DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates generally to a spatula. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a suction-retraction spatula.
BACKGROUND
As technology in the field of medicine and human health has evolved, instruments used while conducting surgeries have become more precise, accurate and easier to handle. When laparoscopic surgeries are conducted, instruments with precision are of utmost important such as cannulas, trocars, forceps, graspers, hooks, probes etc. One such device is a suction cannula; it is used to remove fluids like blood and lymph to make the surgical field look clean for tissue identification and progression of surgery. The suction cannula has a dual purpose of aspiration and irrigation. Although such a device gives adequate control of selective intermittent suction and removal of fluid, it does not provide good retraction particularly when we do laparoscopic or robot assisted partial nephrectomy. A round edge of suction canula is sharp too and at times may violate tumor planes at the time of surgery. Retraction of the tumor from the tissue bed is usually done by suction canula or by using an additional instrument to lift the tumor up. Both ways, instruments used i.e., suction canula or forceps are pointed and may cause tissue trauma and/or violate tumor planes which is not a desirable surgical step. Use of Forceps for retraction means a surgeon would need an additional hand for the suction irrigation. It increases the number of instruments being used at a time, which requires more than one trained professional.
Furthermore, the increase in the number of instruments and people may result in improper coordination between the surgeon and the assistant. This would increase the possibility that the bodily fluids and blood may not be sucked as smoothly and quickly as the operator intends and may increase the operation time.
Therefore, there is a need for a technical solution that overcomes the aforementioned limitations of existing suction cannulas as laparoscopic devices.
SUMMARY
In view of the foregoing, a spatula is disclosed. The spatula includes a first portion such that the first portion includes a curved surface, a flat surface, a plurality of apertures, and an opening. The plurality of apertures are disposed on curved and flat surfaces. Each aperture of the plurality of apertures is adapted to aspirate one or more bodily fluids from a site. The opening is disposed on the flat surface such that the opening facilitates to irrigate the site.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the spatula further includes a second portion that is disposed opposite to the first portion. The second portion is adapted to facilitate an operator to hold the spatula.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the second portion further includes a plurality of ribs that are disposed on the surface of the second portion. The plurality of ribs facilitates the operator to hold the spatula.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the spatula further includes a first cannula that extends within the spatula such that, upon aspiration, the cannula carries the one or more bodily fluids from the site.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the spatula further includes a second cannula that extends within the spatula such that the second cannula facilitates an irrigating fluid to flow to irrigate the site.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the plurality of apertures includes three apertures.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the spatula has a length that is in a range between 8 centimetres and 12 centimetres.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the one or more bodily fluids includes one of, blood and lymph.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, to aspirate, the one or more bodily fluids are sucked from the site such that, upon suction, the one or more bodily fluids pass through the first cannula.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the irrigating fluid is water.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure becomes apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a spatula, in accordance with an embodiment herein; and
FIG. 2 illustrates a back view of the spatula of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment herein.
To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a suction retraction spatula. The following description provides specific details of certain embodiments of the disclosure illustrated in the drawings to provide a thorough understanding of those embodiments. It should be recognized, however, that the present disclosure can be reflected in additional embodiments and the disclosure may be practiced without some of the details in the following description.
The various embodiments including the example embodiments are now described fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the various embodiments of the disclosure are shown. The disclosure may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure is thorough and complete, and fully conveys the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, the sizes of components may be exaggerated for clarity.
It is understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer or intervening elements or layers that may be present. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
The subject matter of example embodiments, as disclosed herein, is described specifically to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Rather, the inventor/inventors have contemplated that the claimed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different features or combinations of features similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other technologies. Generally, the various embodiments including the example embodiments relate to a suction retraction spatula.
As mentioned, there remains a need for a device that is capable of easily cleaning the surgical site continuously and provide retraction at the same time. Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a spatula that is adapted to aspirate one or more bodily fluids by way of a plurality of apertures.
FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a spatula 100, in accordance with an embodiment herein. The spatula 100 may be a suction retraction spatula. The spatula 100 may be adapted to perform one or more activities on a site of a patient or subject.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the spatula 100 may be a hollow body.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the spatula 100 may be used in a variety of laparoscopic surgical procedures where suction irrigation and retraction is required. Embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to include and/or otherwise cover any type of laparoscopic surgical procedure for which the spatula 100 may be used, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.
In some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the spatula 100 may be used in partial nephrectomy to remove a tumour of the kidney preserving healthy part of the kidney. In some other exemplary embodiments, the partial nephrectomy may be carried out for 15 patients by way of the spatula 100, which had a negative margin on final histopathology i.e., no residual tumour cells were found.
The spatula 100 may include a first portion 102, a second portion 104, and a first cannula 106. The first portion 102 may include a curved surface 108, a flat surface 110, and a plurality of apertures 112a-112c (hereinafter collectively referred to and designated as “the apertures 112”). The second portion 104 may include a plurality of ribs 114a-114n (hereinafter collectively referred to and designated as “the ribs 114”).
FIG. 2 illustrates a back view of the spatula 100 of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment herein. The spatula 100 may further include an opening 202 and a second cannula 204.
The first portion 102 may be disposed at a distal end of the spatula 100. The term “distal end” as used herein refers to an end that is near to the patient/subject. The first portion 102 may be near to the site. The curved surface 108 may adjoin with the flat surface 110 to form the first portion 102. The curved surface 108 may advantageously enable an operator to remove or aside the tissue of the patient or subject that may help the operator to perform the one or more activities such as holding an incision or removal of the tissue. The apertures 112 may be disposed on the curved surface 108 and the flat surface 110. Each aperture of the apertures 112 may be adapted to aspirate one or more bodily fluids from the site. The opening 202 may be disposed on the flat surface 110. The opening 202 may be adapted to facilitate to irrigate the site.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the apertures 112 may be three apertures.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the apertures 112 may advantageously facilitate the spatula 100 to aspirate the one or more bodily fluids from the site without damaging the tissue. Specifically, the apertures 112 may prevent damaging of the tissue by avoiding creation of vacuum at the site.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the spatula 100 may have a length that may be in a range between 8 centimetres (cm) and 12 cm. Preferably, the spatula 100 may have the length that may be 8 cm.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the one or more bodily fluids may include, but not limited to, blood and lymph. Embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to include and/or otherwise cover another bodily fluid, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the curved surface 108 may be a convexly curved surface.
The first cannula 106 may extend within the spatula 100. Specifically, the first cannula 106 may extend within the spatula 100 along the length of the spatula 100. The first cannula 106 may be adapted to, upon aspiration of the one or more bodily fluids from the site, carry the one or more bodily fluids from the site.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, to aspirate the one or more bodily fluids, the one or more bodily fluids may be sucked from the site. Specifically, the one or more bodily fluids may be sucked from the site such that the one or more bodily fluids pass through the first cannula 106 upon suction.
The second portion 104 may be disposed at a proximal end of the spatula 100 i.e., away from the distal end. The term “proximal end” as used herein refers to an end that is away from the patient/subject. The second portion 104 may facilitate the operator to hold the spatula 100. Specifically, the second portion 104 may facilitate the operator to hold the spatula 100 while the operator performs the one or more activities on the site of the patient or subject. The ribs 114 may be disposed on the surface of the second portion 104. The ribs 114 may facilitate the operator to hold the spatula 100 while the operator performs the one or more activities on the site of the patient or subject.
The second cannula 204 may extend within the spatula 100. Specifically, the second cannula 204 may extend within the spatula 100 along the length of the spatula 100. The second cannula 204 may facilitate to irrigate the site. Specifically, the second cannula 204 may facilitate an irrigating fluid to flow through the second cannula 204 to irrigate the site.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the second portion 104 may be a removable portion. The second portion 104 may be removed to couple a vacuum pump with the first cannula 106 such that the vacuum pump sucks the one or more bodily fluids from the site.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first and second cannulas 106 and 204 may be coupled to a cyclic pressure source. The cyclic pressure source may be adapted to provide a positive pressure and a negative pressure. Specifically, the cyclic pressure source may provide negative pressure i.e., vacuum to the first cannula 106 such that the negative pressure facilitates suction of the one or more bodily fluids from the site. The cyclic pressure source may provide positive pressure to the second cannula 204 such that the positive pressure facilitates flow of the irrigating fluid through the second cannula 204 and towards the site. Specifically, the positive pressure may facilitate to irrigate the site. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the cyclic pressure source may be controlled by a switch, a dial, a button, and a slider. Embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to include and/or otherwise cover any type actuator that may control the cyclic pressure source, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the irrigating fluid may be water. Embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to include and/or otherwise cover any type of the bodily fluid, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.
Thus, the present disclosure may provide following advantages that may be derived from the structural and functional aspects of the spatula 100: -
- The spatula 100 may be easy to use and therefore may facilitate the operator to carry out complicated surgical procedures where suction irrigation and simultaneous retraction is required.
- Since, the spatula 100 facilitates the operator to easily perform the one or more activities on the site, therefore, the spatula 100 may eliminate need of other elements/instruments that may be required to perform the complicated surgical procedures.
- The spatula 100 may be adapted to perform the one or more activities such as to aspirate the one or more bodily fluids from the site and to irrigate the site.
- Since, by virtue of the spatula 100, the number of elements/instruments involved in performing the complicated surgical procedures are less, therefore, overall cost involved in the complicated surgical procedure also reduces.
- Since, the spatula 100 efficiently aspirates the one or more bodily fluids from the site, therefore, the spatula 100 may provide a clean surgical site continuously to the operator.
The foregoing discussion of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description, for example, various features of the present disclosure are grouped together in one or more embodiments, configurations, or embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The features of the embodiments, configurations, or embodiments may be combined in alternate embodiments, configurations, or embodiments other than those discussed above. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention the present disclosure requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive embodiments lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment, configuration, or aspect. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate aspect of the present disclosure.
Moreover, though the description of the present disclosure has included description of one or more embodiments, configurations, or embodiments and certain variations and modifications, other variations, combinations, and modifications are within the scope of the present disclosure, e.g., as may be within the skill and knowledge of those in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. It is intended to obtain rights which include alternative embodiments, configurations, or embodiments to the extent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly dedicate any patentable subject matter. ,CLAIMS:1. A spatula (100) comprising:
a first portion (102) comprising:
a curved surface (108) and a flat surface (110);
a plurality of apertures (112a-112c) that are disposed on the curved and flat surfaces (108, 110), wherein each aperture of the plurality of apertures (112a-112c) is adapted to aspirate one or more bodily fluids from a site; and
an opening (202) that is disposed on the flat surface (110), wherein the opening (202) facilitates to irrigate the site.

2. The spatula (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a second portion (104) that is disposed opposite to the first portion (102) and adapted to facilitate an operator to hold the spatula (100).

3. The spatula (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the second portion (104) further comprising a plurality of ribs (114a-114n) that are disposed on the surface of the second portion (104) such that the plurality of ribs (114a-114n) facilitates the operator to hold the spatula (100).

4. The spatula (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a first cannula (106) that extends within the spatula (100) such that, upon aspiration, the first cannula (106) carries the one or more bodily fluids from the site.

5. The spatula (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a second cannula (204) that extends within the spatula (100) such that the second cannula (204) facilitates an irrigating fluid to flow to irrigate the site.

6. The spatula (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of apertures (112a-112c) comprising three apertures.

7. The spatula (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the spatula (100) has a length that is in a range between 8 centimetres and 12 centimetres.

8. The spatula (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more bodily fluids comprising one of, blood and lymph.

9. The spatula (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein, to aspirate, the one or more bodily fluids are sucked from the site such that, upon suction, the one or more bodily fluids pass through the first cannula.

10. The spatula (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the irrigating fluid comprising water.