Illuminated suction device
Inventors
Swift, Jeffrey Ralph • Clark, Adrienne • Domenicali, Peter L. • Swift, Jason • Traub, Matthew
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12246124-B2
Publication Date
2025-03-11
Expiration Date
Abstract
An illuminated suction device comprising a suction tube having a proximal end and a distal tip at a distal end thereof, an illumination assembly comprising at least one direct light source mounted on a flexible circuit and configured to emit light toward a target area external to the distal tip of the suction tube, and at least one heat sinking member extending along a portion of the suction tube, wherein the at least one light source mounted on the flexible circuit is mechanically and thermally connected to the at least one heat sinking member.
Core Innovation
An illuminated suction device includes a suction tube having a proximal end and a distal tip at a distal end thereof, and an illumination assembly that provides surgical wound illumination by emitting light toward a target area external to the distal tip of the suction tube. The illumination is configured to provide uniform illuminance over a target area near the distal tip while eliminating shadowing.
The illumination assembly includes at least one direct light source mounted on a flexible circuit. The flexible circuit is mechanically and thermally connected to at least one heat sinking member that extends along a portion of the suction tube, and optical shaping uses reflectors and/or lenses, with light source placement radially adjacent the suction tube, to achieve the uniform illuminance and reduce shadowing.
The device further includes sealing between the suction tube and the illumination optics to prevent fluid ingress into the illumination optics/electronics. A gasket is disposed between an inner surface of at least one lens and an outer surface of the suction tube to provide a fluid-tight seal, and the disclosed thermal management includes heat dissipation through thermally conductive attachment.
Claims Coverage
The document provides two independent claims. Across these claims, the main inventive features cover an illumination assembly for an illuminated suction device, direct light sources mounted on a flexible circuit, thermal/mechanical connection to a heat sinking member, a gasket-based seal between a lens and the suction tube, heat dissipation, and an extending portion of the flexible circuit between the heat sinking member and the suction tube.
Illumination assembly with direct light sources toward an external target area
An illumination assembly comprising at least one direct light source mounted on a flexible circuit and configured to emit light toward a target area external to the distal tip of the suction tube.
Flexible circuit mechanically and thermally connected to a heat sinking member
At least one heat sinking member extending along a portion of the suction tube, wherein the at least one light source mounted on the flexible circuit is mechanically and thermally connected to the at least one heat sinking member.
Gasket between lens and suction tube for fluid-tight sealing
A gasket disposed between an inner surface of at least one lens and an outer surface of the suction tube.
Heat sinking member for dissipating heat generated by the direct light source
At least one heat sinking member for dissipating heat generated by the at least one direct light source.
Flexible circuit extends between heat sinking member and suction tube
At least a portion of the flexible circuit extends between the at least one heat sinking member and the suction tube.
Both independent claims require an illuminated suction device with a suction tube and an illumination assembly using at least one direct light source on a flexible circuit, together with a gasket disposed between a lens and an outer surface of the suction tube. The claims further require heat sinking member features and, in one claim, a mechanical and thermal connection between the light source and the heat sinking member, with another claim specifying that at least a portion of the flexible circuit extends between the heat sinking member and the suction tube.
Stated Advantages
Provides uniform illuminance over a target area near the distal tip.
Eliminates shadowing.
Prevents fluid ingress into the illumination optics/electronics.
Provides a fluid-tight seal between the lens and the suction tube.
Documented Applications
Surgical wound illumination using an illuminated suction device, including a Yankauer suction device.
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