Abstract:
The foreign object extractor has an elongated hollow tube with a central lumen through its entire length providing fluid connection between an engaging end and a vacuum source. The engaging end has a nominally round transverse cross-section and is shaped to engage a foreign object. The engaging end flares so as to expose the internal surface of the elongated hollow tube for engagement with the foreign object. An adhesive is disposed on the exposed internal flared surface of the distal end. Pneumatic suction is applied through the lumen of the extractor and the suction serves to bring the foreign object into contact with the adhesive coated surface of the extractor to form a bond between the extractor and the object to be extracted.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention is directed to the art of medical instruments, and more particularly to instruments for removal of objects from within a living body. 
       BACKGROUND INFORMATION 
       [0002]    Commonly objects become lodged in a living body and need to be removed. Various types and sizes of forceps have been used in the past to seize and extract such embedded objects. 
         [0003]    The use of forceps for object extraction can be traumatic to cartilage and soft tissue. Forceps are formed of metal or rigid plastic, which are hard and can cause pain and tearing of tissue even when wielded with the gentlest technique possible. 
         [0004]    Thus, what is needed is an extractor instrument that is more pliable than metal or rigid plastic and grips objects securely for extraction. 
         [0005]    An endoscopic surgical instrument has been proposed, which relies entirely upon vacuum pressure to maintain a grip on the foreign body. For additional details, refer to U.S. Pat. No. 5,196,003 issued to Bilweis. Because embedded foreign bodies can have irregular shapes or surface textures, vacuum pressure alone is sometimes unreliable in maintaining a grip on the object during extraction. If the object has a hole, such as a bead, the vacuum pressure will be unable to grip the object. Also, because some embedded foreign bodies are easily frangible and because control of the amount of vacuum pressure applied is difficult, reliance on vacuum pressure alone for retention of the object during extraction risks fragmenting the object. 
         [0006]    Thus what is needed is an extractor instrument that can secure grip on an object without relying solely on vacuum pressure. 
         [0007]    A foreign body extractor has been proposed that has an expandable distal end that sweeps the foreign body out of a passage. For additional details, refer to U.S. Pat. No. 5,454,817 issued to Katz. This extractor is of limited utility since it can only remove a foreign body that is situated with sufficient free space around it to permit the extractor to slide past it before expanding its distal end. Clearly, any foreign body that is wedged tight cannot be addressed with this extractor. 
         [0008]    Thus what is needed is an extractor instrument that can apply extracting force to a foreign object without need to slide past the foreign object. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The foreign object extractor is an elongated hollow tube with a central lumen through its entire length. A distal engaging end is shaped to engage a foreign object and has a nominally round transverse cross-section. In an embodiment, the shape of the engaging end flares so as to allow a wider cross section and surface area of the end of the tube to contact the foreign object for engagement with the foreign object. An adhesive is disposed on the exposed flared surface of the distal end. Pneumatic suction is applied through the lumen of the extractor and the suction serves to bring the foreign object into contact with the adhesive coated surface of the extractor. 
         [0010]    One aspect of the foreign object extractor is that it is more pliable than metal. 
         [0011]    Another aspect of the foreign object extractor is the ability to securely grip an object without relying solely on vacuum pressure. 
         [0012]    Yet another aspect of the foreign object extractor is the ability to adhesively grip frangible or hollow articles unsuited to vacuum pressure. 
         [0013]    Still another aspect of the foreign object extractor is that it applies extracting force to a foreign object without the need to slide past the foreign object. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a foreign object extractor according to a first embodiment. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of a foreign object extractor according to a second embodiment. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of a foreign object extractor according to a third embodiment. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  illustrates a cross section view of a flared engaging end of a foreign object extractor having a moderate flare. 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  illustrates a cross section view of a flared engaging end of a foreign object extractor having a narrow flare. 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  illustrates a cross section view of a flared engaging end of a foreign object extractor having a wide flare. 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  illustrates a detail view of the flare end of the foreign object extractor. 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  illustrates a detail view of the flare end of the foreign object extractor having a segmented configuration. 
           [0022]      FIG. 8A  illustrates a scored foreign body extractor end. 
           [0023]      FIG. 9  illustrates a detail view of the flare end of an embodiment of the foreign object extractor that incorporates a fixed angle bend. 
           [0024]      FIG. 10  illustrates a detail view of the engaging end of an embodiment of the foreign object extractor that incorporates a manually-bendable member and a pair of paddle-shaped adhesive grippers. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0025]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of a foreign object extractor according to a first embodiment is illustrated. The extractor  100  has an elongate body  110  with a flared engaging end  120 . The body  110  is hollow with a lumen  112  extending the entire length of the body  110  from the engaging end  120  to a vacuum bulb  130 . The tubular body  110  is resiliently flexible. The rim of the engaging end  120  has an annular sticky surface  122 . In this illustrated embodiment the periphery of the vacuum bulb  130  has a textured surface  132  to enhance grip although this is not meant as a limitation. 
         [0026]    Although the amount of suction that can be provided at the engaging end  120  is limited by the size of the vacuum bulb  130 , this first embodiment extractor  100  has the advantage of being portable so that it is useful away from a sustained vacuum source. Further it is anticipated that this, and the other embodiments illustrated herein are disposable and will be single use only so as to avoid any contamination and transmission of disease or pathogens from one patient to the next. 
         [0027]    It should also be noted that in this and other illustrated embodiments, a flared end is illustrated. This is not meant as a limitation since a flared end may not be required for all situations. Yet another embodiment may simply have a tube whose end diameter is the same as the entire tube, but having a sticky end surface that comes in contact with the foreign object. 
         [0028]    In addition, it is anticipated that flared ends of varying sizes will be represented by alternate embodiments. The flare size would be selected by the practitioner based on the canal or passage in which the foreign object is embedded and by the shape of the embedded foreign body. 
         [0029]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , a perspective view of a foreign object extractor according to a second embodiment is illustrated. The extractor  200  has an elongate body  210  with a flared engaging end  220 . The body  210  is hollow with a lumen  212  extending the entire length of the body  210  from the engaging end  220  to a vacuum fitting  230 . The tubular body  210  is resiliently flexible. The inside rim of the engaging end  220  has an annular sticky surface  222 . 
         [0030]    The vacuum fitting  230  provides for easy connection to a vacuum line of a vacuum pump. This second embodiment extractor  200  provides for application of a continuous vacuum which may be available from a portable vacuum pump or from a vacuum source in a permanent facility such as an operating or emergency room. Such room suction vacuum lines are common infrastructure that may be utilized in a hospital, clinic, urgent care, or trauma center setting. 
         [0031]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , a perspective view of a foreign object extractor according to a third embodiment is illustrated. The extractor  300  has an elongate body  310  with a flared engaging end  320 . The body  310  is hollow with a lumen  312  extending the entire length of the body  310  from the engaging end  320  to a vacuum fitting  330 . The tubular body  310  is plastically flexible. The rim of the engaging end  320  has an annular sticky surface  322 . 
         [0032]    Similarly as in the second embodiment, the vacuum fitting  330  provides for easy connection to a vacuum line of a vacuum pump or a permanent vacuum source. 
         [0033]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , a cross section view of a flared engaging end  420  of a foreign object extractor having a moderate flare is illustrated. The flare angle  424  is selected to provide positive engagement of the engaging end  420  with medium sized objects such as those the size of marbles. The illustrated moderate flare angle  424  is approximately 45 degrees, but a moderate flare angle may range from 37 to 53 degrees. 
         [0034]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , a cross section view of a flared engaging end of a foreign object extractor having a narrow flare is illustrated. The flare angle  524  is selected to provide positive engagement of the engaging end  520  with small sized objects such as those the size of tic-tac® mints. The illustrated narrow flare angle  524  is approximately 30 degrees, but a narrow flare angle may range from 20 to 37 degrees with other flare angles possible as well, again depending on the circumstances. 
         [0035]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , a cross section view of a flared engaging end of a foreign object extractor having a wide flare is illustrated. The flare angle  624  is selected to provide positive engagement of the engaging end  620  with larger sized objects such as those the size of batteries. The illustrated wide flare angle  624  is approximately 60 degrees, but a wide flare angle may range from 53 to 75 degrees. 
         [0036]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , a detail view of the flared engaging end  720  of the foreign object extractor is illustrated. A protective cover  740  is disposed over the inner rim of the engaging end  720  to cover up and protect the sticky surface (not shown in this view; refer to  FIGS. 1-3 ) prior to use. The protective cover  740  has a tab  742  sized to be grasped so that the protective cover  740  can be pulled off to expose the sticky surface immediately prior to use of the extractor. 
         [0037]    In the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 1-7  and  9 , various flare angles are illustrated. This is not meant as a limitation however since the end of the flare or non-flared tube may simply be perpendicular to the axis of the tube and can be equally useful without a flare or flare angle of the end. 
         [0038]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , a detail view of the engaging end of the foreign object extractor having a segmented configuration is illustrated. The flared engaging end  820  is divided at its extreme periphery into four distinct engaging segments  850 ,  860 ,  870 ,  880  that are resiliently flexible so as to move independently of one another to a degree. The extreme end of each of the engaging segments  850 ,  860 ,  870 ,  880  has a respective sticky surface  852 ,  862 ,  872 ,  882 . 
         [0039]    While the segmentation of the engaging end  820  will affect the strength of the vacuum force applied to the foreign object, the vacuum force will nevertheless provide some degree of force to cause engagement of a foreign body with the sticky surfaces  852 ,  862 ,  872 ,  882  on the ends of the engaging segments  850 ,  860 ,  870 ,  880 . The advantage of segmentation of the engaging end  820  is that it increases the likelihood of obtaining a secure engagement with a foreign object that has an unforeseen, irregular shape. In addition, this segmented shape may be used to further engage surfaces of a more regular object (i.e., such as the surface of a marble, etc.) as illustrated above. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the number of engaging segments illustrated is not meant as a limitation. Depending on the specific situation, the age of the patient, the object to be extracted and other factors, the number of segments of the segmented end will vary. 
         [0040]    The segmented end illustrated in  FIG. 8  may also comprise sticky surfaces on the interior portion of the engaging segments  850 ,  860 ,  870 ,  880 . Further, this segmented end may surround a tube which itself has a sticky surface on its end similar to that illustrated in  FIG. 2 ,  222  in order to have further sticky surfaces to engage the foreign object to be extracted. 
         [0041]    Referring now to  FIG. 8A , yet another embodiment of the foreign object extractor is illustrated. As illustrate in  FIG. 8A , the segmented end can initially be scored into a variable number of engagement segments  802 ,  804 ,  806 ,  808 ,  810 ,  812 ,  814 , and  816 . The number of segments illustrated is not meant as a limitation. The scored end can then be inserted into an orifice from which a foreign object is to be extracted. The scored end will then separate into segments along score lines  818 ,  822 ,  824 ,  826 ,  828 , and  830  (note several score lines are not visible in this illustration) to engage the foreign body to be extracted. In this manner, segments will not become bent or otherwise pulled apart as they are being inserted and before they engage the foreign body. This embodiment as illustrated also comprises various end and internal sticky surfaces, as described herein, to allow attachment to and extraction of foreign bodies. 
         [0042]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , a detail view of the engaging end of a fourth embodiment of the foreign object extractor that incorporates a fixed angle bend  915  is illustrated. The flared engaging end  920  is connected to the elongate body  910  with a fixed angle bend  915  so as to allow lumen  912  and annular sticky surface  922  to reach around bends or corners. While illustrated as an approximate 45 degree angle, this is not meant as a limitation and the fixed angle bend can be manufactured to any suitable or desired angle between 10 and 90 degrees. The fixed angle bend  915  has utility with elongate bodies  910  that are rigid, resiliently (i.e., elastically) flexible or deformable, or plastically flexible or deformable. 
         [0043]    Referring to  FIG. 10 , a detail view of the engaging end of a fifth embodiment of the foreign object extractor that incorporates a manually-bendable member  1016  and a pair of paddle-shaped grippers  1020  is illustrated. The engaging end with paddle-shaped grippers  1020  is connected to the elongate body  1010 , which includes a manually-bendable member  1016  adjacent to the gripper end so as to allow lumen  1012  and paddle-shaped sticky surface  1022  to reach around bends or corners. The bendable member can be manually manipulated to any desired angle. The manually-bendable member  1016  has utility with elongate bodies  1010  that are rigid, resiliently (i.e., elastically) flexible or deformable, or plastically flexible or deformable (albeit not to such a degree as the manually-bendable member  1016 ). Furthermore, the manually-bendable member  1016  can alternately be incorporated on one or both of the paddle-shaped grippers  1020  in order to customize the shape of the gripping end to accommodate the foreign object and/or the body cavity. 
         [0044]    While the manually-bendable member  1016  is illustrated as a thin strip of embedded metal, this is not meant as a limitation and the manually-bendable member can take other forms, including but not limited to embedded metal wires, adhesively-attached thin metal strips, adhesively-attached metal wires, and remotely-operated devices (e.g., cable actuators). Furthermore, although disclosed in combination, the manually-bendable member  1016  and paddle-shaped grippers  1020  need not be used in combination and can be used individually in other embodiments. 
         [0045]    The transverse cross section of the engaging end of the extractor is nominally circular, although it may be embodied as oval or segmented (refer to the third and fifth embodiments described above). The extractor is made in various sizes to provide choice to the health care practitioner for addressing embedded foreign objects of various sizes and shapes. The size variations are provided by different flare angles for the engaging end (refer to  FIGS. 4-6 ), and is also provided by a straightforward scaling up or down of the overall dimensions (i.e., different diameters). 
         [0046]    The engaging end has an adhesive disposed on its outer rim or inner rim surfaces of the flared ends to form the sticky surface. The adhesive is a quick curing type that is kept covered until time of use, at which time the protective cover is removed from the sticky surface and the adhesive begins its curing process. The engaging end of the extractor is brought into contact with the object to be removed and suction is applied through the central lumen of the extractor to forcefully urge the object into intimate contact with the sticky surface. This contact is maintained by continued application of vacuum pressure through the extractor until the adhesive has cured. Suction provides pressure for secure adhesion to the foreign object. The object can then be removed from the living body by pulling on the extractor to which the foreign body has become adhered. Additionally to the adhesion, continued application of suction pressure through the extractor may be used to supplement connection of the extractor to the object. 
         [0047]    To handle differing extraction situations, the extractor body may be semi-rigid and bendable or totally flexible. The body may be elastically flexible or plastically flexible. In an alternate embodiment, the extractor may be embodied having a rigid body—the rigidity being advantageous in some extraction situations. 
         [0048]    While the foreign object extractor has been described in terms of use with a living body, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this same configuration can be used to extract foreign objects from inanimate objects as well, e.g., when small objects fall in cracks or other inaccessible location. Thus the disclosure herein should not be deemed to be limited to removal of objects from living bodies only. 
         [0049]    A foreign object extractor for seizing hold of and extracting a foreign object from a living body has been described. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the scope of the invention disclosed and that the examples and embodiments described herein are in all respects illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art of the present invention will recognize that other embodiments using the concepts described herein are also possible. Further, any reference to claim elements in the singular, for example, using the articles “a,” “an,” or “the” is not to be construed as limiting the element to the singular.