Pistol grip suction device
Inventors
Hall, Andrew • McClendon, Hampton L
Assignees
United States Department of the Air Force
Publication Number
US-9872943-B1
Publication Date
2018-01-23
Expiration Date
2035-03-30
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Abstract
A pistol grip suction device comprises a hollow body member having first leg joining second leg at elbow, the legs being generally tubular and disposed approximately 90 degrees apart; a push rod extending through push rod aperture at elbow, the push rod extending into hollow second leg, the push rod having a button on proximal end outside the body, and valve on distal end inside the body; a valve seat disposed within second leg around push rod; valve mounted on the push rod through the valve seat, the suction port having a diameter at least two times the diameter of push rod through suction port; a spring biasing push rod into extended position with respect to second leg such that valve bears against valve seat and closes suction port, wherein a force against button greater than biasing force of spring displaces valve from valve seat and opens suction port.
Core Innovation
The invention is a pistol grip suction device designed for surgical use. It comprises a hollow body member with a first leg joining a second leg at an elbow disposed approximately 90 degrees apart. A push rod extends through a push rod aperture at the elbow into the hollow second leg. The push rod has a button on the proximal end outside the body and a valve on the distal end inside the body, with a valve seat around the push rod within the second leg. The valve seat includes a circular suction port, and the valve, mounted on the push rod, has a diameter larger than the suction port which is at least twice the diameter of the push rod. A spring biases the push rod to press the valve against the valve seat, closing the suction port, and pressing the button with a force greater than the spring bias displaces the valve and opens the suction port.
The problem being solved is the discomfort and complexity found in current suction systems used during surgery. Existing suction devices are large, bulky, complex, and have awkward inline grips that make them tricky and uncomfortable for surgeons or nurses to use. Some systems are also non-disposable, necessitating costly and time-consuming sterilization processes. This invention addresses these issues by providing a surgical suction device with a pistol grip configuration, which is easy and natural to hold, aimed, and controlled, with a thumb-accessible button for valve actuation and a design that minimizes fluid flow restriction during suction.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes one independent claim that outlines the structural and functional features of the pistol grip suction device.
Pistol grip suction device structure and valve mechanism
A hollow body member with first and second tubular legs joined at an elbow disposed at an angle, with a push rod extending through an aperture at the elbow into the second leg. The push rod has a button externally and a valve internally. The valve seat is perpendicular to the second leg's longitudinal axis and has a circular suction port. The valve on the push rod is larger in diameter than the suction port, which has a diameter at least twice that of the push rod, allowing the push rod to move radially within the suction port and contact its edges. A spring biases the push rod to press the valve against the valve seat, closing the suction port, and pressing the button overcomes the spring force to open the suction port.
The claim focuses on the unique combination of a pistol grip configuration with a push rod-operated valve that is spring-biased to seal a suction port while allowing radial movement of the push rod within a sized aperture to facilitate effective suction control and ergonomic operation.
Stated Advantages
The pistol grip arrangement provides a natural, easy, and ergonomic way to hold, aim, and control the suction device.
The button placement allows the user’s thumb to easily actuate the valve, affording intuitive control.
The suction port diameter being larger than the push rod permits lateral movement of the push rod and valve to reduce interference, allowing blood clots and debris to pass through more freely without restricting suction.
The device enables parallel flow along its axis, facilitating ergonomic use absent in prior art that forces uncomfortable grips.
When closed, the irrigation port is isolated from suction, allowing irrigation fluid to be delivered without interference.
The device has a simple construction with only one moving part, eliminating the need for complex seals and making it cost-effective and potentially disposable after use.
The design allows for modular attachment of various suction wands and standard suction tubing connections, enhancing versatility.
Documented Applications
The device is intended for use in surgical procedures to suction pooled fluids, such as blood, from a surgical site, facilitating clear vision for the surgeon.
It is particularly usable in laparoscopic surgeries, enabling removal of fluids while maintaining insufflation pressure and allowing irrigation fluid delivery through an irrigation port when suction is closed.
The device can function with various suction wands attached depending on surgical needs.
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