GB2234902A

GB2234902A - Mucus removing device

Info

Publication number: GB2234902A
Application number: GB8918858A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter Griggs
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1989-08-18
Filing date: 1989-08-18
Publication date: 1991-02-20
Also published as: GB8918858D0

Abstract

A mucus removing device comprises a cylindrical vial 10 provided with a closure 12 formed with two ports 14, 16 to which flexible tubes 18, 20 are coupled. The first tube 18 is arranged for inserting into the nose or throat of a baby and carries a valve 22, 24. The second tube 20 is coupled to a vacuum bellows 26 which can be held in and compressed by one hand but, when released, will expand by itself to its normal size. <IMAGE>

Description

Mucus Removing Device This invention relates to a device for removing mucus e.g. from the nose or throat especially of a new born baby.

A commonly used mucus removing device comprises a vial provided with a closure cap having two entry ports to which respective lengths of flexible tubing are connected. Cne tube is arranged for inserting into the nose or throat of the baby and the other tube is used by the nurse to apply suction by her mouth. This causes mucus to be extracted from the nose or throat of the baby and deposited in the via'. However, there is a risk that some mucus may be drawn through the suction tube and into the mouth of the nurse. This is parLicularly risky nowadays in view of the possibility of serious infections such as AIDS or hepatitis.

I have now devised a device which is simile and ine:#ensive yet reliably isolates the user from the mucus being drawn from the baby or or other subject.

In accordance with this invention, tnere is provided a mucus removing device which comprises a closed collection vessel, a first tube extending from the collection vessel for insertion into the nose or throat of a baby or infant and provided with a valve device, and a second tube extending from the collection vessel to a pump which comprlses a vessel which can be compressed by hand but which will expand to its normal size when released.

In use, the device is first primed by releasing the valve to open the. first tube, compressing the pump by hand and then closing the valve. Once the device has been primed in this manner, the collection tube is inserted into the nose or throat of the baby and then the valve is released: the pump gradually expands to its normal size and in so doing applies a suction to the nose or throat of the baby via the two lengths of tube and the collection vessel or vial. The mucus is thus drawn into the vial by suction. Because the device provides a closed system and the user is not required to use his or her mouth to provide suction, there is no risk of mucus entering the mouth of the user.

An embodiment of this invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawing, the single figure of which diagramaticaliy illustrates a device in accordance with this invention for removing mucus e.g. from the nose or throat, particularly of a new born baby.

Referring to the drawing, the mucus removing device comprises a cylindrical vial 10 provided with a push-fit closure 12 (or a1 ternatively with a screw-fit closure) formed with two ports lt, 16 to which respective flexible tubes lot 20 are coupled. The first tube 13 is arranged for inserting into the nose or throat of the baby and carries a valve in the form of a roller clamp.This valve comprises an elongate body 22 through which the tube 13 passes, and a roller 24 which may be rolled from one end to the other of the body 22: the roller co-operates with an inclined t 2. of the body 22 sc that when the rozzer is at one end of the body, the tube 13. is constricted by the roller against this incline wall, whilst when the roller Is at the other end of the body it does not compress the tube. The second tube 20 is coupled to a vacuum bellows 25 which can be held in and compressed by one hand but, when released, will expand by itself to its normal size.

In use of the mucus removing device, the device is firstly prImed by opening the valve 22, squeezing and compressing the vaccuum bellows 25 in one hand and then cisi the valve 22 to close off the tube 18. The end cz tube 18 is then inserted into the nose or mouth of the baby, and the valve 22 is opened. The vacuum bellows is now free to expand 0 its normal size and in doing so it applies suction through tube 20, the vial 10 and the tube 18 to the nose or throat of the baby. This causes any mucus to be drawn through tube 18 and into the vial 10.

The entire device is to be disposed of after use However, if the mucus is to be analysed or tested, the closure 12 may be removed from the vial and disposed of together with the tubes 18, 20, valve 22 and vacuum bellows 26, and a vial can be sealed and sent to the laboratory: for thiis purpose preferably the vial is provided with a label.

We have further found it preferable for a filter to be included in the port 14 for the collection tube 18.

Claims

1) A mucus removing device comprising a closed collection vessel, a first tube extending from the collection vessel for insertion into the nose or throat of a baby or infant and provided with a valve device, and a second tube extending from the collection vessel to a pump which comprises a vessel which can be compressed by hand but which will expand to its normal size when released.

2) A mucus removing device as claimed in claim 1 in which the collection vessel is provided with a push-fit closure formed with two ports to which said tubes are coupled.

3) A mucus removing device as claimed in claim 1 in which the collection vessel is provided with a screw-fit closure formed with two ports to which said tubes are coupled.

4) A mucus removing device as claimed in claims 2 or 3 in which a filter is provided in the port to which said first tube is coupled.

5) A mucus removing device as claimed in any preceding claim in which the valve comprises an elongate body through which said first tube passes, and a roller which may be rolled from one end to the other end of said elongate body.

6) A mucus removing device as claimed in claim 5 in which said elongate body is provided with an inclined wall.

7) A mucus removing device as claimed in any preceeding claim in which the collection vessel is provided with a label 8) A mucus removing device substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawing.