Patent Publication Number: US-2011054389-A1

Title: Method and apparatus for cleaning a nasal passage

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of medical devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to nasal cleaning device for home use. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     Children below the age of three often experience chronic nasal congestion and drainage and they cannot clear it themselves. Leaving congested nasal passages unchecked leads to restricted breathing, lower oxygen levels, increased stress on the lungs and vascular system. In addition, congested nasal passages may cause overall discomfort for children and anxieties for parents. 
     Traditionally, parents use a rubber suction device with a resilient rubber cavity and an integral nipple to remove mucus from a child&#39;s nasal passage. One problem with these devices is that they do not provide continuous suction and they can be clogged up very quickly, rendering this device temporarily useless until unclogging. Another problem is that they cannot remove solidified or thick mucus. Yet another problem is that the rubber suction device is difficult to use for children because children do not like to have a foreign object inserted into their nasal passages. They would cry and turn their head away, rendering the prior art suction device ineffective and dangerous to children. During the suction of mucus, a child may suddenly turn their body or their head, possibly causing the nipple to accidentally intrude deep into their nasal passage. This would cause discomfort and sometimes injuries to a child&#39;s sensitive nasal passage. As a result, children may react strongly and refuse the use of such suction device on them the next time they have a nasal passage congestion or drainage. 
     Yet another problem of the rubber suction device is that it cannot completely clean a child&#39;s nasal passage. This is because the rubber suction device is designed to remove a mucus clog rather than to completely clean a child&#39;s nasal passage. In order to completely clean the child&#39;s nasal passage, parents often use a wet cotton tip that intrudes deeply thereto, further causing discomfort to the child. 
     Parents cannot take their children to a hospital for more sophisticated devices for clearing children&#39;s nasal congestion and drainage problems. In other words, sophisticated nasal passage clearing devices are not available to parents at home for their convenience. 
     Therefore what is needed is an effective home device for clearing a nasal passage that does not cause the above described problems. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, an objective of the present invention is to provide a portable device that can efficiently and conveniently remove and clean a nasal passage. Thus, portable device for cleaning a nasal passage is disclosed that includes: a first receptacle having a first opening and a first stop, a second receptacle, a power driven motor operable to deliver an adjustably continuous flushing pressure to the first receptacle and to provide an adjustably continuous vacuuming pressure to second receptacle. The portable device also includes a first pressure adjusting means operable to control the amount of the flushing pressure, and a second pressure adjusting means, operable to control the amount of the vacuuming pressure. 
     These and other advantages of the present invention will no doubt become obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art after having read the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which are illustrated in the various drawing Figures. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of a nasal clearing device; 
         FIG. 2  is a diagram illustrating a cutaway view of the nasal clearing device from  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a saline reservoir for use with a nasal clearing device; 
         FIG. 4  is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a bulb for use with a nasal clearing device; 
         FIG. 5 . is a diagram illustrating one embodiment a bulb for use with a nasal clearing device; 
         FIG. 6  is a block diagram illustrating pressure flow for the nasal clearing device of  FIG. 1 ; and 
         FIG. 7  is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of one embodiment of a bulb and application thereof to a child&#39;s nose; 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic diagram illustrating all components of the portable nasal passage cleaning device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a flow chart illustrating the process of cleaning and removing secretions of a congested nasal passage in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed description of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present invention. 
     One embodiment of the invention is now described with reference to  FIGS. 1 to 6 .  FIG. 1  shows one embodiment of nasal clearing device  100 . Device  100  includes housing  101  attached to base  102 , either of which may be formed from metal, plastic, or any other suitable material including bacterial resistant materials. Base  102  may be heavy for durability, noise and vibration reduction, or base  102  may be lightweight for increased portability and ease of handling. Device  100  is sized for hand-held use and ease of transportation and storage. 
     One method of activating device  100  is to insert power cord  104  into a power outlet, for example a 120 volt alternating current power source. In another embodiment, an ON/OFF switch (not shown) controls power to device  100 . In another embodiment, power cord  104  connects to a battery pack (not shown) or is used to charge an internal battery (not shown). 
     Once device  100  is activated, a vacuum suction is produced at receptacle  106  for removing secretions, for example mucus from an infant&#39;s nose. The pressure level of the suction is controlled by valve  108 , and may be adjusted, for example, from zero to about 80 cm of mercury. Valve  108  may be, for example, a two-way restrictor valve. Receptacle  106  connects to device  100  with tube  110  that is wound on auto-retracting spool  112 . Vacuum gauge  114  provides an indication of the degree of suction, and may provide recommended levels of suction for different degrees of blockage, or children of different ages. Vent  116  in housing  101  provides air for a pump (see  FIG. 2 ), for example for cooling or pumping. In one embodiment device  100  is configured to gradually increase the vacuum pressure if receptacle  106  becomes clogged, up to a safe limit, until the blockage is cleared. 
     Nozzle  118  is connected to the pump with tube  120  that is wound on auto-retracting spool  122 . A liquid reservoir (see  FIG. 2 ) provides pressurized liquid, for example saline, to nozzle  118  for loosening dried or thick secretions prior to or during removal by receptacle  106 . Valve  124  controls the pressure to the reservoir and therefore the amount of liquid being directed to nozzle  118 . Valve  124  maybe, for example, a three-way diverter valve. Nozzle  118  directs the liquid in either a stream or a spray. Valve  124  varies the pressure to the reservoir between full and off. 
     Auto-retracting spools  112  and  122  wind up excess tubing for ease of storage and handling. Housing  101  is secured to base  102  with clamps  126 . Handle  128  is connected to housing  101  and may be used to transport device  100 . 
     In  FIG. 2  there is a diagram illustrating a cutaway view of the nasal clearing device from  FIG. 1 . The housing  101 , auto-retracting spools  112  and  122 , receptacle  106  and nozzle  118  have been removed for clarity. Pump  130  is, for example, a transfer pump or any other pump capable of creating a negative air pressure (vacuum) and a positive pressure, and mounted to base  102 . In one embodiment, pump  130  is two individual pumps separately creating negative and positive air pressure. Pump  130  is capable of creating pressure up to 25 inches of mercury, both positively and negatively. As previously discussed, pump  130  may operate from alternating or direct current and in one embodiment is powered from batteries, either rechargeable or non-rechargeable. Pump  130  may be selected from commercially available pumps with the qualities of small in size, light in weight, durability, appropriate suction power and low in cost. In one embodiment, pump  130  is constant in speed, voltage and frequency, resulting in a constant output speed, flow, and pressure given a fixed load. In one embodiment, pump  130  is rated at 200 watts and generates flow using piston-type elements resulting in a high dead-head capability. In one embodiment, pump  130  includes an integral filter element and terminates with standard NPT fittings. 
     Intake port  132  for pump  130  is connected to tube  134 . Tube  134  may be, for example, 24-38 French in size and of medical grade. Tube  134  connects to valve  108  and leads to receptacle  106  (see  FIG. 1 ). Intake port  132  provides the vacuum pressure to receptacle  106  during operation. 
     Output port  136  connects to tube  138  and provides positive air pressure during operation. Tube  138  connects to valve  124 . Valve  124  connects to tube  140 , which connects to liquid reservoir  142 . Reservoir  142  provides liquid through tube  144  to nozzle  118  (see  FIG. 1 ). Referring to both  FIGS. 1 and 2 , although reservoir  142  is pictured inside housing  101 , one of ordinary skill in the art understands that for convenience, sanitation, level-checking of the liquid, reservoir  142  may be located external or internal to housing  101 . 
     In  FIG. 3  there is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of reservoir  142  for use with a nasal clearing device. During operation, pump  130  directs positive air pressure through tube  134  to valve  124 . Valve  124  may be manipulated to direct the air either to vent  146 , reservoir  142 , or split between them, with some air escaping through vent  146  and some air forced into reservoir  142 . Vent  146  provides for smoother pump operation while not spraying from nozzle  118 . Positive air pressure in reservoir  142  pushes liquid  148 , for example a 0.45-0.9% saline mixture, through tube  120  and out of nozzle  118 . In one embodiment, nozzle  118  is a mister, size 24-26 French. Nozzle  118  may optionally include a stop (not shown) to limit insertion of nozzle  118  into a nostril. 
     In  FIG. 4  there is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of receptacle  106  for use with a nasal clearing device. Receptacle  106  has opening  200  at which the vacuum pressure is created, and into which secretions from a nostril are drawn. Opening  200  is typically less then 5 mm in diameter, and in one embodiment from 3-4 mm in diameter, and may be smaller than the nostril of a typical infant or child. The secretions are drawn into reservoir  210  where the secretions and air separate in order to avoid interfering with continuous vacuum pressure and avoid fouling pump  130 . 
     During use, receptacle  106  is inserted into a nostril up to stop  220 . Stop  220  is typically less than 4 mm from opening  200  and has approximately a 12 mm diameter in order to avoid insertion of receptacle  106  too deeply into the nostril of a child or infant. In one embodiment, stop  220  has a minimum diameter of 12 mm, or large enough in order to avoid insertion beyond stop  220  in the average child under three years of age. In one embodiment, stop  220  may form a seal with the nostril in order to improve suction and therefore the removal of secretions. In one embodiment receptacle  106  is sized and shaped for application and sealing at any angle or orientation to a nostril. 
     After use, receptacle  106  is opened by twisting, pulling, screwing, or otherwise, and may be hinged, threaded, or otherwise secured. Secretions such as mucus are removed and receptacle  106  cleansed. Tube  230  within receptacle maintains the air pressure and is removed from the area of secretion build-up in receptacle  106 . Different receptacles may be used with different sizes, shapes and configurations. One of skill in the art will recognize that many variations on receptacle  106  are available and within the scope and coverage of the invention. 
     Valve  240  is one embodiment of valve  108  from  FIG. 1  and is used to control the suction at receptacle  106 . The valve used to control suction may be internal or external to the device. 
     In  FIG. 5 . there is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of receptacle  106  with bulb  500 . Bulb  500  has stop  510 , which is designed to be gently pressed against the nostril of a child and form a seal in order to vacuum out secretions. Bulb  500  has opening  520  of less than 5 mm, and in one embodiment approximately 3-4 mm. Stop  510  is less than 4 mm from opening  520 , and in one embodiment approximately 2-3 mm. In one embodiment, bulb  500  is sized and shaped to seal against the nostril of a child under the age of three years. 
     In  FIG. 6  there is a block diagram illustrating pressure flow for the nasal clearing device of  FIG. 1 . The arrows connecting blocks in  FIG. 6  illustrate the direction of airflow. Block  600  represents a pump drawing area from section  610  and directing the air to section  620 . Consequently, a vacuum, or negative air pressure is developed in the mucus reservoir of section  610  and a positive air pressure is developed in the saline reservoir of section  620 . In section  610 , air is drawn in from the receptacle, or mucus reservoir, represented by block  630 . An optional vacuum gauge, represented by block  640 , may indicate the air pressure in section  610  while a valve controls the air pressure. The valve is represented by block  650 . 
     In section  620 , air is expelled from the pump and directed through a valve, represented by block  660 . There may be an optional relief outlet valve, represented by block  670 , to provide an outlet for air from the pump in case of blockage. Optionally there may be a relief inlet valve (not illustrated) in section  610 . The air may be directed from the valve to the saline reservoir, represented by block  680 . 
       FIG. 7  is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of one embodiment of a bulb and application thereof to a child&#39;s nose. Optionally, prior to inserting the opening of the bulb and applying suction, a saline or other liquid mist may be gently sprayed into one or both nostrils in order to loosen dried secretions and aid in their removal. The child may be sitting upright, although application of suction is more easily achieved with the child supine. The child&#39;s head may be supported with a pillow and held while the bulb is gently pressed against their nostril to form a seal, thereby improving suction. 
     A valve is turned to activate and/or adjust suction and suction is typically applied for 5 to 60 seconds to remove mucus. The airway and nostril should be checked after this time period and suction repeated if necessary. 
     The invention is efficient and rapidly clears secretions from a child&#39;s nose, especially when the child has not yet learned to blow their own nose, or is otherwise unable to do so. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 8 , a schematic diagram  800  of the portable device  100  is illustrated. Schematic diagram  800  includes a power driven motor  830  which generates an adjustably continuous vacuuming pressure and an adjustably continuous flushing pressure. Power driven motor  830  further includes a first piston pump  831  and a second piston pump  832 . First piston pump  831  is used to generate adjustably continuous vacuuming pressure and second piston pump  832  is used to generate adjustably continuous flushing pressure. Power driven motor  830  also includes a controller  833  electrically connected to first piston pump  831  and second piston pump  832 . Controller  833  monitors the temperatures and output pressures of both first piston pump  831  and second piston pump  833 . When the temperatures exceed a preset critical temperature, controller  833  will shut down power driven motor  830  as well as first piston pump  831  and second piston pump  832 . Similarly, when output pressures exceed a preset pressure value, controller  833  automatically shuts down power driven motor  830 . In one embodiment, controller  833  may cause power driven motor  833  to enter a sleep mode where power consumption and currents are minimal when nasal passage cleaning device  800  is not in used. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 8 , schematic diagram  800  also includes a first pressure adjusting mean  851  and a second pressure adjusting mean  852 . First pressure adjusting mean is designed to adjust the vacuuming pressure output from first piston pump  831  and second pressure adjusting mean is designed to adjust the flushing pressure output from second piston pump  832 . In one embodiment, first pressure adjusting means  851  and second pressure adjusting means are mechanical pressure adjustment valves. In one embodiment, first pressure adjusting means  851  and second pressure adjusting means are electrical circuits that can continuously adjust the current of power driven motor  830  so that flushing pressure and vacuuming pressure can be changed accordingly. 
     Schematic diagram  800  also includes a first air filter  821  connected to a first bottle  8671 , a first receptacle  801 , and to first piston pump  831  on the vacuuming pressure portion. On the flushing pressure portion, second air filter  822  is connected to a second bottle  872 , to second receptacle  802 , and to second piston pump  732 . 
     Now referring to  FIG. 9 , a flow chart diagram  900  illustrating the process of cleaning a nasal passage using a motor driven portable device. 
     Referring to step  901 , inserting a receptacle into a nasal passage by using a stop coupled to said receptacle so that the insertion depth is minimal. Step  901  can be implemented using portable device illustrated in  FIG. 100 ,  FIG. 2 , and  FIG. 8  of the present invention. The first receptacle and stop can be stop  500  as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . 
     Referring next to step  902 , removing secretions from the nasal passage by applying an adjustably continuous vacuuming pressure generated by a power driven motor. Step  902  can be implemented by a portable device  800  illustrated in  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2 , and  FIG. 8 . 
     Referring now to step  903 , examining whether the nasal passage has been cleaned. After vacuuming secretions from the nasal passage, the user may visually examine whether the nasal passage is completely cleaned. Other methods of detection can be used such as the sound of the vacuuming pressure. 
     Finally referring to step  904 , if the nasal passage has not been cleaned, flush the nasal passage with a fluid sprayed at adjustably continuous flushing pressure and repeating the steps  901  to  903  above until said nasal passage is cleaned. Step  904  can be implemented by the portable device illustrated in  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2 , and  FIG. 8  of the present invention. 
     The foregoing description details certain embodiments of the invention. It will be appreciated, however, that no matter how detailed the foregoing appears in text, the invention can be practiced in many ways. As is also stated above, it should be noted that the use of particular terminology when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being re-defined herein to be restricted to including any specific characteristics of the features or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated. The scope of the invention should therefore be construed in accordance with the appended claims and any equivalents thereof.