AURAL SUCTION DEVICE

The aural suction device includes a rigid tubular handle, a flexible tube detachably connected to the tubular handle, and a safety stop adjustably secured to an outer surface of the flexible tube. The flexible tube can be inserted into the ear of a patient and the aural suction device can be connected to a suction source to remove liquid from the ear. The safety stop can be positioned on the flexible tube to limit a length of the flexible tube to be inserted into the ear. The length of the flexible tube inserted into the ear can be sufficient to provide appropriate suction without impacting the eardrum if the patient moves unexpectedly during the procedure.

BACKGROUND

The disclosure of the present patent application relates to medical devices, and particularly, to an aural suction device with safety stop.

2. Description of the Related Art

It is a known medical practice to employ suction tubes for removing liquids from the ear. These suction tubes often include rigid portions that are inserted into the aural canals. When patients (particularly children) move during such procedures, the device can injure or puncture the eardrum or other parts of the ear, ear canal, or nasal cavity.

Thus a flexible aural suction tube with safety stop solving the aforementioned problems is desired.

SUMMARY

The aural suction device includes a rigid tubular handle, a flexible tube detachably connected to the tubular handle, and a safety stop adjustably secured to an outer surface of the flexible tube. The flexible tube can be inserted into the ear of a patient and the aural suction device can be connected to a suction source to remove liquid from the ear. The safety stop can be positioned on the flexible tube to limit a length of the flexible tube to be inserted into the ear. The length of the flexible tube inserted into the ear should be sufficient to provide appropriate suction without impacting the eardrum if the patient moves unexpectedly during the procedure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The aural suction device5includes a tubular handle10, a flexible suction tube20detachably connected to the tubular handle10, and a safety stop22detachably connected to an outer surface of the flexible suction tube20. The tubular handle10can have a rigid peripheral wall and an opening16extending through a portion of the wall. The tubular handle10is configured for connection to a tube of a conventional suction machine. The opening16can facilitate manual control of the suction.

As shown inFIG. 1, the tubular handle10includes at least an open first end12and an open second end14. The first end12can be detachably connected to flexible tube20. The second end14is configured for attachment to a suction or vacuum source30to provide an aural suction system. The opening16is in fluid communication with the vacuum source30and the flexible tube20, allowing for manual control of suction through the flexible tube20. The rigid tubular handle10may be attached to the flexible tube20or the vacuum source30via one of a variety of means, including but not limited to a snug friction fit, a chemical adhesive, a threaded connection, or a coupling. The tubular handle10may be constructed from plastic, steel, or any other suitably rigid material.

The flexible tube20can be made of any flexible material, such as rubber, plastic, or other suitable materials. As shown inFIG. 4, the flexible tube20can be reinforced with wire24to allow the flexible tube20to resist light pressures but bend in response to harder pressures, thereby reducing the risk of injury to the patient. The wire24can include a thin spiral wire embedded within the tube or a metal mesh.

As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, the safety stop22can be a ring or clamp configured to adjustably grip an outer peripheral portion of the flexible tube20. Positioning the stop22on the tube20separates the flexible tube20into an ear insertable first portion13aand a remaining second portion13b.The safety stop22is configured to abut the outer ear when the ear insertable first portion13ais inserted into the ear, and thereby prevent the remaining second portion13bof the tube from entering the ear. A user can adjust the position of the safety stop22as needed to adjust the length of the ear insertable portion13a(as shown inFIG. 3). The ear insertable portion can be long enough to provide appropriate suction without impacting the eardrum if the patient moves unexpectedly during the procedure.

As shown inFIG. 4, the releasable safety stop22may comprise a spring clamp26. In an alternative embodiment shown inFIGS. 1-3, the releasable safety stop22may include a ring having a hole of approximately equal diameter to the outside diameter of the flexible tube20, allowing the safety stop22to releasably engage the flexible tube20.

The inner diameter of the flexible tube20can be essentially constant. The inner diameter of the rigid tubular handle10can be essentially constant or variable.