HK1262129A1 - Yankauer suction system and related methods with clog removal functionality - Google Patents

Description

Yankee suction system with occlusion clearing and related methods

Background

The yankee suction adapter was developed by zerls Yankauer, switzerland in 1907, and became the most common suction instrument in the world. Typically, it is used by connecting it to a tube and suction source and is administered by a surgeon or dentist to draw in liquid and debris from a surgical site or body orifice (i.e., airway or oral cavity). It is used in surgical, dental and veterinary procedures because its design allows for the efficient aspiration of unwanted fluids and debris without significant damage to the surrounding tissue.

Typically, the yankee suction fitting is made of metal or a ridged or semi-ridged plastic and includes a large suction portion with a large orifice surrounded by a bulbous head. The suction portion of the yankee suction fitting is integral with an elongated suction tube (unity), which is grasped by the operator to control suction where needed; and connectable at its non-suction fitting end to a suction source. In current practice, the yankee suction fitting is disposable in most developed medical system protocols because of hygiene and efficiency of operation.

In certain types of surgery, such as, for example, orthopedic surgery, and in particular hip replacement surgery, a yankee suction fitting is required to remove fluids and large amounts of highly viscous materials and/or particulate debris (remnants of tissue and bone). In this case, the joints are often blocked by debris (clogged) or occluded (occluded). When this occurs, the surgeon has to stop the procedure and spend time replacing the occluded joint with a new, unoccluded joint. Anecdotal reports of the use of yankee suction fittings in these situations suggest that this "plug creation, removal, replacement fitting" procedure can occur more than 50 times in a single, conventional hip replacement procedure, creating, in general, significant distraction to the surgeon and medical personnel, significantly prolonging the time the patient is intraoperative (and under anesthesia), and increasing the overall cost of the procedure.

Thus, this drawback of the yankee suction fitting may be detrimental to the patient's health, to his chances of positive outcome and to the patient's and/or hospital's financial bottom line. For at least these reasons, there is a need in the art for a yankee suction fitting system and associated method that allows a surgeon or other operator to remove any blockages or occlusions in the fitting fairly quickly without replacing the fitting, and that can be used with commercially available disposable yankee suction fittings.

Brief description of the invention

The present invention comprises a yankee suction fitting system and fitting body that allows an operator to remove the blockage and occlusion of the fitting rather quickly, without having to remove and replace the fitting.

Contemplated within the scope of the present invention is a yankee suction system having an occlusion removal function and associated methods. Specifically, the system for use with a Yankee suction fitting includes a central tube that is hollow and has a coupling end and a distal outlet. The coupling end is connectable to a yankee suction fitting, and the distal outlet is in fluid communication with each of a fluid pump and a suction source.

Also included are systems having a middle tube that is hollow and includes a bonded end, wherein the bonded end is connectable to a Yankee suction fitting; a suction catheter having a distal end extending from the intermediate tube to a suction source, wherein the suction catheter is in fluid communication with the suction source and the connecting end; and a fluid conduit extending distally from the intermediate tube and in fluid communication with the fluid pump and the coupling end.

Methods of removing clogging debris from a Yankee suction fitting are also included within the scope of the present invention.

Brief description of the drawings

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the figure:

figure a shows an example of a prior art yankee suction fitting;

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of the system of the present invention, when the system is used to aspirate a patient site;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the embodiment of FIG. 1, when the system is in the process of de-blocking the Yankee suction fitting;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a second embodiment of the system of the present invention, when the system is used to aspirate a patient site;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the embodiment of FIG. 3, when the system is in the process of de-blocking the Yankee suction fitting; and

fig. 5 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of the method of the present invention.

Detailed Description

The present invention includes a yankee suction system with occlusion removal and related methods of clearing clogged or occluded yankee suction fittings. The systems and methods described herein are designed for use with commercially available yankee suction fittings, preferably disposable. These joints are available from many suppliers around the world and have various sizes and bulbous shapes. As used herein, the term "yankee suction fitting" refers to these prior art devices.

Since the system and method can be used with these connectors, the practitioner/operator of the system of the method need not change his or her technique when using a yankee suction connector. Essentially no "learning curve" is necessary for the operator, and thus, the systems and methods described herein may be seamlessly implemented in any procedure or procedure using a conventional, prior art yankee suction adapter catheter (cathter) or device.

The invention in some embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings or schematic illustrations provided herein. In the specification, words such as "inner" and "outer", "upper" and "lower", "superior" and "inferior" distal (digital) "and" proximal (proximal) "," inward (inward) "and" outward (outward) "and" uppermost (upward) "and" lowermost (lowermost) "and words of similar meaning are used to help understanding the present invention when referring to the drawings and the description does not otherwise give a specific definition or meaning of these terms, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.

As described above, the invention described herein is designed to have an occlusion removal function. By "blockage removal function" is meant that the blockage or occlusion (partial or complete) of the yankee suction fitting caused by the aspiration of non-liquid debris (including higher viscosity liquids and solid particles) is eliminated from the yankee suction fitting without the need to remove and replace the fitting from the system. As used herein, "occlusion" or "occlusion" is understood to mean any substance (solid and/or high viscosity liquid) present in any portion of the detachable yankee suction fitting lumen that interferes with the ability of the system to aspirate liquid from the patient site when compared to the ability of the system without the substance, i.e., the substance reduces the efficiency of the aspiration. As used herein, the term "patient site" is meant to include areas from which an operator aspirates or intends to aspirate fluid, such as, but not limited to, wound sites, body cavities or orifices, incisions and/or surgical sites.

A broad aspect of the invention includes an intermediate tube that is hollow and that is in fluid communication or capable of being in fluid communication with each of a fluid pump and a suction source. The intermediate tube is hollow, having a lumen of any diameter, but preferably a diameter of about 0.5 to about 5 mm. The intermediate tube may be constructed if any material is suitable for use in a medical environment, for example, plastic, metal, glass and/or fiberglass. Preferably, the intermediate tube is made of plastic or silicone or a mixture thereof. In one embodiment, it may be preferred that the plastic, silicone rubber, or mixture of these materials be selected to be sufficiently rigid to maintain its shape, but sufficiently flexible (pliable) or pliable (flexible) to enable the operator to gently bend or twist the tube during use of the system to allow for optimal handling of the inhalation process. These materials are well known to those skilled in the art and readily available.

For example, in some embodiments, the material of the intermediate tube is a thermoplastic or thermoset polymer or copolymer, as these materials are durable, relatively inexpensive and easy to manufacture and to disinfect or clean. Suitable plastics may include: polyethylene terephthalate, high density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, low density polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinylidene chloride, high impact polystyrene, polyamide, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polyethylene/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polycarbonate/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polyurethane, melamine formaldehyde, phenolic, polyetheretherketone, polyetherimide, polymethylmethacrylate, polytetrafluoroethylene, and/or urea formaldehyde. Other materials include: silicone rubbers and/or silicone-containing elastomers or perfluorinated rubber blends (perfluoroelastomers blends).

In some embodiments, elastomeric, polymeric, and/or copolymeric materials that have been compounded with or coated with antimicrobial additives, such as triclosan, zinc pyrithione, silver-containing compounds, or other suitable antimicrobial additives known in the art, may be used.

It may be preferred that the walls of the intermediate tube are transparent or translucent so that the operator can visually observe the effectiveness of the suction or the liquid flow during the procedure.

The intermediate tube has a coupling end and a distal outlet. The length of the intermediate tube (i.e., the distance between the connecting end and the distal outlet) may vary depending on the particular medical or dental environment in which the system is used and/or the inclusion and location of any valves or other components in the system. In one embodiment, the intermediate pipe has a length of about 6 inches to about 3 feet, about 1 foot to about 10 feet, or about 2 feet to about 8 feet.

The binding end is adapted for attachment to a Yankee suction fitting. The connection end may comprise, for example, an annular thread which can cooperate with a thread present on the non-suction end of said yankee suction fitting to ensure the coupling of the yankee suction fitting with the intermediate pipe. Alternatively, the system may include a separate connector that may be used to connect the bonded end of the intermediate tube to the non-suction end of the yankee suction fitting. For example, the middle portion of the yankee joint may be molded (molded) or insert molded (overmolded) with a fitting that includes a port extending from the middle portion that is connectable to a middle tube, such as by a luer lock fitting.

In one embodiment, the distal outlet of the intermediate tube may be in fluid communication with each of the fluid pump and/or the suction source (or, if a valve is used in the system and is closed, the distal outlet can be in fluid communication with each of the suction source or the fluid pump). In one embodiment, the distal outlet of the intermediate tube is in fluid communication with the fluid pump.

In one embodiment, the system further includes a suction conduit extending to and in fluid communication with the suction source. The aspiration catheter has a lumen that may have any diameter, although in one embodiment it may be preferred that the diameter be about 1mm to 10 mm. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the aspiration catheter is in direct or indirect fluid communication with the coupling end of the yankee joint, for example, by being directly connected to the connection end or indirectly through an intermediate tube.

The suction source comprises any suction source known or to be developed in the art capable of providing sufficient negative pressure along the system to the Yankee joint orifice

In one embodiment, the suction source may in turn be in communication with a suction canister or container into which aspirated fluids and other substances may be placed and await appropriate treatment. Such tanks/containers are well known in the art and may be employed in a system as described herein.

In one embodiment, the system may further comprise a fluid conduit from the intermediate tube color to the fluid pump. The fluid conduit has a lumen that may have any diameter, although in one embodiment it may be preferred that the diameter be about 1mm to 15 mm.

The fluid pump may be any fluid pump known or developed in the art that is capable of providing a fluid flow through the components of the system to the yankee joint. In one embodiment, the fluid is pumped through the system such that upon reaching the jointed end of the intermediate pipe, it exerts sufficient force to carry at least about 0.01 to about 0.5 or about 0.1 to about 0.3 grams of particulate matter from the yankee joint.

The liquid pumped through the system by the fluid pump may be any suitable liquid and have any desired viscosity. In one embodiment, a viscosity of the liquid of about 1.0 to about 3.0 mpa sec at 20 ℃ (i.e., a viscosity similar to that of distilled water or physiological saline solution) may be desirable, although slightly higher viscosities may be acceptable, depending on the fluid pump used. The fluid may be an aqueous fluid or a non-aqueous fluid. It may be a physiological saline solution.

In one embodiment, a medicament that may be beneficial to a patient may be dissolved or suspended in a liquid. These agents may include antibiotics, minerals, anticoagulants, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, local anesthetics, and the like. Preferably, the fluid is sterile.

The fluid may be supplied to the pump in various ways, for example, using a source of liquid that is refilled by the operator before the system is used or a lay line in a reservoir.

In some embodiments, the system may include a valve assembly disposed between the distal outlet of the intermediate tube and the fluid pump. The valve assembly comprises at least one valve-any valve known or to be developed for liquids, in particular pressurized fluids, can be used. Examples may include, without limitation, gate valves, ball valves, shut-off valves, piston valves, poppet valves, and the like. In one embodiment, the valve is a check valve that automatically closes and shuts off the flow of liquid when negative pressure is applied, without requiring an operator to manually open and close the valve.

The valve assembly may also include an actuator operably connected to the valve. The actuator may be, for example, a depressible button or switch operatively connected to the valve, e.g., by mechanical, electrical or electromechanical means, and which enables the operator or his/her colleague to open or close the valve when desired.

Other valves and/or check valves may also be included in the system if desired.

In one embodiment, to use the system, the operator connects the yankee suction fitting to the bonded end of the intermediate tube (this may be done by using a connector, if present). Negative pressure from the suction source is applied throughout the system, and the operator manipulates the suction end of the yankee suction fitting within the patient site as needed to remove unwanted liquids and small tissue fragments.

When the yankee suction fitting becomes plugged and effective inhalation cannot continue, the operator releases the suction source so that the pressure within the system returns to ambient pressure. The operator then applies a flow of liquid from the fluid source by opening the fluid pump or opening a valve disposed between the fluid pump and the intermediate tube. The liquid flow flows downstream from the fluid pump to the connection end of the intermediate pipe and into the yankee suction fitting. In this regard, the liquid flow will carry the clogged debris or stickies and carry them out of the end of the suction attachment through the suction orifice already present in the yankee attachment.

Debris-bearing liquid discharged from the connector orifice may be deposited in a waste receptacle or in the patient site. Once the blockage is removed, the operator can remove the liquid flow in the system by closing the fluid pump or closing the valve.

Referring to the drawings, several non-limiting embodiments are shown. Figure a shows a conventional Y-yankee suction fitting a of the prior art comprising a non-suction end B and a suction fitting C, comprising one or more suction apertures. The yankee suction fitting a includes a gripping area D where the operator grasps the device to manipulate the device within the patient site. In one embodiment, the actuator (not shown) of the valve assembly described above may be adapted to grip or otherwise attach to the gripping region, so that the operator may actuate the valve with the same hand that grasps the gripping region D. In this figure, the non-suction end B has a region with annular threads E which can be used to connect the yankee suction fitting a to the coupling end of the intermediate pipe when corresponding threads are present at the coupling end.

Figures 1 and 2 are schematic views of one embodiment of a yankee suction system 11 of the present invention with an optional yankee suction fitting 13 attached. Fig. 1 shows the system 11 when negative pressure is applied from a suction source 29 and used to aspirate fluid from a patient incision site 31. The suction catheter 21 is connected to a suction source 29 that can be activated by an off/on switch (not shown) to apply negative pressure to the system 11. In this embodiment, the suction catheter 21 is integral with the intermediate tube 19, the intermediate tube 19 being connected by its coupling end 17 to the proximal end 50 of the Yankee suction fitting 13. When the suction source 29 (e.g., a pump) is activated, a negative pressure is created in the lumen of the intermediate tubing 19, the suction catheter 21 and the yankee suction fitting 13, thereby creating a suction force at the end ports 51, 51' of the fitting 15. The incision fluid is drawn from the patient site 31 and transported through the system to a treatment receptacle (not shown). The directional arrows in fig. 1 indicate the direction of flow of fluid through the system from the patient incision site 31 when the suction source 29 applies negative pressure through the system.

However, it should be noted that in some embodiments, the aspiration conduit may not be integral with the intermediate tube. For example, as described above, the intermediate tubes may be connected by a port or "Y" fitting or be part of a yankee fitting.

Fig. 2 shows the system 11 of fig. 1 when a flow of liquid is applied such that the displaced liquid 33 forces the clogging debris 35 from the connector orifices 51, 51' (discharge). In these figures, the proximal end 50 of the Yankee suction fitting 13 is connected to the union end 17 of the intermediate tube 19. In this embodiment, the intermediate tube 19 and the distal outlet extend into the suction catheter 21 and are integral with the suction catheter 21. A fluid pump 27 is connected to the intermediate pipe 19 and, when the pump 27 is activated, causes a flow of liquid 25 from the reservoir 23. In this embodiment, the presence or absence of the liquid flow is controlled by switching the fluid pump 27 "on" or "off. When the fluid pump 27 is turned on, fluid from the reservoir 23 is pumped along the intermediate tube, through the yankee joint and out the joint orifice. The pumped liquid forces out any debris or sticky matter that may block the connector orifices 51, 51'. The directional arrows in fig. 2 indicate the direction of liquid flow as it is pumped along the system from the reservoir to the orifice.

Figures 3 and 4 are schematic views of a second embodiment of the yankee suction system 11 of the present invention, with an optional yankee suction fitting 13 attached and including a valve assembly 37 to allow for the control of fluid flow. Fig. 3 shows the system 11 when negative pressure is applied from the suction source 37 and the valve 39 of the valve assembly 37 is closed, and is being used to draw on the patient site 31. Fig. 4 shows the system 11 when the valve 39 of the valve assembly 37 is open to allow the application of the liquid stream 33 to eject the clogging debris 35. In these figures, the liquid flow is regulated by a valve 39 which is part of the valve assembly 37. The valve assembly 37 also includes an actuator 41 that allows an operator to move the valve 39 from the "open" position to the "closed" position and vice versa. The actuator 41 is operatively connected to the valve by a cable 43. In this embodiment, the driving is done electronically.

For clarity of operation, FIG. 5 provides a schematic diagram of a process employing the system of the present invention. In this process, a suction source is turned on or applied to the system, causing a negative pressure to be applied to the system and a suction effect to be created at the yankee joint orifice. During surgery, the operator applies a yankee fitting to the patient's incision site as necessary to aspirate the incision site fluid. In the process of using a yankee joint, the yankee joint becomes clogged with, for example, tissue debris from the incision site. The operator removes the negative pressure from the system, for example by turning off or disconnecting the suction source. The operator can then force fluid from the fluid pump, through the system, out the orifice of the yankee suction fitting, forcing the occluding material out of the fitting. Once the blocking material is removed, the negative pressure is reapplied and suction at the incision site is resumed in the normal manner.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (25)

1. A system for use with a yankee suction fitting, comprising a middle tube that is hollow and comprises a coupling end and a distal outlet, wherein the coupling end is connectable to the yankee suction fitting and the distal outlet is in fluid communication with at least one of a fluid pump and a suction source.

2. The system of claim 1 further comprising a suction conduit extending from the intermediate tube to the suction source, wherein the suction conduit is in fluid communication with the suction source.

3. The system of claim 1 further comprising a fluid conduit extending from the intermediate tube and in fluid communication with a fluid pump.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the fluid pump is in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the reservoir contains a physiological saline solution.

6. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a) an aspiration catheter extending distally from the intermediate tube to the aspiration source, wherein the aspiration catheter is in fluid communication with the aspiration source and the coupling end; and

b) a fluid conduit extending distally from the intermediate tube and in fluid communication with the fluid pump and the coupling end.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the valve assembly is disposed between the distal outlet of the intermediate tube and the fluid pump.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the valve assembly comprises at least one valve.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein the valve assembly comprises at least one valve and an actuator operably connected to the at least one valve to activate the valve between the first position and the second position.

10. The system of claim 6, wherein the fluid pump is in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the reservoir contains a physiological saline solution.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the saline solution comprises an antibiotic.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the suction source is a vacuum pump.

14. The system of claim 10, wherein the fluid pump pumps liquid from the reservoir through the fluid tube and the intermediate tube and out the combined end of the intermediate tube.

15. The system of claim 1, further comprising a Yankee suction fitting having a suction orifice and a connection end, wherein the connection end is connected with the union end of the intermediate tube, and the suction orifice is in fluid communication with the fluid pump and the suction source.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the fluid pump pumps liquid from a reservoir through the fluid tube and the intermediate tube and out of the suction orifice of the yankee suction fitting.

17. A system for use with a yankee suction fitting, comprising:

a) a middle tube that is hollow and includes a bonded end, wherein the bonded end is connectable to a Yankee suction fitting;

b) an aspiration catheter extending distally from the intermediate tube to the aspiration source, wherein the aspiration catheter is in fluid communication with the aspiration source and the coupling end; and

c) a fluid conduit extending distally from the intermediate tube and in fluid communication with the fluid pump and the coupling end.

18. The system of claim 17, further comprising a valve assembly disposed between the distal outlet of the intermediate tube and the fluid pump.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the valve assembly comprises at least one valve.

20. The system of claim 18, wherein the valve assembly comprises at least one valve and an actuator operably connected to the at least one valve to activate the valve between the first position and the second position.

21. The system of claim 17, wherein the fluid pump is in fluid communication with a liquid reservoir.

22. The system of claim 21, wherein the reservoir contains a physiological saline solution.

23. The system of claim 17, wherein the suction source is a vacuum pump.

24. A method of eliminating clogging debris in a clogged yankee suction fitting having a suction orifice, comprising pumping liquid from a fluid pump through an intermediate tube in fluid communication with the yankee suction fitting such that debris is carried out of the yankee suction fitting by the flow of liquid through the suction orifice.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the fluid pump is in fluid communication with a reservoir containing a liquid.