Patent Publication Number: US-2004056159-A1

Title: Infusion holder for mounting on devices that support a patient

Description:
[0001] The present invention relates to an infusion holder for mounting on devices that support a patient, such as stretchers or hospital beds. The infusion holder has a supporting column which, at its lower end, comprises a coupling element for joining to the device that supports the patient and, at its upper end, comprises at least one holding element for holding an infusion bag.  
       [0002] An infusion holder of the above type is known from DE-U 1 950 302. Preferably, this known infusion holder is equipped with a holding element that is provided as an arrangement of two U-shaped bent hooks which are suitable for hanging up infusion bags and/or placing infusion lines.  
       [0003] A disadvantage of this known infusion holder is considered to be the fact that, in numerous practical cases, the possibilities provided for hanging up the infusion bags and/or placing the infusion lines are inappropriate. As a result, for example when a patient is transported by means of a stretcher or a hospital bed, parts of the medical treatment devices that have to be carried along with the patient transported on the stretcher are temporarily placed loosely on the stretcher or the bed or even on the patient himself. This poses the great danger that these parts might fall down from the stretcher, possibly causing an interruption in a vital infusion. This can be avoided only if the medical personnel accompanying the transported patient additionally directs part of its attention to the parts of the medical treatment devices that are placed on the stretcher or the bed or the patient, this being detrimental to the patient.  
       [0004] For that reason, the present invention aims at creating an infusion holder of the aforementioned type, that avoids the disadvantages disclosed and that, in particular, provides improved and enhanced possibilities of holding parts of medical treatment devices.  
       [0005] This problem is solved according to the invention by an infusion holder of the above type, that is characterized in that it is additionally equipped with an adjustable, articulated or flexible gooseneck which, at its free end, comprises one or more additional holding elements, particularly for an infusion bag and/or a breathing tube and/or for other parts of a medical treatment device.  
       [0006] The inventive infusion holder provides the advantageous possibility of not only holding one or two infusion bags on the infusion holder and, for example, moving same together with the patient and the stretcher supporting the patient, but also of additionally holding and/or placing further parts of medical treatment devices. Another advantage is the fact that the gooseneck is adjustable and can, thus, be quickly and easily adjusted to the particular requirements regarding the position and the course of parts of the medical treatment devices. The coupling element permits quick and easy joining of the infusion holder to the device that supports the patient. If it is not required any longer, the infusion holder can be removed from the device that supports the patient in a likewise easy manner, by disconnecting the coupling element.  
       [0007] A further embodiment preferably provides that the gooseneck starts at the upper end of the supporting column. This spatial configuration provides the advantage that the gooseneck can be moved over a particularly great spatial range and is, at the same time, prevented from colliding with infusion bags held on the upper end of the supporting column and with infusion lines coming from these infusion bags.  
       [0008] The invention further suggests that the supporting column is designed in the shape of a tube with a hollow interior that is open at the top and that the gooseneck, being in its extended position, can be retracted inside and pulled out from the supporting column. This embodiment provides the advantageous possibility of retracting the gooseneck completely inside the supporting column, while the gooseneck is not required. In this case, only the upper end of the gooseneck including the holding elements arranged there will remain outside of the supporting column. This permits utilization of the holding elements even if the gooseneck is in the completely retracted position.  
       [0009] A further contribution to the flexible adjustment of the infusion holder to the particular requirements is made by the fact that, preferably, the gooseneck can be fixed in various positions of retraction in relation to the supporting column, by using a locking device. Hence, the gooseneck can be reliably fixed in position even if it is extended from the supporting column in part only, so that the gooseneck and the parts of medical treatment devices held on its holding elements are prevented from automatically readjusting themselves in an undesired manner. In the simplest case, a clamping screw inserted in a threaded hole in the upper end of the supporting column is appropriate as locking device.  
       [0010] Further, it is preferably provided that the supporting column is designed as a telescopic tube with at least two tube sections that are passed one within the other and can be pushed and fixed in position in relation to each other. In this manner, the length of the supporting column can be altered, this also contributing to the fact that the infusion holder, when in use, can be well adjusted to the particular requirements. Moreover, the infusion holder can be telescoped to a relatively small size, as long as it is not required. In this retracted state, it can be accommodated and stored in a space-saving manner.  
       [0011] Further, it is preferably provided that the coupling element is connected to an outer tube section that forms the lower part of the supporting column and that the holding element provided on the supporting column is attached to an inner tube section that forms the upper part of the supporting column. In this manner, it is achieved that the moving upper part of the supporting column is passed within the lower stationary part of the supporting column, so that, on readjusting the length of the telescopic supporting column, practically neither the personnel nor the patient is subjected to any danger of injury. In addition, the supporting column meets requirements by having a greater stability in its lower part where the load is heaviest, because it has its greatest diameter there.  
       [0012] It is further provided that the supporting column and the coupling element are connected to each other by means of a lockable swivel joint, with the swivel axis of the joint extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the supporting column and with the supporting column, while the infusion holder is mounted on the device that supports the patient, being capable of being swiveled about the swivel axis of the joint by at least 90 degrees from a position of use that is extending in an approximately vertical upward direction to a position of non-use that is extending in an approximately horizontal direction parallel to the device that supports the patient, and vice versa. This embodiment of the infusion holder provides the advantage that the supporting column, while not in use, can be swiveled into a horizontal position, where the complete infusion holder, in a save-spacing manner, extends in parallel and immediately adjacent to the device that supports the patient, such as a stretcher or hospital bed. Since, in this position, the infusion holder does not make itself felt in any disturbing way, it can remain mounted on the device that supports the patient even if it is not required. At the same time, this permits it to be brought back to its position of use quickly if it is required, by swiveling the supporting column, again in relation to the coupling element, to a vertical position and then fixing it in this position by locking the joint.  
       [0013] In this context, it is preferably provided that, at least in the position of use of the supporting column and with the joint being locked, two parts of the joint are in positive engagement with one another. This ensures that the supporting column is protected from folding by itself in an undesired manner that might possibly be dangerous to a patient, even if the locking device of the joint is perhaps not fully tightened because of excitement in action. Moreover, this ensures that it is not possible to swivel the supporting column in relation to the coupling element even if relatively strong forces are exerted, so that a high reliability and stability of the infusion holder is achieved with the supporting column being in its position of use.  
       [0014] It is further provided that the/each holding element at the upper end of the supporting column is formed by a hook that is projecting in an outward direction. This hook or these hooks can be used to hang up one or more infusion bags quickly and easily, where they are then safely held, for example even inside moving ambulance vehicles.  
       [0015] With regard to the further holding devices provided on the gooseneck, it is preferably provided that at least one line clamp and/or at least one hook is/are arranged as holding element(s) at the free end of the gooseneck. The line clamp is preferably used to hold and place a tube or line, for example a breathing tube or an infusion line. If provided, the hook can be used to hang up an infusion bag or to place an infusion line or to hold other parts of medical treatment devices. Preferably, both types of holding elements are provided at the free end of the gooseneck.  
       [0016] To ensure that a line or tube that is held and placed in the line clamp can be placed in the most favorable manner and in the optimal alignment, a further executive form of the invention provides that the line clamp at the end of the gooseneck is supported such that it can be swiveled and/or turned.  
       [0017] To ensure that the infusion holder can be used in as unrestricted a manner as possible and that it can be joined to different devices that support a patient, the coupling element is preferably designed in the way of a clamp with a clamping jaw and a clamping screw or a clamping lever. As a matter of course, there is the additional possibility of joining different coupling elements to otherwise identical infusion holders, in order to allow the coupling elements to be adjusted to different devices that support a patient.  
       [0018] As a further measure to avoid loose objects on a device that support a patient or on the patient himself, it is additionally suggested that a plastic jacket, several centimeters in height, is arranged in the lower half and on the outer circumference of the supporting column, that can be used for the attachment of perfusors.  
       [0019] Finally, it is additionally provided according to the invention that at least the supporting column, the coupling element and the gooseneck are made of stainless steel or aluminum. Since they are non-corroding and stable, these materials meet the requirements specified for the various components within the infusion holder. Depending on the particular load, the further components of the infusion holder can likewise be metal parts or, alternatively, also more cost-effective plastic parts. Here, the plastic parts are preferably made of such a plastic material that is sufficiently resistant to chemicals and/or heat so that the infusion holder can be sterilized, if necessary. 
     
    
    
     [0020] An executive example of the invention is illustrated below by means of a drawing. The only FIGURE of the drawing shows a side view of the infusion holder in a schematic representation. 
    
    
     [0021] As shown in the FIGURE of the drawing, the illustrated executive example of the infusion holder  1  comprises, in substance, a supporting column  2 , a coupling element  3 , and a gooseneck  4 .  
     [0022] Here, the supporting column  2  is designed as a telescopic tube with two tube sections that are passed one within the other, with the outer tube section that has the greater diameter forming the lower part  21  of the column and the inner tube section that has the smaller diameter forming the upper part  22  of the column. The two parts  21 ,  22  of the column are passed one within the other and can be pushed in relation to each other, as indicated by the moving arrows  22 ′ at the upper end of the upper part  22  of the column. A locking device  20 , here: a sleeve nut, that can be turned from an unlocked to a locked position and vice versa in the sense of the rotating arrow  20 ′ is used to fix the upper part  22  of the column in a desired pushing position in relation to the lower part  21  of the column.  
     [0023] At its lower end, the supporting column  2  is connected to the coupling element  3 . The coupling element  3  is designed in the way of a clamp with a clamping jaw  30 , that has the approximate shape of a C in the FIGURE, and a clamping screw  31  that can be turned in a threaded hole therein. As shown in the drawing, this coupling element  3  permits the infusion holder  1  to be connected to a component with the appropriate load-carrying capacity, for example a longitudinal bar  50 , of a device  5  that supports a patient, such as a stretcher or hospital bed, in a removable and, at the same time, sufficiently firm and safe manner.  
     [0024] The connection between the lower end of the supporting column  2  and the coupling element  3  is designed as a swivel joint  32 , the swivel axis  32 ′ of which extends, in the level of the drawing, in a direction that is approximately horizontal, with the coupling element  3  being in the mounted state. The swivel joint  32  can be defined in desired positions by means of a locking screw  33 . With the locking screw  33  being unlocked, the supporting column  2  can be swiveled about the swivel axis  32 ′ by at least 90 degrees in relation to the coupling element  3 , from the position of use that is shown in the drawing and is extending in an approximately vertical upward direction to a position of rest or non-use that is extending in an approximately horizontal direction perpendicular to the level of the drawing, and vice versa.  
     [0025] By unscrewing the locking screw  33  completely, the supporting column can be disconnected completely from the coupling element  3  and used at a different place; in addition, this provides the possibility of connecting the supporting column  2 , as required, to different coupling elements  3  that differ, in particular, with regard to their size or shape.  
     [0026] A head piece  24  that has the approximate shape of a hollow cylinder and has an outside diameter that is greater than the outside diameter of the upper part  22  of the column is attached to the upper part of the supporting column  2 , here to the upper end of the upper part  22  of the column. Starting at the head piece  24 , two first holding elements  25  having the shape of hooks are extending in two opposite directions, both in an approximately radial outward direction. These hooks can, for example, be used to hang up infusion bags and/or infusion lines.  
     [0027] Starting at the upper end of the supporting column  2 , the gooseneck  4  is extending to the top. In itself, the gooseneck  4  is articulated or flexible and, thus, adjustable, for example bendable to the sides in one or more curves, as indicated by the moving arrows  40 . Moreover, the gooseneck  4  can be pushed in relation to the supporting column  2 , here: in relation to the upper part  22  of the column. To achieve this, the gooseneck  4 , when it is in its extended, hence substantially straight-line position that is shown in the drawing, can be retracted inside and pulled out of the hollow interior of the supporting column  2 . To fix the gooseneck  4  in desired positions of retraction in relation to the head piece  24  that forms the upper end of the supporting column  2 , a further locking screw  41  is placed in a threaded hole in the head piece. In its screwed position, the locking screw  41  fixes the gooseneck  4  in position with its inner end; in its unscrewed position, the locking screw  41  releases the gooseneck  4 , so that the latter can be pushed up or down in relation to the head piece  24 .  
     [0028] An end piece  42 , that has also a cylindrical shape here, is attached to the free upper end of the gooseneck  4 . As a further holding element, a hook  45  that can also be used to hang up an infusion bag or to place an infusion line or another part of a medical treatment device is extending to one side, in the drawing: to the right side, of the end piece  42 .  
     [0029] A further holding element that has the shape of a line clamp  44  is extending to the other side of the end piece  42 . For example, this line clamp  44  is used for holding and placing a breathing tube running from a breathing apparatus to a patient. To ensure a position and placement of the tube held by the line clamp  44  that is favorable in relation to the patient, the gooseneck  4  is adjusted as required both in its vertical position and its curvature, maintaining this position after the locking screw  41  has been tightened. To further improve the possibilities of adjusting the position of the line clamp  44 , the illustrated executive form of the infusion holder  1  provides that the line clamp  44  is held in the end piece  42  by means of a swivel joint  47 . This permits the line clamp  44  to be swiveled about the swivel axis of the swivel joint  47 , which extends in a perpendicular direction to the longitudinal axis of the gooseneck, in the sense of the swivel arrows  47 ′. Together with the end piece  42  and the entire remaining gooseneck  4 , the line clamp  44  can, in addition, be turned about the central axis of the gooseneck and in relation to the end piece  24 , as long as the locking screw  41  is unlocked. This allows any and all conceivable positions and alignments of the line clamp  44  that are required in practice.  
     [0030] Finally, a plastic jacket  26 , in practice several centimeters in height, is arranged in the lower half and on the outer circumference of the lower part  21  of the column, that can be used for the attachment of perfusors.  
     [0031] As illustrated in the drawing, the infusion holder can achieve a maximum length that is sufficient for all purposes of application, in practice from about 1 to 1.5 m, while the upper part  22  of the column and the gooseneck  4  are in their fully extended position. If it is intended to have a lesser length of the infusion holder, it can be shortened appropriately by retracting the upper part  22  of the column inside the lower part  21  of the column and the gooseneck  4  inside the upper part  22  of the column. While the infusion holder  1  is in its position of non-use, its length can be brought to a minimum value being only somewhat more than a third of the maximum possible length of the infusion holder  1 , by completely telescoping the lower and upper parts  21 ,  22  of the column and the gooseneck  4 . In this position, the infusion holder  1 , having its minimum length, can be stored in a space-saving manner. With the infusion holder  1  being mounted on a stretcher and after having been swiveled about the swivel axis  32 ′ by approximately 90 degrees, the supporting column  2 , including the gooseneck  4  of the infusion holder  1 , can, for example, be brought into a position parallel to the longitudinal bar, where the infusion holder  1  can remain mounted on the device that supports the patient without being in the way.  
     [0032] With its coupling element  3 , the infusion holder  1  can be quickly and easily joined to and likewise quickly and easily disconnected from a device that supports a patient. Moreover, the infusion holder  1  can be readjusted to many positions, this permitting an adjustment to any and all cases or requirements incurred in practice. It also provides a multitude of flexible holding possibilities, thus preventing parts of medical treatment devices from lying about in a loose manner. If it is made of light metal, in particular of aluminium, in its bearing parts and of a sufficiently stable plastic material in its remaining parts, the infusion holder  1  does not make any noticeable contribution to the total weight of the device  5  that supports the patient, so that the persons having to carry and move the device  5  that supports the patient, such as a stretcher, do not incur any additional weight load.