Structural arrangement applied to a set of interchangeable tips for an integrated suction / irrigation device

The integrated suction/irrigation device with interchangeable tips addresses inefficiencies in dental surgery by combining functions, improving ergonomics, reducing surgery time, and lowering costs while enhancing patient comfort and safety.

WO2026080992A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2026-04-23HOLZER JÚNIOR ALFREDO
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
HOLZER JÚNIOR ALFREDO
Filing Date
2024-11-11
Publication Date
2026-04-23

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Current dental surgical procedures require separate instruments for irrigation and suction, leading to inefficiencies, ergonomic issues, prolonged intervention times, increased risk of accidents, discomfort for patients, and higher costs due to multiple instrument use.

Method used

A single integrated suction/irrigation device with interchangeable tips that combine both functions, allowing simultaneous operation and adaptability to different surgical needs, reducing the need for multiple instruments.

Benefits of technology

Enhances ergonomic comfort for professionals and patients, reduces surgery time, improves surgical field visibility, decreases contamination risk, and lowers overall costs by integrating suction and irrigation in a single device.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present utility model relates to a set of interchangeable tips applied to an integrated suction-irrigation device, intended for surgical procedures in the fields of medicine, dentistry, and veterinary practice. The interchangeable tips include specific variations for different types of procedure, such as curved, fine, broad, and tissue-retractor-shaped tips. This set provides greater versatility and adaptability of the instrument for different surgical procedures, improving efficiency, ergonomics, and safety for both the practitioner and the patient.
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Description

[0001] CONSTRUCTIONAL ARRANGEMENT APPLIED IN A SET OF INTERCHANGEABLE TIPS FOR AN INTEGRATED SUCTION / IRRIGATOR

[0002] FIELD OF APPLICATION

[0003]

[0001] This descriptive report concerns the utility model patent for a new set of interchangeable tips, with a new constructive arrangement applied, notably for use in an integrated suction / irrigation device for surgical interventions, of innovative design and endowed with important technological and functional improvements, according to the most modern concepts of engineering, medicine and dentistry and in accordance with the required standards and specifications, possessing its own characteristics and endowed with fundamental requirements of novelty and inventive step, resulting in a series of real and extraordinary technical, practical and economic advantages.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT MODEL

[0005]

[0002] In the current market, particularly in the dental field, it is common to use two separate instruments for irrigation and suction procedures during surgery. Irrigation is typically performed using syringes or specific attachments connected to implant motors, while suction is done with dedicated instruments such as cannulas. This practice requires the professional to use two distinct instruments, which can make the procedure less efficient and ergonomically unfavorable.

[0006]

[0003] Until 2022, there was no instrument that effectively combined the functions of suction and irrigation in a single device. The 2022 patent. Reference document BR 10 2022 000240-1 published on 07 / 06 / 2022 brought an innovative solution by uniting these two functions in a single instrument, allowing surgical interventions to be performed more efficiently, with fewer instrument changes and greater comfort for both the professional and the patient.

[0007] PROBLEMS IDENTIFIED

[0008]

[0004] a. Problem identification: the main critical points and drawbacks identified in the current market, especially in conventionally performed dental surgical procedures, include:

[0009]

[0005] a.1 In the light of the professional dental surgeon and his assistant

[0010]

[0006] - Lack of ergonomics: Irrigation and / or fluid aspiration procedures during surgery present a lack of ergonomics for the dental surgeon. The need to use two instruments simultaneously, one for irrigation and the other for aspiration, makes the procedure less efficient and more uncomfortable for the professional. This compromises the ergonomics of the procedure, requires the continuous use of both hands, and increases the space occupied in the operated region, which reduces visual access to the surgical field;

[0011]

[0007] - Long intervention time: The time required to perform the surgical intervention is long due to the need to constantly refill the irrigation syringe and switch between instruments;

[0012]

[0008] - Cleaning and visualization of the surgical field: Lack of constant irrigation makes it difficult to visualize the operated area, especially in cases where there is an accumulation of blood;

[0013]

[0009] - Overheating: The action of mechanized instruments on mineralized structures such as bone and teeth generates heat, which can be harmful to these structures. Sometimes irrigation with a syringe to attenuate the generated heat is not efficient, especially in hard-to-reach areas;

[0010] - Risk of accidents: The conventional use of syringes and needles for irrigation increases the risk of accidents (puncture) during the procedure, both for the professional and the patient.

[0014]

[0011] a.2 In the patient's light:

[0015]

[0012] - Discomfort: The use of multiple instruments in the oral cavity causes discomfort to the patient. As in traditionally performed procedures the syringe is the vehicle for irrigation, there is a tendency for the assistant to reduce irrigation due to the constant need for filling; this reduction in constant irrigation can lead to dryness of the mucosa, which causes greater discomfort to the patient.

[0016]

[0013] a.3 In light of health safety:

[0017]

[0014] - Risk of contamination: Prolonged exposure of the surgical site to the external environment may increase the risk of bacterial contamination. This is due to the additional time required for the constant filling of the irrigation syringe. Lack of irrigation or constant cleaning of the area may also facilitate the retention of foreign bodies.

[0018]

[0015] a.4 In the light of the surgical instrument manufacturer:

[0019]

[0016] - Need for multiple instruments: Conventional practice requires the use of different surgical instruments, such as cannulas dedicated to washing the intervention area and syringes for administering fluids. This increases the complexity of the procedure and the need for more instruments.

[0020]

[0017] a.5 In light of the cost of inputs:

[0021]

[0018] - High cost: The need to acquire and use multiple instruments, such as suction devices and syringes, significantly impacts the total cost of the surgical procedure. This includes not only the purchase of the instruments, but also the maintenance and replacement costs. STATE OF THE ART

[0022]

[0019] Patent document BR 10 2022 000240-1 published on 07 / 06 / 2022 teaches an inventive solution that finds significant benefit in the field of medicine, human and / or animal, notably in the segment of surgery in all sorts of the human (or animal) body that has as a demand the use of suction and irrigation devices, applied in devices with the purpose of removing and introducing fluids, and in order to make the surgical procedure more ergonomic, whether for the dentist, his assistant and even for the patient, reduce costs with instruments and also provide greater work safety and biosecurity, the suction-irrigation instrument was conceived, preferably manufactured in a single piece, which combines the function of aspiration with the function of irrigation of fluids in the surgical field of a patient.

[0023]

[0020] Analyzing the aforementioned document, as can be observed, it fully presents the constructive characteristics of the suction / irrigation device for surgical interventions where the set of interchangeable tips that is the subject of this patent will be used.

[0024] OBJECTIVES

[0025]

[0021] b - The objectives of this utility model patent are:

[0026]

[0022] b.1 - Checking Integration of Irrigation and Suction Functions: The ability to perform both irrigation and suction simultaneously in a single instrument is the central feature, providing greater efficiency and safety during surgical procedures;

[0027]

[0023] b.2 - Introducing Interchangeable Tips: The introduction of interchangeable tips specific to different types of interventions (such as curved, thin, thick, and retractor-shaped tips) allows the instrument to be adapted to a wide range of surgical procedures, increasing its versatility and effectiveness.

[0028]

[0024] b.3 - Improve Ergonomics: The instrument was designed to be ergonomic, allowing healthcare professionals to perform procedures more comfortably and efficiently, reducing fatigue and discomfort for both the professional and the patient. The interchangeable tips, the subject of this patent, can be supplied already attached to the handle, or separately for later selection and attachment by the professional;

[0029]

[0025] b.4 - Versatility and Connectivity: The connectors allow the instrument to be used with a wide variety of surgical equipment, making it highly adaptable and easy to integrate into different clinical environments. This set of interchangeable tips allows the instrument to be adapted to different types of interventions, from microsurgery (with the fine tip) to more general surgery (with the thick tip). This expands the applicability of the instrument in a variety of procedures;

[0030]

[0026] b.5 - Improved Precision: The curved tip facilitates access to hard-to-reach areas, such as the posterior alveoli, while the retractor-shaped tip helps in tissue retraction, providing a more precise and safe operation;

[0031]

[0027] b.6 - Increase Efficiency: The ability to quickly change tips as needed during the surgical procedure increases the efficiency and adaptability of the instrument, allowing the professional to adjust the instrument to the specific needs of the procedure in real time. Or, if the professional prefers, the tip can be obtained already attached to the handle;

[0032]

[0028] b.7 - Providing Patient Comfort: Reducing the number of instruments used simultaneously in surgery, and constant irrigation to keep tissues hydrated, decreases patient discomfort and suffering, providing a more comfortable surgical experience;

[0033]

[0029] b.8 - Reducing the risk of contamination: Decreasing the time the surgical area is exposed to the external environment significantly reduces the risk of bacterial contamination, improving the sanitary safety of the procedure;

[0034]

[0030] b.9 - Integration for Manufacturing: The new instrument not only performs the aspiration function, but also irrigation, eliminating the need for separate devices for these functions. This makes the product more attractive and competitive in the market, offering a complete solution in a single device. Interchangeable tips can make it applicable to a wider variety of procedures. This versatility can also reduce the need to manufacture and stock multiple types of instruments, offering a more complete and adaptable product for the market;

[0035]

[0031] b.10 - Provides Cost Savings: By combining the functions of washing, fluid application and suction, as well as the retractor function if the interchangeable tip is used for this purpose, in a single device, the instrument reduces the costs associated with the purchase and maintenance of multiple devices, offering a more economical solution for clinics and hospitals;

[0036]

[0032] These and other objectives are achieved with an arrangement comprising a set of interchangeable suction tips which allows for greater versatility of the product. With this modifications were made to the main suction tube (a) allowing the fitting of the new tips.

[0037] FUNCTION OF INTERCHANGEABLE TIPS

[0038]

[0033] c - The interchangeable tips that are the subject of this patent are:

[0034] c.1 - Curved tip, developed specifically for access to posterior alveoli, allowing for better ergonomics and effectiveness in the removal and irrigation of fluids in hard-to-reach areas. The tips are easily changed through a precision fitting, or if the tip already attached to the handle is chosen, it can also be constructed in a single piece.

[0039]

[0035] c.2 - Fine tip, suitable for microsurgery, offering precision and control in delicate procedures.

[0040]

[0036] c.3 - Thick tip, designed for general surgery, allowing for greater fluid aspiration power suitable for more extensive procedures.

[0041]

[0037] c.4 - Tip with retractor shape, facilitates tissue retraction during surgery, combining the functions of retraction and irrigation / suction in a single piece.

[0042] TESTS

[0043]

[0038] d - Practical tests were carried out with the suction / irrigation instrument with interchangeable tips and demonstrated positive results in several critical aspects:

[0044]

[0039] d.1 - Practical tests carried out in a clinical setting showed that the use of the instrument significantly reduced surgery time compared to traditional methods that use separate instruments for irrigation and suction;

[0045]

[0040] d.2 - The ability to perform irrigation and suction simultaneously improved visibility of the surgical field and reduced the need for interruptions during the procedure;

[0046]

[0041] d.3 - Professionals who participated in the tests reported a significant improvement in the ergonomics of the procedure, with less hand fatigue and greater ease of handling during prolonged surgeries;

[0047]

[0042] d.4 - Patients also reported less discomfort during the procedures, especially due to the reduction in the number of instruments inserted into the mouth;

[0048]

[0043] d.5 - Regarding the performance of the interchangeable tips that are the subject of this patent: The interchangeable tips proved to be highly effective in their respective functions: the curved tip facilitated access to hard-to-reach areas, such as the posterior alveoli; the fine tip provided the necessary precision for microsurgery; and the thick tip proved to be ideal for more general procedures. The retractor-shaped tip significantly aided in tissue retraction, allowing for better visualization and aspiration of blood from the inner portion of the surgical flap.

[0049]

[0044] These studies and practical tests confirm that the new suction / irrigation instrument with interchangeable tips not only meets expectations in terms of performance, but also offers significant improvements over traditional methods.

[0050] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0051]

[0045] To complement the present description, in order to obtain a better understanding of the characteristics of the present patent, and in accordance with a preferred practical embodiment thereof, a set of drawings is attached, where, by way of example but not limitation, the following is represented:

[0052] Figure 1 represents a perspective view of the cable supporting the tips, which is the subject of this patent.

[0053] Figure 2 represents a perspective view of the support cable with the spacer end attached.

[0054] Figure 3 represents a perspective view of the upper part of the spreader tip.

[0055] Figure 4 represents a perspective view of the spreading tip, highlighting the internal channels.

[0056] Figure 5 shows another perspective view of the spreader tip, now from the bottom.

[0057] Figure 6 represents a perspective view of the support cable with the curved surgical tip attached.

[0058] Figure 7 represents a perspective view of the curved surgical tip, highlighting the internal channels.

[0059] Figure 8 represents a perspective view of the support cable with the thin surgical tip attached.

[0060] Figure 9 represents a perspective view of the fine surgical tip, highlighting the internal channels.

[0061] Figure 10 represents a perspective view of the support cable with the thick surgical tip attached.

[0062] Figure 11 represents a perspective view of the thick surgical tip, highlighting the internal channels.

[0063] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE UTILITY MODEL

[0064]

[0046] According to the aforementioned figures, and in their details, the present patent consists of a set of interchangeable tips for an integrated irrigation suction device for surgical interventions, the support cable being composed of a tubular piece (1), provided with inclined sections and terminations with connections, (2) connection for suction hose and (3) connection for irrigation hose, on both sides, one end having a wider connector, while the other has a cylindrical end (4) with a visible inclination, where the interchangeable tips are coupled, retracting tip (5), of conical shape, tapering from a larger to a smaller diameter, with a smooth and polished surface (6), the lower end being formed by a flat part (7) with a rectangular hole (8), the upper part being formed by a cylindrical recess (9), for connection with a cylindrical recess in the tubular support piece (1),said spacer tip (5) being provided with internal channels (10) and hole (1 1).,

[0065]

[0047] The other component of the interchangeable tip set is the curved surgical tip (12), with a conical body, the upper part having a cylindrical recess (13) for fitting into the tubular support (1) and the lower part having a straight tip (14), said part having internal channels (15).

[0066]

[0048] The other component of the interchangeable tip set is the fine surgical tip (16), with a rounded tip (17), the upper part having a cylindrical recess (18) for fitting into the tubular support (1) and the lower part having a rounded tip (17), said part having internal channels (19).

[0067]

[0049] The other component of the interchangeable tip set is the thick surgical tip (20), with a straight tip (21), the upper part having a cylindrical recess (22) for fitting into the tubular support (1) and the lower part having a straight tip (21), said part having internal channels (22).

[0068]

[0050] The support cable can be supplied with each of these ends already integrated into its body in a monobloc format, if desired by the professional.

[0069]

[0051] The surgeon or assistant will have access to the sterile product in its packaging, remembering that this product can be made of polymers (disposable) or metal, which can be used repeatedly after proper post-surgical processing.

[0070]

[0052] Upon opening the packaging and accessing the sterile product, the assistant must connect the main suction tube (2) to the suction hose of the surgical center or dental unit, and the hose from the peristaltic pump to the irrigation tube (3). Then, select the suction tip that best suits the surgical procedure and attach it to the handle.

[0071]

[0053] If the cable is already supplied with the chosen tip adapted, only the connections to the hoses will be necessary.

[0054] Detailed information on the operation of the cable, which serves as support for the interchangeable tips, is described in reference document BR 10 2022 000240-1 published on 07 / 06 / 2022.

[0055] There is no known set of interchangeable tips for an irrigator / integrated suction device for surgical interventions that fully meets all the constructive and functional characteristics described above, and that directly or indirectly is or has been as effective as the set that is the subject of this patent.

[0072]

[0056] It will be evident to those knowledgeable in the subject matter that while the preferred embodiment of the constructive arrangement introduced in this set is described, any modifications and / or alterations should be understood as falling within the scope of a utility model patent, perfectly fitting the criteria that define it, namely, the combination and modification of already known elements in a new form or arrangement, involving an inventive act, resulting in functional improvement in its use or manufacture.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Set of interchangeable tips for integrated suction-irrigation system, characterized by comprising: a) A support handle (1), composed of a tubular piece with inclined sections and terminations with connections (2) and (3) at both ends, having one end with a wider connector for connection to the suction hose (2) and another end with a cylindrical fitting (4) for fixing the interchangeable tips, connection 3 being intended for the irrigation hose. b) Retractor Tip (5): With a conical shape that tapers from a larger to a smaller diameter, smooth surface (6), flat lower end (7) with rectangular opening (8) for suction and irrigation, and cylindrical recess (9) for fitting into the support handle. c) Curved Surgical Tip (12): With a conical body, cylindrical recess (13) for fitting into the support handle, and curved distal end (14), allowing access to hard-to-reach areas.d) Fine Surgical Tip (16): With rounded tip (17), cylindrical recess (18) for fitting into the support handle, suitable for delicate procedures and microsurgery. e) Thick Surgical Tip (20): With straight tip (21), cylindrical recess (22) for fitting into the support handle, indicated for general surgery.

2. Assembly, according to claim 1, characterized in that the interchangeable tips have an internal channel that allows the passage of suction fluids, and the support cable allows the irrigation function, thus generating the integration of functions in a single instrument.

3. Assembly, according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the interchangeable ends are fixed to the support cable by means of Precision fit, allowing for quick and safe replacement during procedures.

4. Assembly: As per the previous claims, the support cable can be manufactured in a monobloc format, with any of the interchangeable ends already installed.

5. A set, as described in the preceding claims, characterized by being manufactured from materials suitable for sterilization, and which may be reusable or disposable, depending on clinical need.

6. Assembly, as per the preceding claims, characterized by the support cable having an integrated irrigation channel parallel to the suction channel, allowing the simultaneous operation of both functions.

Citation Information

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