GB2534157A

GB2534157A - Medical device handle

Info

Publication number: GB2534157A
Application number: GB1500565.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Fayyaz Shah; Edward Bryant Ashley
Original assignee: TIMESCO HEALTHCARE Ltd
Current assignee: TIMESCO HEALTHCARE Ltd
Priority date: 2015-01-14
Filing date: 2015-01-14
Publication date: 2016-07-20
Anticipated expiration: 2035-01-14
Also published as: GB2534157B; CN204971188U; GB201500565D0

Abstract

A medical device handle 2 comprising a first body portion having a mounting structure 28 for mounting a medical device thererto, the first body portion 4 having an electrical connector 22 for providing an electrical connection to a power source 16a-c for transferring power to a light source 54, the handle 2 comprising a second body portion 6 releasably securable to the first body portion 4. The first and second body portions 4,6 co-operate in a secure configuration to define a chamber 14 therebetween for receipt of one or more cells 16a-c. The electrical connector 22 being in electrical communication with the chamber 14 in a secured configuration, and where in a released configuration the chamber 14 is open to is open to allow release therefrom of one or more cells 16a-c. The medical device handle may be for a laryngoscope blade and allow a more sterile disposal.

Description

Medical Device Handle The present invention relates to a handle capable of being connected to a medical device and having a power source that is capable of supplying power to a light source for illumination of a target area. Such a medical device may, for example, be a laryngoscope blade where it is necessary for the medical practitioner to clearly see down a patient's throat.

Due to disposal restrictions it is desirable to make medical instruments reusable, however generally for medical instruments this is difficult due to the requirement for the instrument to be sterile. Accordingly, some medical instruments such as laryngoscope blades are sterilised after use and subsequently repackaged for re-use. However, sterilisation and reuse is not practical for certain medical instruments or in particular circumstances due to the number of components making up the instrument. In the case of handles that supply light to a blade such as laryngoscope handles, the handles typically comprise multiple parts including a handle body, a power source, a mounting arrangement for mounting a blade to the handle and a light source. This means that sterilisation is difficult as the handle must first be disassembled, sterilized and subsequently reassembled in a sterile atmosphere. Finally, the sterilised handle must then be repackaged again in a sterile atmosphere.

For the above reasons it is beneficial that in some circumstances disposable handles arc used.

A disposable handle typically comprises a handle body having a mounting structure secured thereto which may comprise a bar onto which a medical tool or head such as a laryngoscope is secured. The handle body forms a housing for an engine comprising a self-contained unit including an engine housing that slides into the handle body. The engine housing houses therein a plurality of cells arranged in series and further comprises a light source. The light source is housed in a tip moveable relative to the cells such that depression of the tip causes the light source to come into electrical contact with the cells and thereby provide power to the light source enabling illumination of the bulb. When the engine housing is located into the handle body the tip projects through an opening in the handle body adjacent the mounting structure so that in use mounting a blade to the mounting structure causes depression of the tip and thus illumination of the light source. A releasable base holds the engine housing within the handle body.

Although such an arrangement functions effectively, there is a significant problem associated with the cost of production of the handle due to the inherent complexity of the components and assembly time, and also the associated cost of disposing of the handle ready for recycling.

In order to dispose of such a product, the base must first be removed from the body to enable release of the engine. Release requires use of at least one tool to enable release of opposing fasteners. The engine is a further self-contained unit and must itself be disassembled to remove the cells and light source from the engine housing. This is time consuming and therefore expensive, leading to the possibility of incorrect disposal where the cells are disposed of with the rest of the materials giving a potential environmental hazard or causing damage to a recycling facility.

The present invention provides a significantly improved arrangement that is lower cost, reliable and easy to recycle.

According to the present invention there is a medical device handle comprising a first body portion having a mounting structure for mounting a medical device thereto, the first body portion having an electrical connector for providing an electrical connection to a power source for transferring power to a light source, the handle comprising a second body portion rcleasably securable to the first body portion, wherein the first and second body portions cooperate in a secured configuration to define a chamber therebetween for receipt of one or more cells, the electrical connector being in electrical communication with the chamber in a secured configuration, and where in a released configuration the chamber is open to allow release therefrom of one or more cells.

The present invention provides a medical device handle that after use the medical device such as a laryngoscope blade can he released from the handle, the first and second body portions unsecured and the batteries tipped into a receptacle for recycling. This is an effective and fast operation.

The medical device handle beneficially comprises a first end and a second end wherein the mounting structure is located adjacent the first end and wherein the chamber is located closer to the first end than the second end. Provision of the chamber closer to the first end than the second end means that the power source, electrical connector and associated connection to the light source are compact reducing the possibility of malfunction and reducing manufacturing complexity. Furthermore, the electrical connector can take a less complex form (in the exemplary embodiment of the form of a 'z' spring) and does not require an elongate extension section thereby reducing manufacturing components. The second end beneficially comprises a base and the base is beneficially configured in order that the handle stands upon the base. It is beneficial that the base is flared outwardly for improved stability.

The first body portion is beneficially elongate. The elongate first body portion beneficially comprises a grip portion.

The first body portion comprises an elongate body portion which beneficially has an opening therein, and an elongate bore extends from the opening to the electrical connector. The elongate body portion has a length sufficient in order that a medical practitioner can appropriately grasp the elongate body portion for use. The electrical connector is beneficially at or adjacent the end of the bore. It will be appreciated that the bore may be configured to extend from the opening along the majority of the longitudinal length of the handle. The configuration of the elongate portion means that a first body portion can be manufactured for use as a disposable and also a re-usable medical device handle, with only re-configuration of the second body portion necessary. Accordingly, in one way of using the invention traditional cells(s) such as AA or AAA sizes can therefore he accommodated in the bore. The cell(s) inserted first electrically communicate with the electrical connector, and the rearward battery communicates with an electrical connector positioned in the second body portion in the form of a base which electrical connector extends back along the elongate body portion to he in electrical communication with the light source.

The second body portion is beneficially elongate and extends into the elongate bore of the first body portion in the first configuration, the chamber being at least partially defined between a distal end of the second body portion and the first body portion. This beneficially enables the use of button cells preferable for a device that requires power but is to be easily recyclable and low cost. Furthermore, the cells (preferably button type cells) are in direct electrical communication with the electrical connector, meaning that different type cells can he accommodated using the same first body portion but utilising a different second body portion configuration. This means that the handle can he manufactured and used for both cell/battery types. Further, by positioning the cell(s) to be in electrical communication with the electrical connector, this means that an additional component is not required to provide electrical communication between the cell(s) and the light source.

The configuration of the distal end of the second body portion and the end of the bore of the first body portion retain the cell(s) in the secured configuration however are configured to enable release of the cells in the released configuration. The one or more cells are beneficially therefore unsecured between the first and second body portions unless the first and second body portions are secured relative to each other.

The second body portion is at least partially arranged to occlude the opening in the secured configuration. It is beneficial that the second body portion comprises a base which forms the base of the handle in the secured configuration.

The second body portion beneficially comprises a cell receiver having an opening for receipt thcrethrough of one or more cells, wherein the receiver opening is aligned with the electrical connector in the secured configuration. This provides a benefit in that a handle can he easily preassembled with cell(s) therein ready for use by positioning the cell(s) in the receiver and then securing the first and second body portions to each other prior to transporting to the end user, where the assembly step is quick during manufacture. The handle is then ready for use. The cell receiver beneficially forms part of the distal end of the second body portion. The cell receiver extends from an opening to a base. One or more cells can he retained in the receiver following which the second body portion is secured to the first body portion meaning that the cells are aligned with and are in electrical communication with the electrical connector.

The second body portion beneficially comprises a base portion for at least partially 5 occluding the opening, (he base portion located at a proximal end, the cell receiver positioned at a distal end and an elongate intermediate portion, wherein the cell receiver and intermediate portion are positioned within the elongate bore. It will be appreciated that this is in the secured configuration. As such, the second body portion effectively transports, during assembly, the cells through the elongate bore provided in the first body portion to be positioned in electrical communication with the electrical connector which is preferably provided at or adjacent the end of the elongate bore.

The intermediate portion and base are beneficially releaseably engageable. They may be secured by an interference fit. This is beneficial for further recycling purposes and also for 15 ease of manufacture and assembly.

The base is beneficially tapered outwardly in a direction away from the first body portion. This provides stability to the medical device handle when located on the surface and also ensures that a medical device secured to the medical device handle is kept off a supporting 20 surface.

The medical device handle beneficially further comprises a biasing means for biasing the one or more cells into electrical communication with the electrical connector in the secured configuration. This ensures electrical connection between the cells(s) and the electrical 25 connector.

The base is preferably switched between an unsecured and secured configuration relative to the body by a twisting motion, and preferably a screw thread. This ensures quick disassembly by the medical practitioner after use. The base is preferably tapered outwardly from the first body portion. This achieves improved stability of the medical instrument handle on a surface.

The base may comprise a projection against which and preferably around which the intermediate portion engages. The projection may be for example a cylindrical projection and the intermediate portion may have a corresponding internal configuration to engage with the outer surface of the cylindrical projection.

The handle has a longitudinal length and the mounting structure is positioned adjacent a first end. The base is preferably positioned at a longitudinally spaced second end.

The handle preferably further comprises a light source, wherein the light source is positioned intermediate the mounting structure and the electrical connector. The light source is preferably moveable between a first configuration wherein the light source is not in electrical communication with the electrical connector, and a second configuration wherein the light source is in communication with the electrical connector. The light source is preferably biased to the first configuration. A biasing means such as a helical spring or leaf spring is provided to bias the light source to the first configuration. Mounting of a medical device head onto the mounting structure preferably causes movement of the light source from the first to the second configuration. This effectively enables automatic turning on of the light source upon mounting of a medical device head to the mounting structure.

The medical device handle beneficially comprises one or more button cells provided in the chamber. The medical device handle is beneficially preloaded with one or more button cells. The button cells are beneficially housed in a wrapping, preferably a shrink wrap material. Button cells are beneficial as they are small, lightweight and have low self-discharge meaning they hold their charge for a long time if not used.

The present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is an exploded view of a medical device handle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 shows three different views of a medical device handle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2(a) is an end view of the device, Figure 2(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A as presented in Figure 2(a) and Figure 2(c) is a cross-section taken through the line B-B from Figure 2(b).

Referring to the Figures, a medical device handle is generally designated by reference numeral 2. The handle comprises a first body portion 4 manufactured from two opposing sections 4(a), 4(b) that co-operate to form the first body portion 4. The first body portion 4 forms the portion of the handle that a user grasps and grips.

In the exemplary embodiment the second body portion 6 comprises a base 8, an elongate intermediate portion 10 extending from the base and a cell receiver 12 located at the opposing end of the elongate intermediate portion 10 to the base 8. This can clearly seen in Figures 2(b) and 2(c) in the exemplary embodiment as presented where the chamber 14 for receipt of one or more cells 16 is defined by the side wall 18 and base 20 of the cell receiver 12 and the first body portion 4. The electrical connector extends into the chamber 14 and is shown in Figures 2(b) and 2(c) as an electrical communication with the upper cell 16(a). The electrical connector as best seen in Figure 1 is a "Z" spring as an example only.

It will he understood that the second body portion 6 is rcleasahly securable to the first body portion 4. In the embodiment presented this is achieved through engagement means between the first and second body portions, and in particular conesponding threads 24 provided by the base 8 and an engagement surface 26 of the first body portion 4.

The mounting structure 28 in the form of a bar extending transversely to the longitudinal length of the handle 2 and is provided to enable releaseable engagement with a medical device head such as a laryngoscope. The bar 28 is retained between the opposing first and second body portions 4(a), 4(h).

It will be appreciated that the chamber 14 is positioned closer to the end of the handle comprising the mounting structure 28 than to the opposing end of the handle comprising the base 8. It will further he appreciated that button cells may be utilised in the present invention wherein the button cells may he preloaded into the medical device handle prior to use. Provision of the chamber 14 in this position reduces the possibility of separation in the electric circuit and ensures positive direct contact with the electrical connector 22.

It will be appreciated that the first body portion 4 is elongate and the first body portion forms a grip for a user. The elongate body portion defines a bore 30 which is elongate and extends from an opening 32 to the electrical connector 22. The electrical connector 22 is at the end point of the bore. The second body portion and particularly the cell receiver 12 and elongate intermediate portion 10 extend from the base 8 into the bore 30. It will he appreciated that the cell receiver 12 during assembly is loaded with the cells 16 and the cell receiver 12 aligns the cells 16 with the electrical connector 22. The cells 16 are provided in an insulator 34 in the form of a shrink wrap material which ensures that the upper cell 16(a) is in electrical communication with the electrical connector 22 and the underside of the third cell 16(c) is in electrical communication with a conductor 36 in the form of a helical spring that encases the cells 16. It will be understood that this helical spring 36 is retained in the cell receiver 12 through the provision of a pin 38 which is received by an aperture in the base 20. Once assembled, and as best represented in Figures 1 and 2(c) this helical spring 36 is in electrical communication with element 40 which forms part of the circuit to power the light emitting element 42, typically an LED. The element 40 extends to contact the helical spring 36 and itself is formed into a helical spring against which the light source assembly 44 is pushed to close the circuit and enable current to pass to the LED 42. This occurs on assembly of a medical device onto the mounting structure 28.

As presented in the Figures and being particularly dear with respect to Figures 1 and 2c, the clement 40 forms a shoulder 40a which is in electrical communication with the helical spring 36. The element 40 also includes a projection 40b extending generally in the longitudinal axis of the handle. The projection 40h preferably extends adjacent the second end of the medical device handle. The projection 40h is preferably carried by the first body portion 4. By manufacturing the first body portion in this way, it is possible that the first body portion can be both suitable for reusable and single use. As shown in the Figures, the handle is designed for single use. However, a reusable device may be achieved through use of cells such as AA or AAA size in the elongate bore of the first body portion and replacement of the second body portion with a cap or base that has an electrical connection for communication with the projection 40b. Therefore, manufacturing costs are reduced through the ability to supply the same first body portion for both single use and re-usable medical device handles.

The light source assembly 44 comprises a moulding 46 or carrier for receiving the LED 42. Further provided is a second moulding or carrier 48 wherein the first and second carriers receive the LED therehetween. A pin 50 is in electrical communication with the LED 44 which in a configuration when the handle is not in use is spaced apart from the electrical connector 22 (the connector 22 being in the form of the "Z" spring). This is seen in Figures 2(b) and 2(c) where a separation gap 52 is apparent. The LED 42 comprises a leg 54 that in an assembled configuration is in electrical communication permanently with the conductive element 40 and in particular the coil spring portion of the conductive element 40. As such, as the light source assembly 44 is depressed against the coil spring portion of the conductive element 40 and communication between the pin 50 and the "Z" spring 22 is achieved closing the circuit meaning that the current is transferred to the LED 54.

During assembly of the handle the one or more cells 16 are mounted into the cell receiver 12. The cells 16 are received within the coils of the conductor 36 in the form of the coil spring. They are not, however, secured in the cell receiver 12. The first and second body portions 4, 6 are then assembled through inserting the cell receiver 12 and elongate intermediate portion 10 into the bore 30 and engaging the base 8 with the first body portion. Disassembly is fast and effective and enables quick recycling of the handle. The base is released from the body portion 4 and the second body portion 6 then tipped upside down in order to tip the cells 16 from the cell receiver 12 for onward recycling. The second body portion is then placed into a further receptacle for onward recycling and the first body portion is placed into a further receptacle.

The present invention has been described by way of example only and it will be appreciated to the skilled addressee that modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of protection afforded by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A medical device handle comprising a first body portion having a mounting structure for mounting a medical device thereto, the first body portion having an electrical connector for providing an electrical connection to a power source for transferring power to a light source, the handle comprising a second body portion releaseably securable to the first body portion, wherein the first and second body portions co-operate in a secured configuration to define a chamber therehetween for receipt of one or more cells, the electrical connector being in electrical communication with the chamber in a secured configuration, and where in a released configuration the chamber is open to allow release therefrom of one or more cells.
A medical device handle according to claim 1 comprising a first end and a second end wherein the mounting structure is located adjacent the first end, and wherein the chamber is located closer to the first end than the second end.
3. A medical device handle according to any preceding claim wherein the first body portion is elongate.
A medical device handle according to claim 3 wherein the elongate body portion has an opening therein, and an elongate bore extends from the opening to the electrical connector.
5. A medical device handle according of any of claims 2 to 4 wherein the second body portion is elongate and extends into the elongate bore of the first body portion in the secured configuration, and the chamber is defined between a distal end of the second body portion and the first body portion.
6. A medical device handle according to any of claims 4 to 5 wherein the second body portion at least partially occludes the opening in the secured configuration.
7. A medical device handle according to any preceding claim wherein the second body portion comprises a cell receiver having an opening for receipt therethrough of one or more cells, wherein the receiver opening is aligned with the electrical connector in the secured configuration.
8. A medical device handle according to claim 7 wherein the second body portion comprises a base portion for at least partially occluding the opening, the base portion located at a proximal end, the cell receiver positioned at a distal end, and an elongate intermediate portion, wherein the cell receiver and intermediate portion are positioned within the elongate bore.
9. A medical device handle according to claim 8 wherein the intermediate portion and the base are releaseably engageable.
10. A medical device handle according to any of claims 8 to 9 wherein the base is tapered outwardly in a direction away from the first body position.
11. A medical device handle according to any preceding claim further comprising a biasing means for biasing the one or more cells into electrical communication with the electrical connector in the secured configuration.
12. A medical device handle according to any preceding claim comprising a light source, wherein the light source is positioned intermediate the mounting structure and the electrical connector.
13. A medical device handle according to claim 12 wherein the light source is moveable between a first configuration wherein the light source is not in electrical communication with the electrical connector, and a second configuration wherein the light source is in electrical communication with the electrical connector.
14. A medical device handle according to any of claims 12 to 13 comprising a biasing means for biasing the light source to the first configuration.
15. A medical device handle according to any preceding claim comprising one or more button cells provided in the chamber.