Fluid handling – Systems – Multiple inlet with single outlet
Reexamination Certificate
2000-07-27
2001-03-20
Rivell, John (Department: 3753)
Fluid handling
Systems
Multiple inlet with single outlet
C137S56100R, C137S312000, C137S362000, C604S356000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06202689
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a receptacle for collecting fluid and, more particularly, to a receptacle especially suitable for use in an operating room where large quantities of fluid may be present.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In the course of conducting surgical procedures such as arthroscopic surgery, high pressure saline solution is introduced into the surgical site to displace blood and to distend the joint. This high pressure saline solution also stops bleeding due to high pressure closure of blood vessels. In the course of an arthroscopic surgical procedure, large quantities of saline solution tend to escape and typically run onto the operating room floor, notwithstanding attempts to collect the flow by using towels or plastic sheets draped in various ways. The use of towels or sheets to collect or divert fluid is an exceedingly ineffective technique. It is entirely possible that saline solution will not be collected and will cover the floor, possibly causing operating room personnel to slip. Also, it will be more difficult to clean up after a surgical procedure with saline solution on the floor.
Depending on the type of operation and its duration, a large quantity of saline solution may be lost. It is not uncommon to use between one and eight two-liter bags of saline solution during the course of a surgical procedure.
One approach to the problem is disclosed by the patent to Hergenroeder, U.S. Pat. No. 4,679,590. The '590 patent discloses a thin mat that is placed on the operating room floor. The mat includes a gridwork of small basins that form collecting surfaces with drains. Fluid that flows through the drains enters channels that are formed between the mat and the floor (in effect, the floor is part of the device). A suction device such as an aspirator is connected to the channels so as to withdraw fluid contained therein.
A drawback of the device disclosed in the '590 patent is that it requires that fluidtight contact be maintained between the perimeter of the mat and the floor. If the floor should contain defects, it is possible that adequate fluid-removal performance might not be possible. Yet another problem not adequately addressed by the device in question is that of slippage. It is possible that the large amount of fluid contained beneath the surface of the mat might lead to unexpected movement thereof during the course of a surgical procedure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In response to the foregoing concerns, the present invention provides a new and improved fluid-collecting receptacle especially adapted for use in conjunction with arthroscopic surgery procedures. The invention includes a solid base sheet of rigid, fluid-impervious material. The base sheet includes an upstanding perimeter lip, a sloping floor that creates a reservoir, and an outlet at the lowest point of the reservoir along one side of the base sheet. A porous support member is disposed atop the upper surface of the base sheet, and a porous, flexible mat is disposed atop the porous support member. In the preferred embodiment, the base sheet includes a plurality of protuberances projecting upwardly, the upper surfaces of which lie in a common plane. The porous support member rests on top of the protuberances. The mat and the porous support member each can be a generally planar member or they can be foldable for purposes of cleaning and storage.
If desired, the underside of the base sheet can be formed with a cavity that is filled with a solidified core of a foamed plastics material. The foamed core provides rigidity to the sheet and assists in preventing slippage thereof on the operating room floor. In order to enhance the non-slip characteristics of the device, a non-slip material can be applied to the bottom of the base sheet or its solidified core. Alternatively, it is possible for a plurality of suction cups to be attached to the underside of the base sheet, thereby also preventing slippage.
In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a first, lower sheet is formed of a fluid-impervious material. The sheet includes an upstanding perimeter lip. The sheet includes a sloping floor and a fluid outlet at the lowest point of the sloping floor. A second, upper sheet formed of fluid-impervious material is spaced from the upper surface of the second sheet so as to define a reservoir therebetween. The second sheet includes a plurality of small basins, each having a drain opening at the lowest point thereof through which fluid can be discharged into the reservoir. The second sheet is hingedly connected to the perimeter lip along one edge, and rests atop the remaining portions of the lip. The second sheet thus is movable from a first, closed position where a user can stand on the sheet to a second, open position where access can be had to the reservoir.
The foregoing, and other features of the invention will be apparent from the following description and claims.
REFERENCES:
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patent: 4729404 (1988-03-01), Hergenroeder
patent: 4889155 (1989-12-01), Trotter
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Rankin, Hill Porter & Clark LLP
Rivell John
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