably coupled to the conduit.
34. The anticoagulation assembly according to any one of claims 28 to 33, wherein the anticoagulation element comprises a base material and an anticoagulant.
35. The anticoagulation assembly according to claim 34, wherein the substrate is one of a loose powder, a pod containing a loose powder in a soluble membrane, or a soluble tablet.
36. A method for docking a medical waste collection system to a docking station, To achieve a removable connection between the medical waste collection system and the docking station, and to establish a discharge fluid path and a cleaning fluid path, To operate the docking station to transfer the medical waste held in the waste container of the medical waste collection system to the docking station through the discharge fluid path, The docking station is operated to transfer the mixture of the cleaning agent and the anticoagulant through the cleaning fluid path, The waste container of the medical waste collection system is pre-filled with the mixture of the cleaning agent and the anticoagulant. Methods that include...
37. The aforementioned medical waste collection system includes a user interface, The method according to claim 36, further comprising receiving input on the user interface to select the mixture for washing based on the fact that a subsequent medical procedure is more likely to cause blood to coagulate in the waste container of the medical waste collection system.