CN116033880A

CN116033880A - Therapeutic device and method of deploying a therapeutic device

Info

Publication number: CN116033880A
Application number: CN202180044051.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 邱献礼; 谢尧钦; 邹炜栋; 韩瑞民
Original assignee: National University of Singapore; National University Hospital Singapore Pte Ltd
Current assignee: National University of Singapore; National University Hospital Singapore Pte Ltd
Priority date: 2020-05-20
Filing date: 2021-05-19
Publication date: 2023-04-28
Also published as: WO2021236013A1

Abstract

A therapeutic apparatus is described. In one embodiment, the therapeutic apparatus comprises: a plurality of panels assembled together to form a compartment, thereby providing an enclosed space for at least partially enclosing a patient therein; a fan adapted to be connected to an air filter; and an exhaust port provided in one of the plurality of panels, the exhaust port being adapted to be connected to a fan, wherein the fan is adapted to generate an air flow from the enclosed space to the external environment via an air filter for drawing air from the external environment into the enclosed space to ventilate the enclosed space. The present disclosure also describes a method of deploying a therapeutic device and a kit of parts assembled together to form a therapeutic device.

Description

Therapeutic device and method of deploying a therapeutic device

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally, but not exclusively, to a treatment device for use as a protective device, and a method of deploying the treatment device.

Background

The droplets generated by the patient may carry pathogens and/or infectious particles that are harmful to the healthcare worker providing treatment to these patients. These droplets may be generated by coughing, sneezing and speaking of patients suffering from infectious diseases, or may be generated by aerosols generated by medical procedures performed on these patients, such as the "aerosol generation procedure" (AGP). AGP includes a series of commonly performed procedures, such as intubation, tube drawing, endoscopy, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), laparoscopy, and bronchoscopy, which are often unavoidable. These harmful droplets generated by the patient may remain in the air for a period of time or may remain on the surface of the object for a long period of time. Thus, healthcare workers working near these patients are at high risk of exposure to such droplets and/or aerosols generated by these patients.

One way to protect healthcare workers from such harmful spray and/or aerosols is to have such healthcare workers wear personal protective equipment prior to contacting such patients or performing AGP. However, in situations where such patients require immediate care, the time to treat the patient is critical, and any time spent wearing personal protection equipment may take up valuable time of the necessary emergency patient care, and may adversely affect the outcome of such emergency situations.

It is therefore desirable to provide a treatment device and a method of deploying a treatment device that address the above-mentioned problems and/or provide a useful alternative. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this background of the disclosure.

Disclosure of Invention

Aspects of the present application relate to a treatment device and a method of deploying a treatment device.

According to a first aspect, there is provided a therapeutic apparatus comprising: a plurality of panels assembled together to form a compartment, thereby providing an enclosed space for at least partially enclosing a patient therein; a fan adapted to be connected to an air filter; and an exhaust port provided in one of the plurality of panels, the exhaust port being adapted to be connected to a fan, wherein the fan is adapted to generate an air flow from the enclosed space to the external environment via an air filter for drawing air from the external environment into the enclosed space to ventilate the enclosed space.

By assembling the plurality of panels to form a compartment to provide a closed space at least partially enclosing the patient therein, droplets and/or aerosols generated by the patient can be isolated to limit exposure of these droplets and/or aerosols to the external environment. Thus, the treatment apparatus creates a physical barrier to protect the healthcare personnel assisting the patient from potential pathogens, bacteria and/or viruses generated by the patient. Furthermore, an exhaust port is provided which is adapted to be connected to a fan, wherein the fan is adapted to generate an air flow from the enclosed space to the external environment. In this way, the spray and/or aerosol generated by the patient in the enclosed space can be filtered out before the air from the enclosed space is discharged to the external environment, thereby minimizing pollution of the external environment. In addition, by generating such an air flow, fresh air from the external environment can be sucked into the enclosed space to ventilate the enclosed space (it should be noted that the enclosed space is not airtight). This provides an oxygen enhanced environment for the patient during the execution of the procedure.

The fan may comprise a ultraviolet C (UV-C) lamp post adapted to emit UV-C light to treat air from the enclosed space. The UV-C light can effectively remove infectious particles or microorganisms, thereby ensuring that the air discharged from the closed space is free of pathogens, bacteria or viruses.

The treatment apparatus may include one or more ultraviolet C (UV-C) lampposts disposed within the enclosed space adapted to emit UV-C light toward at least one surface of one of the plurality of panels. The UV-C is effective in removing infectious particles or microorganisms, thereby maintaining the patient in a safe state in the closed space of the cabin.

The UV-C light may have a wavelength between 200 nanometers and 300 nanometers. The UV-C light in this wavelength range is strongly absorbed by the nucleic acid, thereby helping to disinfect infectious particles or microorganisms in the cabin or in the air discharged from the closed space of the cabin.

The plurality of panels may include a wall panel and a top panel that can be secured to the wall panel when deployed, the top panel being disposed on top of the wall panel. The fixation of the wall panels to the top panel provides a rigid and strong structure of the cabin and improves the stability of the treatment device, especially during the procedure performed on the patient.

The treatment device may comprise a through hole in the wall plate and the through hole is adapted to provide access to the enclosed space. The through-hole provides access to the enclosed space so that a healthcare worker can perform a procedure on the patient.

The treatment apparatus may include snap-in flanges, each snap-in flange being configured to engage a perimeter of each through-hole for securing at least one of the through-hole cover and the user protective sleeve to each through-hole. The snap-in flanges allow for customization of the arm port cover (cannula or septum). Furthermore, this means that the vent cover or the user protection sleeve can be easily replaced in view of this snap-on feature. This allows for easy cleaning of the vent cover or user protection sleeve when necessary.

The snap-in flange may be made of polyoxymethylene.

Adjacent panels of the wall panel may be connected to each other by at least one living hinge.

The top panel may be connected to a top edge of one of the wall panels by at least one living hinge.

The at least one living hinge may be made of carbon reinforced nylon.

The top and wall panels may be made of polycarbonate.

The wall plate may include a front plate and two side plates, and wherein the at least one through hole may include two through holes provided in the front plate.

The treatment apparatus may comprise a cover connected to the top plate, which cover may be adapted to cover at least the side of the cabin opposite the front plate. The cover acts as a protective shield to reduce air leakage from the enclosure of the cabin to the external environment and to prevent any spray generated during the procedure from being exposed to the external environment.

The exhaust port may be provided in the top plate.

The exhaust port may be provided at or near the bottom of one of the wall panels.

The air filter may comprise a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter.

The air filter may comprise an Ultra Low Permeability Air (ULPA) filter.

The treatment apparatus may comprise fastening means connected to the underside of one of the wall panels for fixing the position of the treatment apparatus. The fastening means allow to fix the treatment device to the structure in which the patient is located (e.g. bed frame, operating table or stretcher etc.) to provide stability of the treatment device and to ensure that the treatment device does not shift during the procedure performed on the patient.

The fan may comprise a variable speed centrifugal fan.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a kit of parts which are assembled together to form any of the aforementioned therapeutic devices. The kit of parts may comprise a plurality of panels arranged to form a compartment, wherein the plurality of panels are substantially flat and are arranged to be packaged flat together. The ability of the plurality of panels to be packaged flat enhances portability of the treatment device and allows the panels to be easily transported, stored, or sterilized.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of deploying a treatment device comprising a plurality of panels assembled together to form a chamber, thereby providing an enclosed space for at least partially enclosing a patient therein; a fan adapted to be connected to an air filter; and an exhaust port provided in one of the plurality of panels adapted to be connected to a fan adapted to generate an air flow from the enclosed space to an external environment via an air filter for drawing air from the external environment into the enclosed space to ventilate the enclosed space, the method comprising: assembling the plurality of panels to form a cabin; connecting a fan to the exhaust port; and generating an air flow from the enclosed space to the external environment via the air filter using a fan to draw air from the external environment into the enclosed space to ventilate the enclosed space.

The method may include purging the interior surface of the chamber before and after each use of the treatment device. This improves the hygiene of the treatment device, especially in case the treatment device is reused for the next patient.

The method may include providing at least 15 or more air changes between the enclosed space and the external environment using a fan.

According to a fourth aspect, a treatment apparatus for at least partially enclosing a patient therein during treatment is described. The therapeutic apparatus includes: a flat-pack capable wall panel deployable to form a compartment for providing a closed space at least partially enclosing a patient therein; a top panel capable of being secured to a wall panel upon deployment; an exhaust port provided in one of the top plate and the wall plate for allowing air to flow from the closed space to an external environment; and a through hole provided in the wall plate adapted to provide access to the enclosed space.

The treatment apparatus may include snap-in flanges, each snap-in flange being configured to engage a perimeter of each through-hole for securing at least one of the through-hole cover and the user protective sleeve to each through-hole.

The treatment device may comprise a fan adapted to be connected to the air filter, wherein the exhaust port may be adapted to be connected to the fan, and the fan may be adapted to generate an air flow from the enclosed space to the external environment via the air filter for drawing air from the external environment into the enclosed space for ventilating the enclosed space.

The fan may include a portable vacuum pump system for on-site deployment.

According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a therapeutic apparatus comprising: a plurality of panels assembled together to form a compartment, thereby providing an enclosed space for at least partially enclosing a patient therein; a vacuum pump adapted to be connected to an air filter; and an exhaust port provided in one of the plurality of panels adapted to be connected to a vacuum pump, wherein the vacuum pump is adapted to generate an air flow from the enclosed space to an external environment via an air filter for drawing air from the external environment into the enclosed space to ventilate the enclosed space.

It will be appreciated that features associated with one aspect may be applicable to other aspects. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention provide a therapeutic device that creates a physical barrier to protect healthcare personnel that provide assistance to a patient from potential pathogens, bacteria, and/or viruses that may be generated from the patient. In addition, an exhaust port is provided in the treatment apparatus. The exhaust port is adapted to be connected to a fan connected to the air filter and the fan is adapted to generate an air flow from the enclosed space to the external environment for drawing air from the external environment into the enclosed space for ventilating the enclosed space. In this way, the spray and/or aerosol generated by the patient in the enclosed space can be filtered out before the air from the enclosed space is discharged to the external environment, thereby minimizing pollution of the external environment. Further, by creating such an air flow between the enclosed space and the external environment, fresh air from the external environment can be drawn into the enclosed space to ventilate the enclosed space (note that the enclosed space is not airtight). This provides an oxygen enhanced environment for the patient during execution of the procedure. The above device thus enables ventilation between the enclosed space and the external environment, which helps to remove spray and/or aerosols within the enclosed space while providing an oxygen enhanced environment for the patient.

Drawings

Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a treatment apparatus in a deployed state, including a plurality of panels assembled together to form a chamber and a fan or vacuum pump connected to an exhaust of the treatment apparatus, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates the treatment apparatus of FIG. 1 in a stored or flat pack configuration with a plurality of panels;

FIG. 3 illustrates the treatment apparatus of FIG. 1 and a removable snap-in flange that may be fitted to the through-holes of the multiple panels, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 4 illustrates an integrated locking configuration of a treatment apparatus of one embodiment wherein the plurality of panels are deployed to form a compartment during deployment, the top panels of the plurality of panels being connected to the side panels of the plurality of panels using a shaft aperture type locking configuration;

FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of a fan unit or vacuum pump connected to the exhaust of the treatment device of FIG. 1; and

fig. 6 illustrates various dimensions of the treatment device of fig. 1, wherein the dimensions are measured in millimeters, according to one embodiment.

Detailed Description

The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure or the application. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background or the following detailed description.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to a treatment apparatus and a method of deploying a treatment apparatus.

In this embodiment, a treatment apparatus is provided that serves as a protective apparatus for medical personnel when the medical personnel treat patients with infectious diseases. In particular, the treatment apparatus includes a plurality of panels that are assembled together to form a chamber to provide an enclosed space for at least partially enclosing a patient therein. An exhaust port is provided in one of the plurality of panels and is adapted to be connected to a fan. The fan is adapted to be connected to the air filter and configured to generate an air flow from the enclosed space to the external environment via the air filter for drawing air from the external environment into the enclosed space for ventilating the enclosed space. The air flow generated by the fan draws air into the enclosed space based on the bernoulli principle. It should be noted that the chamber is not airtight, so air from the external environment may enter the chamber (e.g. from through holes formed in the panel and/or gaps in the chamber) to create an oxygen enhanced environment for the patient during the execution of the procedure. It will be appreciated that the physical principle of the air flow is that there is no need to create a partial vacuum within the enclosed space to draw air from the external environment into the enclosed space. In contrast, due to the mass continuity (or conservation of mass) principle, the resulting airflow from the enclosed space to the external environment via the air filter draws air from the external environment into the enclosed space. Thus, an air circulation is created by the treatment device of the present invention, wherein air from the enclosed space is purified by the air filter and discharged to the external environment, while fresh air from the external environment enters the enclosed space of the cabin, thereby providing an oxygen enhanced environment for the patient.

Fig. 1 illustrates a treatment apparatus 100 in a deployed state according to one embodiment. As shown in fig. 1, the treatment apparatus 100 includes a plurality of panels that are assembled together to form a compartment 101. The plurality of panels includes three

wall panels

102, 104 and 106 forming the walls of the cabin 101, and a top panel 108 connected to the top edges of the three

wall panels

102, 104, 106. In this embodiment, a first through hole 102a and a second through hole 102b are provided in the front panel 102 of the wall panel, and a third through hole 104a is provided in the side panel 104 of the wall panel. These through holes (102 a, 102b, 104 a) are adapted to provide access to the enclosed space within the compartment 101. Also shown in fig. 1 is an exhaust port 110. The exhaust port 110 is a through hole penetrating the top plate 108 and provides a passage for air to flow from the enclosed space and the external environment (i.e., the environment outside the enclosed space of the cabin 101). The exhaust 110 provides a connection to a fan (or vacuum pump) 112. The exhaust 110 may be adapted to be connected to a fan 112 using a port. It should be appreciated that the connection of the exhaust 110 to the fan 112 should be airtight to ensure that the fan 112 maintains good suction. It is also understood that the term "fan" is understood to mean any form of mechanism that allows air to be drawn from the enclosed space to the external environment. In one embodiment, the fan comprises a variable speed centrifugal fan. The fan may thus be adapted to convey the gas load from the enclosed space to the external environment via the exhaust port through the outlet of the fan. In this embodiment, the fan 112 is connected to an air filter (not shown) for filtering air discharged from the enclosed space to the outside environment. The air filter may be connected between the exhaust port and the fan or at the outlet of the fan. By pumping or pumping air from the enclosed space to the external environment, air is drawn into the enclosed space from the external environment to ventilate the enclosed space. This creates a continuous air flow from the external environment into the enclosed space of the cabin 101 and then out through the exhaust 110 via the air filter to the external environment. In this embodiment, the generated airflow is a laminar airflow. This laminar flow allows to filter out pathogen-carrying droplets and aerosol-carrying air inside the compartment 101. This movement of air from the enclosed space of the compartment 101 to the outside environment is advantageous because it reduces the amount of unfiltered air that leaks from the non-sealed edges of the compartment 101. The resulting laminar airflow minimizes turbulence within the chamber 101 of the treatment device 100, thereby preventing possible accumulation or stagnation of pathogen-carrying droplets and/or aerosols at the corners of the chamber 101.

This embodiment with the exhaust 110 may also be fitted in a cabin or a plant with an integrated suction device/pump, for example at the ceiling or at a wall of the cabin or plant. In this embodiment, the velocity of the air stream is greater than 0.45 m/s. In some embodiments, the velocity of the gas stream is in a range between 0.25 meters/second and 0.32 meters/second. In one embodiment, the pressure differential Δp created between the enclosed space and the external environment is in the range of 0.3 to 0.8 newtons per square meter.

In this embodiment, the air filter is disposed between the fan 112 and the exhaust port 110. The air filter comprises a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter capable of filtering submicron sized particles, including any infectious particles expelled by the patient. Accordingly, air discharged from the cabin 101 to the external environment through the exhaust port 110 via the air filter is treated/filtered before being discharged to the external environment. In one embodiment, fan 112 comprises an air filter. In some embodiments, the air filter may be a separate component of the fan 112. In these cases, the exhaust 110 may be connected to the fan 112 through an air filter. In one embodiment, the air filter may be connected to the outlet of the fan such that the fan 112 is operatively connected between the exhaust port and the air filter.

In this embodiment, the treatment device 100 is also referred to as a "DART" (tent to reduce spray and aerosol) and may be used to create a closed space that isolates spray and/or aerosol and limits environmental contamination. DART not only creates a physical barrier between the spray and/or aerosol and the healthcare worker, but also allows relatively fine spray in the air and/or aerosol within the enclosed space of the cabin 101 to be sucked out prior to lifting the cabin 101. Further, as described above, drawing air from the enclosed space through the exhaust port 110 causes air to be drawn into the enclosed space from the external environment, thereby providing an oxygen enhanced environment for the patient.

In this embodiment, the top plate 108 and the

wall plates

102, 104, 106 are made of polycarbonate. The high material strength and light weight of polycarbonate makes the

panels

102, 104, 106, 108 portable. The surface of the polycarbonate may also be transparent to facilitate visualization of the patient through the

panels

102, 104, 106, 108 and to facilitate sterilization. Polycarbonate is also relatively low cost so that the

panels

102, 104, 106, 108 can be replaced or disposed of as necessary. It should be understood that other materials for forming the

panels

102, 104, 106, 108 are possible, as long as the panels are disposable or suitable for standard sterilization methods. It should also be appreciated that these panels should be lightweight to enable maneuverability and/or portability, and should be transparent to allow viewing and access to the patient.

As shown in fig. 1, each of these

panels

102, 104, 106, 108 is connected to at least one adjacent panel. The front panel 102 is connected to the

side panels

104, 106 on opposite sides of the front panel 102, while the front panel 102 is connected to the top panel 108 on a third side between the two opposite sides. The plurality of

panels

102, 104, 106, 108 are interconnected by at least one living hinge 114. In this embodiment, each living hinge is made of carbon reinforced nylon. In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, additional hinges 116 may be used in order to strengthen the strength of the living hinge or the connection between adjacent panels. It should be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, other forms of hinges may be used, so long as the panels are connected to each other in a manner such that they can form the compartment 101 in the deployed state as shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 2 illustrates the

multiple panels

102, 104, 106, and 108 of the treatment device 100 of fig. 1 in a stored or flat-pack configuration. The plurality of

panels

102, 104, 106, 108 connected in the manner described above allow the

panels

102, 104, 106, 108 to be stacked upon one another in a flat pack or storage condition 200. At the same time, the plurality of

panels

102, 104, 106, 108 may be deployed and deployed to form the cabin 101 as shown in fig. 1. The flat packaging of the

panels

102, 104, 106, 108 facilitates the transportation, storage and sterilization of these panels. This is particularly advantageous because rapid deployment of the

panels

102, 104, 106, 108 to form a physical barrier can save valuable time in emergency situations while continuing to provide adequate protection for the healthcare workers. Panels made of polycarbonate are strong enough to have rigid sides to provide a stable physical barrier when caring for patients. These panels are also light enough to facilitate management by healthcare workers. As described above, the plurality of

panels

102, 104, 106, 108 should be made of a lightweight, rigid, and easily cleanable or sterilizable material.

Fig. 3 illustrates the treatment apparatus 100 of fig. 1 and removable snap-in

flanges

302a, 302b, 304a of one embodiment that may be fitted to through holes of the multiple panels. As shown in fig. 3, removable snap-in

flanges

302a, 302b, 304a are respectively disposed in engagement with the perimeter of each of the through

holes

102a, 102b, 104a for securing at least one of the through hole cover and the user protective sleeve to each of the through

holes

102a, 102b, 104a. The snap-in

flanges

302a, 302b, 304a allow for customization of the arm port cover (cannula or septum). The snap-in

flanges

302a, 302b, 304a also allow the cover or user protective sleeve to be removable and replaced as necessary. This eases the cleaning of the covers or protective sleeves and alleviates concerns about their contamination. In addition, the through holes and removable snap-in flanges may also be customized to support different preferences, availability, and availability. The snap-in flanges should be soft enough to fit easily into the through holes and strong enough to be cleaned or sterilized regularly. In this embodiment, each snap-in flange is made of polyoxymethylene.

Fig. 4 illustrates an integrated locking configuration of the treatment apparatus 100 of one embodiment. During deployment of the treatment apparatus 100, the plurality of

panels

102, 104, 106, 108 are deployed to form the compartment 101, with the top panel 108 being connected to the

side panels

104, 106 using the shaft aperture-type locking configuration 402. For clarity, fig. 4 provides an enlarged schematic view in which only one of these locking formations 402 is shown on one side of the top panel 108, but it will be appreciated that an equivalent locking formation 402 may be formed on the other side of the top panel 108 to secure the top panel 108 to the other side panel 104. As shown in fig. 4, the shaft aperture locking feature 402 includes a pin 404 attached to the side plate 106 and a complementary aperture 406 fixedly connected to one side of the bottom surface of the top plate 108. When the plurality of

panels

102, 104, 106, 108 are deployed, the pins 404 are fitted into the complementary holes 406, such that the top panel 108 is secured to the side panels 106. It should be appreciated that other types of mating connectors/means may be employed so long as the top panel 108 is removably secured to the

side panels

104, 106 when the treatment apparatus 100 is deployed. As also shown in fig. 4, top panel 108 is connected to a top edge of one of the wall panels 106 by at least one living hinge 114. During deployment of the treatment apparatus 100, the top plate 108 may be flipped downward so that complementary holes 406 at the sides of the bottom surface of the top plate 108 may engage with the pins 404 attached to the

side plates

104, 106.

Fig. 5 illustrates a fan unit 112 (or vacuum pump) of one embodiment, the fan unit 112 being connected to an exhaust port 110 at the top plate 108 of the treatment device of fig. 1. In this embodiment, the fan 112 includes at least one ultraviolet C (UV-C) light post (not shown) disposed within the air post of the fan 112 and adapted to emit Ultraviolet (UV) light to treat exhaust gases within the air post. Ultraviolet light may have a wavelength between about 200 nanometers and 300 nanometers and be strongly absorbed by nucleic acids for disinfection of infectious particles or microorganisms. It will be appreciated that a UV-C lamppost is an optional feature. Fan 112 may be a portable fan (or portable vacuum pump system) that may be deployed in an external environment (e.g., for on-site deployment). In this external setting, fan 112 may effect at least 15 ventilations per hour. In another embodiment, the fan 112 may be an indoor fan system (or indoor vacuum pump system) suitable for indoor settings (e.g., an integrated fan system in a hospital or clinic). Similar ventilation frequencies (i.e., 15 or more ventilation per hour) may be used in an indoor environment. This frequency is beneficial to the current covd-19 epidemic.

In one embodiment, additional through holes or openings 502 may be provided in the top plate 108. The through hole or opening 502 may provide additional access to the enclosed space of the chamber 101.

Fig. 6 illustrates various dimensions of the treatment device of fig. 1, wherein the dimensions are measured in millimeters, according to one embodiment. The size of the treatment device may be tailored to fit the size of the patient (e.g., different sizes for children and adults).

The present invention also illustrates a method of deploying the treatment device 100 of fig. 1. The method comprises the following steps: assembling the plurality of

panels

102, 104, 106, 108 to form the cabin 101; connecting a fan 112 to the exhaust port 110; and generating an air flow from the enclosed space to the external environment via the air filter using the fan 112 to draw air from the external environment into the enclosed space to ventilate the enclosed space. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the treatment apparatus 100 may be placed in an area above the patient's head and up to the patient's shoulder when deployed. Since the compartment 101 has three

wall panels

102, 104, 106, the rest of the patient's body may protrude from the open side of the compartment 101. Thus, the patient is partially enclosed in the enclosed space of the compartment 101. In embodiments where a cover is provided that is attached to the top panel 108, the cover may be used to cover a portion of the rest of the patient's body on the open side of the compartment 101 (i.e., the side opposite the front panel 102), thereby creating a more enclosed environment within the compartment 101.

In this embodiment, the plurality of

panels

102, 104, 106, 108 may initially be stored in a flat packed or stored state 200 as shown in FIG. 2. To deploy the treatment apparatus 100, the plurality of

panels

102, 104, 106, 108 are unfolded from the flat pack state 200. The pins 404 on each

side plate

104, 106 are then fitted into complementary holes 406 at the sides of the top plate 108 (or bottom at the sides of the top plate 108) to secure the

side plates

104, 106 to the top plate 108, thereby assembling the plurality of

plates

102, 104, 106, 108 together to form the cabin 101. A fan 112 adapted to be coupled to an air filter may then be coupled to the exhaust 110 at the top plate 108. The fan 112 may then be turned on to create an air flow from the enclosed space to the external environment via the air filter for drawing air from the external environment into the enclosed space to ventilate the enclosed space.

In this embodiment, the method of deploying the treatment device 100 includes providing a plurality of snap-in flanges, each snap-in flange being configured to engage a perimeter of each through-hole for securing at least one of the through-hole cover and the user protective sleeve to each through-hole. This is an optional step, and it should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the snap-in flange and/or the cover or user protective sleeve may not be required.

In one embodiment, the method includes purging the interior surface of the chamber 101 before and after each use of the treatment device 100. The working surfaces and inner walls of the compartment 101 may be sterilized by any suitable method that kills any infectious particles or microorganisms within the enclosed space of the compartment 101. For example, surface cleaning may include steam sterilization or wiping of the work surface, sides, back and interior of the panel. In one embodiment, a HOCI/bleach or 70% alcohol solution effective against microorganisms may be used. In some cases, if a corrosive disinfectant (e.g., bleach) is used, a second wipe with sterile water is required. The disinfection process (e.g., wiping sequence, number of wipes, and/or concentration of cleaning agent used) may be tailored to the size of the infectious particles on the surface of the panel.

In one embodiment, the method includes maintaining the operation of the fan 112 during or after the procedure is performed on the patient. This may be accomplished by running the fan 112 for a long period of time or by using the fan 112 to provide several rounds of ventilation between the enclosed space in the compartment 101 and the outside environment. This helps to ensure that the air within the cabin 101 is purged prior to the fan 112 being turned off or removed to reduce the microbial contamination level of the air.

In one embodiment, the method includes covering the enclosed space of the compartment 101 with a cover (e.g., a drape or hood) connected to the top panel 108 while the patient is partially enclosed in the enclosed space of the compartment 101.

Alternative embodiments of the invention include: (i) The location and number of through holes provided in the panel (e.g., through holes provided in the top panel 108 or another side panel 106 of the compartment 101) may be configured according to accessibility and needs; (ii) Disposing an exhaust port near the bottom of the side panel for connection to a fan adapted for connection to an air filter; (iii) The air filter is an ULPA (ultra low permeability air) filter; (iv) Providing a plurality of through holes in the top plate, and the through holes being adapted to provide access to the enclosed space; (v) Providing a cover (e.g., a patient drape or hood) attached to the top panel, the cover may be adapted to cover at least the opposite side of the cabin from the front panel for enclosing the enclosed space; (vi) The plurality of panels 102, 104, 106, 108 are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or acrylic; (vii) Two panels (instead of the three panels shown in fig. 1) form a cabin having a triangular footprint; (viii) The panels 102, 104, 106, 108 are separate modules that are separate and assembled together only at deployment, for example by a living hinge provided as a removable strap that can be slid into a groove provided at the edge of the panels to connect the panels 102, 104, 106, 108; (ix) One or more ultraviolet C (UV-C) lamp posts are disposed within the enclosed space and adapted to emit ultraviolet light toward the surface of the panel to disinfect it; (x) The plurality of panels 102, 104, 106, 108 are assembled together to create a gap therebetween that provides access to the enclosed space (e.g., instead of or in addition to the through holes formed in the panels as shown in fig. 1); (xi) Snap-in flanges 302a, 302b, 304a are optional and may not be provided; (xii) Any cover or protective sleeve disposed at the through holes 102a, 102b, 304a is optional; (xiii) Fastening means connected to the underside of one of the wall panels for securing the position of the treatment device; (xiv) a protective cap for fitting into the exhaust port 110; (xv) a vacuum pump is used instead of the fan 112.

With regard to point (ii) of the alternative embodiment, the vapor within the enclosed space of the treatment chamber may sometimes be dense and can prevent the rise of infectious particles or microorganisms. In these cases, by providing an exhaust port near the bottom of the side plate to connect to a fan connected to the air filter, it is possible to more effectively suck out most of infectious particles or microorganisms located near the bottom of the treatment room through the exhaust port by using the fan. In one embodiment, the vent is positioned in the range of 1.0 to 6.0 cm from the bottom end of the side panel.

Regarding point (iii) of the alternative embodiment, the UCLA filter has a filtration rate of 99.999% at the 0.12 micron scale. The ULPA filter effectively traps and filters surgical smoke to eliminate odors, particulates and other potentially dangerous electrosurgical byproducts. Combining this feature of low particulate permeability with air disinfection (e.g., using UV-C) ensures that contaminated air from the enclosed space of the cabin 101 is effectively treated before being allowed to enter the external environment. This is particularly important for facilities that do not have dampers and thus allow air to be recirculated through an AHU (air handling unit) for air conditioning.

Regarding point (viii) of the alternative embodiment, making the panels as separate modules can increase the ease of replacing each of these panels. This also facilitates the disposal of individual panels or the disinfection of each panel.

With respect to point (ix) of the alternative embodiment, the UV-C light may have a wavelength between about 200 nm and 300 nm, which is strongly absorbed by the nucleic acid for disinfection of infectious particles or microorganisms. Infectious particles emanating from the patient may come into contact with the surface of the panel and thus require continuous sterilization. The UV-C is effective in removing infectious particles or microorganisms, thereby maintaining the patient in a safe state in the closed space of the cabin. The combination of filtering at least 0.3 micron level and UV-C will provide a sufficient level of safety for medical personnel performing procedures such as AGP on patients, especially if the facility has a 60% return air mixture.

With respect to point (xiv) of the alternative embodiment, a protective cap is provided that can fit into the vent. The protective cap can be used for sealing an exhaust port. In embodiments without a fan and/or air filter, the protective cap may be fitted to the exhaust port to minimize air flow from the enclosed space to the outside environment.

Regarding point (xv), in embodiments employing a vacuum pump, the air flow generated by the vacuum pump may create a pressure differential between the external environment and the enclosed space. In particular, when air is sucked from the enclosed space to the external environment via the air filter, a lower pressure is generated in the enclosed space relative to the external environment. This lower pressure in turn creates an air flow from the external environment to ventilate the cabin.

Although only certain embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, many variations are possible in light of the appended claims. For example, features illustrated with respect to one embodiment may be combined in one or more embodiments and vice versa.

Claims

1. A therapeutic apparatus, comprising:

a plurality of panels assembled together to form a compartment, thereby providing an enclosed space for at least partially enclosing a patient therein;

a fan adapted to be connected to an air filter; and

an exhaust port provided in one of the plurality of panels, the exhaust port adapted to be connected to a fan,

wherein the fan is adapted to generate an air flow from the enclosed space to the external environment via the air filter for drawing air from the external environment into the enclosed space for ventilating the enclosed space.

2. The therapeutic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fan comprises a ultraviolet C (UV-C) lamp post adapted to emit UV-C light to treat air from the enclosed space.

3. The therapeutic apparatus of claim 1 or 2, further comprising one or more ultraviolet C (UV-C) lampposts disposed within the enclosed space adapted to emit UV-C light toward at least one surface of one of the plurality of panels.

4. A therapeutic device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the UV-C light has a wavelength between 200 nm and 300 nm.

5. The therapeutic apparatus of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the plurality of panels comprises a wall panel and a top panel that is securable to the wall panel when deployed, the top panel being disposed on top of the wall panel.

6. The therapeutic apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a through hole in the wall plate, and the through hole is adapted to provide access to the enclosed space.

7. The therapeutic apparatus of claim 6, further comprising snap-in flanges, each snap-in flange being disposed in engagement with a perimeter of each through-hole for securing at least one of the through-hole cover and the user protective sleeve to each through-hole.

8. The therapeutic apparatus of claim 7, wherein the snap-fit flange is made of polyoxymethylene.

9. The therapeutic apparatus of any one of claims 5-8, wherein adjacent panels of the wall panel are connected to one another by at least one living hinge.

10. The therapeutic apparatus of any one of claims 5-9, wherein the top panel is connected to a top edge of one of the wall panels by at least one living hinge.

11. The therapeutic apparatus of claim 9 or 10, wherein the at least one living hinge is made of carbon-reinforced nylon.

12. The therapeutic apparatus of any one of claims 5-11, wherein the top plate and the wall plate are made of polycarbonate.

13. The therapeutic apparatus of any one of claims 6-8, wherein the wall panel comprises a front panel and two side panels, and wherein the at least one through hole comprises two through holes disposed in the front panel.

14. The therapeutic apparatus of claim 13, further comprising a cover coupled to the top panel, the cover adapted to cover at least a side of the compartment opposite the front panel.

15. The therapeutic apparatus of any one of claims 5-14, wherein the exhaust port is provided in the top plate.

16. The therapeutic apparatus of any one of claims 5-14, wherein the vent is disposed near a bottom of one of the wall panels.

17. The therapeutic apparatus of any one of claims 1-16, wherein the air filter comprises a hepa filter.

18. The therapeutic apparatus of any one of claims 1-16, wherein the air filter comprises an ultra-low permeability air filter.

19. The therapeutic apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 18, further comprising fastening means connected to the underside of one of the wall panels for securing the position of the therapeutic apparatus.

20. The therapeutic apparatus of any one of claims 1-19, wherein the fan comprises a variable speed centrifugal fan.

21. A kit of parts assembled together to form the therapeutic apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 20, the kit comprising a plurality of panels arranged to form a compartment, the plurality of panels being substantially planar and arranged to be packaged flat together.

22. A method of deploying a treatment device comprising a plurality of panels assembled together to form a cabin, thereby providing an enclosed space for at least partially enclosing a patient therein; a fan adapted to be connected to an air filter; and an exhaust port provided in one of the plurality of panels adapted to be connected to a fan adapted to generate an air flow from the enclosed space to an external environment via an air filter for drawing air from the external environment into the enclosed space to ventilate the enclosed space, the method comprising:

assembling the plurality of panels to form a cabin;

connecting a fan to the exhaust port; and

a fan is used to generate an air flow from the enclosed space to the external environment via an air filter to draw air from the external environment into the enclosed space to ventilate the enclosed space.

23. The method of claim 22, further comprising purging an interior surface of the chamber before and after each use of the treatment device.

24. The method of claim 22 or 23, further comprising providing at least 15 or more air changes between the enclosed space and the external environment using a fan.

25. A therapeutic apparatus for at least partially enclosing a patient therein during treatment, comprising:

a flat-pack capable wall panel deployable to form a compartment for providing a closed space at least partially enclosing a patient therein;

a top panel capable of being secured to a wall panel upon deployment;

an exhaust port provided in one of the top plate and the wall plate for allowing air to flow from the closed space to an external environment; and

a through hole is provided in the wall plate adapted to provide access to the enclosed space.

26. The therapeutic apparatus of claim 25, further comprising snap-in flanges, each snap-in flange being disposed in engagement with a perimeter of each through-hole for securing at least one of the through-hole cover and the user protective sleeve to each through-hole.

27. The therapeutic apparatus of claim 25 or 26, further comprising a fan adapted to be connected to the air filter, wherein the exhaust port is adapted to be connected to the fan, and the fan is adapted to generate an air flow from the enclosed space to the external environment via the air filter for drawing air from the external environment into the enclosed space to ventilate the enclosed space.

28. The therapeutic apparatus of claim 27, wherein the fan comprises a portable vacuum pump system for on-site deployment.

29. A therapeutic apparatus, comprising:

a vacuum pump adapted to be connected to an air filter; and

an exhaust port provided in one of the plurality of panels, the exhaust port being adapted to be connected to a vacuum pump,

wherein the vacuum pump is adapted to generate an air flow from the enclosed space to the external environment via the air filter for sucking air from the external environment into the enclosed space for ventilating the enclosed space.