Negative Pressure Breathing Therapy Hood System

Abstract

A negative pressure respiratory treatment hood for a human medical patient. A rigid hood, preferably of one-piece construction from a transparent material, is positioned over the patient's head. The patient's body extends out through an opening in the front wall of the hood. A hinged door may be attached to the front wall of the hood, closed and partially closing the opening, and a shroud is sealingly connected to the hood and positioned above the patient to form a pressure seal. A negative pressure source is connected to the hood to create a negative pressure environment around the patient's head. The access opening has a resilient material spanning it with a small opening in the resilient material to allow access to the patient by medical personnel and / or medical equipment.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This U.S. non-provisional patent application claims priority for all purposes to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 001897, filed March 30, 2020. The disclosure of this provisional patent application is incorporated herein by reference to the extent consistent with the present disclosure.

[0002] Background - Field of the Invention The present invention relates to devices for use in connection with medical procedures. By way of example, and without being limited to use with any one treatment, the present invention relates to devices and methods for use in connection with the treatment of patients with highly contagious diseases. [Background technology]

[0003] During the process of treating such patients, including but not limited to intubation, patients are known to often exhale contaminated aerosols or otherwise release pathogens. These aerosols, when carrying highly contagious and potentially very dangerous viruses such as those designated COVID-19, create extremely dangerous conditions for healthcare workers performing treatment. Despite the use of personal protective equipment, commonly referred to as PPE, healthcare workers are still at risk of exposure to serious illnesses. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Therefore, it would be desirable to have a device that reduces the exposure of healthcare workers to potentially dangerous aerosols, pathogens, etc. emitted by patients during treatment. Current devices and methods all have various limitations, creating a desire for improved devices and methods that address these challenges. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] Summary of the Invention A negative pressure respiratory therapy hood system embodying the principles of the present invention includes a rigid, generally box-shaped hood with walls and a size and shape designed to accommodate a portion of the head, neck, and shoulders of a patient being intubated or otherwise treated. The hood has an opening in its front wall. The patient typically lies supine on a table with the hood positioned over the patient's body, or the patient moves about in place within the hood. A hinged door may be attached to the hood, typically near the upper edge of the front wall opening, and may be movable between a first open position to allow the hood to be positioned around the patient and a second closed position in which it is rotated downward toward the patient's body and latched in place. If provided, the hinged door preferably has a cutout shape to fit the overall shape of the patient's body, along with a cover, preferably made of a resilient material, to provide a snug fit and seal around the body. The cover is secured in place to seal around the patient's body by wedges or similar fasteners that secure the cover to the hood.

[0006] A plurality of access openings are provided in the wall of the hood to allow medical personnel access to the interior of the hood, and thus the patient. Each opening has an elastic material forming a covering or cuff with a hole therein. When the medical personnel's hand and arm are inserted through the hole (stretching as much as necessary to accommodate the arm), the elastic material cuff seals snugly around the medical personnel's arm. It can be appreciated that a medical device could similarly be inserted through the hole in the elastic material and sealed therein. A flap, which may be made of a flexible material, crimps and seals the hole to allow a pressure seal to be maintained when not in use by the medical personnel.

[0007] A negative pressure fitting or connection for connection to a hospital suction source is secured to the hood to create a negative pressure environment within the hood. A portable negative pressure pump mount allows the hood to be used for negative pressure patient transport.

[0008] Overall, the sealed hood allows for the creation of a sealed negative pressure environment around the patient's head and upper body while still allowing medical personnel to function within the hood through openings in the resilient material of the access opening. Any pathogens expelled from the patient are drawn into the hospital suction, and the medical personnel are isolated from this. It should be appreciated that the device essentially creates a loose seal around the patient that allows some air to enter the interior of the hood in response to negative pressure, but stops air from flowing out of the hood.

[0009] In addition to intubation procedures, the device may be used for other medical respiratory treatments, such as for long-term intensive care unit (ICU) patients, thereby conserving PPE and preventing the spread of contamination. Sealed side port holes can be provided for passage of ventilators and feeding tubes. It should be understood that the scope of the present invention includes any medical treatment that may be achieved through use of the system.

[0010] Rounded edges are provided where necessary to avoid sharp edges and pressure hot spots for the patient.

[0011] The hood, at least a portion thereof, is advantageously formed from a transparent material, including, but not limited to, a plastic such as PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol), which can be molded as needed. This allows for viewing of the patient underneath the hood. Preferably, the hood has a one-piece construction with rounded surfaces, particularly on the inner surfaces that join the sides and top, eliminating the sharp corners of Plexiglas hoods, which can be difficult to clean and sterilize. The rounded surfaces of this hood make cleaning and sterilization much easier. The hood can be molded by methods known in the art.

[0012] Preferably, the system includes control and measurement devices to monitor air flow into and out of the hood interior, as well as to monitor the pressure differential between the interior of the hood and the surrounding environment. In the event of a loss of pressure seal, i.e., potential pathogen escape from the interior of the hood, an alarm can be triggered based on either or both of the pressure and air flow readings.

[0013] Preferably, a multi-pathogen killing light, such as ultraviolet C (UV-C) light, is mounted on or around the top of the hood, with the light directed inside the hood to kill pathogens such as viruses, including but not limited to the COVID-19 virus. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view of one embodiment of a negative pressure respiratory therapy hood system (often referred to as a "hood") showing a patient in position and medical personnel in an exemplary position with their hands and arms inserted inside the hood to perform a procedure on the patient. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a side view of the hood, i.e. the front side (rear wall) away from the hinged door. [Figure 4]FIG. 2 is a side view (side wall) of the hood. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a side view of the hood showing the hinged door side (front wall). [Figure 6] 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the hood 20 without the hinged door attached and showing the hood covering in partial view. Various other elements of the system have been omitted from FIG. 6 for purposes of clarity. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Description of the Presently Preferred Embodiment While a variety of negative pressure respiratory treatment hoods may embody the principles of the present invention, some presently preferred embodiments can be described with reference to the drawings, it being understood that for purposes of clarity, not all of the drawings may show specific elements.

[0016] A negative pressure respiratory therapy hood system 10 embodying the principles of the present invention includes a generally box-shaped rigid hood 20 having an opening 22 in a front wall 24 for receiving the head and preferably at least a portion of the neck and shoulders of a patient undergoing treatment, e.g., intubation. At least a portion of the hood 20 is fabricated from a material that is sufficiently transparent so that the patient within the hood can be observed therein, thereby allowing medical personnel to peer into the interior of the hood 20 to enable treatment of the patient; as described below, in a preferred embodiment, the hood 20 is formed from a substantially transparent material, such as clear plastic, as will be described in more detail below.

[0017] The patient typically lies supine on a table, with the hood 20 positioned over the patient's body. In a presently preferred embodiment, a hinged door 26 is attached to the upper edge of the opening 22 and is movable between a first open position (as can be seen in FIG. 4 ) to facilitate placement of the hood 20 around the patient and a second closed position as in FIGS. 1 and 2 , rotated toward or around the patient's body. It should be understood, however, that the hinged door 26 may or may not be provided. If provided, the hinged door 26 preferably has a cutout shape to fit the overall shape of the patient's body, as can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 5 , along with a cover 28 (shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 5 ) to provide a snug fit and seal around the patient's body. The cover 28 can be made from a resilient material, such as rubber or the like. The cover 28 can be held snugly in place by fasteners, such as wedges 48 or similar means. A latch 46 may be provided to hold the hinged door 26 in the closed position.

[0018] One or more access openings 30 are provided in the wall of the hood 20, as can be seen in FIG. 1, to allow medical personnel access to the interior of the hood 20, and therefore the patient. It should be understood that any number of access openings 30 may be provided to efficiently access the patient and / or manipulate instruments within the hood 20. Each access opening 30 is covered by an elastic material 32, such as a highly stretchable rubber covering or cuff, having an opening 34 therein. The opening 34 is preferably small in diameter (relative to the diameter of the access opening 30) and centrally positioned within the elastic material 32. Medical personnel insert their hand and then their arm into the interior of the hood 20 through the opening 34, with the elastic material 32 sealing snugly around the arm and maintaining a negative pressure seal. A flap 36 is shown in FIG. 3, preferably provided above each opening 34 and covering the opening 34 when not in use, thereby maintaining a negative pressure seal within the hood 20. It should be appreciated that the flap 36 essentially functions as a check valve. In one preferred embodiment, the flap 36 may be fabricated from a sheet of flexible or pliable material that covers the opening 34 in a first position and can be easily folded back out of the way to allow access through the opening 34.

[0019] 1-4, a connection 38, or negative pressure fitting, is secured to the hood for connection to a hospital suction or vacuum source 40 to create a negative pressure environment within the hood. Additionally, a portable negative pressure pump 44 may be attached to allow the patient to exercise while maintaining a negative pressure environment.

[0020] In one presently preferred embodiment, metering and measurement devices are provided to monitor both the air flow rate into and out of hood 20, as well as the pressure differential between the interior of hood 20 and the ambient pressure outside hood 20. Alarms are provided to signal undesirable flow and / or pressure differential conditions. The metering, measurements, and alarms are represented diagrammatically in the drawings as element 50.

[0021] A bottom seal 52 can be added to the bottom surface of the hood 20 and a hinged door seal 54 can be added between the hinged door 26 and the hood 20 .

[0022] FIG. 3 is a view from the direction of the medical personnel's position in FIG.

[0023] FIG. 4 is a side view showing the hinged door 26 and attached cover 28 in a first, closed position and in a second, partially open position, as described.

[0024] FIG. 5 is a view of the system looking into the opening 22 with the hinged door 26 in the closed position and the cover 28 in the flattened position.

[0025] 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of hood 20 without hinged door 26 and showing in partial view shroud 28. Various other elements of the system have been omitted from FIG. 6 for purposes of clarity.

[0026] Overall, system 10 allows for the creation of a sealed negative pressure environment around the patient's head and upper body while still allowing medical personnel to function within the hood via a rubber shroud in the access opening. It should be understood that the sealed negative pressure environment may be considered a "softly sealed" environment because air may flow into the interior of the hood in response to the negative pressure (vacuum) created therein, but the air and any pathogens carried therein do not leave the interior of the hood. Any pathogens released by the patient are drawn into the hospital suction, isolating medical personnel from this.

[0027] Preferably, a multi-pathogen-killing light, such as ultraviolet C (UV-C) light 42, is mounted on or around the top of the hood, with the light directed toward the inside of the hood to kill pathogens such as viruses, including but not limited to the COVID-19 virus. UV-C light (emission light generally having a wavelength between 200 and 280 nm) has been shown to have effective germicidal properties. It should be understood that other pathogen-killing lights may be used.

[0028] How to use the system An exemplary method of use of system 10 for generating a negative pressure environment around the head of a human medical patient and performing a medical procedure within said negative pressure environment includes: a) positioning a human medical patient on a table; b) positioning a rigid hood over a medical patient to receive the head of the medical patient within an interior space of the rigid hood, at least a portion of the hood being sufficiently transparent so that the medical patient within the hood can be observed inside the hood, the rigid hood having walls and an opening in a front wall with the body of the medical patient extending through the opening; c) placing a cover over the patient's body and securing the cover to the hood, the cover creating at least a partial pressure seal around the patient's body; d) connecting a negative pressure source to the interior of the hood to create a negative pressure environment inside the hood; It can have:

[0029] In general, the method of use is e) accessing a medical patient within the hood and performing a desired medical procedure on the patient, the access being through one or more access openings in a wall of the hood, each of the one or more access openings being covered by a resilient material having an opening therein, the resilient material and the openings therein providing access to the medical patient while maintaining a negative pressure environment within the hood, the hood having a flap that presses against and forms a pressure seal with the opening in the resilient material, the flap being movable to provide access through the opening in the resilient material; This will include:

[0030] Materials and Manufacturing The hood 20 is advantageously formed from a transparent or nearly transparent material, which may be a plastic such as PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol), which can be molded into a hemispherical shape and form a rigid hood 20. It should be understood that any other material with sufficient transparency may be used to manufacture the hood 20. Preferably, the hood 20 has a one-piece construction with rounded surfaces, particularly on the inner surfaces joining the sides and top, which eliminates sharp interior corners that are difficult to clean and sterilize. The rounded surfaces of the hood 20 make cleaning and sterilization much easier. The hood 20 can be molded by methods known in the art. The resilient material (e.g., rubber or similar) covering and access opening material can comprise materials known in the medical arts. It should be understood that the materials and methods of manufacture can be modified as needed.

[0031] Rounded edges are provided where necessary to avoid sharp edges and pressure hot spots for the patient.

[0032] Conclusion While the above description contains many specificities, it should be understood that these are not limiting and are presented merely to illustrate some of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention. Changes can be made to various aspects of the invention without departing from its scope.

[0033] Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not by the above examples, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

1. a rigid hood having a wall, an opening in a front wall, and a size and shape designed to receive a patient's head in an interior space of the hood when the patient is lying face down, at least a portion of the hood being sufficiently transparent so that the patient within the hood can be observed therein; a cover attached to the hood, the cover shaped and dimensioned to be positioned over the patient's body when the patient's head is positioned within the hood and the patient's body extends through the opening in the front wall, the cover creating at least a partial pressure seal around the patient's body; and one or more access openings in the wall of the hood having a size sufficient to allow access by medical personnel into the interior volume of the hood, each of the one or more access openings being covered by a resilient material having an opening therein, the resilient material opening and the resilient material allowing the medical personnel to access the interior volume of the hood while maintaining a pressure seal around the medical personnel's body or medical equipment; a hinged door mounted in the front wall adjacent the opening, the hinged door being movable between a first closed position and a second open position, the hinged door in the first closed position partially closing the opening; a flap that presses against and forms a pressure seal with the opening in the elastic material, the flap being movable to provide access through the elastic material opening; a connection for attaching a negative pressure source to the interior space of the hood; having Device.

2. The patient is positioned within the hood, and a negative pressure source is connected to the hood, creating a negative pressure environment within the hood.

10. The apparatus of claim 1.

3. and further comprising a pathogen-killing light directed toward the interior of the hood.

10. The apparatus of claim 1.

4. the pathogen-killing light is UV-C (ultraviolet C) light; 4. The apparatus of claim 3.

5. and further comprising a pathogen-killing light directed toward the interior of the hood.

3. The apparatus of claim 2.

6. the pathogen-killing light is UV-C (ultraviolet C) light; 6. The apparatus of claim 5.

7. The hood is designed to further receive a portion of the patient's upper body therein.

10. The apparatus of claim 1.

8. The hood is designed to further receive a portion of the patient's upper body therein.

3. The apparatus of claim 2.

9. a portable vacuum pump attached to the attachment connection of the negative pressure source; 10. The apparatus of claim 1.

10. one or more latches for securing the hinged door in the first closed position; a seal positioned between the hinged door and the hood; a seal positioned on a bottom surface of the hood; Further comprising:

10. The apparatus of claim 1.

11. the cover comprises a resilient material and further comprises fasteners for holding the cover firmly against the hood and against the patient's body.

11. The apparatus of claim 10.

12. The hood is made of transparent plastic.

10. The apparatus of claim 1.

13. The transparent plastic comprises PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol).

13. The apparatus of claim 12.

14. 1. A negative pressure respiratory therapeutic hood system, comprising: a rigid hood of unitary construction formed from a substantially transparent material, the rigid hood having a front wall, a rear wall, and side walls, the rigid hood having rounded interior surfaces that join the front wall, the rear wall, and the side walls to form an interior space having a size and shape designed to receive a patient's head therein when the patient is in a prone position, the rigid hood having an opening in the front wall; a hinged door mounted in the front wall adjacent the opening, the hinged door being movable between a first closed position and a second open position, the hinged door in the first closed position partially closing the opening; one or more latches that hold the hinged door sealed against the hood in the first closed position; a cover attached to the hood, the cover shaped and dimensioned to be positioned over the patient's body when the patient's head is positioned within the hood and the patient's body extends through the opening in the front wall, the cover releasably attachable to the wall of the hood and creating at least a partial pressure seal around the patient's body; and one or more access openings in the wall of the hood sufficient in size to allow access by medical personnel into the interior volume of the hood, each of the one or more access openings being covered by a resilient material having an opening therein, the opening in the resilient material and the resilient material allowing the medical personnel to access the interior volume of the hood while maintaining a pressure seal around the medical personnel's body or medical equipment; a flap that presses against and forms a pressure seal with the opening in the elastic material, the flap being movable to provide access through the opening in the elastic material; a connection for attaching a negative pressure source to the interior space of the hood; having system.

15. a portable vacuum pump attached to the connection for attachment of the negative pressure source; The system of claim 14.

16. the substantially transparent material comprises PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol); The system of claim 14.

17. further comprising instrumentation and measurement devices for monitoring both the air flow rate into and out of the interior volume of the hood and for monitoring the pressure differential between the interior volume of the hood and the ambient pressure outside the hood; The system of claim 14.

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