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Publication Number
US-10278570-B2
Publication Date
2019-05-07
Expiration Date
Abstract
Provided herein are systems, methods, and designs of speculum tips for pneumatic otoscopy. A speculum tip is disclosed and generally comprises: a cylindrical configuration including a narrow distal tip region longitudinally extending from a larger proximal region.
Core Innovation
The disclosed pneumatic otoscopy includes a speculum tip having a cylindrical configuration with a narrow distal tip region longitudinally extending from a larger proximal region. The distal tip region generates a toroidal vortex throughout a central shaft lumen coaxially disposed within the distal tip region, and a distal end of the central shaft lumen includes a distal opening from which the toroidal vortex travels to displace a membrane.
The proximal region includes a proximal opening operably coupled with a proximal lumen coaxially disposed within the proximal region to receive a pulse of fluid. The toroidal vortex displaces the membrane from the distal opening while not requiring a pressure seal of the ear canal.
Variations include an expanding toroidal vortex, a focusing toroidal vortex, a constant diameter toroidal vortex, and a double-concentric toroidal vortex. Additional embodiments define a distal lumen lip surrounding the distal opening to create a smaller distal opening than the distal end of the central shaft lumen, and a second coaxial outer lumen to create a double-concentric toroidal vortex and distal outer opening. An optional sealing feature is described using a pneumatic “fuse” thin membrane.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims cover three main aspects: a speculum tip configured to generate a toroidal vortex and displace a membrane, a speculum tip configured to create a focusing toroidal vortex without requiring an ear-canal pressure seal, and a method for generating a toroidal vortex through the speculum tip to displace a membrane without requiring an ear-canal pressure seal. In total, three independent claims define the inventive framework, with additional inventive refinements distributed in dependent claims.
Toroidal vortex speculum tip for membrane displacement
A cylindrical speculum tip with a narrow distal tip region generating a toroidal vortex throughout a central shaft lumen; a distal end having a distal opening from which the toroidal vortex travels to displace a membrane; and a proximal region having a proximal opening operably coupled with a proximal lumen to receive a pulse of fluid.
Focusing toroidal vortex without ear-canal pressure seal
A speculum tip in which the distal tip region generates a toroidal vortex through a central shaft lumen and the distal opening displaces a membrane, where the distal tip region includes a distal lumen lip coaxially disposed to create a smaller distal opening than the distal end of the central shaft lumen so that a focusing toroidal vortex displaces the eardrum without requiring a pressure seal of the ear canal.
Method of generating toroidal vortex for membrane displacement without ear-canal pressure seal
Generating a toroidal vortex through a speculum tip with a cylindrical configuration having a narrow distal tip region; passing a pulse of fluid through a central shaft lumen and a distal opening; and displacing a membrane by the toroidal vortex exiting the distal opening without the requirement of a pressure seal of the ear canal.
Overall, the claim set centers on using a speculum tip that generates a toroidal vortex traveling from a distal opening to displace the membrane, including a focusing toroidal vortex arrangement that achieves displacement without requiring an ear-canal pressure seal. The method claim recites the corresponding generation of the toroidal vortex via a pulse of fluid through the central shaft lumen and distal opening, also without requiring an ear-canal pressure seal.
Stated Advantages
Improved diagnostic accuracy.
Faster/easier sealing.
Reduced reliance on correct ear-canal pressure sealing.
Documented Applications
Diagnosing otitis media by displacing the tympanic membrane using a toroidal vortex and optionally imaging the tympanic membrane using an Optical Coherence Tomography system.
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