Fluid collection device

A fluid collection device for withdrawing a fluid from an object includes a chamber having a plurality of apertures and an opening for flow of the fluid. A tube is positioned in fluid communication with the opening of the chamber for withdrawing fluid out of the chamber. At least one of the apertures is positioned within a recess for substantially preventing clogging of the apertures during collection and removal of the fluid. The plurality of apertures may be interconnected by grooves for directing the flow and preventing clogging of the apertures. The tube has a plurality of holes that are positioned within the chamber and held in place with a retaining ring. The apertures may be positioned so that spaces are provided between the apertures for placement of the tube or other devices. Exposed edges of the chamber and recesses are radiused for reducing irritation to a person.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to devices that transfer fluids and, more particularly, to devices for the collection and removal of fluid from an object.

During medical treatment of a person, may different types of fluids may be introduced into a person's body, and removed from a person's body. As an example, during treatment for cancer, chemotherapy drugs may be disbursed into a person's peritoneal cavity, mixed with other bodily fluids, and the combination of fluids subsequently removed from the person's body. Other examples of fluids may include saline solution, blood, drugs, or any other desired fluid that may be necessary for treatment of an individual.

Various types of equipment are used for withdrawing fluid and other particulates from a person's body during a medical procedure, such as surgery. For example, various types of surgical aspirators, tubing and fittings are used during the treatment of a person.

Often during the use of the aspirator or other medical removal device, the holes of the device become clogged or plugged with pieces of debris, such as tissue, blood clots, or the like. Currently, several types of tip guards, sleeves, or other devices have been used in combination with the aspirator in an attempt to prevent clogging of the holes during fluid removal.

Therefore, what is needed is an apparatus and method for withdrawing a fluid from an object that does not clog during use and that can easily and efficiently collect and remove the fluid.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A fluid collection device for transferring a fluid includes a chamber having a plurality of apertures positioned through at least one side of the chamber for the flow of the fluid into the chamber. At least one of the plurality of apertures is positioned within a recess for substantially preventing clogging of the plurality of apertures during collection of the fluid. The diameter of the plurality of apertures is smaller than the diameter of the recess for substantially preventing clogging of the apertures.

The chamber has an opening for withdrawing the fluid from the chamber and a tube is positionable at the opening of the chamber for providing fluid communication between the chamber and the tube for withdrawing the fluid from the chamber through the tube. The tube includes a bore and at least one hole, having the bore and the at least one hole positioned within the chamber for providing additional access points for the flow of the fluid therethrough and out of the chamber. The tube is rotatable and has an angled portion for directing the flow of fluid. A retaining ring is positionable about the tube and positionable within the chamber adjacent to the opening for retaining the tube within the chamber.

The first side of the chamber has at least one first space positioned between the plurality of apertures for placement of other devices. The first side of the chamber also has a second space positioned between the plurality of apertures, and the second side of the chamber has a third space positioned between the plurality of apertures for placement of the tube.

The first and second sides of the chamber further include at least one groove positioned connecting at least a portion of the plurality of apertures for providing a pathway for the flow of the fluid and for substantially preventing clogging of the plurality of apertures. The first and second sides may also include at least one groove positioned extending from at least a portion of the plurality of apertures outwardly for providing a pathway for the flow of the fluid and for substantially preventing clogging of the plurality of apertures.

The fluid collection device may further include a retaining member for attachment of other devices thereto, making the fluid collection device usable in combination with other devices. A stabilizer having a surface and a bore may be used for providing stabilization during collection of the fluid. The chamber is formed from a flexible material making the device less invasive during use in a person's body.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The invention described herein provides an apparatus and method for withdrawing fluid from an object. The apparatus and method can be used in a medical environment, such as during surgery, treatment, or any other procedure, or can be used in any other type of environment or application. The fluid to be removed may be fluids used during medical procedures, such as chemotherapy drugs, saline solution, or other fluids used during treatment. The fluid can also include blood or other bodily fluids, small blood clots, small pieces of tissue, such as fat, muscle, or the like, or any other smaller types of material. The apparatus is sized for preventing larger pieces of material from passing through.

The object may include a specific area or regions of a person's body, such as for chemotherapy treatment of cavities, for example, the peritoneal space outside of the stomach or the pleural space outside of the lungs of a person, or for any other desired treatment areas. For areas other than a person's body, the object may include any desired area that needs fluid collection or removal.

Referring toFIGS. 1-6, a fluid collection device10includes a chamber20having at least one wall, such as a first side22, a second side24, and a third side26. The first side22, second side24and third side26are the walls that form the housing of the collection chamber20. The first, second and third sides22,24and26enclose a hollow space18formed within the chamber20. The fluid may flow into the hollow space within the chamber20. The first, second and third sides22,24and26may be separately formed pieces, may be integrally formed together as a single piece, or any suitable configuration. As one example, as shown inFIG. 1, the chamber20may be formed from two pieces that snap together, such as the first side22and a portion of the third side26being integrally formed together forming a first component. The second side24and a portion of the third side26are integrally formed together forming a second component that is engagable with the first component for forming the chamber20.

Preferably, the chamber20has radiused edges, such as edge28, for providing comfort to the patient and minimizing irritation and trauma to the person. The first, second, and third sides22,24,26have a plurality of apertures30for transferring fluid therethrough. The chamber20also has an opening32for transferring fluid. Preferably, fluid flows into the chamber20through the plurality of apertures30and the fluid flows out of the chamber20through the opening32. The diameter of the opening32is sized for handling a larger volume of fluid as compared to the diameter of the plurality of apertures30.

The plurality of apertures30in the first side22and the second side24are each positioned within a recess40. Preferably, the diameter of the apertures30is smaller than the diameter of the recess40for forming a divot within the first side22and the second side24. The recess40or divot is an elongated protuberance or protrusion extending into the interior of the chamber20. The recess40has a first surface, or first edge34, and a second surface, or second edge36, that may be curved, arched, flat, straight, concave, convex, or any suitable shape. The aperture30is positioned at the bottom or second edge36of the recess40. The first edge34is positioned at the opening of the recess40. The opening or first edge34has a larger diameter as compared to the diameter of the second edge36or aperture30.

Preferably, all edges of the first surfaces34and the second surfaces36of the recess40are radiused, having no sharp edges for minimizing damage to the patient and reducing irritation and trauma to the person. Additionally, the radiused edges of the surfaces34and36more uniformly funnel the fluid into the recesses40and out of the apertures30. The shape of the recess40or divot substantially prevents clogging of the apertures30from particles or other debris that may be pulled by a suction or the like during collection and withdrawal of the fluid.

The apertures30of the third side26may or may not be positioned within the recess40. The plurality of apertures30provide a multitude of access holes for the introduction of the fluid therethrough. In the event that a few of the apertures30become clogged, the use of a plurality of apertures30in the chamber20provides alternative entrance areas into the chamber20.

As one example, referring toFIG. 2, the chamber20is disc shaped and may be formed from a flexible material, a rigid material, or any other suitable material. The first side22of the chamber20includes the plurality of apertures30positioned circumferentially. The apertures30are positioned in spaced apart relationship to one another, and may be positioned in clusters, evenly spaced with respect to one another, or in any various position. The first side22has at least one first space42and a second space44positioned between the apertures30.

An orientation marking, such as an arrow38may be positioned on at least one of the first, second, and third sides22,24and26of the chamber20. Preferably, as shown inFIG. 2, the arrow38is located on the second side24so that the arrow38can be viewed while the fluid collection device10is in use. The arrow38can be aligned with a person's incision, a piece of medical equipment, or the like for providing a specific orientation of the fluid collection device10.

The first side22of the chamber20additionally may have a retaining member50. The retaining member50is a lip, raised edge, or the like for engagement with another object. The retaining member50may be circular or have any shape corresponding to the shape of the device desired to be attached thereto. Preferably, the retaining member50has at least one indentation48. As one example, referring toFIGS. 4-6, positioned on the raised edge50, the fluid collection device10may be attached to an object, such as a fluid distribution device52. The fluid distribution device52has a disc shape and is seated in the circular raised edge50of the retaining member50. The retaining member50is sized so that the fluid distribution device52snaps into and is snugly held by the retaining member50. The fluid distribution device52has a disbursement housing54attached to a plurality of tubing56for the distribution of fluid. The tubing56is positionable to extend along or within the spaces42of the first side22and between the clusters of apertures30so that the tubing56does not block or restrict fluid flow through the apertures30. The tubing56may be seated within the indentations48of the retaining member50. The indentations48provide a positive orientation for the tubing56. The engagement together of the fluid collection device10and the fluid distribution device52allows the combination of the two devices10and52to distribute fluid into and collect fluid from the object in a compact unit.

Additionally, preferably the retaining member50has at least one radiused edge, such as edge46, for reducing irritation and trauma to the person. The retaining member50may have all edges radiused. Also, the indentations48may be radiused.

Preferably, the fluid distribution device52and the fluid collection device10are removably attached together, such as by snapping the pieces together, enabling either one or the other, or both devices to be used at a time. Alternatively, the fluid distribution device52and the fluid collection device10can be adhesively attached together, mechanically attached together, or the like.

As an example, referring toFIG. 3, the second side24of the chamber20also has the plurality of the apertures30positioned circumferentially and in various positions. The apertures30are positioned in spaced apart relationship to one another, and may be positioned in various patterns or evenly spaced with respect to one another. The second side24has a third space60positioned between the apertures30.

Both of the first and second sides22and24may have at least one groove62interconnecting the recesses40. If a recess is not used as with the third side26, then at least one groove62may interconnect with the apertures30. The groove62is a trough, recess, or the like for directing the flow of fluid. The groove62also acts to substantially prevent clogging or seating of material that may prevent fluid flow through the apertures30. The grooves62may extend radially or outwardly from the apertures30for directing the flow of the fluid. The grooves62may also extend in an arc for providing a curved or circular pathway for connecting the recesses40and apertures30together for directing the fluid flow. The grooves62provide a pathway for the flow of the fluid. The grooves62fluidly interconnect the plurality of apertures30. Preferably, the grooves62connect to each of the apertures30, but alternatively, may connect only a portion of the plurality of apertures30together.

Preferably, the groove62has radiused edges, such as a radiused shoulder58and radiused corners70, for providing comfort to the person and facilitating flow of the fluid. The grooves62may be shallow, deep or any suitable depth and width for substantially preventing clogging of the fluid collection device10and facilitating flow of the fluid. Referring toFIGS. 2 and 4, a portion66of the groove62is shown having a greater depth and width than adjacent portions of the groove62. The groove62may have a uniform size throughout the chamber20, or may have varying sizes for facilitating flow of the fluid and substantially preventing clogging.

The chamber20may have at least one support64to prevent the first and second sides22and24from collapsing toward one another. The support64is a boss, circular protuberance, elongated support, or the like for structurally supporting the first and second sides22and24. The support64may be one piece attached to either one of the first and second sides22and24and contacting the other of the first and second sides22and24during use, may be two pieces having one piece attached to each of the first and second sides22and24and engagable with one another, or any other suitable construction.

The chamber20may or may not have an extension68extending from the third side26of the chamber20. Alternatively, the extension68may be positioned in any desired location. The opening32is positioned at the extension68, or alternatively, flush with an outside wall of the chamber20.

A tube72is used for withdrawing the fluid from the chamber20. The tube72is sized for engagement with the opening32of the chamber20. Preferably, the tube72is disposed through the opening32, through the extension68, and is positioned partially within the interior of the chamber20. Alternatively, the tube72may be attached to the third side26of the chamber for providing the fluid communication between the tube72and the chamber20. The tube72has at least one hole74in a wall of the tube72for flow of the fluid therethrough. Preferably, a plurality of the holes74are positioned at one end of the tube72. The at least one hole74is positioned within the chamber20for providing additional access points for the fluid to flow through. In the event that the bore76of the tube72becomes clogged, the fluid may flow through the at least one hole74.

The tube72is preferably positioned along the space44of the first side22and along the space60of the second side24for reducing or eliminating blockage of the plurality of apertures30of the chamber20. Also, this positioning avoids contact or interference of the tube72with the divots40that protrude into the interior of the chamber20.

The tube72is rotatable within the opening32for enabling a person to adjust the positioning of the tube72with respect to the chamber20and with respect to the object that the fluid collection device10is positioned in. Additionally, there may be a channel90formed between the outside diameter of the tube72and the inside diameter of the opening32for allowing seepage of the fluid therethrough for providing an additional access point for the flow of the fluid. The tube72may also be straight, have an elbow or angled portion78, be at least partially bent, or any other suitable shape for providing a variety of positions of the tube72during use. The tube72is preferably flexible, but alternatively, may be rigid or any suitable material.

Referring toFIG. 1, a retaining ring80is sized for positioning about the tube72and is positionable within the chamber20. The inside diameter of the retaining ring80is substantially equal to or slightly smaller than the outside diameter of the tube72for enabling the retaining ring80to be snugly disposed on the tube72. The outside diameter of the retaining ring80is larger than the diameter of the opening32of the chamber20for preventing the retaining ring80from slipping through the opening32, thereby holding the tube72securely in position with respect to the chamber20. The retaining ring80may have a square profile, a round profile, or any other suitable shape. The retaining ring80may be adhesively attached to the tube72, frictionally secured, mechanically attached, or the like for securing the ring80to the tube72and for preventing the tube72from coming out of the chamber20.

The chamber20may have a retaining groove92positioned in the first side22and the second side24for seating the retaining ring80within the groove92within the chamber20. The retaining groove92is a protruding arch extending outwardly from the chamber and is sized for housing the ring80therein. Preferably, the retaining ring80is rotatable within the groove92for manipulation of the tubing72with respect to the chamber20.

A stabilizer82may be used to assist in stabilizing the fluid collection device10during use. The stabilizer82has a bore84therethrough that has a diameter sized for the disposition of a tube86through the bore84. The tube86introduces fluid into the fluid distribution device52. The stabilizer82is slidable along the length of the tube86for adjusting the position of the stabilizer82along the length of the tube86. The bore84is sized so that when the stabilizer82is positioned in the desired location along the tube86, the stabilizer82is snugly held in that position. The stabilizer82has a surface88which contacts the object for supporting the fluid collection device10during use. The stabilizer82acts as a clamp for securing or holding the components stationary with respect to the person or object.

Preferably, the components of the fluid collection device10are constructed from a clear material for enabling a person to visually observe the fluid being collected and withdrawn from the object.

In operation, as an example, the fluid collection device10is positioned in an object, such as a person's body during surgery. If the fluid collection device10is used in combination with the fluid distribution device52, then the fluid collection device10is positioned below the fluid distribution device52, allowing fluid to flow into the body from a higher point, sink due to gravity, and to be removed from the body at a lower point in the body. The fluid distribution device52is secured within the retaining member50. Otherwise, the fluid collection device10alone may be positioned in any desired location in an object.

The tube72is rotated or positioned to extend from the chamber20to outside of the person's body in a desired position. If the fluid distribution device52is used, after the person's body is closed with the fluid collection device10within the body, the stabilizer82is slid along the tube86until the stabilizer82contacts the person's body and acts like a clamp against the person's body.

A withdrawal force, such as suction, siphon, gravity or the like, is applied to the tube72enabling fluid to be pulled from within the body, through the plurality of apertures30of the chamber20, through the holes74and the bore76of the tube72, through the opening32, and out of the body or other object through the tube72.

An advantage of the fluid collection device10is that the design of the plurality of apertures30provides a greater opportunity for fluid to flow into the chamber20due to a multitude of access points for the fluid to flow through. The use of a plurality of holes74in the tube72and the channel90also provide multiple access points.

Another advantage is that the design of the recesses40and grooves62substantially prevent or reduce clogging of the plurality of apertures30to facilitate continuous fluid flow into the chamber20during use.

Another advantage is the use of the retaining member50, the spaces42, and the indentation48for engagement with other devices, such as other pieces of medical equipment, for example the fluid distribution device52, or the like. The use of spaces44and60is advantageous for placement of other devices, such as tubing, medical equipment, or any desired device, without interference with the divots40or plurality of apertures30.

Yet another advantage is the use of a flexible material for the chamber20. The soft or semi-flexible chamber20is adaptable to the various crevices within a person's body or other object for fitting the chamber20in a desired position. The flexible material is less invasive during use in a person's body. The flexible material makes the chamber20usable in a variety of other situations. The flexible tube72also allows for various positioning of the chamber20and tube72.

Another advantage is the use of radiused edges on all exposed surfaces. This eliminates all rough or sharp edges that may cause discomfort to a person during use of the fluid collection device. The use of radiused edges reducing irritation and trauma to the patient.

An advantage of the retaining member is that the fluid collection device is usable in combination with other devices, such as medical devices or any other suitable application. The fluid collection device can be used alone, or in combination with other devices.

Thus there has been shown and described a novel fluid collection device and method which fulfills all the objects and advantages sought therefor. Many changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications of the subject invention will, however, become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering this specification together with the accompanying drawings and claims. All such changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention which is limited only by the claims which follow.