Suction Device Having Suction Occlusion Capability

The present disclosure relates generally to a suction device, for example, suitable for use in a medical procedure. The present disclosure relates more particularly to a suction device including a suction tube having a proximal end and a distal end. The suction tube includes a wall surrounding a lumen defining a suction path extending from an orifice at the proximal end to an orifice at the distal end. The suction device also includes an occlusion mechanism attached to the suction tube and including a body having an opening configured to receive suction tubing and inhibit fluid flow through the suction tubing.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

1. Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure relates generally to a suction device, for example, suitable for use in a medical procedure. The present disclosure relates more particularly to a suction device with an occlusion mechanism.

2. Technical Background

Medical suction devices, such as Yankauer suction devices and other aspirators are used to remove substances from a patient's body. For example, a patient may need his/her oropharynx suctioned of debris and liquids to prevent aspiration of these substances into the subglottic trachea or lungs. Existing suction devices are effective for removing substances from the patient's body when needed, but, in many procedures the suction is only required for short periods of time that may be spread out over the course of the procedure. Further, the suction of fluids through the device is typically loud. In particular, when the suction device is not being actively used to remove liquids or debris, the hiss of air passing through the suction device is substantial. Not only is the noise from the suction device distracting, it can also impede communication between medical practitioners, which can cause unnecessary problems and emergency situations.

When the suction device is not being used to remove substances from the patient's body, there is no need for air to pass through the device. However, the machine that creates a vacuum in the suction device is not ordinarily in the immediate reach of the doctor operating on the patient. Accordingly, in order to turn the suction off at the suction machine, the medical practitioner must leave the vicinity of the patient, which is undesirable. Moreover, if use of the suction device is required in an emergency, even a short amount of time needed to move to and from the suction machine can endanger a patient.

The present inventor has recognized that there is a need for a device that can be made quiet when not in use but can quickly resume suction when desired.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a suction device for a medical procedure, the suction device comprising:a suction tube having a proximal end and a distal end, the suction tube including a wall surrounding a lumen defining a suction path extending from an orifice at the proximal end to an orifice at the distal end; andan occlusion mechanism attached to the suction tube and comprising a body including an opening configured to receive suction tubing and inhibit fluid flow through the suction tubing.

In another aspect, the disclosure provides a suction system for a medical procedure, the suction system comprising:a suction device comprising:a suction tube having a proximal end and a distal end, the suction tube including a wall surrounding a lumen defining a suction path extending from an orifice at the proximal end to an orifice at the distal end, andan occlusion mechanism attached to the suction tube and comprising a body including an opening; andsuction tubing including a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of the suction tubing being connected to the proximal end of the suction tube, and a section of the suction tubing between the proximal end and the distal end being disposed in the opening of the occlusion mechanism and held substantially closed by the occlusion mechanism.

In another aspect, the disclosure provides a method of occluding flow through a suction system, the method comprising:providing a suction system including:a suction device including:a suction tube having a proximal end and a distal end, andan occlusion mechanism attached to the suction tube; andsuction tubing connected to the proximal end of the suction tube; providing a fluid flow through the suction device and suction tubing; and inserting a section of the suction tubing into the occlusion mechanism so as tosubstantially inhibit the fluid flow through the suction device and suction tubing.

Additional aspects of the disclosure will be evident from the disclosure herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As described above, the present inventor has noted that conventional suction devices create a loud and distracting hiss when not in use, and that turning off the suction to the device is inconvenient and possibly hazardous. The present inventor has determined that a suction device in which the suction force and/or suction noise can be reduced easily is advantageous.

Accordingly, one aspect of the disclosure is a suction device for a medical procedure that includes a suction tube having a proximal end and a distal end. The suction tube includes a wall surrounding a lumen defining a suction path extending from an orifice at the proximal end to an orifice at the distal end. The suction device also includes an occlusion mechanism attached to the suction tube. The occlusion mechanism includes a body having an opening configured to receive suction tubing and inhibit fluid flow through the suction tubing. Such a suction device is schematically shown inFIGS. 1-3. Suction device100includes a suction tube110and an occlusion mechanism150that is configured to receive suction tubing and hold the suction tubing in an occluded position in order to inhibit fluid flow therethrough, as explained in more detail below. Suction tube110has an elongate shape with a distal end112and a proximal end114. A wall116of suction tube110has a closed cross section so as to define a lumen118that passes through the suction tube, as shown in the cross sectional views ofFIGS. 2 and 3. Lumen118extends across suction tube110from an inlet orifice122at distal end112to an outlet orifice124at proximal end114. The lumen118forms a suction path for removing substances from a patient when coupled to a suction source.

The term “distal,” as used herein, refers to the direction that is closest to the patient while the term “proximal,” as used herein, refers to the direction closest to the clinician and the suction source. In normal operation, fluid flowing through the suction tube moves from the distal end to the proximal end.

While both the inner and outer surfaces of wall116of suction tube110are round and circular in shape, in other embodiments, these surfaces have other shapes. For example, in some embodiments, the inner surface of the suction tube is in the shape of a polygon, such as a hexagon. In other embodiments, the outer surface of the suction tube is in the shape of a polygon. Still in other embodiments, both the inner and outer surfaces are polygonal. Still in other embodiments, the suction tube has a complex shape including both rounded portions and flat portions.

The occlusion mechanism150includes a body152having an opening154that is formed as a hollow chamber surrounded by a retaining wall156. In operation, the opening154of body152provides a space to insert a section of tubing180, as shown in system175depicted inFIG. 4. Further, retaining wall156of body152holds the suction tubing180in a folded and kinked position to occlude the tubing. In other embodiments, as described in more detail below, the occlusion mechanism holds the tubing in an occluded position without a kinked fold in the tubing.

As described herein, the suction tube is a part of the suction device, while suction tubing is separate from and attached to the suction tube. For example, in system175, suction tubing180is attached to the proximal end114of suction tube110via an adapter182. In certain embodiments, the suction tubing extends from the suction device to a suction source, such as an anesthesia machine.

Embodiments of the suction device include a variety of different sizes. The length of the suction device, the outer diameter of the suction tube, the inner diameter of the suction tube, the wall thickness, and the size of the occlusion mechanism each can be made in a range of sizes, as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art. In some embodiments the length of the suction tube is in a range from 4 inches to 2 feet, e.g., from 6 inches to 12 inches. In certain embodiments the cross sectional width, e.g., diameter, of the inlet orifice and the outlet orifice are in a range from 1/10 inch to 1 inch, e.g., from ⅛ inch to ¾ inch. In some embodiments the lumen widens between the inlet orifice and the outlet orifice. In certain embodiments the largest cross sectional width of the lumen is in a range from ¼ inch to 1½ inches, e.g., ⅓ inch to 1 inch. In some embodiments, the opening of the occlusion mechanism has a cross sectional width in a range of ⅓ inch to 1½ inches. In certain embodiments, the wall thickness of the suction tube is in a range of 1/30 inch to ¼ inch.

In certain embodiments as otherwise described herein, the occlusion mechanism is disposed on an outer surface of the wall of the suction tube. For example, as shown inFIG. 2, wall116of suction tube110includes an inner surface124that surrounds lumen118and an outer surface126. Occlusion mechanism150is disposed on the outer surface126of wall116. Indeed, occlusion mechanism150abuts suction tube110and runs along the outer surface126of wall116. As a result, retaining wall156is coextensive with suction tube wall116in the area where occlusion mechanism150and suction tube110are adjacent. In other embodiments, the occlusion mechanism is in another location. For example, in some embodiments the occlusion mechanism is aligned with the suction path provided by the lumen. In other embodiments, the occlusion mechanism is more remote, as in suction device1900, described in more detail below.

In certain embodiments as otherwise described herein, the occlusion mechanism includes an open end providing access to the opening and a closed end opposite the open end. For example, occlusion mechanism150in suction device100includes an open end160facing the proximal side114of the suction device and a closed end158. Open end160provides access to opening154so that tubing can be inserted therein. Further retaining wall156tapers toward closed end158. The tapering of retaining wall156promotes kinking of any suction tubing inserted therein as the suction tubing is pushed toward the closed end158of occlusion mechanism150. In other embodiments, the closed end is formed by an end wall of the occlusion mechanism, without any tapering of the retaining wall or opening.

In certain embodiments as otherwise described herein, the opening extends through the body of the occlusion mechanism. The phrase “extends through,” as used herein, refers to the opening going all the way through the body of the occlusion mechanism, such that the opening is accessible from either end of the occlusion mechanism. For example, the body552of occlusion mechanism550of suction device500, shown inFIG. 5, is in the form of a ring that has an orifice559at its distal end558and an orifice561at its proximal end560. In operation, tubing can be inserted into opening554such that a kink is held within the ring-shaped body552. Alternatively, the tubing may be inserted all the way through body552so that the kinked end of the tubing extends beyond the orifice559at the distal end558of the occlusion mechanism550. Likewise, the tubing may be inserted from the distal end toward the proximal end.

Occlusion mechanism650of suction device600also includes an opening that extends through the body652. In particular, body652of occlusion mechanism650is in the shape of a tube, where the opening654extends from an orifice659at the distal end658thereof to an orifice661at the proximal end660. As described above with respect to suction device500, suction tubing may be inserted into body652so that a kink is held within the occlusion mechanism650, or it may be inserted all the way through the occlusion mechanism650with the kinked portion disposed beyond the distal end658.

In certain embodiments, the orifice at the proximal end of the opening of the occlusion mechanism is tapered so as to promote insertion of tubing in to the occlusion mechanism. For example, opening654tapers inward slightly from orifice661, which guides insertion of tubing into the opening, as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art.

In certain embodiments as otherwise described herein, the body of the occlusion mechanism is a closed loop that surrounds the opening. For example, the ring-shaped body552of occlusion mechanism550and the tube-shaped body652of occlusion mechanism650are closed loops that surround the opening. In particular, the retaining wall of each body fully extends around the respective opening. Likewise, retaining wall156of occlusion mechanism150of suction device100is formed as a closed loop that extends around and surrounds opening154, as shown inFIG. 3.

In other embodiments, the body of the occlusion mechanism is formed by distinct pieces that form an opening therethrough without extending in a closed loop. For example, occlusion mechanism750of suction device700, shown inFIGS. 7-9, includes a body752that is formed by two wall segments751,753. Each of the segments751,753has the shape of a semicircular tab that face opposing directions. Accordingly, an opening754, shown by the dashed line inFIG. 8, is provided through the two segments751,753for holding occluded tubing therein. For example, as shown inFIG. 9, tubing780may be inserted through the opening between segments751and753so as to hold an occluded kinked section784in occlusion mechanism750.

In certain embodiments as otherwise described herein, the suction device is formed as a single integrally formed piece. For example, in some embodiments, the suction device is formed in a single mold. In certain embodiments, the suction device is made of a flexible material. In other embodiments, the suction device is made of a stiff material, such as a hard plastic. Suitable materials for embodiments of the suction device formed of a single material include medical grade polymer, silicone, polyvinyl chlorides, urethanes, rubbers (including synthetic rubbers) and metals. Other materials may also be used, as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art.

In certain embodiments as otherwise described herein, the suction device is formed from a plurality of materials. For example, such a suction device is shown inFIGS. 10 and 11. Suction device1000includes a suction tube1010formed from a first material and an occlusion mechanism1050formed from a second material. In particular, suction tube1010is formed from a polymer and the body1052of occlusion mechanism1050is formed as a metal ring that is partially embedded in the wall1016of suction tube1010. Suction device1200shown in FIG.12includes a similar configuration, with occlusion mechanism1250partially embedded in suction tube1210. Notably, the body1252of occlusion mechanism1250is formed with slight opening between two segments1251,1253, rather than as a closed loop.

In certain embodiments as otherwise described herein, the occlusion mechanism is detachable from the suction tube. For example, suction device1300, shown inFIG. 13, includes an occlusion mechanism1350that is detachable from suction tube1310. Specifically, two arms1355extend from body1352so that occlusion mechanism1350can be removably attached to suction tube1310. The arms1355are flexible so that they can bend outward as the suction tube is inserted therebetween. The arms will then return to their original position, partially wrapping around suction tube1310in order to provide a secure connection between occlusion mechanism1350and suction tube1310. In other embodiments the occlusion mechanism can be attached to the suction tube in a variety of ways, as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art.

In certain embodiments as otherwise described herein, the opening is closeable. In particular, in some embodiments the opening is configured to close so as to occlude the tubing disposed in the occlusion mechanism. For example, suction device1500shown inFIGS. 15 and 16includes an occlusion mechanism1550in the form of a spring-based clamp. The body of the occlusion mechanism includes a lower member1562integrally formed with the wall1516of suction tube1510and an upper member1564that is coupled to the lower member using a spring1566. The opening1554of the occlusion mechanism1550is closeable by the force of spring1566but may be opened by applying a downward force at the distal end of upper member1564. In use, the clamp can be opened so that tubing may be inserted into the opening1554. The force provided by spring1566will then close opening1554in order to squeeze the tubing shut and occlude the tubing.

In certain embodiments as otherwise described herein, the occlusion mechanism and an adjacent portion of the suction tube form a handle for manipulating the suction device. For example, the occlusion mechanism150and suction tube110of suction device100are arranged so as to form a handle to carefully control the location of the distal end112of the suction tube. An illustration of the suction device100being held in a manner similar to a pen using the handle formed by the occlusion mechanism150and suction tube110is shown inFIG. 17.

In other embodiments, the suction device includes a handle that is attached to the suction tube. For example, in suction device1800, shown inFIG. 18, a handle1870extends down from the suction tube1810in an area near the proximal end of the suction device. The handle1870includes grooves for a user's fingers and the shape of the suction device, which is similar to a gun, allows for careful and accurate manipulation of the distal end1812of the suction device. Similar to other embodiments described above, the occlusion mechanism1850is disposed above suction tube1810. In other embodiments, the occlusion mechanism is included in the handle. For example, opening1954of occlusion mechanism1950in suction device1900, shown inFIG. 19, is formed in the lower end of handle1970.

In certain embodiments as otherwise described herein, a depth direction of the opening of the occlusion mechanism and the direction of the suction path are substantially parallel. The phrase “substantially parallel,” as used herein, refers to lines that are within20degrees of one another. Further, the direction of the suction path is defined as a line that extends from the orifice at the distal end to the orifice at the proximal end of the suction device, where the path through the suction tube is relatively linear and does not curve more than35degrees. For example, in suction device1800, the depth direction of opening1854of occlusion mechanism1800and the direction of the suction path through lumen1818are substantially parallel. In contrast, the depth direction of opening1954of occlusion mechanism1950is substantially perpendicular to the direction of the suction path through lumen1918.

In certain embodiments as otherwise described herein, the depth direction of the opening of the occlusion mechanism is coplanar with the suction path through the suction tube. For example, in both suction device1800and device1900the suction path provided by the respective lumen in the suction tube and the depth direction of the opening of the occlusion mechanism lie in the same plane. In other embodiments, the line along the suction path and the line defined by the depth direction of the opening form skew lines. For example, an embodiment similar to that of suction device1000, but where the ring-shaped body is rotated so that the tubing is inserted from the side, includes a suction path direction and an opening depth direction that form skew lines.

In certain embodiments as otherwise described herein, a proximal end of the occlusion mechanism is spaced from the proximal end of the suction tube. For example, the proximal end560of occlusion mechanism550in suction device500is spaced back from the proximal end514of suction tube510. This positioning of occlusion mechanism550provides a shelf over the proximal end514of the suction tube510, which allows tubing to be placed on the suction tube for insertion into the occlusion mechanism.

In certain embodiments as otherwise described herein, the suction device further includes a notch in an outer surface of the wall of the suction tube. The notch is configured to securely receive an edge of a product wrapper therein. For example, suction device100is shown inFIG. 20disposed within a product wrapper190. The wrapper is sealed on all sides to keep the device sterile until use. Upon use, the opening tab of the wrapper is pulled in the direction shown by the arrows to break the seal and access the suction device100. Once the wrapper has been opened, the distal end of suction device100can be re-sheathed within the wrapper to provide limited protection of the device against soiling. To hold the wrapper in place, an edge of the wrapper may be inserted into notch192, as shown inFIG. 21, while the suction device is partially sheathed in the wrapper.

In certain embodiments as otherwise described herein, the suction device includes a protrusion for holding a wrapper over the suction device. For example, the protrusion may be in the form of a pin, a hook or a stud that passes through (or forms) a small hole in the wrapper to secure the wrapper on the suction device. For example, suction device2200, shown inFIG. 22includes protrusion2296in the form of a hook for holding a wrapper that is sheathed over a portion of the suction device.

In certain embodiments as otherwise described herein, the tip at the distal end of the suction tube includes multiple perforations for receiving substances from a patient's body. For example,FIG. 23shows the distal end2312of a suction tube according to an embodiment of the disclosure, which includes a tip2313having a plurality of perforations therein. The perforations include an end perforation2380at the end of the suction tube and side perforations2382around the tip2313. In certain embodiments as otherwise described herein, the distal end of the suction tube includes a bulbous tip. For example,FIG. 24shows the distal end2412of a suction tube that includes a bulbous tip2413. The bulbous tip also includes a plurality of perforations2480,2482.

In certain embodiments as otherwise described herein, the wall of the suction tube includes an aperture between the proximal end and the distal end, wherein the aperture is configured to control suction through the lumen. For example, suction device500includes an aperture540that can be covered to increase the flow through the distal end512of suction tube510or uncovered to decrease the flow through the distal end. Closing of aperture540can be conveniently carried out by the medical clinician using a finger to cover the aperture. In some embodiments, the suction device includes more than one aperture for controlling flow through the distal end of the suction tube. For example, in some embodiments, the suction tube includes a larger aperture and a smaller aperture, where either or both apertures can be covered so as to achieve four different flow volumes.

In certain embodiments as otherwise described herein, the distal end of the suction tube is flexible. For example, such a suction device is shown inFIG. 25. Suction device2500includes a long flexible portion2544of suction tube2510located at the distal end2512of the tube. The flexible portion2544can be inserted into a patient's body to provide steady suction in a certain area.

In certain embodiments as otherwise described herein, at least a portion of the suction tube includes an antimicrobial coating thereon. Such a coating can reduce the microbial load, and colonization on the suction tube. Suitable antimicrobial materials include, but are not limited to, silver nanoparticles, copper nanoparticles, antibiotic-impregnated cyclodextrin, quarternary ammonium/imidazolium salt, or polyethyleneimine. Other coatings are also possible, as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art.

In another aspect, the disclosure provides a suction system for a medical procedure. The system includes a suction device according to any of the above embodiments, and suction tubing including a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the suction tubing is connected to the proximal end of the suction tube and a section of the suction tubing between the proximal end and distal end is secured in the opening of the occlusion mechanism and held substantially closed by the occlusion mechanism. For example, such a system is shown inFIG. 4. System175includes suction tubing180connected to the proximal end114of suction tube110. A section186of the suction tubing is secured in the occlusion mechanism150and flow through the tubing is substantially inhibited by the occlusion mechanism and the sound of fluid flow through the tubing is muted. The term “occlude,” as used herein, refers to a reduction in volume flow of at least 90% compared to a volume flow where the tubing is open and flow in unimpeded. The retaining wall156provides a force against the tubing180that holds the section of tubing securely in the occlusion mechanism.

In certain embodiments as otherwise described herein, the section of suction tubing is folded to form a kink that substantially closes the suction tubing, and wherein the folded section of suction tubing is held in the opening in the occlusion mechanism. For example, tubing180in system175is folded so as to form a kink184within section186of the tubing. The kinked section is disposed in the opening154so that the retaining wall156holds the kinked section therein in the closed position.

In certain embodiments as otherwise described herein, the occlusion mechanism is disposed on an outer surface of the wall of the suction tube, and wherein a portion of the suction tubing between the distal end and the section disposed in the opening of the occlusion mechanism forms a loop. For example, suction tubing180in system175provides a loop188between the kink184and the adapter182that is connected to the suction tube110. This loop can be used to hang the suction device while not in use. For example, the suction device may be hung from a variety of structures, including but not limited to an anesthesia circuit tree, the side rails of an operating room table, an anesthesia machine, or an IV stand.

In certain embodiments as otherwise described herein, the system further includes a suction pump coupled to the proximal end of the suction tubing. In some embodiments, the suction pump is formed by an vacuum pump, a fan or an impeller. In some embodiments the suction pump is part of an anesthesia machine.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of occluding flow through a suction system. The method includes providing a suction system including a suction device according to the disclosure and suction tubing connected to the proximal end of the suction tube. The method includes providing a fluid flow through the suction tubing and inserting a section of the suction tubing into the occlusion mechanism so as to substantially inhibit the fluid flow through the suction device and suction tubing. The phrase “fluid flow,” as used herein, includes both liquids and gases, and also includes debris or particulates carried in a flow by the respective fluid. For example, during a medical procedure, after a clinician uses the suction device, she inserts the suction tubing into the occlusion mechanism so as to occlude the flow therethrough and mute the sound of fluid flowing through the suction path.

In certain embodiments as otherwise described herein, the method includes pushing the section of suction tubing into the occlusion mechanism into the opening so as to form a kink in the section of suction tubing that substantially inhibits the fluid flow. For example, as suction tubing180of system175is pushed into occlusion mechanism150, the retaining wall156will press against the tubing until a kink is formed in the tubing that occludes the flow.

In certain embodiments as otherwise described herein, the method includes folding the section of suction tubing so as to form a kink in the section of suction tubing that substantially inhibits the fluid flow prior to inserting the section into the occlusion mechanism. For example, the clinician can immediately occlude the suction tubing by folding the tubing so as to form a kink therein. The tubing can then be inserted into the occlusion mechanism in order to hold the section of tubing in the folded position and retain the kinked portion.

In certain embodiments as otherwise described herein, the occlusion mechanism extends outward from a wall of the suction tube and a portion of the suction tubing between the distal end and the section disposed in the occlusion mechanism forms a loop. The method further includes hanging the suction device on a support structure using the loop of the suction tubing. For example, once the section of tubing is inserted into the occlusion mechanism, a loop is formed between the occlusion mechanism and the connection between the tubing and the proximal end of the suction tube. This loop can be used to hang the suction device and attached tubing onto a support structure, examples of which are provided above.

In certain embodiments as otherwise described herein, the method further includes removing the section of suction tubing from the occlusion mechanism so as to restart the fluid flow through the suction device and suction tubing. For example, to resume suction through the device, the clinician can quickly pull the suction tubing from the occlusion mechanism so as to reinstate the flow.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the processes and devices described here without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure cover such modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.