Abstract:
A sleeve for preventing backflow and cross-contamination between patients of fluid and particulate matter as well as other contaminants present within a dental/medical suctioning device. The sleeve includes a sleeve inlet end that sealingly attaches to and surrounds at least a portion of the suctioning device the vacuum hose to the evacuator tip. The sleeve also has a sleeve exhaust end that is inserted into the control valve and can reside within the interior lumen of the vacuum hose during normal suction operation. During operation, the sleeve provides a seal between the patient contact part and the control valve of the suctioning device. The proximate end collapses, seals, and/or provides a barrier when the suctioning device does not draw a vacuum away from the patient and towards the vacuum source.

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM  
       [0001]     The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/543,789 filed Feb. 11, 2004, and entitled, “BACKFLOW PREVENTION SLEEVE FOR SUCTIONING DEVICES,” which is herein incorporated by reference to the extent not inconsistent with the present disclosure. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The invention relates generally to suction devices used in healthcare and health maintenance. More particularly, the invention relates to a sleeve for use with dental and medical suction devices that prevents cross-contamination or cross-exposure of various types of fluid and particulate matter as well as other contaminants between patients.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Suction systems are commonly used in dental practices, medical clinics, hospitals, and other medical operations to remove contaminated debris consisting daily in the dental office of: saliva, food debris, tarter, stain, dental bacterial plaque, tooth debris, filling debris, mucous, phlegm, blood, cleaning chemicals, and less frequently pus, vomit and chemicals spills. In the case of a dental practice, a dental suction system can comprise a vacuum pump, a separator tank, an amalgam separator, a vacuum feed line and a hand-operable suction device (evacuator) in the treatment room. The evacuator is comprised of a vacuum tip, control valve and vacuum hose. Suction systems can comprise relatively small systems for use by a single practitioner or may comprise large, centralized systems allowing for simultaneous operation within a plurality of treatment rooms. Examples of representative dental suction systems include systems as manufactured and sold by companies such as, for example, RAMVAC®, Apollo Dental Products®, A-dec, etc.  
         [0004]     It has been recognized in the art that cross-contamination between patients, for example, dental patients, can occur when evacuators (suctioning devices) attached to vacuum lines are used to remove such bodily fluids and contaminants. Various articles, guidelines and studies have addressed the potential for such cross-contamination including: “ Possibility of Cross - Contamination Between Dental Patients by Means of the Saliva Ejector,”  C. M. Watson, R. L. S. Whitehouse, JADA, Vol. 124, April 1993;  “Backflow in Low - Volume Suction Lines. The Impact of Pressure Changes,”  G. Mann, T. Campbell and J. Crawford, JADA, Vol. 127, May 1996;  “Cross - Contamination Potential of Saliva Ejectors Used in Dentistry,”  J. Bargeau, et al., Journal of Hospital Infection, 1998: 40:303-11; and “ Guidelines for Infection Control in the Dental Health Care Setting -2003, Center for Disease Control, 2003, all of which are herein incorporated by reference to the extent not inconsistent with the present disclosure. Such cross-contamination can occur as vacuumed bodily fluids and/or contaminants can backflow from the vacuum line into the patient&#39;s mouth/body. Backflow can occur for a variety of different reasons. For instance, if the intake is blocked disrupting vacuum flow, the contaminated fluid in the vacuum line may flow down by gravity if the suction device is tilted down toward the patient. Also, flow can be interrupted if the patient closes their mouth over the vacuum tip stopping flow or even overpowering the vacuum by sucking on the tip. In other instances, the suction device can be left tilted down inside of the patient after the control valve is closed. In yet other instances, the vacuum line or hose distal to the vacuum tip and control valve can become obstructed during use creating a temporary loss of suction flow. Finally, the vacuum source, i.e., the vacuum pump can stop, which is further aggravated if there is a vertical vacuum feed line from the ceiling that can drain down into the vacuum tube tip.  
         [0005]     Backflow fluid can contain a variety of unwanted contaminated debris consisting daily in the dental office of: saliva, food debris, tarter, stain, dental bacterial plaque, tooth debris filling debris, mucous, phlegm, blood, cleaning chemicals, and less frequently pus, vomit and medical spills as well as microbes such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. In some instances, microbes can travel in a reverse direction through the suctioning device in an airborne form without the assistance of a fluid carrier. Due to the potential presence of communicable diseases within the vacuum line, there is a need to provide maximum protection against cross-contamination between patients.  
         [0006]     A variety of prior art devices have attempted to prevent the cross-contamination risk that is inherent in suctioning devices. In some instances, various valve designs have been contemplated for use in the suctioning device that would prevent backflow. However, such valves can be complex, expensive, and difficult to fully clean, disinfect, and sterilize. In other instances, parts, which come into direct contact with the patient during the performed procedure, have been designed and manufactured to be disposable and replaceable so as to attempt to place a buffer zone between the patient and contaminated portions of the suctioning valve and hose. These disposable and replaceable vacuum tips can be subject to allowing backflow in the event of a loss in suction flow and/or serve only as a buffer zone that can be quickly breached. Additionally, even if the portion of the suctioning device that comes into contact with the patient during the performed procedure is replaced for each new patient, it is generally too expensive and time-consuming to replace the vacuum hose and control valve.  
         [0007]     Regardless of component design, the vacuum hose is difficult to properly clean and sterilize due to temperature and chemical compatibility constraints resulting in residual fluid in the vacuum hose that can lead to the exchange of unwanted and/or dangerous externally introduced fluids from prior patients. Further, it is very difficult to properly clean (scrub and rinse) contaminants from the inside of a hose, which is needed before it can be effectively disinfected and then sterilized. Additionally, the control valve attached to the hose is difficult to remove, disassemble, clean, autoclave, and reassemble. Also, sterilizing the control valve is fruitless after reattaching it to a contaminated hose. Therefore, when a new disposable/replaceable end of the dental/medical suctioning device is inserted onto the vacuum line, the patient is still at risk of being exposed to backflow or reverse traveling movement of microbes. Therefore, the current disposable and replaceable parts may provide a sense of false security to patients and practitioners.  
         [0008]     Another disadvantage of the prior art with respect to disposable/replaceable parts is that it does not allow the operator to shut-off the vacuum and then restart it without subjecting the patient to cross-contamination from backflow as the evacuator is sloped down into the patient&#39;s mouth. Allowing the vacuum line to suck air from the general room is not a viable option as the portion of the suction device that is inserted into the patient may become contaminated from airborne contaminants. Further, a vacuum line allowed to suck air from the general room produces an unwanted and annoying hissing noise from the dental/medical suctioning device.  
         [0009]     Therefore, there is a need for an efficient, cost-effective product that can be used with current dental/medical suctioning devices to prevent cross-contamination between patients. Such a product should allow the operator of the suctioning device to stop and restart the suctioning device without subjecting the patient to cross-contamination by backflow or having to replace any parts.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0010]     Accordingly, an objective and advantage of the present invention is the convenience, cost-efficiency, and effectiveness of a sleeve that prevents backflow of fluid matter and other contaminants in a dental/medical suctioning apparatus.  
         [0011]     It is another object of the present invention to provide a sleeve that prevents cross-contamination of microbes between patients.  
         [0012]     It is another object of the present invention to provide a sleeve that is disposable and replaceable.  
         [0013]     Another object of the present invention is to provide a sleeve that allows the user of the suctioning device to start, stop, and restart the suctioning device more than one time without having to replace the portion of the suction device that comes into contact with the patient.  
         [0014]     Another object of the present invention is to provide a sleeve that does not require any additional equipment, but can be used with a practitioner&#39;s normal evacuation system.  
         [0015]     Another object of the present invention is to provide a sleeve that will not compromise the function of the dental/medical suctioning device.  
         [0016]     Another object of the present invention is to provide a sleeve that is user-friendly and requires essentially no extra effort in preparing the replaceable/disposable tube for operating use.  
         [0017]     Another object of the present invention is to provide a sleeve that shields the control valve from debris and contaminants and saves time and money in cleaning, disinfecting, and in the use of ineffective chemicals.  
         [0018]     Another object of the present invention is to provide a sleeve that can be used with a dental saliva ejector.  
         [0019]     A further object of the present invention is to provide a sleeve that can be used with a high volume evacuator.  
         [0020]     A still further object of the present invention is to provide a sleeve that can be used in medical suction devices.  
         [0021]     These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be further understood and apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0022]      FIG. 1  is a partially hidden, side view of a prior art, hand-operable suction device or evacuator.  
         [0023]      FIG. 2  is a partially hidden, side view of a backflow prevention sleeve of the present invention.  
         [0024]      FIG. 3  is an end view of a sleeve inlet end of the backflow prevention sleeve of  FIG. 2 .  
         [0025]      FIG. 4  is a partially hidden, side view of a backflow resistant evacuator tip.  
         [0026]      FIG. 5  is a partially hidden, side view of the backflow resistant evacuator tip of  FIG. 4  being attached to a hand-operable suction device.  
         [0027]      FIG. 6  is a partially hidden, side view of the backflow resistant evacuator tip of  FIG. 4  operably attached to a hand-operable suction device.  
         [0028]      FIG. 7  is a partially hidden, side view of a hand-operable suction device including the backflow resistant evacuator tip of  FIG. 4 .  
         [0029]      FIG. 8  is a partially hidden, side view of a backflow prevention assembly that stands by itself and can be attached to either a disposable or durable, autoclavable evacuator tip.  
         [0030]      FIG. 9  is a partially hidden, side view of a backflow prevention assembly attaching to the exhaust opening of the control valve and into the vacuum hose.  
         [0031]      FIG. 10  is a partially hidden, side view of a control valve with an extended receiver for use with the backflow resistant evacuator tip. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0032]     Embodiments of the present invention have wide applications to a number of dental and medical procedures and environments. Therefore, although preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with respect to dental devices and applications, the invention is not limited to these embodiments, but would be equally applicable to other medical applications in which eliminating cross-contamination in vacuum equipment is desired.  
         [0033]     Referring now to the drawings, there is shown in  FIG. 1 , a hand-operable suction device  100  as presently used in the practice of dentistry. As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the hand-operable suction device  100  comprises a vacuum line  102 , a hose adapter  104 , a control valve  106  and an evacuator tip  108 . Though not depicted, it is to be understood that vacuum line  102  is ultimately fluidly connected to a suction system, i.e. vacuum source, for providing suction through the hand-operable suction device  100  as indicated by the suction flow arrow in  FIG. 1 . Evacuator tip  108  can comprise either a High Volume Evacuator (HVE) or a Low Volume Evacuator (saliva ejector). Evacuator tip  108  can be fabricated so as to be a disposable, one-time use instrument or can be fabricated to withstand a suitable sanitization/sterilization/cleaning process, such as autoclaving and/or chemical cleaning, so as to be reusable.  
         [0034]     Vacuum line  102  generally comprises a flexible hose  110  having a hose wall  112  such that a hose lumen  114  is defined between a hose receiving end  116  and a vacuum attachment end (not depicted). Hose adapter  104  comprises an adapter body  118  having an adapter lumen  120  operably defined between a hose insertion end  122  and a valve attachment end  124 . Hose insertion end  122  generally comprises a projection member  126  adapted for retainable insertion into hose receiving end  116 . Projection member  126  can comprise threads, barbs, seals and/or other suitable retaining mechanisms, either individually or in combination, so as to define a leak-free connection between the vacuum line  102  and hose adapter  104 .  
         [0035]     Control valve  106  generally comprises a valve body  128  defining a valve lumen  130  between a tip receiving aperture  132  and an adapter connecting aperture  134 . Valve body  128  comprises an actuator  136  for operably positioning a valve sealing member  138  within the valve lumen  130 . Adapter connecting aperture  134  generally comprises a connecting member  140  for operably attaching the control valve  106  to the valve attachment end  124  of hose adapter  104 . Evacuator tip  108  comprises an evacuator lumen  142  defined by an inlet end  144  and an exhaust end  146 . Evacuator tip  108  has a generally circular cross-sectional appearance and is adapted such that exhaust end  146  is slidably insertable into the valve receiving end  134  of control valve  106 .  
         [0036]     When fully assembled, as shown in  FIG. 1 , hand-operable suction device  100  comprises a continuous suction lumen  148  defined by the hose lumen  114 , adapter lumen  120 , valve lumen  130  and evacuator lumen  142 . During use in a dental procedure, a dentist or hygienist operates the actuator  136  such that valve sealing member  138  is selectively in either an open disposition wherein suction flow is allowed to flow into the inlet end  144  of the evacuator tip  108  and through the continuous suction lumen  148 , or in a closed disposition wherein the valve sealing member  138  seals the valve lumen  130  such that no suction flow is allowed through the continuous suction lumen  146 . In typical clinical settings, hand-operable suction device  100  may be flushed with water between patients and cleaned with a chemical rinse at the end of the day in an attempt to eliminate the backflow problems associated with hand-operable suction device  100 .  
         [0037]     Referring primarily now to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , there is shown a presently preferred, representative embodiment of a backflow prevention sleeve  200 . The backflow prevention sleeve  200  has a continuous sleeve lumen  202  defined between a sleeve inlet end  204  and a sleeve exhaust end  206 . Sleeve inlet end  204  can comprise an annular ring  208  so as to define and distinguish sleeve inlet end  204  from sleeve exhaust end  206 . Sleeve inlet end  204  and sleeve exhaust end  206  further define a sleeve length  210 . Sleeve length  210  can comprise any suitable length such as, for example, from about two to about thirty inches in length. Backflow prevention sleeve  204  further comprises a sleeve diameter  212 .  
         [0038]     As depicted in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , sleeve  200  can comprise a shape resembling a cylindrical tube. Backflow prevention sleeve  200  can comprise elastic materials suitable for use in dental or medical applications such as, for example, a natural rubber such as, for example, latex rubber or a synthetic rubber-like material such as, for example, butyl rubber, ethylene/propylene rubber, fluorocarbon elastomers, choloprene, nitrile, vinyl, polybutadiene, silicone rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber and hydrogenated nitrile rubber. In addition to possessing elastic qualities, backflow prevention sleeve  200  can also be fabricated of materials that are nonabsorbent, nonadsorbent, and/or impermeable to liquids and gases. In some representative embodiments, backflow prevention sleeve  200  can comprise an elastomeric material that has antimicrobial properties such as antibiotics or antiseptics, which can clean, disinfect, sterilize and/or sanitize matter that comes into contact with the backflow prevention sleeve  200 . In another representative embodiment, backflow prevention sleeve  200  can comprise an autoclavable material. In some representative embodiments, sleeve  200  can comprise a sleeve wall  213  having a wall thickness from about 0.1 mm to about 1.0 mm, and more preferably about 0.5 mm.  
         [0039]     As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , backflow prevention sleeve  200  can be attached to evacuator tip  108  to form a backflow resistant evacuator tip  300 . Backflow resistant evacuator tip  300  can be formed by inserting exhaust end  146  of the evacuator tip  108  into the sleeve inlet end  204  of the backflow prevention sleeve  200 . In a representative embodiment, sleeve diameter  212  is equal to or less than to an evacuator diameter  150  such that annular ring  208  must stretch to accommodate insertion of the exhaust end  146  resulting in a sealed interface between the backflow prevention sleeve  200  and the evacuator tip  108 . In other alternative embodiments, backflow prevention sleeve  200  can be attached to the evacuator tip  108  through other suitable attachment methods such as, for example, thermal bonding, adhesive bonding and integral molding. In another representative embodiment, evacuator tip  108  can comprise an exterior annular ring, either indented or protruding, wherein the backflow prevention sleeve  200  can be positioned over the exterior, annular ring. In another alternative embodiment, the backflow prevention sleeve  200  can be coupled to the evacuator tip  108  using a suitable fitting which can be snapped or rolled over the evacuator tip  108 .  
         [0040]     Backflow resistant evacuator tip  300  can be used with a suction system  301  as illustrated in  FIGS. 5, 6  and  7 . Generally, an operator positions backflow resistant evacuator tip  300  such that sleeve exhaust end  206  is positioned proximate and/or within the tip receiving aperture  132  on the control valve  106 . Once the sleeve exhaust end  206  is positioned, the operator biases the actuator  136  such that the valve sealing member  138  is in an open configuration with respect to the valve lumen  130 . At this point, the vacuum source provides a suction flow as indicated by suction flow arrow  50 , which is used to indicate suction flow through all of the referenced drawings, such that the backflow prevention sleeve  200  is directed fully through the valve lumen  130 . The sleeve length  210  can be selected such that sleeve exhaust end  206  can pass through valve lumen  130 , adapter lumen  120  and ultimately be positioned within the hose lumen  114 . Once the backflow prevention sleeve  200  has been received into the control valve  106 , the evacuator tip  108  is directed such that exhaust end  146  is seated into the control valve receiving aperture  132 . As the evacuator tip  108  is received within the control valve receiving aperture  132 , the backflow prevention sleeve  200  forms a seal between the exterior of the evacuator tip  108  and the interior of the tip receiving aperture  132  preventing the introduction of any material into the exhaust end  146  of evacuator tip  108  unless the material has entered the sleeve exhaust end  206  and fully traversed continuous sleeve lumen  202  of the backflow prevention sleeve  200 . Upon completion of a dental procedure, the operator can remove and dispose of the backflow resistant (with sleeve) evacuator tip  300  by withdrawing the evacuator tip  108  from the control valve receiver, which simultaneously removes the backflow prevention sleeve  200  from the valve lumen  130 .  
         [0041]     When backflow resistant evacuator tip  300  is operably attached to control valve  106  as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the elastic nature of backflow prevention sleeve  200  causes the backflow prevention sleeve  200  to fully expand to its sleeve length  210  under the influence of the vacuum source. At this point, a continuous suction flow is formed from inlet  144  to sleeve exhaust end  206 . Thus, any contaminant matter such as, for example, bodily fluids and particulate waste present within the valve lumen  130 , adapter lumen  120  and/or hose lumen  114  and located exterior to the backflow prevention sleeve  200  are physically prevented from entering the evacuator tip  108 .  
         [0042]     During use of the backflow resistant evacuator tip  300 , suction flow can be lost or shut-off in a variety of conditions. For example, an operator can intentionally turn off the suction flow by directing the actuator  136  on control valve  106  to a closed configuration such that valve sealing member  138  closed the valve lumen  130 . In other instances, suction flow can be lost by unintentionally blocking the inlet end  144  of evacuator tip  108  such as, for example, with the inner cheek or tongue during a dental procedure, such that further suction flow is prevented. In this instance, a traditional suction device such as, for example, hand-operable suction device  100  can lead to gravity flow of contaminants from any of the vacuum line  102 , hose adapter  104 , control valve  106 , and/or evacuator tip  108  into the work area such as, for example, a patient&#39;s mouth in the case of a dental procedure or into a wound or incision in a surgical procedure.  
         [0043]     In the case of an intentional closure of control valve  106  when utilizing backflow resistant evacuator tip  300 , closure of the valve sealing member  138  causes the closure of the continuous sleeve lumen  202  such that no contaminants are allowed to flow back through backflow prevention sleeve  200 . At the same time, the sealing interface between the annular ring  208  and the evacuator tip  108  prevents any contaminants present within the valve lumen  130  from entering the exhaust end  146 . Due to the elastic nature of backflow prevention sleeve  200 , sealable closure of the valve sealing member  138  within the valve lumen  130  can be accomplished even when backflow prevention sleeve  200  is present. Backflow prevention sleeve  200  can be fabricated so as to be tear-resistant such that normal operation of the control valve  106  does not lead to tearing of the backflow prevention sleeve  200 .  
         [0044]     In the case of an unintentional loss of suction flow, the elastic, pliable nature of the backflow prevention-sleeve  200  causes the backflow prevention sleeve  200  to collapse such that continuous sleeve lumen  202  is no longer consistently defined. As such, any contaminant matter present within the vacuum line  102 , hose adapter  104 , and/or control valve  106  must traverse the length of the now collapsed backflow prevention sleeve  200  which cannot be quickly accomplished due to the collapsed nature of the continuous sleeve lumen  202 . At the same time, the seal established between the annular ring  208  and evacuator tip  108  continues to exclude the introduction of any contaminant matter exterior to the backflow prevention sleeve  200  into the exhaust end  146  of evacuator tip  108 . In some embodiments where vacuum hose  102  is arranged so as to be downwardly directed from above a patient, sleeve length  210  can be selected such that sleeve exhaust end  206  extends beyond a highest elevation  152  such that sleeve exhaust end  206  is downward facing. In this embodiment, contaminant matter does not enter the continuous sleeve lumen  202  as any contaminants present within the vacuum line  102  in proximity to the sleeve exhaust end  206  are directed downward by gravity past the sleeve exhaust end if suction flow is lost, either intentionally or unintentionally.  
         [0045]     An alternative representative embodiment of a backflow prevention assembly  400  is illustrated in  FIG. 8 . Backflow prevention assembly  400  generally comprises a coupling member  402  and backflow prevention sleeve  200 . Coupling member  402  generally comprises a coupling member body  404  having a projecting portion  406 . Coupling member  402  further comprises a coupling member lumen  408  operably connecting an adapter aperture  410  and a coupling member valve aperture  412 . Backflow prevention sleeve  200  is operably sealed to the coupling member  402  by stretching annular ring  208  over the projecting portion  406 . In some embodiments, an adhesive  414  can be used to permanently position the annular ring  208  over the projecting portion  406 .  
         [0046]     Backflow prevention assembly  400  can be especially advantageous for use in situations in which evacuator tip  108  comprises a reusable, sterilizable evacuator tip. In use, backflow prevention assembly  400  is positioned similarly as previously described with respect to backflow prevention sleeve  200  such that sleeve exhaust end  206  is in proximity to the tip receiving aperture  132  on control valve  106 . Actuator  136  is positioned in an open configuration such that the vacuum supply creates a suction flow wherein backflow prevention sleeve  200  is drawn fully into the valve lumen  130 . Coupling member  402  can then be attached to the control valve  106  by seating the projecting portion  406  into the tip receiving aperture  132 . Next, the sterilizable evacuator tip  108  is attached to the coupling member  402  by slidably inserting the exhaust end  146  into the coupling member ejector aperture  410 . When fully assembled, a continuous suction lumen can be defined by the combination of the evacuator tip lumen  142 , coupling member lumen  408 , sleeve lumen  202 , valve lumen  130 , adapter lumen  120  and hose lumen  114 .  
         [0047]     In an alternative configuration illustrated in  FIG. 9 , a backflow prevention assembly  500  substantially similar to backflow prevent assembly  400  can be used to locate the backflow prevention sleeve  200  between the control valve  106  and the vacuum hose. Such a configuration can be advantageous when the design of control valve  106 , and especially valve sealing member  138 , lends itself to tearing the backflow prevention sleeve  200  as actuator  136  is moved between open and closed configurations. Backflow prevention assembly  500  generally comprises a coupling member  502  and backflow prevention sleeve  200 . Coupling member  502  generally comprises a coupling member body  504  having a projecting portion  506 . Coupling member  502  further comprises a coupling member lumen  508  operably connecting a coupling member valve aperture  510  and a coupling member adapter aperture  512 . Backflow prevention sleeve  200  is operably sealingly attached to the coupling member  502  by stretching annular ring  208  over the projecting portion  506 . In some embodiments, an adhesive  514  can be used to permanently position the annular ring  208  over the projecting portion  506 .  
         [0048]     In use, backflow prevention assembly  500  is positioned such that sleeve exhaust end  206  is in proximity to the valve attachment end  124  of the hose adapter  104 . Coupling member  502  can then be attached to the hose adapter  104  by slidably inserting the projecting portion  506  into valve attachment end  124 . Next, the control valve  106  is attached to the coupling member  502  by slidably inserting the adapter connecting aperture  134  into the coupling member valve aperture  510 . When fully assembled, backflow prevention sleeve  200  prevents backflow contamination from the vacuum line  102  and hose adapter  104  from entering the control valve  106 .  
         [0049]     In another representative embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 10 , a backflow prevention system  600  can comprise an evacuator tip  108 , a backflow prevention sleeve  200 , a control valve  602 , a hose adapter  104  and a vacuum line  102 . Control valve  602  can be fabricated so as to comprise a valve body  604  having a valve lumen  606  defined by an evacuator tip connecting aperture  608  and an adapter connecting aperture  610 . Control valve  602  can further comprise an actuator  612  and a valve sealing member  614  to operably open and close the valve lumen  606 . As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , valve body  604  can comprise an ejector interface length  616  defined between the valve sealing member  614  and the ejector connecting aperture  608 . As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , evacuator tip interface length  616  is greater than the sleeve length  210  such that sleeve exhaust end  206  does not reach the valve sealing member  614  when the backflow prevention sleeve  200  is fully extending during suction flow. As such, backflow prevention sleeve  200  does not physically interact with valve sealing member  614  such that valve sealing member  614  cannot tear or rip the backflow prevention sleeve  200  as the actuator  612  is configured between open and closed positions.  
         [0050]     Although the present invention has been shown and described with respect to specific details of certain preferred and other important embodiments thereof, it is not intended that such details limit the scope of the invention, taking into consideration reasonable equivalents thereof. Also, the present invention may be used in combination with a plethora of suction devices known in the medical industry.