Suction de-clogger system and method
Inventors
KALHORN, Stephen P. • Semler, Mark E.
Assignees
Medical University of South Carolina MUSC • MUSC Foundation for Research and Development
Publication Number
US-11097036-B2
Publication Date
2021-08-24
Expiration Date
2036-08-17
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Abstract
A declogging assembly (20) is configured for use with a suction conduit (10). The suction conduit has a head (14) at a first end (15) and a vacuum tube connection (16) at a second end (17). The assembly includes a body (30). The body defines a first aperture (32), a second aperture (34), and a third aperture (36). The assembly also includes a plug (40) disposed within the body (30). The plug has a surface (42) configured to contact the head (14) of the suction conduit (10) so as to move the plug from a first position, in which the first aperture (32) is in fluid communication with the second aperture (34), to a second position, in which the first aperture (32) is in fluid communication with the third aperture (36). The assembly (20) also includes a biasing member (50) configured to bias the plug into the first position.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a declogging assembly configured for use with a suction conduit used in medical and dental procedures. The assembly comprises a body with a first aperture, a second aperture, and a recess disposed between them, as well as a plug and a biasing member. The plug is moveable within the recess and has a surface configured to receive the head of the suction conduit, enabling it to change position depending on the placement of the conduit.
The assembly addresses the problem of clogging in suction conduits, which are commonly used to remove material such as blood and bone fragments from the operative field, as outlined in the background section. During operation, the suction conduit can become blocked, limiting its effectiveness.
The declogging assembly operates by moving the plug between two positions when the head of the suction conduit engages the plug’s surface. In the first position, the assembly allows fluid communication between the first aperture and the second portion of the recess through an interior channel. Upon insertion and pressing of the suction conduit head, the plug shifts to a second position, aligning fluid communication between the first and second apertures through the interior channel. The biasing member ensures the plug returns to the initial position when disengaged.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes one independent claim outlining four main inventive features.
Declogging assembly with body defining apertures and a recess
The declogging assembly comprises a body that defines a first aperture, a second aperture, and a recess positioned between the first and second apertures. The recess includes a first portion and a second portion.
Moveable plug with needle and surface for receiving head of suction conduit
A plug is disposed within the recess of the body. The plug includes a surface and a needle comprising an interior channel. The surface is designed to receive the head of the suction conduit, facilitating the movement of the plug between two positions: - In the first position, the plug is in the first portion of the recess and allows fluid communication from the first aperture to the second portion of the recess through the interior channel. - In the second position, the plug allows fluid communication between the first and second apertures through the interior channel when actuated by the suction conduit.
Biasing member for plug positioning
The assembly includes a biasing member configured to bias the plug into the first position within the recess, ensuring automatic return when the suction conduit is removed.
Surface and interior channel for selective fluid communication
The plug's surface and the needle's interior channel enable selective fluid communication paths based on the plug’s position, thereby providing different flow paths depending on whether the suction conduit is engaged.
The independent claim covers a declogging assembly having a specific configuration of body, apertures, plug with needle, and biasing member. The main inventive features revolve around the assembly's structure, the moveable plug with an interior channel, and the mechanism for restoring the plug's position.
Stated Advantages
The assembly provides a mechanism to reverse the direction of vacuum force, dislodging material that blocks the suction conduit.
The assembly allows for irrigation of the suction conduit to dislodge material with fluid, such as saline, water, or cleaning solutions.
The system enables alternating use of vacuum reversal and irrigation to achieve substantial removal of clogged material from the suction conduit.
Documented Applications
Use in medical procedures to remove material such as blood and bone fragments from the operative field during surgery.
Use in dental procedures requiring removal of material during operations.
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