Field of the Invention

[0001] This invention relates generally to a suction head useful for collecting liquid waste that is created during the performance of a surgical procedure. More particularly, this application is directed to a suction head that

minimizes the splashing of the waste created during the performance of a surgical procedure.

Background of the Invention

[0002] During the performance of a medical or surgical procedure liquid waste may spill to the floor of operating room or other room in which the procedure is performed.

This is because it is common practice during the course of the procedure to apply fluids to the patient and more particularly the site at which the procedure is performed. More specifically, there are number of procedures such as orthopedic procedures wherein one or more liters of

irrigating fluid are applied to the patient. This fluid may be applied to flush blood and debris from the site at which the procedure is performed. In an endoscopic surgical procedure this fluid is applied to distend, to expand, the tissue at the site to which the endoscope and endoscopic instruments are applied. This tissue is distended to increase the volume of the working space at which these instruments are applied.

[0003] Often this fluid, once discharged, falls on the floor adjacent the patient. To prevent this fluid from becoming a slip hazard, it is known practice to place a suction head on the floor of the operating room. The suction head is some sort of device that typically has one or more openings directed towards the floor. A tube connects the suction head to a device capable of drawing suction. During the procedure, this suction is drawn through the openings in the suction head. The suction draws the fluid through the head and tube to a collection

canister. Providing a suction head on the floor of the operating room minimizes the extent to which fluid is allowed to build up on this surface.

[0004] Even when a suction head is provided in an

operating room, there is still a tendency for fluid to accumulate on the floor. This is because, when the fluid falls off the table on which procedure is performed, the fluid has a tendency to, upon hitting the floor, splash. Often the fluid will splash away from the suction head. If the fluid splashes relatively far away from the suction head, a distance of 2 cm or more, the suction draw may not be sufficient to draw the fluid into the head. This is because the suction draw applied to suction head is

relatively low, typically 250 mmHg or less. One reason the suction draw is kept low is that it reduces the noise associated with having to draw this suction. Further, if the suction draw is set to a level strong enough to draw fluid spaced from the head into the head, the suction draw would essential be a surface of air turbulence that could serve as a distraction during the procedure.

[0005] One solution that has been attempted to minimize the splashing of this irrigation fluid is to provide

openings in the top of the suction head. The suction head is positioned so as to be under the portion of the table from which the irrigating fluid flows towards to the floor. In theory, the dripping waste is supposed to land on the exposed surface of the suction head. The collected waste is then supposed to be drawn into the head through openings in the top of the head. In actuality, the waste stream, even though it travels less than 2 meters before striking the head has an appreciable amount of kinetic energy.

Consequently, when the waste strikes the head, the waste simply bounces off the head. Consequently a significant fraction of the waste once striking the head splashes to the floor .

[0006] In order to minimize waste splashing it is

suggested that suction draw applied to the suction head simply be increased. One disadvantage of this solution is that increasing the suction draw invariably increases the amount of noise generated at the suction head. This noise can appreciably add to the overall noise present during a surgical procedure. Moreover, during the course of a surgical procedure, the location where the waste may fall to the floor may change during the course of the procedure. When this event occurs, an individual in the operating room will often want to use his/her foot to reposition the suction head so it is at least adjacent to if not directly below the location from which the waste is falling. If a relatively large suction is being drawn through the suction head, this suction draw may be so strong that it limits the ability to freely move the suction head to where the waste is currently collecting.

Summary Of The Invention

[0007] This invention is related to a novel and inventive suction head able to collect the waste that can fall towards the floor. The suction head of this invention is able to collect waste that is both on the floor adjacent the head and that, when flowing from above, strikes the exposed face of the head. The suction head of this invention is further designed so that to operate, only a relatively low level of suction needs to be drawn on the head. The suction head of this invention is thus well suited for the collection of waste that flows from the surface of an operating room table .

[0008] The suction head of this invention includes a base that has a bottom plate. An outer lip extends

circumferentially around and upwardly above the bottom plate. The plate is formed with two sets of openings. In some versions of the invention one set of openings is located close to the center of the plate; the second set is spaced away from the center of the plate. A suction fitting extends outwardly from the plate. In some versions of the invention, there is a barrier between the two sets of openings. The suction fitting is in direct fluid

communication with only a single one of the sets of

openings .

[0009] In some versions of the invention, a porous absorbent padding is seated on the bottom plate. The padding is seated in the openings that are in fluid

communication with the suction fitting. Often the padding extends through the openings so as to project below the base .

[00010] In some versions of the invention, a layer of porous material is disposed over the exposed, outwardly directed, surface of the bottom plate. In some preferred versions of the invention, the porous material consists of a screen. In still other versions of the invention, the porous material consists of two screens. When the layer of porous material consists of two screens, the screens may be of different mesh and spaced apart from each other.

[00011] When the suction head of this invention is used, a suction is drawn through the fitting. The head may be positioned under the stream of waste that flows from the operating table. The waste flows through the absorbent layer onto the plate. The waste then flow out the set of openings to which the suction applied. As a consequence of the suction drawn on the other set of openings, the waste flows from the floor to these openings. The suction then draws the waste through the fitting to a collection

canister .

Brief Description Of The Drawings

[00012] The above and further features and advantages of this invention are understood from the Detailed Description that follows taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[00013] Figure 1 is a perspective view of how the suction head of this invention is used to collect waste;

[00014] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the basic

components of this suction head;

[00015] Figure 3 is cross sectional view of the suction head;

[00016] Figure 4 is a top plan view of the base of the suction head;

[00017] Figure 5 is bottom plan view the base;

[00018] Figure 6 is a cross sectional view of the base taken along line 6- -6 of Figure 4;

[00019] Figure 7 is a top plan view of the cap;

[00020] Figure 8 is a cross sectional view of the cap;

[00021] Figure 9 is a cross sectional view of an

alternative suction head of this invention; and

[00022] Figure 10 is a cross sectional view of a second alternative suction head of this invention. Detailed Description

[00023] Figure 1 depicts how a suction head 30 of this invention useful for collecting liquid waste such as the liquid waste that may flow from an operating room table 34. In Figure 1 the operating table is shown covered by a drape 35 also partially shown. Suction head 30 is connected to a suction source, suction pump 42, by a suction line 38. Typically, a collection canister 40 is located between the suction head and the suction pump 42. In the Figures the line 38 is shown as being connected from head 30 to

canister 40. The canister 40 functions as the unit in which the waste collected by the head 30 is temporarily stored prior to final disposal.

[00024] Suction head 30, as seen in Figures 2 and 3, is formed to have a base 50. A cap 90 is disposed

over base 50. An absorbent ring 86 is located immediately inward of the outer perimeter of base 50. Ring 86 is sandwiched between base 50 and cap 90.

[00025] Base 50, now described by reference to Figures 4- 6, is formed from a single piece unit. The base 50 is often formed from a single piece material such as a plastic such as a high density polyethylene plastic. Base 50 is formed to have a plate 52. In the depicted version of the

invention, plate 52 is circular in shape. The plate 52 is not planner. Instead the plate generally can be considered to have a shape similar to that of the outer surface of a cone. Relative to ground level, the plate thus has a highest point, an apex 54 located at the center of the plate. The plate angles away from apex 54. A seat of fins 56 project upwardly from the outer face of the

plate 52. Each fin 56 has an inner end (not identified, that is spaced radially away from the plate apex 54. Each fin 56 projects radially away from the inner end and terminates at a location typically 1 cm or less inward from the outer perimeter of the plate. Fins 56 are further formed to have top edges 58 that, when the head 30 is placed on the floor, are parallel with the floor.

[00026] A ring-shaped rim 66 extends circumferentially around the outer perimeter of base plate 52. Rim 66 is spaced radially away from plate 52. Arcuately spaced apart tabs 62 that extend radially outwardly from plate 52 connect the rim 66 to the plate 52. Owing to the radially spaced relationship between the plate 52 and the rim 66 and the arcuately spaced relationship between adjacent tabs 62, it should be appreciated that base is formed with a set of inner arcuately spaced apart inner slots 64. Slots 64 it should be understood define the outer perimeter of plate 52.

[00027] Rim 66 is planar in shape. Thus, when suction head 30 is seated on the floor the outer surface of the rim 66 is the surface of the head that is essential parallel to the floor. Base is further formed so that rim 66 has a set of outer slots 70. Slots 70 are arcuately shaped and are angularly spaced apart from each other. Each outer slot 70 has a lateral axis that is aligned with the lateral axis of one of the inner slots 64. Each outer slot 70 subtends an arc that is approximately 5 to 10° larger in arc than the complementary inner slot 64.

[00028] An inner lip 72 and an outer lip 74 extend

circumferentially around and upwardly from rim 66. The inner lip 72 extends upwardly from the rim 66 adjacent the inner perimeter of the rim. The inner lip 72 is thus located between inner slots 64 and outer slots 70. Outer lip 74 extends circumferentially around the outer

perimeter of the rim 66. The outer lip 74 thus forms the outer side surface of suction head 30. A suction fitting 76 extends outwardly from an outer surface of outer lip 74. [00029] Cap 90, now described by reference to Figures 2, 7 and 8, is formed to have a ring-shaped rim 92. The rim is in form of a strip of plastic such as polyethylene or polypropylene that has a number of different sections that are angled relative to each other. Specifically, the rim is formed to have a crest 102. Located radially inwardly from below crest 102 there is an inner step 94. The outer surface of step 94 is generally parallel to the outer surface of crest 102. Not identified is the angled

transition surface between crest 102 and step 94. A lip 106 curves outwardly and downwardly from crest 102. Rim 92 is shaped so that the inner diameter of step 94 is equal to the inner diameter of base inner lip 72. The outer diameter of rim lip 106 is equal to the outer diameter of base outer lip 74. Two circular ribs 104 extend upwardly from the outer surface of rib crest 102.

[00030] A number of tabs 110 extend downwardly from the inner surface of the rim crest 102. Tabs 110 are arcuately shaped and are angularly spaced apart from each. Cap 90 is formed so that when head 30 is assembled the free end of each tab 110 either seats in or is located immediately above a separate one of the slots 70 integral with base rim 66. Four ribs 112 project outwardly from the opposed outer surfaces of each tab 110. Two ribs 112 extend outwardly from the inwardly directed outer surface of each tab and two ribs extend outwardly from the opposed outwardly directed outer surface. Each rib 112 extends downwardly from the portion of tab adjacent rim crest 102. Each rib 112

terminates a distance above the bottom end of the tab 110 with which the rib is associated.

[00031] Two screens, screens 116 and 118 extend across the circular void space defined by cap rim 92. Each screen 116 and 118 is circular in shape. An outer screen, screen 116, extends across the outer surface of the rib crest 102.

Outer screen 116 thus functions as the outer face of the head 30. In some versions of the invention the outer screen 116 is formed from nylon. The outer screen 116 is typically heat sealed to the crests of ribs 104. Outer screen has a mesh of 80 to 100 holes/cm ² . Holes

diagrammatically depicted, one hole 117 identified The inner screen 118 is seated over rib step 94. The inner screen 118 is overmolded or secured to step 94 by the same means by which the outer screen 116 is secured to crest ribs 104. The inner screen 118 has a mesh of identical porosity to the porosity of the mesh of the outer

screen 116. One hole 119 in screen 118 identified. Owing to the dimensioning of the components forming cap 90, it should be understood that screens 116 and 118 are typically spaced apart from each other by a distance of between 10 and 20 mm.

[00032] Absorbent ring 86 is formed from flexible

compressible material such as blend of meltblown

polypropylene and cellulose. The absorbent ring has a cross width approximately equal to the cross width between base inner and outer lips 72 and 74, respectively. In some versions of the invention, the absorbent ring is in the form of a strip of material that is bent to fit within the space between base lips 72 and 74.

[00033] Once the components forming suction head 30 are assembled, the head itself is assembled. This process includes the placement of the absorbent ring 86 on the inner surface of the base rim 66 so the ring is disposed between lip 72 and 74. Cap 90 is mated to the base 50 so each cap tab 110 seats over if not in a separate one of the base slots 70. Each tab 110 thus pushes the underlying section of the absorbent ring 86 outwardly so that section of the ring as depicted in Figure 3, protrudes outwardly from the adjacent slot 70. These outwardly extending portions of the ring are thus compressed between the downwardly directed surfaces of the tabs 110 and the portions of the base that define slots 70.

[00034] Suction head 30 is prepared for use by extending the suction line 38 from fitting 76 to canister 40. The structure of canister 40 and suction pump 42 is not part of the present invention. The suction head 30 is positioned adjacent the operating room table 34 underneath the position in which it is believe fluid will collect and the suction source is actuated. The suction draw is often set to a minimum of 150 mmHg. The maximum suction draw needed to operation the head 30 is often less than 200 mmHg. It should thus be appreciated that rings 72 and 74 and cap 90 form a chamber from which this suction is drawn.

[00035] During the course of a medical/surgical procedure large drops or even small streams of liquid can flow off the operating room table. This liquid strikes the outer surface of the cap 90. More particularly, these volumes of liquid initially strike cap outer screen 116. The kinetic energy of the water forces the screen to flex towards the base. Outer screen 116 thus absorbs a significant fraction of the kinetic energy of the liquid. The screen also divides the droplets or stream into droplets or sub-streams of smaller size and mass. Inner screen 118 further divides the volumes of liquid into smaller volumes.

[00036] The momentum and kinetic energy of these small mass volumes of liquid are less than that of the larger volumes that initially strike the screen 116. Consequently, when these volumes of liquid strike the surface of the base plate, they are exposed to reaction forces that are

relatively small in magnitude. Given the low levels of the magnitudes of these forces they typically do not impart kinetic energy to the liquid that is sufficient to cause the liquid to bounce upward an appreciable distance from the head 30. Often this reactive force is not sufficient to overcome the surface forces that causes the liquid striking the base plate to adhere to the liquid already accumulated on the plate. When the reactive forces are this small there is essentially not even any bounce back of the liquid.

Thus, the presence of the screens substantially eliminates splash back of liquid striking the suction head 90 that results in the liquid landing away from the head.

[00037] During the course of the procedure, liquid

pressing against the inner screen 118 as well as liquid and solid debris that strike the outer screen 116, can push the inner screen 118 towards the adjacent surface of base plate 52. Fins 56 limit this movement of the screen so the screen remains above the plate 52. Also, in the event an individual inadvertently steps on the suction head, the fins limit the downward movement of the screens 116 and 118.

This substantially eliminates the likelihood of the screens tearing in the event they are stepped on.

[00038] Owing to the conic nature of the surface of the plate 52 and the suction draw, the liquid that flows onto the base plate flows to the outer perimeter of the plate, towards slots 64.

[00039] The suction draw into the fitting 76 is from the annular space between the base lips 72 and 74. The suction draw into the annular space between the base lips 72 and 74 is through the sections of the absorbent ring 86 seated in the base slots 70. This suction draw draws the liquid that flows out of the base slots 64 through slots 70 so the liquid will be drawn into fitting 76 and line 38 for

entrainment in the suction canister 40. [00040] The suction draw is through the compressed

portions of ring 86 that extend through slots 70. The tightly packed fibers forming these sections of the ring attenuate the generation of noise that is produced as a consequence of the flow of this liquid and gaseous state fluid. This minimizes the amount of noise to which persons in the vicinity of the suction head are exposed.

[00041] During the procedure, not all of the waste fluid will strike cap screen 116. Some fluid typically falls to the floor adjacent the suction head 30. The suction drawn through slots 70 also draws this fluid into line 38 for collection in the canister 40.

[00042] Suction drawn through the head is drawn from the ambient environment through the porous openings of the exposed sections of the absorbent ring 86. Given that the draw is diffused over these surfaces of the absorbent ring 58, the draw does not adhere head 30 to the underlying floor. This means that while the head 30 of this invention serves as a device able to draw liquid from the surrounding surface, the head can be readily moved. Thus, if during the course of the procedure, the floor location to which the discharged liquid shifts an individual, using his/her foot, can easily reposition the head without first having to reduce or turn off the suction draw.

[00043] The above description is directed to one specific version of the suction head of this invention. The

invention may have alternative features. For example, there is no requirement that the suction head always be circular in shape.

[00044] Likewise, while in the described version of the invention, the cap is provided with two screens, in

alternative versions of the invention, that the cap may have none, one or three or more screens. If no screens a provided, the cap may have an inflexible planner head. This head is formed with one or more openings through which fluid striking the head is able to flow towards the underlying base. When plural screens are provided, the screens may be of different mesh. In some versions of the invention, it may not be necessary to provide the plate with fins.

Likewise in other geometries of the suction head, the plate may have plural apexes.

[00045] Alternative porous structures than the disclosed screens may be fitted to the plate 52 to absorb the kinetic energy of the falling fluid and divide the individual fluid drops into smaller droplets. These structures may be mesh pads formed from fibers, open cellular foam or reticulated foam. Alternatively the porous structure may consist of fiber sheet wherein the fibers are spaced apart from each other define pores in the sheet. This sheet, when mounted to plate 52 may be folded over itself to form a multi-layer porous structure.

[00046] Still in some versions of this invention, the component that diffuses the kinetic energy of the falling liquid may not be a porous structure. Figure 9 depicts in cross section how bristles 136 extend upwardly from an alternative plate 130 of an alternative base 128 of this invention. Here each bristle 136 is part of tuft 134 that consists of multiple bristles. The bristles 136 are formed from flexible material such as nylon. The tufts 134 are spaced apart from each other over the surface of plate 130. In many versions of the invention the bristles 136 extend no more than 3 cm above the surface of the plate 130. This separation between the tufts provides surfaces on the plate over which the trapped liquid can flow freely towards the outlet openings, slots 64, around the perimeter of the plate . [00047] In still other versions of the invention, as depicted in Figure 10, base 140 is formed so that blades 144 extend upwardly from the outer face of plate 142. In some versions of the invention, the cross width of each blade at the base of the blade, where the base emerges from the plate 142, is between 1 and 2.5 mm the blade has a height between 1 and 2 cm. At the surface of the plate 142 there is a spacing of between 0.5 and 1.5 mm between the adjacent blades 144. The blades can be arranged in numerous patterns on the plate 142. If the blades are arranged in a circular pattern around the apex of plate 142, there may be

separations between arcuately adjacent blades. These separations define channels over the surface of the

plate 142 over which the trapped liquid can flow freely towards the outlet openings, slots 64, around the perimeter of the plate. Depending on the process used to form the base, through holes may be formed in bases of the blades. These through holes function as the channels through which the trapped liquid flows towards the perimeter of the plate.

[00048] In the suction heads of Figures 9 and 10, cap 90 is shown as still extending over and between the inner and outer lips 72 and 74, respectively, of the base. In these versions of the invention, it may not be necessary to have a screen extend across the opening in the cap.

[00049] In versions of the invention wherein the plate is provided with bristles or blades, most of the liquid that strikes the head initially strikes one of the bristles or blades. The kinetic energy of liquid is absorbed by the bristle or blade as the liquid moves downwardly along the surface of the bristle or blade. Further, at least some of striking liquid is divided into small droplets as a

consequence of the liquid striking either the top of a bristle or the edge of a blade. This absorption of kinetic energy and division of the liquid into droplets

substantially reduces the volume of liquid that, upon striking the suction head splashes away from the head.

[00050] Further in some versions of the invention the head may only have one set of openings that are directed to the floor surface on which the head is placed. In these

versions of the invention, the liquid that passes through the cap flows down the inclined surfaces of the plate towards the absorbent material. The suction draw through the absorbent material draws this liquid, as well as any liquid adjacent the downwardly directed openings through the fitting 76. Further the base may only have a single

opening 64 through which the fluid that flows to the base flows through the base towards the underlying floor. There likewise may only be a single opening 70 through which the suction is drawn on the floor surface over which the base is seated .

[00051] In some versions of the invention, the base may not have any downwardly directed openings. In these

versions of the invention, the fluid that flows through the outer and inner screens simply strikes the base. The base is designed so that the suction fitting draws suction over the outer directed surface of the base. This suction draws the fluid disposed over the base into the collection

canister. This version of the invention may be supplied if there is no need to provide a suction head with floor suction .

[00052] In some versions of the invention, the inner screen 118 might not be flexible.

[00053] Not all parts of this invention may be practiced together. For example there is no need to always provide a suction head with both the flexible outer face the

compressed absorbent material that protrudes through the openings in the base. These inventive features may be practiced independently of each other. Thus, some suction heads of this invention may not have both a base and outer face that is spaced outwardly from the base.

[00054] Accordingly, it is an object of the appended claims to cover all such variations and modifications that come within the true spirit and scope of the invention.