ES2623087B1 - EYE WASHING DEVICE - Google Patents

Abstract

Eye wash device, comprising a support body (2) configured to fit an eye (E) of a patient (P), which has separating means (3) to separate the eyelids from the eye (E); and an irrigation duct (4) with perforations (5) that allow the eye to be irrigated (E) with a wash solution. The support body (2) is formed by a first piece (6) and a second piece (7) that can be joined together, which in turn have mounting means (8) that allow the joining of both parts (6, 7 ) to form the irrigation duct (4), and the subsequent separation thereof.

Description

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EYE WASHING DEVICE

DESCRIPTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an eye wash device for application in patients with chemical and / or thermal eye burns, among other eye injuries. Especially indicated for use in first-care units, both companies and health services (ambulances, emergency services, primary care and hospitals).

Background of the invention

The initial evaluation of the patient and the manual washing by the assistant and / or health personnel (nurses or doctors) are usually the first actions to be carried out when someone suffers chemical and / or thermal eye burns, or when they have another type of serious eye injuries. After these initial actions, it is often necessary to perform a continuous wash that can be extended several hours, depending on the severity of the injury. This requires specific attention and regular monitoring by health professionals during the entire washing time.

In order to simplify the work of the people who carry out this type of care and to optimize the time they devote to them, various eyewash devices or devices that allow such continuous washing in an automatic or semi-automatic way are currently known. .

One of them is Morgan's Lens. This device consists of a sterile plastic lens connected to an irrigation tube through which a washing solution is automatically passed. The lens is previously placed over the patient's eye, in contact with the eyeball, and being covered by its eyelids.

Precisely, the fact that the lens is covered by the eyelids prevents health personnel from seeing how the eye evolves during the washing process. At the same time, it hinders the orientation of the wash flow in order to redirect the

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irrigation to the most affected areas of the eye. Finally, its application involves a physical contact with the eye, often unwanted in the type of lesions discussed above and that causes a barrier effect for the removal of material remains

In order to allow the eyelids to separate, in order that the eyeball is visible during the irrigation of the eye, speculum-type eye wash devices are known.

Document CN202313916U shows an example of these, in which there is a speculum formed by a pair of irrigation tubes that branch off an inlet circuit of the wash solution, and which present parallel irrigation sections with perforations arranged rectilinearly to throughout them. Where each of these tubes has a double function; a) separate the eyelids from the eye (i.e. keep the eye open), and b) allow irrigation of the eye with the wash solution.

The main drawback of this type of devices is the enormous difficulties involved in its manufacture. More specifically, the realization of the perforations, and in particular, the conformation of the hollow irrigation duct that communicates with them in the irrigation pipes, are industrially quite complex, taking into account the small diameter of said tubes. In turn, it is even more complicated to be able to make the holes that constitute said perforations with a certain angulation and / or with different internal and external passage sections, in order to redirect the irrigation of the washing solution in a specific way and / or wanted. Finally, the irrigation carried out by two parallel irrigation sections is not uniform, and the loss of load between the point closest to the entrance of the wash solution and the point farthest from it prevents obtaining a constant irrigation pressure in the area Eye wash

Document US6267752B1 shows another example of a speculum, which is formed by a trunk-conical support body configured to adapt to the patient's eye, as well as separating means that allow the eyelids to be separated from the eye. Said separate means are arranged in the lower part of the body, presenting a shape similar to that of a lens, in order to be able to be placed on the eyeball in physical contact with it. In turn, the support body integrates irrigation ducts formed inside, in communication with a

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plurality of perforations also performed on said body to allow irrigation / aspiration of the wash solution.

As in the case of Morgan's Lens, the application of the speculum of document US6267752B1 also implies physical contact with the eye that may cause discomfort to the patient, or prevent the washing solution from reaching certain parts of the eye. Likewise, the permanent integration of the irrigation ducts into the support body itself considerably complicates the manufacture of this type of devices, complicates its use by professionals and makes cleaning, reuse and / or recycling difficult.

The present invention solves the above problems by means of a multifunctional eye wash device, formed by a support body formed by two independent parts that can be manufactured separately to simplify the manufacturing process, easily join together before starting to use the device. to form the irrigation duct, and subsequently separated for reuse and / or recycling. Also, the support body has a flexible configuration capable of balancing the opening force necessary to separate the eyelids with the closing force exerted by the eyelids themselves. Said balance of forces allows the support to maintain itself at a certain distance from the eyelids and, therefore, avoiding physical contact of the device with the eyeball. At the same time, the configuration of the device guarantees uniformity in the irrigation of the eye, the maintenance of a practically constant irrigation pressure in the washing zone, and the possibility of easily modifying during the manufacturing process the orientation of the perforations and the interior and exterior passage sections of the holes of each of them.

Description of the invention

The eye wash device of the present invention comprises a:

• support body configured to fit a patient's eye, which has separating means to separate the eyelids from the eye; Y

• an irrigation duct with perforations that allow the eye to be irrigated with a wash solution.

Said device is characterized in that the support body is formed

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by a first piece and a second piece attachable to each other, which in turn have mounting means that allow the joining of both pieces to form the irrigation duct, and the subsequent separation thereof.

Thus, by having two independent parts, they can be manufactured separately to simplify the manufacturing process, easily join together before starting to use the device to form the irrigation duct, and then separated for reuse and / or recycling.

The support body has an ergonomic shape specially designed to adapt securely to the patient's eye. Its fixation to the patient's head can be done using elastic bands, helmets or other devices.

Preferably, said support body is substantially circular or oval adapted to the eye contour, which is formed by:

• a first partially semicircular support arm having a first end of connection and a first free end;

• a second partially semicircular support arm having a second end of connection and a second free end; Y

• a flexure zone to which the joining ends are joined, opposite a defined separation space between the free ends.

Preferably, the support body is made of biocompatible polymers.

Where said flexion zone allows the support arms to be approached due to the application of an external force made on them, for example, by simple pressure with the fingers towards the inner or central part of the support body. This approach produces a momentary compression of the support body, given its flexibility, which makes it easier for the assistant and / or healthcare staff to place the device on the patient's eye.

Also, the first support arm comprises a first connection end configured to connect to a wash circuit; while the second support arm comprises a second connection end configured to connect to said washing circuit. Said washing circuit is usually formed by tubes of

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Flexible irrigation through which the washing solution from a continuous infusion pump circulates, or directly from a container containing it, as well as the stopcocks necessary to redirect the flow of said washing solution as appropriate. For example, entering simultaneously through both connection ends to reduce the possible effect of the loss of load inside the irrigation duct, or allowing said washing solution to enter through one of the connection ends and exit through the other. The effect of the loss of load can lead to a non-uniform irrigation of the different parts of the eye (E), since it does not allow maintaining a uniform irrigation pressure in all of them.

On the other hand, in order to be able to better apply the external force, preferably the first support arm comprises a first thrust projection configured to receive a first external force; while the second support arm comprises a second thrust projection, facing the first thrust projection, configured to receive a second outer force in the opposite direction to the first outer force, causing the support arms to approach. These thrust projections are arranged symmetrically in one another, and slightly offset towards the connecting ends to generate a greater moment of force with respect to the point of flexion.

The separating means allow the eyelids to be separated from the eye so as not to interfere with the adequate irrigation of the eyeball. For this, preferably, said separating means are formed by:

• a first tab attached to the support body; Y

• a second tab, opposite the first tab, attached to the support body.

Preferably, each support arm comprises a central section of which one of the tabs is extended, where each of said tabs has a "U" shape that defines one or more interior windows with the central section.

Each of these eyelashes supports one of the eyelids of the patient's eye. The understanding of the support body mentioned above allows its size to be momentarily reduced so as not to collide with the eyelids at the time of placement, and once they are supported by the eyelashes, the external force is stopped applying and the support body tries retrieve your

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normal position This causes the eyelashes of the support body to slightly lift the eyelids to ensure an optimal separation between the eyeball and the inner face of the eyelids, which allows the washing solution to reach all the affected parts of the eye.

The perforation configuration is specially designed to irrigate the wash solution in several directions. For this, preferably, the perforations form a plurality of irrigation groups, where each irrigation group comprises:

• a first hole oriented in a first direction; Y

• a second hole oriented in a second direction, where said second direction forms a dispersion angle greater than 0 ° with respect to the first direction.

Preferably, each of the holes has an inner passage section and an outer passage section, the inner passage section being smaller than the outer passage section.

This also contributes to improving the distribution of the wash solution throughout the affected area of the eye, irrigating it 100%.

To form the irrigation duct, preferably, the first piece comprises a first cavity having a first semicircular passage section; while the second piece comprises a second cavity, complementary to the first cavity, which has a second semicircular passage section. Thus, the union of both cavities forms an irrigation duct of circular cross-section. According to other particular embodiments, said cavities could have complementary passage sections capable of forming irrigation ducts with different cross sections, such as elliptical.

Likewise, preferably, the first cavity comprises two first linear extensions arranged at the ends of said first cavity to allow its connection to a washing circuit; while the second cavity comprises two second linear extensions arranged at the ends of

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said second cavity to allow its connection to a washing circuit. These linear sections of the support arms facilitate the insertion and / or assembly of the irrigation tubes from the continuous infusion pump or the container that contains the washing solution, ensures its correct fastening, and prevents any narrowing of the same in the connection point to the support body.

To allow flexion of the support body, preferably, the first cavity comprises two first opposite notches; while the second cavity comprises two opposite second notches, complementary to the first two notches. These recesses are preferably located in an equidistant zone of both connecting ends to facilitate symmetrical flexion of the support arms.

On the other hand, the joining and subsequent separation of both pieces can be carried out in various ways thanks to the mounting means. Said assembly / disassembly of both parts can be carried out manually, by using tools, or both at the same time, to facilitate the handling and maintenance of the device at all times.

Preferably, the mounting means allow pressure or clipping of the first piece onto the second piece to form the irrigation duct. That is, by means of elements that are joined or hooked together by a simple pressure exerted with the fingers, and which can be subsequently disengaged by using tools or with the fingers themselves.

For this, the mounting means comprise:

• one or more engagement projections arranged in one of the pieces; Y

• one or more engagement projections complementary to the engagement projections and arranged in the other part;

where said engagement projections are configured to engage in said engagement projections allowing the joining of both pieces.

Also, the mounting means additionally comprise a first connecting element and a second connecting element that engage each other to keep the support body flexed. Preferably, the first connecting element is

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it is arranged at the first free end of the first support arm; while the second connecting element is disposed at the second free end of the second support arm; where the union of both connecting elements causes an approach of the separating means.

This is especially useful when placing the support body on the patient's eye, since said connecting elements keep the support body flexed autonomously. In this way, the healthcare personnel can exclusively dedicate themselves to positioning the eyelids of the eye on the separating means, without the need to be pressing the thrust projections at the same time with the fingers that allow the approach of the support arms. Once the eyelids are placed, the medical staff proceeds to release the connecting elements so that the support body recovers its normal position.

Brief description of the drawings

A series of drawings that help to better understand the invention and that expressly relate to an embodiment of said invention which is presented as a non-limiting example thereof is described very briefly below.

Figure 1 represents an example of application of the device of the present invention.

Figure 2 depicts a partially sectioned perspective top view of the device of the present invention.

Figure 3 represents a top perspective view of the device of the present invention.

Figure 4 represents a bottom perspective view of the device of the present invention.

Figure 5 represents a plan view of the device of the present invention.

Figure 6 represents a sectional view along the line A-A of Figure 4.

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Figure 7 represents a perspective view of the first part of the support body.

Figure 8 represents a perspective view of the second part of the support body.

Figure 9 represents a top perspective detail of the connection of both support arms.

Figure 10 represents a lower perspective detail of the connection of both support arms.

Detailed description of the invention

Figure 1 shows an example of application of the device (1) of the present invention placed on the eye (E) of a patient (P).

Figure 2 shows a partially sectioned perspective top view in which the arrangement of the device (1) with respect to the eye (E) can be seen schematically.

Figures 3 and 4 respectively show a top view and a bottom perspective view of the device (1) of the present invention. As can be seen, the eye wash device of the present invention comprises a:

• support body (2) configured to fit an eye (E) of a patient (P), figure 1, which has separating means (3) to separate the eyelids from the eye (E); Y

• an irrigation duct (4) with perforations (5) that allow the eye to be irrigated (E) with a wash solution.

Said device (1) is characterized in that the support body (2) is formed by a first piece (6) and a second piece (7) that can be coupled together, which in turn have mounting means (8) that allow the union of both pieces (6, 7) to form the irrigation duct (4), and the subsequent separation of them.

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As can be seen in Figure 5, the support body (2) is substantially circular and is formed by:

• a first partially semicircular support arm (21a) having a first connecting end (22a) and a first free end (23a);

• a second partially semicircular support arm (21b) having a second connecting end (22b) and a second free end (23b); Y

• a flexure zone (24) to which the joining ends (22a, 22b) are attached, opposite a defined gap (25) between the free ends (23a, 23b).

Said flexure zone (24) allows the support arms (21a, 21b) to be approached due to the application of an external force (F1, F2) made on them, for example, by simple pressure with the fingers towards the inner or central part of the support body (2). This approach produces a momentary compression of the support body (2), given its flexibility, which facilitates the assistant and / or health personnel placing the device on the patient's eye (E) (P).

Also, the first support arm (21a) comprises a first connection end (26a) configured to connect to a washing circuit (C); while the second support arm (21b) comprises a second connection end (26b) configured to connect to said washing circuit (C).

On the other hand, in order to better apply the external force (F1, F2), the first support arm (21a) comprises a first thrust projection (28a) configured to receive a first external force (F1); while the second support arm (21b) comprises a second thrust projection (28b), facing the first thrust projection (28a), configured to receive a second outer force (F2) in the opposite direction to the first outer force (F1 ), causing the approach of the support arms (21a, 21b). These thrust projections (28a, 28b) are arranged symmetrically with each other, and slightly offset towards the connecting ends (26a, 26b) to generate a greater moment of force with respect to the point of flexion.

The separating means (3) allow the eyelids to be separated from the eye (E) so as not to interfere with the adequate irrigation of the eyeball. For this, preferably, said separating means (3) are formed by:

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• a first flange (31a) attached to the support body (2); Y

• a second tab (31b), opposite the first tab (31b), attached to the support body (2).

Each support arm (21a, 21b) comprises a central section (27a, 27b) of which one of the tabs (31a, 31b) is extended, where each of said tabs (31a, 31b) has a "U" shape. which defines three interior windows (32a, 32b) with the central section (27a, 27b).

As can be seen in Figure 6, the configuration of the perforations (5) is specially designed to irrigate the washing solution in several directions. For this, the perforations (5) form a plurality of irrigation groups (50), where each irrigation group (50) comprises:

• a first hole (51) oriented in a first direction (51y); Y

• a second hole (52) oriented in a second direction (52y), where said second direction (52y) forms a dispersion angle (a) greater than 0 ° with respect to the first direction (51y).

Each of the holes (51, 52) has an inner passage section (51i, 52i) and an outer passage section (51e, 52e), the inner passage section (51i, 52i) being smaller than the section of outer passage (51e, 52e).

Figures 7 and 8 respectively show a perspective view of the first part (6) and a perspective view of the second part (7) of the support body (2). As can be seen, to form the irrigation duct (4), the first part (6) comprises a first cavity (61) having a first semicircular passage section (62); while the second piece (7) comprises a second cavity (71), complementary to the first cavity (61), which has a second semicircular passage section (72). Thus, the union of both cavities (61, 71) forms an irrigation duct (4) of circular cross-section.

Also, the first cavity (61) comprises two first linear extensions (63) arranged at the ends of said first cavity (61) to allow its connection to a washing circuit (C); while the second cavity (71) comprises two second linear extensions (72) arranged at the ends of said

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second cavity (72) to allow its connection to a washing circuit (C).

To allow flexion of the support body (2), the first cavity (61) comprises two opposite first notches (64); while the second cavity (71) comprises two opposite second notches (74), complementary to the first two notches (64). These recesses are preferably located in an equidistant zone of both connecting ends (26a, 26b) to facilitate symmetrical flexion of the support arms (21a, 21b).

On the other hand, the joining and subsequent separation of both parts (6, 7) can be carried out thanks to the mounting means (8). Said mounting means (8) allow the pressure or clipping of the first piece (6) on the second piece (7) to form the irrigation duct (4).

For this, the mounting means (8) comprise:

• a plurality of coupling (81) arranged in one of the pieces (6, 7); Y

• a plurality of engagement projections (82) complementary to the engagement projections (81) and arranged in the other part (6, 7);

wherein said engagement projections (81) are configured to engage in said engagement projections (82) allowing the joining of both parts (6, 7).

According to the present example, the mounting means (8) further comprise:

• two grooves or grooves (85) extending longitudinally along the first piece (6); Y

• two reliefs or flanges (86) complementary to said grooves or grooves (85), which extend longitudinally along the second piece (7);

where said reliefs or flanges (86) are configured to fit with said grooves or grooves (85) allowing the sealing of both parts (6, 7) to avoid any leakage of the washing solution from the sides of the support body (2 ).

Figures 9 and 10 show respectively a top detail and a bottom perspective detail of the union of both support arms (21a, 21b). How can

to appreciate, the mounting means (8) additionally comprise a first connecting element (83) and a second connecting element (84) that engage each other to keep the support body (2) flexed. Preferably, the first connecting element (83) is disposed at the first free end (23a) of the first support arm (21a); while the second connecting element (84) is disposed at the second free end (23b) of the second support arm (21b); where the union of both connecting elements (83, 84) causes an approach of the separating means (3).

Claims (15)

5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 1. - Eye wash device, comprising a: • support body (2) configured to fit an eye (E) of a patient (P), which has separating means (3) to separate the eyelids from the eye (E); Y • an irrigation duct (4) with perforations (5) that allow the eye to be irrigated (E) with a wash solution; said device (1) characterized in that the support body (2) is formed by a first piece (6) and a second piece (7) that can be coupled together, which in turn have mounting means (8) that allow the union of both pieces (6, 7) to form the irrigation duct (4), and the subsequent separation of them. 2. - Eye wash device according to claim 1, characterized in that the support body (2) is substantially circular or oval and is formed by: • a first support arm (21a) having a first connecting end (22a) and a first free end (23a); • a second support arm (21b) having a second connecting end (22b) and a second free end (23b); Y • a flexure zone (24) to which the joining ends (22a, 22b) are attached, opposite a defined gap (25) between the free ends (23a, 23b); wherein said flexure zone (24) allows the support arms (21a, 21b) to be approached due to the application of an external force (F1, F2) made on them. 3. - Eye wash device according to claim 2, characterized in that the first support arm (21a) comprises a first connection end (26a) configured to be connected to a washing circuit (C); and because the second support arm (21b) comprises a second connection end (26b) configured to connect to said washing circuit (C). 4. - Eye wash device according to any of claims 2 to 3, characterized in that the first support arm (21a) comprises a first thrust projection (28a) configured to receive a first external force (F1); and why the 5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 Second support arm (21b) comprises a second thrust projection (28b), facing the first thrust projection (28a), configured to receive a second outer force (F2) in the opposite direction to the first outer force (F1), causing the approach of the support arms (21a, 21b). 5. - Eye wash device according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the separating means (3) are formed by: • a first flange (31a) attached to the support body (2); Y • a second tab (31b), opposite the first tab (31b), attached to the support body (2). 6. - Eye wash device according to claims 2 and 5, characterized in that each support arm (21a, 21b) comprises a central section (27a, 27b) of which one of the tabs (31a, 31b) is extended, where each of said tabs (31a, 31b) has a "U" shape that defines one or more interior windows (32a, 32b) with the central section (27a, 27b). 7. - Eye washing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the perforations (5) form a plurality of irrigation groups (50), wherein each irrigation group (50) comprises: • a first hole (51) oriented in a first direction (51y); Y • a second hole (52) oriented in a second direction (52y), where said second direction (52y) forms a dispersion angle (a) greater than 0 ° with respect to the first direction (51y). 8. - Eye wash device according to claim 7, characterized in that each of the holes (51, 52) has an internal passage section (51 i, 52i) and an external passage section (51e, 52e), being the inner passage section (51i, 52i) smaller than the outer passage section (51e, 52e). 9. - Eye wash device according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the first part (6) comprises a first cavity (61) having a first semicircular passage section (62); and because the second piece (7) comprises a second cavity (71), complementary to the first cavity (61), which has a second semicircular passage section (72); where the union of 5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 both cavities (61, 71) make up the irrigation duct (4). 10. - Eye wash device according to claim 9, characterized in that the first cavity (61) comprises two first linear extensions (63) arranged at the ends of said first cavity (61) to allow its connection to a washing circuit ( C); and because the second cavity (71) comprises two second linear extensions (72) arranged at the ends of said second cavity (72) to allow its connection to a washing circuit (C). 11. - Eye wash device according to any of claims 9 to 10, characterized in that the first cavity (61) comprises two opposite first notches (64); and because the second cavity (71) comprises two opposite second notches (74), complementary to the first two notches (64), to allow flexion of the support body (2). 12. - Eye wash device according to any of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the mounting means (8) allow the pressure assembly of the first part (6) on the second part (7) to form the conduit of irrigation (4). 13. - Eye wash device according to any of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the mounting means (8) comprise: • one or more engagement projections (81) arranged in one of the pieces (6, 7); Y • one or more engagement projections (82) complementary to the engagement projections (81) and arranged in the other part (6, 7); wherein said engagement projections (81) are configured to engage in said engagement projections (82) allowing the joining of both parts (6, 7). 14. - Eye wash device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the mounting means (8) comprise a first connection element (83) and a second connection element (84) that engage each other to keep the support body (2) flexed. 15. - Eye wash device according to claims 2 and 14, characterized by that the first connecting element (83) is disposed at the first free end (23a) of the first support arm (21a); and because the second connecting element (84) is disposed at the second free end (23b) of the second support arm (21b); where the union of both connecting elements (83, 84) causes an approach of the separating means (3).