Abstract:
A system for dispensing an adhesive comprises a first dispenser, a second dispenser, and a conduit. The first dispenser contains an adhesive. The second dispenser comprises a fluid. The first dispenser and second dispenser are each in fluid communication with the conduit. The conduit has an opening. One or both of the first dispenser or the second dispenser is operable to dispense adhesive or fluid through the opening of the conduit. The system may be used to apply adhesive to the tissue of a patient in a precise and controlled manner.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    Biosurgical adhesives have been used in a variety of ways in various medical procedures. An exemplary adhesive is disclosed in U.S. Pub. No. 2004/0190975, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. Similarly, a variety of devices and techniques have been used to deliver adhesives at various sites. While several systems and methods have been made and used for delivering adhesives, it is believed that no one prior to the inventors has made or used the invention described in the appended claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0002]    While the specification concludes with claims which particularly point out and distinctly claim the invention, it is believed the present invention will be better understood from the following description of certain examples taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify the same elements and in which: 
           [0003]      FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of an exemplary adhesive delivery system; 
           [0004]      FIG. 2  depicts a partial view of a distal end of the adhesive delivery system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0005]      FIG. 3  depicts a cross-sectional view of the distal end shown in  FIG. 2 ; and 
           [0006]      FIG. 4  depicts a cross-sectional view of the distal end shown in  FIG. 2 , with two adhesive plugs disposed therein. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0007]    The following description of certain examples of the invention should not be used to limit the scope of the present invention. Other examples, features, aspects, embodiments, and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description, which is by way of illustration, one of the best modes contemplated for carrying out the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other different and obvious aspects, all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. 
         [0008]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , an exemplary adhesive delivery system ( 10 ) comprises a first syringe ( 20 ), a second syringe ( 30 ), a junction member ( 40 ), and a tube ( 50 ). Each of syringes ( 20 ,  30 ) is coupled with junction member ( 40 ), which is further coupled with the proximal end ( 52 ) of tube ( 50 ). A tip ( 60 ) is secured to the distal end ( 54 ) of tube ( 50 ). 
         [0009]    Syringes ( 20 ,  30 ) each comprise a respective barrel ( 22 ,  32 ) and plunger ( 24 ,  34 ). In the present example, each of syringes ( 20 ,  30 ) comprises a standard commercially available syringe, without a needle attached, though any suitable alternatives may be used. As shown, each syringe ( 20 ,  30 ) is coupled with junction member ( 40 ), and each syringe ( 20 ,  30 ) is further in fluid communication with junction member ( 40 ). As will be described in greater detail below, in an exemplary use of adhesive delivery system ( 10 ), barrel ( 22 ) of first syringe ( 20 ) contains an adhesive material; while barrel ( 32 ) of second syringe ( 30 ) contains a fluid ( 72 ). While syringes ( 20 ,  30 ) are described herein as being used to dispense an adhesive material and a fluid, it is contemplated that a variety of alternative structures and devices may be used to dispense either or both of an adhesive material and a fluid. 
         [0010]    Junction member ( 40 ) of the present example comprises a first channel ( 42 ), which is in fluid communication with a second channel ( 44 ). In one embodiment, first and second channels ( 42 ,  44 ) each comprise a leur lock type of feature (not shown), each of which are configured to mate with complimentary leur lock features (not shown) of first and second syringes ( 20 ,  30 ). Alternatively, any other suitable interface between syringes ( 20 ,  30 ) and conduits ( 42 ,  44 ) may be used. First and second channels ( 42 ,  44 ) form a generally “V”-like configuration in the present example. However, it will be appreciated that first and second channels ( 42 ,  44 ) may have any other suitable configuration (e.g., “T”-shaped, etc.). As is also shown, a web ( 46 ) is provided between first and second channels ( 42 ,  44 ). In this example, web ( 46 ) is substantially rigid, though web ( 46 ) may have other properties. It will also be appreciated that web ( 46 ) is optional, and that any suitable alternative may be used, and/or that web ( 46 ) may be omitted altogether. 
         [0011]    Proximal end ( 52 ) of tube ( 50 ) is secured to second channel ( 44 ), distal of the junction of first and second channels ( 42 ,  44 ), and tube ( 50 ) is further in fluid communication with second channel ( 44 ). Tube ( 50 ) comprises a flexible, transparent material in the present example, though it will be appreciated that tube ( 50 ) may have any other suitable properties. Tip ( 60 ) is secured to distal end ( 54 ) of tube ( 50 ), and is further in fluid communication with tube ( 50 ). As shown in  FIGS. 2-4 , tip ( 60 ) comprises a generally tapered portion ( 62 ) and a generally cylindrical portion ( 64 ). Generally cylindrical portion ( 64 ) is inserted in distal end ( 54 ) of tube ( 50 ). Of course, tip ( 60 ) may have any of a variety of alternative configurations, and may engage with tube ( 50 ) in any other suitable fashion. 
         [0012]    The adhesive delivery system ( 10 ) of the present example is configured to deliver an adhesive through tip ( 60 ) via actuation of plungers ( 24 ,  34 ) of syringes ( 20 ,  30 ). An exemplary use is shown in  FIGS. 2-4 , where an adhesive plug ( 70 ) is shown within tube ( 50 ). Adhesive plug ( 70 ) may comprise a cyanoacrylate, an isocyanate, or any other suitable substance. Adhesive plug ( 70 ) is urged distally through tube ( 50 ) by a fluid ( 72 ), such as sterile water, saline, or any other suitable fluid ( 72 ). In the present example, adhesive plug ( 70 ) is immiscible in fluid ( 72 ). Adhesive plug ( 70 ) and fluid ( 72 ) are further provided in different colors, thereby providing visual feedback of the longitudinal position of adhesive plug ( 70 ) in tube ( 50 ). Alternatively, adhesive plug ( 70 ) and fluid ( 72 ) may be the same color or similar colors, or may be contrasted in any suitable way. It will be appreciated that fluid ( 72 ) may act as a plunger to drive adhesive plug ( 70 ) along tube ( 50 ). In other words, adhesive plug ( 70 ) may be advanced distally through tube ( 50 ) by a user actuating plunger ( 34 ). 
         [0013]    As is shown in  FIG. 4 , a plurality of adhesive plugs ( 70 ) may be provided within tube ( 50 ). Where a plurality of adhesive plugs ( 70 ) are provided within tube ( 50 ), fluid ( 72 ) may be provided between adhesive plugs ( 70 ). 
         [0014]    It will be appreciated that each adhesive plug ( 70 ) may be created by a user actuating plunger ( 24 ) to introduce adhesive material residing in barrel ( 22 ) to junction member ( 40 ) and/or tube ( 50 ). When a desired quantity of adhesive material has been so introduced, the user may stop actuating plunger ( 24 ) and may start actuating plunger ( 34 ) to distally force fluid ( 72 ) behind the adhesive material, thereby separating an adhesive plug ( 70 ) portion from the remainder of adhesive material within first channel ( 40 ). It will therefore be appreciated that adhesive plugs ( 70 ) may be provided in any size/amount desired by the user as a function of plunger ( 24 ,  34 ) manipulation. Adhesive plugs ( 70 ) may also be introduced at any point along the stream of fluid ( 72 ). 
         [0015]    As noted above, fluid ( 72 ) of the present example comprises a sterile water or saline. However, suitable alternatives for fluid ( 72 ) may include any media that is immiscible with adhesive plug ( 70 ) (e.g., liquid, air, gel, etc.), and may comprise any suitable drug, sclerosing agent, necrosing agent, coagulant, ablation agent, image enhancing agents such as ultrasound, CT, MRI, PET, X-Ray (radiographic), sealants, or radiopharmaceutical. Other suitable alternatives for fluid ( 72 ) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the alt. It will also be appreciated that fluid ( 72 ) may comprise more than one type of fluid and/or material. Similarly, adhesive plug ( 70 ) may be substituted with any suitable fluid and/or material, including but not limited to the above-listed alternatives for fluid ( 72 ). 
         [0016]    In one exemplary use, adhesive delivery system ( 10 ) is used to deliver tissue glue, which is provided by adhesive plug ( 70 ), in measured quantities. For instance, adhesive delivery system ( 10 ) may be used to adhere portions of tissue of a patient together. However, adhesive delivery system ( 10 ) may be used in a variety of other procedures and/or to deliver a variety of materials other than adhesive plugs ( 70 ). Suitable alternative uses for adhesive delivery system ( 10 ) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0017]    It will be appreciated that either or both of syringes ( 20 ,  30 ) may be selectively coupled with junction member ( 40 ), such that either or both of syringes ( 20 ,  30 ) may be removed from junction member ( 40 ) during a procedure of applying adhesive. For instance, syringe ( 20 ) may be used initially to provide an adhesive plug ( 70 ), and may then be removed from junction member ( 40 ). A replacement syringe (not shown) containing some other substance (e.g., an initiator, curing agent, a different adhesive, etc.) may then be selectively coupled with first channel ( 42 ). Such a replacement syringe could then be used to introduce the other substance to tube ( 50 ) behind a suitable amount of fluid ( 72 ). The other substance may then be advanced through tube ( 50 ) using additional fluid ( 72 ). Other suitable substances that may be introduced to tube ( 50 ) by either syringe ( 20 ,  30 ) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art; as will other uses for embodiments described herein, structural variations of embodiments described herein, and substitutes and variations of components described herein. 
         [0018]    Embodiments of the present invention have application in conventional endoscopic and open surgical instrumentation as well as application in robotic-assisted surgery. 
         [0019]    Embodiments of the devices disclosed herein can be designed to be disposed of after a single use, or they can be designed to be used multiple times. Embodiments may, in either or both cases, be reconditioned for reuse after at least one use. Reconditioning may include any combination of the steps of disassembly of the device, followed by cleaning or replacement of particular pieces, and subsequent reassembly. In particular, embodiments of the device may be disassembled, and any number of the particular pieces or parts of the device may be selectively replaced or removed in any combination. Upon cleaning and/or replacement of particular parts, embodiments of the device may be reassembled for subsequent use either at a reconditioning facility, or by a surgical team immediately prior to a surgical procedure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that reconditioning of a device may utilize a variety of techniques for disassembly, cleaning/replacement, and reassembly. Use of such techniques, and the resulting reconditioned device, are all within the scope of the present application. 
         [0020]    By way of example only, embodiments described herein may be processed before surgery. First, a new or used instrument may be obtained and if necessary cleaned. The instrument may then be sterilized. In one sterilization technique, the instrument is placed in a closed an sealed container, such as a plastic or TYVEK bag. The container and instrument may then be placed in a field of radiation that can penetrate the container, such as gamma radiation, x-rays, or high-energy electrons. The radiation may kill bacteria on the instrument and in the container. The sterilized instrument may then be stored in the sterile container. the sealed container may keep the instrument sterile until it is opened in a medical facility. A device may also be sterilized using any other technique known in the art, including but not limited to beta or gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, or steam. 
         [0021]    Having shown and described various embodiments of the present invention, further adaptations of the methods and systems described herein may be accomplished by appropriate modifications by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. Several of such potential modifications have been mentioned, and others will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For instance, the examples, embodiments, geometrics, materials, dimensions, ratios, steps, and the like discussed above are illustrative and are not required. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be considered in terms of the following claims and is understood not to be limited to the details of structure and operation shown and described in the specification and drawings.