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WO2012158021A1 - Seal, constituent parts of the seal, device and method for arranging such a seal - Google Patents

Seal, constituent parts of the seal, device and method for arranging such a seal Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2012158021A1
WO2012158021A1 PCT/NL2012/000031 NL2012000031W WO2012158021A1 WO 2012158021 A1 WO2012158021 A1 WO 2012158021A1 NL 2012000031 W NL2012000031 W NL 2012000031W WO 2012158021 A1 WO2012158021 A1 WO 2012158021A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
seal
cylindrical body
digestive tract
clamping element
clamping
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/NL2012/000031
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Kamiel Reinier Zale Geenen
Bernard Jan Kamp
Simon Alexander Verheul
Erwin Herman Gerhardus HEURMAN
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
KUZIBA BV
Original Assignee
KUZIBA BV
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by KUZIBA BV filed Critical KUZIBA BV
Publication of WO2012158021A1 publication Critical patent/WO2012158021A1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A22—BUTCHERING; MEAT TREATMENT; PROCESSING POULTRY OR FISH
    • A22B—SLAUGHTERING
    • A22B5/00—Accessories for use during or after slaughtering
    • A22B5/14—Clips for the tongue; Arrangements for closing the throat
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A22—BUTCHERING; MEAT TREATMENT; PROCESSING POULTRY OR FISH
    • A22B—SLAUGHTERING
    • A22B5/00—Accessories for use during or after slaughtering
    • A22B5/0094—Cutting or blocking the rectum of a carcass, e.g. for avoiding fecal contamination
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F5/00—Orthopaedic methods or devices for non-surgical treatment of bones or joints; Nursing devices ; Anti-rape devices
    • A61F5/0093—Rectal devices, e.g. for the treatment of haemorrhoids

Definitions

  • Seal constituent parts of the seal, device and method for arranging such a seal
  • the present invention relates to a seal for sealing an end of the digestive tract of a dead mammal and the constituent parts of such a seal.
  • the invention also relates to a device and a method for sealing the digestive tract of a mammal by arranging such a seal.
  • the non-prepublished Netherlands patent application 2003787 describes a seal for sealing an end of the digestive tract of a dead mammal, comprising a cylindrical body which can be placed in the digestive tract and has a cylindrical peripheral wall which is provided on one side with an end wall and a clamping element which can be displaced to a clamping position relative to the cylindrical body for the purpose of fixing the seal in the digestive tract, and thereby sealing the digestive tract, by clamping digestive tract tissue between at least a part of the clamping element and the cylindrical body, wherein the peripheral wall encloses a receiving space and is provided with at least one opening through which digestive tract tissue can be carried into the receiving space, and the clamping element is displaceable to a clamping position wherein digestive tract tissue is clamped between the clamping element and the cylindrical body.
  • Such a seal is adapted to seal the digestive tract of a slaughtered animal so as to prevent contamination of the meat from the slaughtered animal intended for human
  • this seal can also be used to seal the digestive tract of a deceased person. It is after all not always possible, following the death of a person, to prevent processes such as fermentation occurring in parts of the digestive tract, whereby the pressure inside the digestive tract is increased and the substance present in the digestive tract will exit to the outside.
  • the present invention provides a seal of the above stated type which is adapted to seal the digestive tract of a deceased human person.
  • a closure of the digestive tract of a person is hereby obtained which functions better than closures used heretofore.
  • digestive tract tissue is clamped in the interior of the cylindrical body, a clamping force can thus be obtained which does not depend, or at least depends to lesser extent, on the diameter of the cylinder jacket and/or the clamping element.
  • This also achieves that digestive tract tissue can penetrate into the interior of the cylindrical body, wherein the tissue present in the internal parts of the body is anchored by a mechanical locking, this further increasing the strength of the closure.
  • Fatty tissue and tissue situated on the outside of the digestive tract can also be urged into the cylindrical body by using the seal according to the invention.
  • the seal according to the invention is also less sensitive to contaminants present in the digestive tract, such as food or partially digested food, as well as to misshaping of the digestive tract.
  • By urging the clamping element to a clamping position located in the interior of the cylindrical body digestive tract tissue present in the interior of the cylindrical body and digestive tract tissue present outside the body is urged against respectively the interior and the outer side of the cylindrical body, whereby a strong closure can be obtained.
  • a medium-tight closure can hereby be obtained.
  • medium is understood to mean liquid and solid components.
  • cylinder is understood to mean a shape whose peripheral wall (jacket) is closed.
  • the peripheral wall preferably takes a concave form.
  • the opening in the peripheral wall can take various shapes, such as rectangular.
  • the opening is particularly round, such as a circle and an oval, or at least edges of the openings are rounded. This reduces the risk of the seal leaking due to tearing of digestive tract tissue by sharp edges in the opening.
  • the seal is adapted to seal the oesophagus of a deceased person. Stomach contents are hereby prevented in effective manner from exiting from the mouth of deceased persons. According to another preferred embodiment, the seal is adapted to seal the rectum of a deceased person. The bowel contents are hereby prevented in effective manner from leaving the body of deceased persons.
  • a corresponding method for sealing an end of a digestive tract of a dead mammal comprises of placing a cylindrical part of a seal, provided with a cylindrical peripheral wall and provided with a closing end wall on one end side, at a desired location in the digestive tract of the animal and displacing a clamping element of the seal to a clamping position relative to the cylindrical part, wherein oesophageal tissue is clamped fixedly between the clamping element and the cylindrical part, wherein digestive tract tissue is urged through at least one opening located in the peripheral wall into the interior of the cylindrical part, and the thus displaced tissue is clamped fixedly between the clamping element moved to a clamping position and the cylindrical part, wherein the method is applied to a deceased human person.
  • the advantages of this method according to the invention correspond to the advantages as described for the seal according to the invention.
  • the peripheral wall is provided with at least two openings distributed over the periphery of the peripheral wall.
  • the strength of the closure hereby increases further because more digestive tract tissue can be carried into the interior of the body and because the distance over which digestive tract tissue extends on the outside of the peripheral wall is reduced. This results in a greater clamping area of the tissue, and thereby to a greater clamping force.
  • the sum of the greatest length of the openings in peripheral direction of the peripheral wall in particular covers more than 50% of the periphery of the peripheral wall, and preferably more than 75% of the periphery of the peripheral wall.
  • More digestive tract tissue can hereby be urged into the cylindrical body, whereby more digestive tract tissue is situated in the interior of the cylindrical body, thereby increasing the degree of mechanical closure of tissue present in the interior of the cylindrical body. This increases the strength of the closure.
  • the closing end wall can be formed in various ways.
  • the end wall can thus take a flat form.
  • the end wall particularly takes an at least partially conical, flattened or rounded form. This facilitates the placing of the body into the digestive tract.
  • the cylindrical body comprises first fixation means for fixing the clamping element in a position for placing the seal in the digestive tract.
  • the cylindrical body comprises second fixation means for fixing the clamping element in a clamping position.
  • second fixation means for fixing the clamping element in a clamping position.
  • the fixation means can take diverse forms, wherein the clamping element is fixed in diverse ways to the cylindrical body.
  • the fixation means are particularly adapted to fix the clamping element by means of form- locking. This improves the reliability of the fixation of the clamping element to the cylindrical body.
  • the fixation means can comprise at least one protrusion and/or a recess for engaging respectively a recess or protrusion of the clamping element.
  • the first and/or second fixation means comprise at least one recess arranged in the peripheral wall for receiving a protrusion of the clamping element. This is structurally simple.
  • the recess of the second fixation means can be embodied integrally with the openings located in the peripheral wall.
  • the clamping element For co-action with the fixation means of the cylindrical body the clamping element comprises at least one protrusion.
  • the at least one protrusion of the clamping element is particularly adapted to co-act with both the first fixation means and the second fixation means of the cylindrical body.
  • the cylindrical body For coupling the cylindrical body to a carrier for the purpose of positioning through a part of the digestive tract to a desired location in the digestive tract, the cylindrical body comprises coupling means. Making use of a carrier the cylindrical body can hereby be carried in reliable manner through the digestive tract to a desired location in the digestive tract.
  • the coupling means comprise resilient tongues mounted on the edge of the cylindrical body remote from the end wall and extending in axial direction, which tongues are provided on their inner side with inward extending engaging elements which are adapted to engage behind an edge of the carrier.
  • the carrier can hereby be easily coupled to the seal by placing the carrier into the cylindrical body by a temporary deformation of the tongues, after which the tongues engage round an edge of the carrier and hold the carrier fixedly.
  • the clamping element can be embodied in diverse ways. What is important is that the clamping element can be placed at least partially into the cylindrical body. According to a preferred embodiment, the clamping element is annular.
  • the clamping element is particularly provided here on an edge with at least one protrusion for clamping digestive tract tissue, which is present in the interior of the cylindrical body, between at least a part of the protrusion and the cylindrical body.
  • Digestive tract tissue can also be clamped by digestive tract tissue being urged in the direction of the end wall by the clamping element, wherein the clamping element at least partially closes the openings in the peripheral wall of the cylindrical body. Because the second fixation means fix the clamping element in a clamping position here, the digestive tract tissue is enclosed in form-locking manner in the cylindrical body.
  • the protrusion of the clamping element can also be provided with means for engaging the clamping element with the first and/or second fixation means of the cylindrical body.
  • These means forming part of the clamping element particularly comprise a protrusion for engaging the clamping element through a recess of the cylindrical body.
  • These means can also be embodied integrally with the protrusion in order to increase the clamping surface area.
  • the digestive tract tissue can hereby be clamped well between the clamping element and the cylindrical body.
  • a clamping surface of the cylindrical body and/or the clamping element is provided with a relief.
  • relief is understood to mean, among others, a surface roughness and protrusions and recesses such as grooves, flanges, edges and so on.
  • the diameter of the cylindrical body is adapted to the cross-section of the part of the digestive tract to be closed.
  • the diameter of the cylindrical body can thus be greater than the diameter of the oesophagus or the rectum of the deceased person, whereby a strong closure can be obtained.
  • the diameter can also be smaller than the relevant diameter, whereby the cylindrical body can be moved with a relatively small force through the digestive tract to the desired location.
  • the outer diameter of the cylindrical body lies particularly between 20 and 50 mm. It has been found that a cylinder jacket with a diameter within this range can be readily placed at a desired position in a digestive tract, whereby a closure can also be obtained with a sufficiently strong fixation.
  • the cylindrical body and the clamping element can be manufactured from diverse materials.
  • the cylindrical body and/or the clamping element is particularly
  • a plastic and in particular a mouldable plastic, enables simple production of the cylindrical body and the clamping element.
  • the cylindrical body and the clamping element are provided with mutually engaging means defining each other's relative rotation position.
  • An improved securing of the clamping element relative to the cylindrical body can hereby be obtained.
  • the mutually engaging means defining each other's relative rotation position are particularly adapted to place the protrusions with the clamping element in the clamping position substantially opposite the openings located in the peripheral wall.
  • a liquid-tight closure of the oesophagus can hereby be obtained with an increased strength.
  • the invention also provides a cylindrical body and a clamping element for use in a seal according to the present invention.
  • the advantages of the cylindrical body and the clamping element according to the invention correspond to the advantages as described in respect of the seal according to the invention.
  • the invention likewise relates to a device for placing and fixing a seal in the digestive tract of a dead mammal, wherein the device is provided with a carrier placed at a first end of an elongate element for positioning a seal through a part of the digestive tract and at a desired location in the digestive tract, first urging means controllable from the second end of the elongate element for urging digestive tract tissue through an'opening of a cylindrical part of the seal into the interior of the cylindrical part, and second urging means controllable from the second end of the elongate element for urging a clamping element of the seal to a clamping position relative to the cylindrical part, wherein digestive tract tissue present in the interior of the cylindrical part is clamped fixedly in the clamping position, wherein the device is
  • the first urging means preferably comprise vacuum means for creating an underpressure in the interior of a cylindrical body placed in the digestive tract, whereby digestive tract tissue is urged through openings arranged in the cylindrical body into the interior of the body.
  • the vacuum means here preferably comprise a channel which can be connected to a vacuum pump, extends through the elongate element and debouches at the first carrier.
  • the second urging means make it possible in simple manner to displace the clamping element relative to the cylindrical body to the clamping position.
  • the clamping element can here extend substantially or wholly outside the cylindrical body and be carried by the second urging means at least partially into the cylindrical part to the clamping position.
  • the clamping element Prior to placing of the seal in the digestive tract the clamping element is preferably situated substantially in the cylindrical body, whereby the seal has a more compact form during moving of the seal through the digestive tract to a desired location.
  • the clamping element in the interior of the cylindrical part is moved to a clamping position located inside the cylindrical part. It is otherwise not precluded that in other embodiments the clamping element is moved to the desired position in the digestive tract separately of the cylindrical part, and the clamping element is then moved into the clamping position.
  • Preferred embodiments provide such devices for respectively placing and fixing a seal in the oesophagus of a deceased person and placing and fixing a seal in the rectum of a deceased person.
  • the digestive tract tissue can be urged into the cylindrical body in variable manner.
  • Means can for instance be used for this purpose which anchor and pull the tissue into the interior of the cylindrical body.
  • the first urging means preferably comprise vacuum means for creating an
  • the vacuum means here preferably comprise a channel which can be connected to a vacuum pump, extends through the elongate element and debouches at the first carrier.
  • This is a structurally simple solution for applying an underpressure in the cylindrical body.
  • a corresponding method is characterized in that digestive tract tissue is urged into the interior of the cylindrical part by applying an underpressure in the interior of the cylindrical part. This is a clean and simple method of urging digestive tract tissue into the interior of the cylindrical body.
  • the underpressure is preferably such that fatty tissue and tissue present on the outside of the digestive tract are also urged into the interior of the cylindrical body, whereby an improved closure of the digestive tract is obtained.
  • the second urging means When operated, the second urging means can be moved so that a user of the device can readily move the clamping element in axial direction at least partially into the interior of the cylindrical body.
  • the device comprises a protective sleeve displaceable relative to the carrier, which protective sleeve is displaceable between a position closing openings located in the peripheral wall and a position for urging digestive tract tissue through the openings located in the peripheral wall into the receiving space of the cylindrical body.
  • the seal can hereby be carried in simple manner through the digestive tract to a desired location, wherein the openings located in the peripheral wall are closed so that the receiving space of the cylindrical body and the part of the digestive tract remote from the internal parts remains relatively clean.
  • the carrier comprises an edge for receiving resilient tongues mounted on the edge of the cylindrical part remote from an end wall and extending in axial direction, which tongues are provided on their inner side with inward extending coupling means formed as engaging elements
  • the device comprises a protective sleeve displaceable relative to the carrier, which protective sleeve is displaceable to a position in which the protective sleeve extends round the edge.
  • the cylindrical part is fixed to the carrier merely by displacing the protective sleeve to the position in which the protective sleeve extends round the edge.
  • the device can hereby be used reliably to position the seal through the digestive tract at a desired location to a desired position in the oesophagus, and the clamping element can be moved in reliable manner to its clamping position without the cylindrical part detaching from the carrier.
  • figure 1 shows a perspective view of a cylindrical body according to the present invention
  • figure 2 shows a front view of the cylindrical body of figure 1;
  • figure 3 shows a top view of the cylindrical body of figure 1;
  • figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view along line A-A in figure 3;
  • figure 5 shows a perspective view of a clamping element according to the present invention
  • figure 6 shows a top view of the clamping element of figure 5;
  • figure 7 shows a front view of the clamping element of figure 5
  • figure 8 shows a perspective view of a seal according to the present invention, wherein the clamping element of figure 5 is placed in the cylindrical body of figure 1 in a position leaving digestive tract tissue free;
  • figure 9 shows a cross-section of the seal of figure 9 wherein the clamping element of figure 5 is placed in the cylindrical body of figure 1 in a position leaving digestive tract tissue free;
  • figure 10 shows a front view of the cylindrical body of figure 1 wherein the clamping element of figure 5 is placed in a position clamping digestive tract tissue;
  • figure 11 shows a cross-section of the cylindrical body of figure 1, wherein the clamping element of figure 5 is placed in a position clamping digestive tract tissue
  • figure 12a shows a front view of a device for sealing an oesophagus of a deceased person, provided according to the present invention with the cylindrical body of figure 1 and the clamping element of figure 5, before arranging of the seal on the device;
  • figure 12b shows a view corresponding to figure 12a with a seal arranged on the device
  • figure 12c shows a view corresponding to figure 12a in the starting position
  • figure 12d shows a view corresponding to figure 12a, wherein digestive tract tissue can be urged through openings in the peripheral wall into the cylindrical body;
  • figure 12e shows a view corresponding to figure 12a in a position in which the digestive tract tissue is clamped
  • figure 12f shows a view corresponding to figure 12a in a cutting position, wherein the protective sleeve first releases the knife;
  • figure 12g shows a view corresponding to figure 12a in an uncoupling position prior to washing or sterilizing
  • figure 12h shows a view corresponding to figure 12a in an uncoupled position
  • figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of an operating tool for operating the device shown in figure 12.
  • Figure 1 shows a cylindrical body 1 which forms part of a seal according to the present invention.
  • a cylindrical peripheral wall 2 of cylindrical body 1 Arranged in peripheral direction in a cylindrical peripheral wall 2 of cylindrical body 1 are three through-openings 3, two of which are shown.
  • An end side la of cylindrical body 1 is opened.
  • the opposite end side lb of cylindrical body 1 is provided with a closing end wall 4.
  • End wall 4 is truncated and comprises a conical part 4a.
  • the cylindrical body 1 comprises resilient tongues 5 arranged in peripheral direction of peripheral wall 2 and extending in axial direction, which tongues are provided at their end 5a with inward extending protrusions 5b.
  • the three openings 3 take an elongate form, wherein the short sides are rounded. The sum of the greatest length of openings 3 covers more than 75% of the periphery of peripheral wall 2.
  • Peripheral wall 2 is provided with recesses 6 for the purpose, in co-action with protrusions of a clamping element of figure 5 forming part of the seal, of holding the clamping element in cylindrical body 1 in a position leaving digestive tract tissue free, as also shown in figure 9.
  • Defining of the relative rotation of the protrusions of the clamping element relative to recesses 6 of cylindrical body 1 is obtained by a guide 7 extending in longitudinal direction of cylindrical body 1 and located on the inner side of peripheral wall 2.
  • Cylindrical body 1 encloses a receiving space 8.
  • Figure 2 shows a front view of cylindrical body 1.
  • Figure 3 shows a top view of cylindrical body 1.
  • Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of cylindrical body 1 along the line A-A in figure
  • FIG 5 shows a clamping element 10 which is adapted for co-action with the above described cylindrical body 1, and wherein the parts together form a seal.
  • Clamping element 10 comprises a circular base 11 which is provided with a plurality of through- openings 12 for forming a filter in base 11.
  • Three lips 13 are connected to base 11 over the periphery of base 11.
  • protrusions 14 are connected to lips 13 for the purpose, in co-action with recesses 6 of cylindrical body 1, of holding clamping element 10 in cylindrical body 1 in a position leaving digestive tract tissue free (see also figure 9).
  • Lips 13 are distributed over the periphery of the base such that they correspond with openings 3 distributed over the periphery of peripheral wall 2 of cylindrical body 1.
  • Figure 6 shows a top view of clamping element 10.
  • Figure 7 shows a front view of clamping element 10.
  • Figure 8 shows a seal according to the invention comprising cylindrical body .l and clamping element 10.
  • Clamping element 10 is placed in cylindrical body 1 in a position leaving digestive tract tissue free.
  • figure 9 shows a cross-section of cylindrical body 1, in which clamping element 10 is placed in a position leaving digestive tract tissue free.
  • FIG 9 shows that protrusions 14 of clamping element 10 rest on edges 6a of recesses 6 in peripheral wall 2 of cylindrical body 1. The mutual alignment of protrusions 14 relative to recesses 6 in rotation direction is obtained with guide 7.
  • Figure 10 shows cylindrical body 1 in which clamping element 10 is placed in a position clamping digestive tract tissue, this position being designated as clamping position.
  • protrusions 14 of clamping element 10 rest on edges 3a of openings 3 in peripheral wall 2. If tissue of the digestive tract extends in receiving space 8 of cylindrical part 1, it is clamped between clamping element 10 and peripheral wall 2.
  • Figure 1 1 shows a cross-section of cylindrical body 1 in which clamping element 10 is placed in a position clamping digestive tract tissue.
  • FIG. 8 shows a device 30 for placing a seal as shown in figures 12a- 12h in the oesophagus or rectum of a deceased person.
  • Figure 12a shows a device 30 for placing a seal in the oesophagus or the rectum of a deceased person, which seal is formed by a cylindrical body 1 as shown in figure 1 and a clamping element 10 as shown in figure 5, the clamping element 10 being placed inside cylindrical body 1.
  • Device 30 comprises an elongate element formed as a tube 31. Connected to tube 31 at a first end thereof is a carrier 32 provided with an edge 32a for fixing cylindrical body 1 to carrier 32 via the resilient tongues 5 of cylindrical body 1, this position being shown in figure 12b.
  • Clamping element 10 is here fixed with cylindrical body 1 in a position in which the seal is placed in the oesophagus or in the rectum.
  • Device 30 is provided with a protective sleeve 33, the inner diameter of which has substantially the same diameter as the outer diameter of cylindrical body 1, wherein protective sleeve 33 can be placed over cylindrical body 1 as shown in figure 12c. In this position protective sleeve 33 extends beyond openings 3 of cylindrical body 1, i.e. as far as end wall 4.
  • the seal formed by cylindrical body 1 and clamping element 10 can hereby be placed through an oesophagus or rectum up to a desired location in the oesophagus or rectum without substance, such as food or digested food present in the oesophagus or rectum, being able to enter the receiving space of cylindrical body 1.
  • device 30 with cylindrical body 1 and clamping element 10 placed thereon is inserted through the mouth of the deceased person into the oesophagus or through the anus of the deceased person into the rectum.
  • protective sleeve 33 When cylindrical body 1 is placed at the desired location in the oesophagus or rectum, protective sleeve 33 is displaced downward relative to cylindrical body 1, whereby openings 3 are left clear as shown in figure 12d. In this orientation an underpressure is applied in receiving space 8 of cylindrical body 1 from a per se known vacuum pump (not shown here) and first urging means connected to the vacuum pump and formed by a channel extending through tube 31 into receiving space 8 of cylindrical body 1.
  • Oesophageal tissue or rectal tissue is urged into receiving space 8 by the underpressure in receiving space 8.
  • the underpressure is preferably such that fatty tissue on the outside of the oesophagus or rectum is also urged into receiving space 8, whereby an improved closure of the oesophagus or rectum is obtained since the volume of the fatty tissue situated in the receiving space of cylindrical body 1 provides for a form-locking coupling of clamping element 10 and cylindrical body 1 to the oesophagus or the rectum.
  • clamping element 10 is then urged to openings 3 of cylindrical body 1 by second urging means 34 extending in tube 31, wherein lips 13 of clamping element 10 are located substantially opposite openings 3.
  • protrusions 14 of clamping element 10 rest on edges 3a of openings 3, as also shown in figure 11.
  • Clamping element 10 hereby clamps the oesophageal tissue or rectal tissue situated in receiving space 8 between lips 13 of clamping element 10 and peripheral wall 2. The underpressure applied in receiving space 8 can be removed.
  • the closure of the oesophagus or rectum is secured by placing clamping element 10 into a clamping position in cylindrical body 1.
  • Carrier 32 must be uncoupled from the seal formed by cylindrical body 1 and clamping element 10 in order to enable withdrawal of device 30 from the oesophagus or the rectum.
  • protective sleeve 33 is moved in the direction of tube 31 so that edge 32 and the resilient tongues 5 extending around the edge are released (see figure 12f).
  • Carrier 32 is moved relative to device 30 in the direction of the seal via second urging means 34.
  • Cylindrical body 1 is hereby uncoupled from carrier 32 as shown in figure 12g.
  • Device 30 can be withdrawn and taken out of the oesophagus or rectum, this being shown in figure 12h. The closure in the oesophagus or rectum remains sufficiently strong even after the removal of device 30.
  • an operating tool designated as a whole with 40 is shown.
  • Operating tool 40 comprises a housing 41, provided at a first short end 41a with a first opening 42 and at a second short end 41b with a second opening 43.
  • a peripheral wall 49 is placed inside housing 41, whereby a space 50a is obtained between housing 41 and peripheral wall 49.
  • a vacuum pump and/or a hose can be connected to operating tool 40 in order to respectively apply an underpressure in space 50a or allow a fluid to flow through the space for washing or sterilizing purposes.
  • Space 50a is brought into open connection with a space 50b located between hose 37 and jacket 35 through openings 48 present in peripheral wall 49 close to the second short end 41b.
  • An underpressure can hereby be applied in a seal coupled to carrier 32, and water or other suitable fluid can be transported in the direction of the carrier and through the seal.
  • a first actuator 44 and a second actuator 45 are placed in the space enclosed by peripheral wall 49.
  • First actuator 44 is coupled mechanically to jacket 35 via a coupling 46 and to second actuator 45 by means of a connection 47.
  • Connection 47 is embodied such that, when first actuator 44 is displaced in the direction of the second short end 41b, first actuator 44 also urges second actuator 45 in the direction of the second short end 41b, but that first actuator 44 does not move relative to housing 41 when second actuator 45 is displaced in the direction of the second short end 41b.
  • first actuator 44 By displacing first actuator 44 a jacket 35 and an inner cable 36 can hereby be displaced relative to a hose 37 lying round jacket 35 and inner cable 36.
  • Jacket 35 and inner cable 36 extend here through opening 43 of housing 41.
  • Electrical cables and control cables can be carried through opening 42 of housing 41 in order to provide electrical energy and signals for controlling first and second actuators 44, 45.
  • a hose can also be coupled to housing 41 through opening 42, whereby water or other desired fluid can be guided through the space enclosed by the housing and discharged through the through-openings 48 located in housing 41.
  • the relevant part of the digestive tract and/or the seal can hereby be cleaned or sterilized at a desired position.
  • a fluid is preferably carried in the direction of the seal when the seal is placed at a desired position in the oesophagus or rectum as shown in figure 12g.
  • Jacket 35 is coupled mechanically to carrier 32 and the inner cable is coupled mechanically to second urging means 34, see also figure 12a.
  • the seal is urged into protective sleeve 33 by displacing jacket 35 in the direction of the first short end 41a while operating first actuator 44. This takes place in the situation as shown in figure 12b, whereby the situation as shown in figure 12c is obtained. In this situation the seal can be introduced into the oesophagus or rectum.
  • Device 30 can then be fully withdrawn from the oesophagus or the rectum.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a seal for sealing an end of the digestive tract of a deceased person, comprising a cylindrical body (1) which can be placed in the digestive tract and has a cylindrical peripheral wall provided on one side with an end wall, and a clamping element (10) which can be displaced relative to the cylindrical body to a-clamp- ing position for the purpose of fixing the seal in the oesophagus, and thereby sealing the digestive tract, by clamping digestive tract tissue between at least a part of the clamping element and the cylindrical body, wherein the peripheral wall encloses a receiving space and is provided with at least one opening through which digestive tract tissue can be carried into the receiving space, and the clamping element is displaceable to a clamping position in which digestive tract tissue is clamped between the clamping element and the cylindrical body.

Description

Seal, constituent parts of the seal, device and method for arranging such a seal
The present invention relates to a seal for sealing an end of the digestive tract of a dead mammal and the constituent parts of such a seal. The invention also relates to a device and a method for sealing the digestive tract of a mammal by arranging such a seal.
The non-prepublished Netherlands patent application 2003787 describes a seal for sealing an end of the digestive tract of a dead mammal, comprising a cylindrical body which can be placed in the digestive tract and has a cylindrical peripheral wall which is provided on one side with an end wall and a clamping element which can be displaced to a clamping position relative to the cylindrical body for the purpose of fixing the seal in the digestive tract, and thereby sealing the digestive tract, by clamping digestive tract tissue between at least a part of the clamping element and the cylindrical body, wherein the peripheral wall encloses a receiving space and is provided with at least one opening through which digestive tract tissue can be carried into the receiving space, and the clamping element is displaceable to a clamping position wherein digestive tract tissue is clamped between the clamping element and the cylindrical body.
Such a seal is adapted to seal the digestive tract of a slaughtered animal so as to prevent contamination of the meat from the slaughtered animal intended for human
consumption. The substance in the digestive tract then remains confined within this tract.
The inventors of the above stated patent application have found that this seal can also be used to seal the digestive tract of a deceased person. It is after all not always possible, following the death of a person, to prevent processes such as fermentation occurring in parts of the digestive tract, whereby the pressure inside the digestive tract is increased and the substance present in the digestive tract will exit to the outside. This
phenomenon has heretofore been dealt with using primitive means which are not always very effective.
The present invention provides a seal of the above stated type which is adapted to seal the digestive tract of a deceased human person. A closure of the digestive tract of a person is hereby obtained which functions better than closures used heretofore. Because digestive tract tissue is clamped in the interior of the cylindrical body, a clamping force can thus be obtained which does not depend, or at least depends to lesser extent, on the diameter of the cylinder jacket and/or the clamping element. This also achieves that digestive tract tissue can penetrate into the interior of the cylindrical body, wherein the tissue present in the internal parts of the body is anchored by a mechanical locking, this further increasing the strength of the closure. Fatty tissue and tissue situated on the outside of the digestive tract can also be urged into the cylindrical body by using the seal according to the invention. The seal according to the invention is also less sensitive to contaminants present in the digestive tract, such as food or partially digested food, as well as to misshaping of the digestive tract. By urging the clamping element to a clamping position located in the interior of the cylindrical body, digestive tract tissue present in the interior of the cylindrical body and digestive tract tissue present outside the body is urged against respectively the interior and the outer side of the cylindrical body, whereby a strong closure can be obtained. A medium-tight closure can hereby be obtained. In this context medium is understood to mean liquid and solid components. Although it is also possible with the seal to seal the digestive tract against passage of gases, this is not necessary, or less so. In this context cylinder is understood to mean a shape whose peripheral wall (jacket) is closed. The peripheral wall preferably takes a concave form. The opening in the peripheral wall can take various shapes, such as rectangular. The opening is particularly round, such as a circle and an oval, or at least edges of the openings are rounded. This reduces the risk of the seal leaking due to tearing of digestive tract tissue by sharp edges in the opening.
According to a first preferred embodiment, the seal is adapted to seal the oesophagus of a deceased person. Stomach contents are hereby prevented in effective manner from exiting from the mouth of deceased persons. According to another preferred embodiment, the seal is adapted to seal the rectum of a deceased person. The bowel contents are hereby prevented in effective manner from leaving the body of deceased persons. A corresponding method for sealing an end of a digestive tract of a dead mammal comprises of placing a cylindrical part of a seal, provided with a cylindrical peripheral wall and provided with a closing end wall on one end side, at a desired location in the digestive tract of the animal and displacing a clamping element of the seal to a clamping position relative to the cylindrical part, wherein oesophageal tissue is clamped fixedly between the clamping element and the cylindrical part, wherein digestive tract tissue is urged through at least one opening located in the peripheral wall into the interior of the cylindrical part, and the thus displaced tissue is clamped fixedly between the clamping element moved to a clamping position and the cylindrical part, wherein the method is applied to a deceased human person. The advantages of this method according to the invention correspond to the advantages as described for the seal according to the invention.
Further embodiments provide such methods, wherein the method is applied to respectively the oesophagus or the rectum of a deceased person.
In a first embodiment the peripheral wall is provided with at least two openings distributed over the periphery of the peripheral wall. The strength of the closure hereby increases further because more digestive tract tissue can be carried into the interior of the body and because the distance over which digestive tract tissue extends on the outside of the peripheral wall is reduced. This results in a greater clamping area of the tissue, and thereby to a greater clamping force. The sum of the greatest length of the openings in peripheral direction of the peripheral wall in particular covers more than 50% of the periphery of the peripheral wall, and preferably more than 75% of the periphery of the peripheral wall. More digestive tract tissue can hereby be urged into the cylindrical body, whereby more digestive tract tissue is situated in the interior of the cylindrical body, thereby increasing the degree of mechanical closure of tissue present in the interior of the cylindrical body. This increases the strength of the closure. The closing end wall can be formed in various ways. The end wall can thus take a flat form. The end wall particularly takes an at least partially conical, flattened or rounded form. This facilitates the placing of the body into the digestive tract. Although it is not precluded that the cylindrical body and the clamping element are moved to the desired position in the digestive tract at a distance from each other, according to an embodiment the cylindrical body comprises first fixation means for fixing the clamping element in a position for placing the seal in the digestive tract. By providing the cylindrical body with first fixation means the clamping element is engaged in a position relative to the cylindrical body in which the seal can be carried in simple manner through the digestive tract to a desired location in the digestive tract.
In another embodiment the cylindrical body comprises second fixation means for fixing the clamping element in a clamping position. By providing the cylindrical body with second fixation means the clamping element is engaged in the clamping position by the cylindrical body, thereby reducing the risk of an undesired displacement of the clamping element relative to the cylindrical body. This further increases the strength of the closure of the digestive tract.
The fixation means can take diverse forms, wherein the clamping element is fixed in diverse ways to the cylindrical body. The fixation means are particularly adapted to fix the clamping element by means of form- locking. This improves the reliability of the fixation of the clamping element to the cylindrical body. The fixation means can comprise at least one protrusion and/or a recess for engaging respectively a recess or protrusion of the clamping element. In an embodiment the first and/or second fixation means comprise at least one recess arranged in the peripheral wall for receiving a protrusion of the clamping element. This is structurally simple. The recess of the second fixation means can be embodied integrally with the openings located in the peripheral wall. For co-action with the fixation means of the cylindrical body the clamping element comprises at least one protrusion. The at least one protrusion of the clamping element is particularly adapted to co-act with both the first fixation means and the second fixation means of the cylindrical body. For coupling the cylindrical body to a carrier for the purpose of positioning through a part of the digestive tract to a desired location in the digestive tract, the cylindrical body comprises coupling means. Making use of a carrier the cylindrical body can hereby be carried in reliable manner through the digestive tract to a desired location in the digestive tract. In another embodiment the coupling means comprise resilient tongues mounted on the edge of the cylindrical body remote from the end wall and extending in axial direction, which tongues are provided on their inner side with inward extending engaging elements which are adapted to engage behind an edge of the carrier. The carrier can hereby be easily coupled to the seal by placing the carrier into the cylindrical body by a temporary deformation of the tongues, after which the tongues engage round an edge of the carrier and hold the carrier fixedly. The clamping element can be embodied in diverse ways. What is important is that the clamping element can be placed at least partially into the cylindrical body. According to a preferred embodiment, the clamping element is annular. An equal distance between the clamping element and the cylinder jacket can hereby be obtained around the clamping element, whereby the digestive tract tissue is clamped uniformly between the clamping element and the cylindrical body. The clamping element is particularly provided here on an edge with at least one protrusion for clamping digestive tract tissue, which is present in the interior of the cylindrical body, between at least a part of the protrusion and the cylindrical body. Digestive tract tissue can also be clamped by digestive tract tissue being urged in the direction of the end wall by the clamping element, wherein the clamping element at least partially closes the openings in the peripheral wall of the cylindrical body. Because the second fixation means fix the clamping element in a clamping position here, the digestive tract tissue is enclosed in form-locking manner in the cylindrical body. The protrusion of the clamping element can also be provided with means for engaging the clamping element with the first and/or second fixation means of the cylindrical body. These means forming part of the clamping element particularly comprise a protrusion for engaging the clamping element through a recess of the cylindrical body. These means can also be embodied integrally with the protrusion in order to increase the clamping surface area. The digestive tract tissue can hereby be clamped well between the clamping element and the cylindrical body.
For a further increase in the strength of the closure at least part of a clamping surface of the cylindrical body and/or the clamping element is provided with a relief. In this context relief is understood to mean, among others, a surface roughness and protrusions and recesses such as grooves, flanges, edges and so on.
The diameter of the cylindrical body is adapted to the cross-section of the part of the digestive tract to be closed. The diameter of the cylindrical body can thus be greater than the diameter of the oesophagus or the rectum of the deceased person, whereby a strong closure can be obtained. The diameter can also be smaller than the relevant diameter, whereby the cylindrical body can be moved with a relatively small force through the digestive tract to the desired location. The outer diameter of the cylindrical body lies particularly between 20 and 50 mm. It has been found that a cylinder jacket with a diameter within this range can be readily placed at a desired position in a digestive tract, whereby a closure can also be obtained with a sufficiently strong fixation. The cylindrical body and the clamping element can be manufactured from diverse materials. The cylindrical body and/or the clamping element is particularly
manufactured substantially from a material selected from the group consisting of: a plastic, a biologically degradable material or a flammable material. A plastic, and in particular a mouldable plastic, enables simple production of the cylindrical body and the clamping element.
In another embodiment the cylindrical body and the clamping element are provided with mutually engaging means defining each other's relative rotation position. An improved securing of the clamping element relative to the cylindrical body can hereby be obtained. The mutually engaging means defining each other's relative rotation position are particularly adapted to place the protrusions with the clamping element in the clamping position substantially opposite the openings located in the peripheral wall. A liquid-tight closure of the oesophagus can hereby be obtained with an increased strength.
The invention also provides a cylindrical body and a clamping element for use in a seal according to the present invention. The advantages of the cylindrical body and the clamping element according to the invention correspond to the advantages as described in respect of the seal according to the invention. The invention likewise relates to a device for placing and fixing a seal in the digestive tract of a dead mammal, wherein the device is provided with a carrier placed at a first end of an elongate element for positioning a seal through a part of the digestive tract and at a desired location in the digestive tract, first urging means controllable from the second end of the elongate element for urging digestive tract tissue through an'opening of a cylindrical part of the seal into the interior of the cylindrical part, and second urging means controllable from the second end of the elongate element for urging a clamping element of the seal to a clamping position relative to the cylindrical part, wherein digestive tract tissue present in the interior of the cylindrical part is clamped fixedly in the clamping position, wherein the device is adapted to place and fix a seal in the digestive tract of a deceased person. This device makes it possible to seal a digestive tract in simple manner using the cylindrical body and the clamping element according to the invention. Because the device is provided with a carrier, the cylindrical body can be easily positioned through a part of the digestive tract and at a desired location in the digestive tract. The first urging means preferably comprise vacuum means for creating an underpressure in the interior of a cylindrical body placed in the digestive tract, whereby digestive tract tissue is urged through openings arranged in the cylindrical body into the interior of the body. The vacuum means here preferably comprise a channel which can be connected to a vacuum pump, extends through the elongate element and debouches at the first carrier. This is a structurally simple solution for applying an underpressure in the cylindrical body. The second urging means make it possible in simple manner to displace the clamping element relative to the cylindrical body to the clamping position. The clamping element can here extend substantially or wholly outside the cylindrical body and be carried by the second urging means at least partially into the cylindrical part to the clamping position.
Prior to placing of the seal in the digestive tract the clamping element is preferably situated substantially in the cylindrical body, whereby the seal has a more compact form during moving of the seal through the digestive tract to a desired location. In a corresponding method the clamping element in the interior of the cylindrical part is moved to a clamping position located inside the cylindrical part. It is otherwise not precluded that in other embodiments the clamping element is moved to the desired position in the digestive tract separately of the cylindrical part, and the clamping element is then moved into the clamping position.
Preferred embodiments provide such devices for respectively placing and fixing a seal in the oesophagus of a deceased person and placing and fixing a seal in the rectum of a deceased person.
The digestive tract tissue can be urged into the cylindrical body in variable manner. Means can for instance be used for this purpose which anchor and pull the tissue into the interior of the cylindrical body.
The first urging means preferably comprise vacuum means for creating an
underpressure in the interior of a cylindrical body placed in the digestive tract, whereby digestive tract tissue is urged through openings arranged in the cylindrical body into the interior of the body. The vacuum means here preferably comprise a channel which can be connected to a vacuum pump, extends through the elongate element and debouches at the first carrier. This is a structurally simple solution for applying an underpressure in the cylindrical body. A corresponding method is characterized in that digestive tract tissue is urged into the interior of the cylindrical part by applying an underpressure in the interior of the cylindrical part. This is a clean and simple method of urging digestive tract tissue into the interior of the cylindrical body. The underpressure is preferably such that fatty tissue and tissue present on the outside of the digestive tract are also urged into the interior of the cylindrical body, whereby an improved closure of the digestive tract is obtained.
When operated, the second urging means can be moved so that a user of the device can readily move the clamping element in axial direction at least partially into the interior of the cylindrical body.
In an advantageous embodiment the device comprises a protective sleeve displaceable relative to the carrier, which protective sleeve is displaceable between a position closing openings located in the peripheral wall and a position for urging digestive tract tissue through the openings located in the peripheral wall into the receiving space of the cylindrical body. The seal can hereby be carried in simple manner through the digestive tract to a desired location, wherein the openings located in the peripheral wall are closed so that the receiving space of the cylindrical body and the part of the digestive tract remote from the internal parts remains relatively clean. When the seal is placed at the desired location in the digestive tract, digestive tract tissue can be urged into the receiving space of the cylindrical body by only moving the protective sleeve to a position for urging digestive tract tissue through the openings located in the peripheral wall into the receiving space of the cylindrical body. In another embodiment the carrier comprises an edge for receiving resilient tongues mounted on the edge of the cylindrical part remote from an end wall and extending in axial direction, which tongues are provided on their inner side with inward extending coupling means formed as engaging elements, and the device comprises a protective sleeve displaceable relative to the carrier, which protective sleeve is displaceable to a position in which the protective sleeve extends round the edge. A simple blocking of the cylindrical part of the seal on the carrier is in this way obtained. The cylindrical part is fixed to the carrier merely by displacing the protective sleeve to the position in which the protective sleeve extends round the edge. The device can hereby be used reliably to position the seal through the digestive tract at a desired location to a desired position in the oesophagus, and the clamping element can be moved in reliable manner to its clamping position without the cylindrical part detaching from the carrier.
The present invention will be further elucidated on the basis of the non-limitative exemplary embodiments shown in the following figures. Herein:
figure 1 shows a perspective view of a cylindrical body according to the present invention;
figure 2 shows a front view of the cylindrical body of figure 1;
figure 3 shows a top view of the cylindrical body of figure 1;
figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view along line A-A in figure 3;
figure 5 shows a perspective view of a clamping element according to the present invention;
figure 6 shows a top view of the clamping element of figure 5;
figure 7 shows a front view of the clamping element of figure 5; figure 8 shows a perspective view of a seal according to the present invention, wherein the clamping element of figure 5 is placed in the cylindrical body of figure 1 in a position leaving digestive tract tissue free;
figure 9 shows a cross-section of the seal of figure 9 wherein the clamping element of figure 5 is placed in the cylindrical body of figure 1 in a position leaving digestive tract tissue free;
figure 10 shows a front view of the cylindrical body of figure 1 wherein the clamping element of figure 5 is placed in a position clamping digestive tract tissue;
figure 11 shows a cross-section of the cylindrical body of figure 1, wherein the clamping element of figure 5 is placed in a position clamping digestive tract tissue; figure 12a shows a front view of a device for sealing an oesophagus of a deceased person, provided according to the present invention with the cylindrical body of figure 1 and the clamping element of figure 5, before arranging of the seal on the device;
figure 12b shows a view corresponding to figure 12a with a seal arranged on the device; figure 12c shows a view corresponding to figure 12a in the starting position;
figure 12d shows a view corresponding to figure 12a, wherein digestive tract tissue can be urged through openings in the peripheral wall into the cylindrical body;
figure 12e shows a view corresponding to figure 12a in a position in which the digestive tract tissue is clamped;
figure 12f shows a view corresponding to figure 12a in a cutting position, wherein the protective sleeve first releases the knife;
figure 12g shows a view corresponding to figure 12a in an uncoupling position prior to washing or sterilizing;
figure 12h shows a view corresponding to figure 12a in an uncoupled position; and figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of an operating tool for operating the device shown in figure 12.
Figure 1 shows a cylindrical body 1 which forms part of a seal according to the present invention. Arranged in peripheral direction in a cylindrical peripheral wall 2 of cylindrical body 1 are three through-openings 3, two of which are shown. An end side la of cylindrical body 1 is opened. The opposite end side lb of cylindrical body 1 is provided with a closing end wall 4. End wall 4 is truncated and comprises a conical part 4a. On the open side la of cylindrical body 1 the cylindrical body 1 comprises resilient tongues 5 arranged in peripheral direction of peripheral wall 2 and extending in axial direction, which tongues are provided at their end 5a with inward extending protrusions 5b. The three openings 3 take an elongate form, wherein the short sides are rounded. The sum of the greatest length of openings 3 covers more than 75% of the periphery of peripheral wall 2.
Peripheral wall 2 is provided with recesses 6 for the purpose, in co-action with protrusions of a clamping element of figure 5 forming part of the seal, of holding the clamping element in cylindrical body 1 in a position leaving digestive tract tissue free, as also shown in figure 9. Defining of the relative rotation of the protrusions of the clamping element relative to recesses 6 of cylindrical body 1 is obtained by a guide 7 extending in longitudinal direction of cylindrical body 1 and located on the inner side of peripheral wall 2. Cylindrical body 1 encloses a receiving space 8. Figure 2 shows a front view of cylindrical body 1. Figure 3 shows a top view of cylindrical body 1.
Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of cylindrical body 1 along the line A-A in figure
Figure 5 shows a clamping element 10 which is adapted for co-action with the above described cylindrical body 1, and wherein the parts together form a seal. Clamping element 10 comprises a circular base 11 which is provided with a plurality of through- openings 12 for forming a filter in base 11. Three lips 13 are connected to base 11 over the periphery of base 11. On the side of lips 13 remote from base 11 protrusions 14 are connected to lips 13 for the purpose, in co-action with recesses 6 of cylindrical body 1, of holding clamping element 10 in cylindrical body 1 in a position leaving digestive tract tissue free (see also figure 9). Lips 13 are distributed over the periphery of the base such that they correspond with openings 3 distributed over the periphery of peripheral wall 2 of cylindrical body 1. Figure 6 shows a top view of clamping element 10. Figure 7 shows a front view of clamping element 10.
Figure 8 shows a seal according to the invention comprising cylindrical body .l and clamping element 10. Clamping element 10 is placed in cylindrical body 1 in a position leaving digestive tract tissue free. This can be seen more clearly in figure 9, which shows a cross-section of cylindrical body 1, in which clamping element 10 is placed in a position leaving digestive tract tissue free. This figure 9 shows that protrusions 14 of clamping element 10 rest on edges 6a of recesses 6 in peripheral wall 2 of cylindrical body 1. The mutual alignment of protrusions 14 relative to recesses 6 in rotation direction is obtained with guide 7.
Figure 10 shows cylindrical body 1 in which clamping element 10 is placed in a position clamping digestive tract tissue, this position being designated as clamping position. For this purpose protrusions 14 of clamping element 10 rest on edges 3a of openings 3 in peripheral wall 2. If tissue of the digestive tract extends in receiving space 8 of cylindrical part 1, it is clamped between clamping element 10 and peripheral wall 2. Figure 1 1 shows a cross-section of cylindrical body 1 in which clamping element 10 is placed in a position clamping digestive tract tissue.
The operation of the seal of figure 8 is explained on the basis of a device 30 for placing a seal as shown in figures 12a- 12h in the oesophagus or rectum of a deceased person. Figure 12a shows a device 30 for placing a seal in the oesophagus or the rectum of a deceased person, which seal is formed by a cylindrical body 1 as shown in figure 1 and a clamping element 10 as shown in figure 5, the clamping element 10 being placed inside cylindrical body 1. Device 30 comprises an elongate element formed as a tube 31. Connected to tube 31 at a first end thereof is a carrier 32 provided with an edge 32a for fixing cylindrical body 1 to carrier 32 via the resilient tongues 5 of cylindrical body 1, this position being shown in figure 12b. Clamping element 10 is here fixed with cylindrical body 1 in a position in which the seal is placed in the oesophagus or in the rectum. Device 30 is provided with a protective sleeve 33, the inner diameter of which has substantially the same diameter as the outer diameter of cylindrical body 1, wherein protective sleeve 33 can be placed over cylindrical body 1 as shown in figure 12c. In this position protective sleeve 33 extends beyond openings 3 of cylindrical body 1, i.e. as far as end wall 4. The seal formed by cylindrical body 1 and clamping element 10 can hereby be placed through an oesophagus or rectum up to a desired location in the oesophagus or rectum without substance, such as food or digested food present in the oesophagus or rectum, being able to enter the receiving space of cylindrical body 1. In this embodiment device 30 with cylindrical body 1 and clamping element 10 placed thereon is inserted through the mouth of the deceased person into the oesophagus or through the anus of the deceased person into the rectum. When cylindrical body 1 is placed at the desired location in the oesophagus or rectum, protective sleeve 33 is displaced downward relative to cylindrical body 1, whereby openings 3 are left clear as shown in figure 12d. In this orientation an underpressure is applied in receiving space 8 of cylindrical body 1 from a per se known vacuum pump (not shown here) and first urging means connected to the vacuum pump and formed by a channel extending through tube 31 into receiving space 8 of cylindrical body 1.
Oesophageal tissue or rectal tissue is urged into receiving space 8 by the underpressure in receiving space 8. The underpressure is preferably such that fatty tissue on the outside of the oesophagus or rectum is also urged into receiving space 8, whereby an improved closure of the oesophagus or rectum is obtained since the volume of the fatty tissue situated in the receiving space of cylindrical body 1 provides for a form-locking coupling of clamping element 10 and cylindrical body 1 to the oesophagus or the rectum. In this situation, where the underpressure is applied and oesophageal or rectal tissue extends into receiving space 8 of cylindrical body 1, the oesophagus or rectum respectively is already sealed and a pressure can be exerted on the seal, for instance by material present in the oesophagus or rectum.
As shown in figure 12e, clamping element 10 is then urged to openings 3 of cylindrical body 1 by second urging means 34 extending in tube 31, wherein lips 13 of clamping element 10 are located substantially opposite openings 3. In this situation protrusions 14 of clamping element 10 rest on edges 3a of openings 3, as also shown in figure 11. Clamping element 10 hereby clamps the oesophageal tissue or rectal tissue situated in receiving space 8 between lips 13 of clamping element 10 and peripheral wall 2. The underpressure applied in receiving space 8 can be removed. The closure of the oesophagus or rectum is secured by placing clamping element 10 into a clamping position in cylindrical body 1. If desired, the side of the clamped part of the oesophagus or rectum remote from the internal parts of the deceased person can be washed clean and/or sterilized. Carrier 32 must be uncoupled from the seal formed by cylindrical body 1 and clamping element 10 in order to enable withdrawal of device 30 from the oesophagus or the rectum. For this purpose protective sleeve 33 is moved in the direction of tube 31 so that edge 32 and the resilient tongues 5 extending around the edge are released (see figure 12f). Carrier 32 is moved relative to device 30 in the direction of the seal via second urging means 34. Cylindrical body 1 is hereby uncoupled from carrier 32 as shown in figure 12g. Device 30 can be withdrawn and taken out of the oesophagus or rectum, this being shown in figure 12h. The closure in the oesophagus or rectum remains sufficiently strong even after the removal of device 30.
Referring to figure 13, an operating tool designated as a whole with 40 is shown.
Operating tool 40 comprises a housing 41, provided at a first short end 41a with a first opening 42 and at a second short end 41b with a second opening 43. A peripheral wall 49 is placed inside housing 41, whereby a space 50a is obtained between housing 41 and peripheral wall 49. A vacuum pump and/or a hose can be connected to operating tool 40 in order to respectively apply an underpressure in space 50a or allow a fluid to flow through the space for washing or sterilizing purposes.
Space 50a is brought into open connection with a space 50b located between hose 37 and jacket 35 through openings 48 present in peripheral wall 49 close to the second short end 41b. An underpressure can hereby be applied in a seal coupled to carrier 32, and water or other suitable fluid can be transported in the direction of the carrier and through the seal. A first actuator 44 and a second actuator 45 are placed in the space enclosed by peripheral wall 49. First actuator 44 is coupled mechanically to jacket 35 via a coupling 46 and to second actuator 45 by means of a connection 47. Connection 47 is embodied such that, when first actuator 44 is displaced in the direction of the second short end 41b, first actuator 44 also urges second actuator 45 in the direction of the second short end 41b, but that first actuator 44 does not move relative to housing 41 when second actuator 45 is displaced in the direction of the second short end 41b. By displacing first actuator 44 a jacket 35 and an inner cable 36 can hereby be displaced relative to a hose 37 lying round jacket 35 and inner cable 36.
Jacket 35 and inner cable 36 extend here through opening 43 of housing 41. Electrical cables and control cables can be carried through opening 42 of housing 41 in order to provide electrical energy and signals for controlling first and second actuators 44, 45. A hose can also be coupled to housing 41 through opening 42, whereby water or other desired fluid can be guided through the space enclosed by the housing and discharged through the through-openings 48 located in housing 41. The relevant part of the digestive tract and/or the seal can hereby be cleaned or sterilized at a desired position. A fluid is preferably carried in the direction of the seal when the seal is placed at a desired position in the oesophagus or rectum as shown in figure 12g. By displacing only second actuator 45 only inner cable 36 is moved relative to hose 37. Jacket 35 is coupled mechanically to carrier 32 and the inner cable is coupled mechanically to second urging means 34, see also figure 12a. The seal is urged into protective sleeve 33 by displacing jacket 35 in the direction of the first short end 41a while operating first actuator 44. This takes place in the situation as shown in figure 12b, whereby the situation as shown in figure 12c is obtained. In this situation the seal can be introduced into the oesophagus or rectum.
When the seal has been placed at the correct position, the seal is urged partially out of protective sleeve 33, as shown in figure 12d, by displacing jacket 35 in the direction of the second short end 41b while operating first actuator 44. In this situation oesophageal tissue or rectal tissue can be urged into cylindrical body 1. When sufficient oesophageal tissue or rectal tissue has been urged into the cylindrical body, clamping element 10 is urged further into cylindrical body 1 by displacing inner cable 36 in the direction of the second short end 41b while operating second actuator 45, until clamping element 10 is fixed to cylindrical body 1, as shown in figure 12e. By displacing jacket 35 in the direction of the second short end 41b while operating first actuator 44 the seal is displaced wholly out of protective sleeve 33 so that resilient tongues 5 are situated wholly outside protective sleeve 33, as shown in figure 12f. With a further displacement of inner cable 36 in the direction of the second short end 41b while operating second actuator 45 the seal formed by cylindrical body 1 and clamping element 10 fixed to cylindrical body 1 is then urged away from the device, whereby the seal is uncoupled from carrier 32, as shown in figure 12g. With a displacement of inner cable 36 in the direction of the first short end 41a while operating second actuator 45 the second urging means 34 are wholly withdrawn from cylindrical body 1, as shown in figure 12h.
Device 30 can then be fully withdrawn from the oesophagus or the rectum.
It will be apparent that the embodiments of the invention shown here are not limitative and that they may vary.

Claims

Claims
1. Seal for sealing an end of the digestive tract of a dead mammal, comprising: a cylindrical body which can be placed in the digestive tract and has a cylindrical peripheral wall provided on one side with an end wall; and
a clamping element which can be displaced relative to the cylindrical body to a clamping position for the purpose of fixing the seal in the digestive tract, and thereby sealing the digestive tract, by clamping digestive tract tissue between at least a part of the clamping element and the cylindrical body,
wherein the peripheral wall encloses a receiving space and is provided with at least one opening through which digestive tract tissue can be carried into the receiving space, and the clamping element is displaceable to a clamping position in which digestive tract tissue is clamped between the clamping element and the cylindrical body,
characterized in that the seal is adapted to seal the digestive tract of a deceased human person.
2. Seal as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the seal is adapted to seal the oesophagus of a deceased person.
3. Seal as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the seal is adapted to seal the rectum of a deceased person.
4. Seal as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the peripheral wall provided with at least two openings distributed over the periphery of the peripheral wall.
5. Seal as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that the sum of the greatest length of the openings in peripheral direction of the peripheral wall covers more than 50% of the periphery of the peripheral wall, and preferably more than 75% of the periphery of the peripheral wall.
6. Seal as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the end wall is at least partially conical.
7. Seal as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the cylindrical body comprises first fixation means for fixing the clamping element in a transport position relative to the cylindrical body.
8. Seal as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the cylindrical body comprises second fixation means for fixing the clamping element in a clamping position relative to the cylindrical body.
9. Seal as claimed in claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the first and second fixation means are adapted to fix the clamping element by means of form-locking.
10. Seal as claimed in claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the first and/or second fixation means comprise at least one recess arranged in the peripheral wall for receiving a protrusion of the clamping element.
11. Seal as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the cylindrical body comprises coupling means for coupling the cylindrical body to a carrier for the purpose of positioning the cylindrical body through a part of the oesophagus to a desired location in the oesophagus.
12. Seal as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that the coupling means comprise resilient tongues mounted on the edge of the cylindrical body remote from the end wall and extending in axial direction, which tongues are provided with engaging elements which are adapted to engage behind an edge of the carrier.
13. Seal as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the clamping element is annular and provided on an edge thereof with at least one protrusion for clamping oesophageal tissue between at least a part of the protrusion and the cylindrical body.
14. Seal as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that the at least one protrusion is formed by lips distributed over the periphery of the clamping element.
15. Seal as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the outer diameter of the cylindrical body lies between 20 and 50 mm.
16. Seal as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the cylindrical body and/or the clamping element is manufactured substantially from a material selected from the group consisting of: a plastic, a biologically degradable material and a flammable material.
17. Seal as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the cylindrical body and the clamping element are provided with mutually engaging means defining each other's relative rotation position.
18. Cylindrical part of a seal as claimed in any of the claims 1-17.
19. Clamping element for use in a seal as claimed in any of the claims 1-17.
20. Device for placing and fixing a seal in the digestive tract of a dead mammal, wherein the device comprises:
a carrier placed at a first end of an elongate element for positioning a seal through a part of the digestive tract and at a desired location in the digestive tract; first urging means controllable from the second end of the elongate element for urging digestive tract tissue through an opening of a cylindrical part of the seal into the interior of the cylindrical part; and
second urging means controllable from the second end of the elongate element for urging a clamping element of the seal to a clamping position relative to the cylindrical part, wherein digestive tract tissue present in the interior of the cylindrical part is clamped fixedly in the clamping position, characterized in that the device is adapted to place and fix a seal in the digestive tract of a deceased human person.
21. Device as claimed in claim 20, characterized in that the device is adapted to place and fix a seal in the oesophagus of a deceased person.
22. Device as claimed in claim 20, characterized in that the device is adapted to place and fix a seal in the rectum of a deceased person.
23. Device as claimed in claim 20, 21 or 22, characterized in that the first urging means comprise vacuum means for creating an underpressure in the interior of a cylindrical body placed in the digestive tract, whereby digestive tract tissue is urged through openings arranged in the cylindrical body into the interior of the body.
24. Device as claimed in claim 23, characterized in that the vacuum means comprise a channel which can be connected to a vacuum pump, extends through the elongate element and debouches at the first carrier.
25. Device as claimed in any of the claims 20-24, characterized in that when operated, the second urging means can be moved for the purpose of moving the clamping element in axial direction at least partially into the interior of the cylindrical body.
26. Device as claimed in any of the claims 20-25, characterized in that the device comprises a protective sleeve displaceable relative to the carrier, which protective sleeve is displaceable between a position closing openings located in the peripheral wall and a position opening openings located in the peripheral wall.
27. Device as claimed in any of the claims 20-26, characterized in that the carrier comprises an edge for receiving the resilient tongues mounted on the edge of the cylindrical part remote from an end wall and extending in axial direction, which tongues are provided with coupling means formed as engaging elements, and that the device comprises a protective sleeve displaceable relative to the carrier, which protective sleeve is displaceable to a position in which the protective sleeve extends round the edge.
28. Method for sealing an end of the digestive tract of a dead mammal by arranging a seal, comprising of:
placing a cylindrical part of a seal, provided with a cylindrical peripheral wall and provided with a closing end wall on one end side, at a desired location in the digestive tract; and displacing a clamping element of the seal to a clamping position relative to the cylindrical part, wherein digestive tract tissue is clamped fixedly between the clamping element and the cylindrical part, wherein digestive tract tissue is urged through at least one opening located in the peripheral wall into the interior of the cylindrical part, and the thus displaced tissue is clamped fixedly between the clamping element moved to a clamping position and the cylindrical part, characterized in that the method is applied to a deceased person.
29. Method as claimed in claim 28, characterized in that the method is applied to the oesophagus of a deceased person.
30. Method as claimed in claim 28, characterized in that the method is applied to the rectum of a deceased person.
31. Method as claimed in claim 28, 29 or 30, characterized in that digestive tract tissue is urged into the interior of the cylindrical part by applying an underpressure in the interior of the cylindrical part.
32. Method as claimed in any of the claims 28-31, characterized in that the clamping element is moved inside the interior of the cylindrical part to the clamping position.
PCT/NL2012/000031 2011-04-28 2012-04-24 Seal, constituent parts of the seal, device and method for arranging such a seal Ceased WO2012158021A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NL2006676A NL2006676C2 (en) 2011-04-28 2011-04-28 VALVE, COMPOSITE PARTS OF THE VALVE, DEVICE AND METHOD FOR FITTING SUCH VALVE.
NL2006676 2011-04-28

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2012158021A1 true WO2012158021A1 (en) 2012-11-22

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WO (1) WO2012158021A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN116262145A (en) * 2021-12-14 2023-06-16 中国人民解放军陆军军医大学第二附属医院 A digestive tract perforation occluder and preparation method thereof

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1996035332A1 (en) * 1995-05-11 1996-11-14 Meat Research Corporation Oesophagus sealing
WO2011059318A1 (en) * 2009-11-11 2011-05-19 Kuziba B.V. Seal, constituent parts of the seal, device and method for arranging such a seal

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1996035332A1 (en) * 1995-05-11 1996-11-14 Meat Research Corporation Oesophagus sealing
WO2011059318A1 (en) * 2009-11-11 2011-05-19 Kuziba B.V. Seal, constituent parts of the seal, device and method for arranging such a seal

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN116262145A (en) * 2021-12-14 2023-06-16 中国人民解放军陆军军医大学第二附属医院 A digestive tract perforation occluder and preparation method thereof

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
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