Vacuum assisted irrigation pump
Inventors
Borgmeier, Paul R. • Greep, Darcy W. • Horner, Shawn K. • Frampton, Chad S.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11446416-B2
Publication Date
2022-09-20
Expiration Date
Abstract
Embodiments of the present invention relate to the field of pressurized fluid delivery devices for use in medical procedures. In particular, a fluid delivery pump comprises at least one compressive member configured to apply a force to a fluid reservoir. The at least one compressive member is associated with a flexible envelope, such that the flexible envelope may move the compressive member. The flexible envelope may be substantially air-tight so that it may be pressurized. When a negative pressure is created inside the flexible envelope, the flexible envelope may change volume, applying a force to the at least one compressive member. The at least one compressive member may then apply a force to the fluid reservoir and the fluid is forced out of the reservoir.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a device for the pressurization of fluid for medical procedures. The device uses a substantially air-tight flexible envelope defining a flexible chamber or interior volume that houses a fluid reservoir within the flexible envelope, and the flexible envelope is configured to be connected to a vacuum source so that a negative pressure can be created within the flexible envelope.
A negative pressure within the flexible envelope causes the flexible envelope to apply a force to compressive members disposed on opposing sides of the flexible envelope or associated with the flexible envelope. The compressive members move closer together in response to the decrease in volume, applying a compressive force to the fluid reservoir, and the compressive force is configured to cause fluid within the fluid reservoir to exit through a reservoir connection or conduit to an exterior location.
The invention further includes vacuum connection and fluid communication structure that convey fluid between an exterior of the flexible envelope and the flexible chamber, with one-way or controlled vacuum and valve behavior enabling evacuation of the flexible envelope. Design variations include flexible envelope shapes and materials, insertion openings and air-tight closures for receiving and exchanging a reusable reservoir, and compressive members positioned inside, outside, or integrated into a surface of the flexible envelope.
The disclosed system can be integrated with medical instruments such as an irrigation wand, an irrigation tube, or an electrosurgical instrument, including electrosurgical system integration with irrigation and smoke/fluid evacuation. The device includes features such as reusable reservoir exchange using a reservoir insertion opening, and the vacuum connection and valve enable evacuation of the flexible envelope so that the compressive members apply the force to drive pressurized sterile fluid delivery.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims identified are clm-00001, clm-00007, and clm-00015. Across the independent claims, the main inventive features include flexible envelope-based negative pressure, compressive members that apply force to a fluid reservoir, and fluid communication through a conduit or reservoir connection, with vacuum connection and valve enabling evacuation or negative pressure creation.
Flexible envelope defining a flexible chamber with reservoir and conduit communication
A device having a flexible envelope defining a flexible chamber configured to house a fluid reservoir within the flexible chamber, and a conduit configured to provide fluid communication between an exterior of the flexible envelope and the flexible chamber.
Opposing compressive members applying compressive force in response to negative pressure
First and second compressive members in contact with and disposed on opposing sides of the flexible envelope, with the first compressive member being selectively movable closer to the second compressive member to apply a compressive force to the fluid reservoir in response to a negative pressure within the flexible envelope.
Multiple compressive members and substantially air-tight flexible envelope with valve for negative pressure
A device including a plurality of compressive members configured to apply a force to a fluid reservoir disposed between the plurality of compressive members, a substantially air-tight flexible envelope configured to apply a force to the plurality of compressive members when a volume of the flexible envelope decreases, and a valve in fluid communication with the flexible envelope configured to allow for the creation of a negative pressure within the flexible envelope.
Evacuation of flexible envelope causing compressive members to move closer and drive fluid through reservoir connection
A device with a flexible envelope defining an interior volume configured to receive a fluid reservoir therein, a reservoir connection configured to convey fluid from the fluid reservoir within the flexible envelope to a location outside of the flexible envelope, first and second compressive members disposed on opposing sides of the fluid reservoir, and a vacuum connection configured to enable the evacuation of the flexible envelope, wherein evacuation causes the first and second compressive members to move closer together and apply a force to the fluid reservoir so that the force causes fluid within the fluid reservoir to exit through the reservoir connection.
The independent claims cover pressurization of fluid for medical procedures using a flexible envelope subjected to vacuum or negative pressure, where compressive members apply force to a fluid reservoir and thereby drive fluid through a conduit or reservoir connection to an exterior location.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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