JP5337697B2 - Salivary tube clamping system and instrument - Google Patents

Abstract

Systems and devices for controlling saliva production by a salivary duct. An exemplary system (550) includes a saliva control device (100). A vacuum is applied to a salivary duct to allow attachment of the device (100) over the salivary duct. The vacuum may be applied by means of a hand-held manually actuable pump apparatus such as a syringe-type apparatus that can be operated using a single hand. One embodiment of the saliva control device (100) includes an elastic body (102) comprising at least one elastomer and a constriction hole (104) formed through the elastic body. The stiffness of the elastic body (102) and/or the diameter of the constriction hole (104) are configured to provide a degree of constriction to a salivary duct sufficient to prevent a flow of saliva from the duct without cutting off blood flow to tissue surrounding the salivary duct.

Description

Background of the Invention TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a saliva control device and an integrated handheld vacuum pump that is connected to one or more saliva control devices on the salivary duct and used to mitigate or eliminate saliva flow and production. Relates to the device. The saliva control device and the vacuum pump device connected thereto are particularly useful when a dental therapist or an oral surgeon (hereinafter, a practitioner) performs a treatment in the oral cavity.

2. Related Art When performing various procedures in the oral cavity, the therapist wants and needs to relieve the flow of saliva produced by the salivary duct, or at least change its course. There are four main salivary ducts in the oral cavity. Two parotid salivary ducts are located near each ear in the mouth. Two submandibular salivary ducts are located on the lower floor of the mouth, near the base of the tongue. Most of the saliva produced flows through these main salivary ducts into the patient's mouth. Also, a small amount of saliva flows through other preliminary saliva tubes. Several devices and techniques have been used to prevent saliva from interfering with the work of the therapist in the oral cavity.
Cotton rolls are used to prevent the saliva produced by the main salivary duct from interfering with the work of the therapist in the oral cavity. A cotton roll is placed under the parotid saliva tube and / or over the submandibular saliva tube. When saliva is generated, it flows downward and is absorbed by cotton. The disadvantage of using cotton rolls is that they are quite large and can occupy considerable space and limit the ability of the therapist in the oral cavity. In addition, the cotton roll quickly saturates and is forced to remove and replace the cotton during the procedure. It is often difficult to maintain a cotton roll in place. Finally, cotton rolls can be uncomfortable for the patient.

Rubber dams are also used to isolate certain areas of the mouth from saliva. Rubber dams are difficult to use because they must be assembled and require considerable time. In addition, when using a rubber dam, the patient cannot completely close his or her mouth. This makes it difficult for the therapist to check the patient's occlusion and is generally uncomfortable for the patient.
Dental suction tubes are also used to remove excess saliva produced by the salivary duct. The suction tube is generally inserted periodically to remove excess saliva when saliva accumulates in the patient's mouth. This requires an assistant to periodically insert the suction tube or the therapist must interrupt the work.
Systemic administration (eg, scapolkinin and atropine) is given to control saliva production. This is effective in suppressing saliva production but has side effects such as disorientation, memory loss and prolonged dry mouth. Further, such administration usually requires several minutes after administration until the start of work.

An improved saliva control device has been developed by one of the inventors of the present application that can be easily used by the therapist and has minimal patient discomfort. Such a device is described in US application Ser. No. 11 / 208,897 filed Aug. 22, 2005 and co-pending with the present application. Such saliva control devices are typically mounted on the salivary duct and serve to minimize or prevent saliva production and / or flow. The saliva control device is held in the same place throughout the course of the work of the therapist in the oral cavity and can be easily removed after the work is completed.
When a number of saliva control devices are mounted on the saliva tube, vacuum suction is required to facilitate the mounting of the device on the saliva tube. Thus, it would be an advance in the art to provide a specifically designed handheld vacuum pump device for use in connection with a saliva control instrument on the salivary duct.

  The present invention relates to one or more saliva control devices and a method associated with the device for attaching the saliva control device to a salivary duct that connects to a salivary gland. The attached saliva control device advantageously prevents saliva production and outflow from the salivary duct while the therapist is working in the patient's mouth.

The system of this invention includes means for applying a vacuum to the saliva control device and the saliva tube to facilitate mounting of the saliva control device onto the saliva tube. The saliva control device includes an elastic main body made of at least one elastic body, and a tightening hole formed through the elastic main body for tightening around a saliva tube. The elasticity of the elastic body and / or the diameter of the clamping hole prevents the saliva tube fitted with the instrument from flowing saliva without substantially blocking the blood flow to the tissue surrounding the saliva tube. It is advantageously configured to tighten to a sufficient degree. In this way, saliva flow is blocked without damaging the tissue surrounding the salivary duct.
The system and method of the present invention allows the therapist to place and wear a saliva control device over one or more selected primary salivary ducts located in the patient's mouth. The positioning and installation of the saliva control device is relatively quick and simple, and during the dental surgery or other procedure, saliva generation and salivation can be performed by the therapist in areas where saliva removal would be beneficial in the oral cavity. The flow can be stopped. The system and method of the present invention is based on the current aspiration, soaking and removal methods or absorbent devices used to remove saliva from the mouth, dams or living to isolate saliva in certain areas of the mouth. It is an improvement over drugs that chemically stop saliva production and flow.

The means for applying a vacuum to the saliva tube so that the saliva control device can be mounted on the saliva ring includes a hollow suction tube and a plunger, vacuum pump, or handheld for evacuating the hollow suction tube. Including one of the vacuum guns. The hollow suction tube hollows the raised nodules (nubs) of the tissue surrounding the selected salivary tube so that the therapist can more easily position and install the saliva control device on the salivary tube. It can be used to aspirate inside the end of a suction tube. The hollow suction tube may be inserted through the clamping hole so as to temporarily widen the clamping hole when the saliva control device is located on the tube. The saliva control device is then slid at a position on the saliva tube and removed from the tip of the hollow suction tube. In another method, the saliva control device is held at the tip of the hollow suction tube by a frictional force or vacuum while the raised nodule of tissue is sucked through the clamping hole and into the hollow suction tube. Held by force. In either case, due to the elasticity of the elastic body surrounding the tightening hole, the elastic body closes with a spring force around the salivary tube and prevents the production and flow of saliva from the saliva tube.
The saliva control device can be held in the mounted position for as long as necessary, typically from about 10 minutes to about 3 hours, after which the saliva control device is removed. The elastic body of the saliva control device can consist of a substantially flat disk, and the elastic body can more easily remove the device when desired so that the saliva control device can be easily removed. One or more ear-shaped protrusions, one or more slits, or one or more notches that form an edge that can be more easily grasped by the therapist It may be.

The integrated handheld vacuum pump device can be used in connection with one or more saliva control devices on one or more selected saliva tubes. This vacuum pump device can be operated with one hand of the therapist in order to attach the saliva control instrument, that is, to suck and pull a part of the saliva tube in the opening of the saliva control instrument.
The pump device includes a handle and support that can be grasped, a hollow suction tube supported by the support of the body, a plunger arranged to be slidable into the hollow suction tube, and the And / or means for moving the plunger back in the hollow suction tube in response to pressing with at least one finger. An example of such means can be grasped with a finger, which, when pressed, will cause the plunger to slide backwards in the hollow suction tube so as to evacuate the hollow suction tube. A lever is illustrated. Release the plunger to release the vacuum.

  At least a part of the lever that can be gripped with a finger is arranged away from the handle that can be gripped of the main body. The lever is mounted on a handle that can be gripped so that it can be selectively pressed or otherwise moved relative to the handle. The lever is connected to operate the plunger, and when the lever is pressed, the plunger slides backward in the hollow suction tube, resulting in a vacuum suction force in the hollow suction tube. This vacuum is preferably used so that the device is adsorbed by the vacuum on the saliva tube according to the configuration of the saliva control device connected thereto, or in another aspect, the vacuum is used by the saliva control device. It is preferably used for sucking up the nodule-like portion of the tissue surrounding the salivary duct and effectively blocking the flow of saliva. After the pump device is removed from the saliva control device and removed from the patient's mouth, the vacuum is released (eg, by removing the force on the lever).

  Advantageously, the integrated handheld vacuum pump device does not require connection to an external vacuum source. In other words, there is no cord or tube connecting one end to the end of the device and the other end to the end of the external vacuum source, i.e. not a corded dental suction device. Not having a cord or tube significantly improves the operability of the device compared to devices that require connection to an external vacuum source. This maximizes the ability of the therapist to operate the device so that the saliva control device can be properly and reliably installed at the desired position among many possible locations. The device is self-contained and can create a vacuum by hand, so no external connection is required and the necessary vacuum can be created by the handheld device itself (eg by pressing a lever).

The hollow suction tube can be removed from other parts of the instrument (e.g., the hollow suction tube is disposable) to facilitate patient-to-patient exchange and eliminate or mitigate the possibility of cross-infection between patients. can do). Another advantage of this device is that it can be easily cleaned or disinfected by autoclaving when needed.
The above as well as other benefits, advantages, and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by practice of the invention which follows.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a saliva control device. FIG. 2 shows another saliva control device having a plurality of otic processes. 3A and 3B show yet another embodiment of a saliva control device having slits and cutouts. FIG. 3C shows yet another embodiment of a saliva control device having an outwardly extending flared sidewall. 3D and 3E are top and bottom views, respectively, of another saliva control device. FIG. 3F is a perspective view of the device of FIGS. 3D to 3E with the device opened so that the inside of the saliva control device can be seen. 4A-4D show an exemplary system that includes the saliva control device of FIG. 1 and a syringe having a hollow suction tube and a plunger. FIG. 4E shows another system that includes the saliva control device of FIG. 1 as well as a hollow suction tube connected to a vacuum pump. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of yet another system using a handheld vacuum pump device used in connection with a saliva control instrument on the salivary duct. FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the vacuum pump device of FIG. FIG. 7A is a perspective view of another handheld vacuum pump device used in connection with a saliva control instrument on the salivary duct. FIG. 7B is an exploded view of the vacuum pump device of FIG. 7A. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another vacuum pump device. FIG. 9 shows the mouth of a patient having two submandibular salivary ducts on the lower floor of the mouth. FIG. 10A shows a saliva control instrument being worn by the handheld vacuum pump device of FIG. FIG. 10B shows a saliva control device positioned on the saliva tube to prevent saliva production and flow from the saliva tube to which the device is attached.

In order to know the above-described aspects of the invention and other benefits, advantages and features, a more specific description of the invention outlined above will be made by reference to the different embodiments depicted in the accompanying drawings. .
It should be understood that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be construed as limited to these ranges. The present invention will be described more specifically and in detail through the use of the accompanying drawings.

Detailed Description of the Invention INTRODUCTION The present invention is directed to an integrated (ie, self-contained) handheld vacuum pump facility used in connection with one or more saliva control devices on one or more saliva tubes. Is. The handheld vacuum pump device of the present invention allows the therapist to use one or more saliva to control saliva production and flow in the oral cavity during surgery or other procedures where removal of saliva is advantageous. One or more saliva control devices can be easily installed on the tube. This device can be operated with one hand.

II. Example Saliva Control Device FIG. 1 shows one exemplary saliva control device 100 having an elastic body 102 and an opening that is a clamping hole 104 formed near the center of the elastic body 102. The elastic body 102 has a bottom surface for placement relative to the oral tissue surrounding the salivary duct and is a substantially flat, circular shape having a clamping hole 104 formed through the bottom surface of the body 102. Although shown as a disk-shaped plane, other configurations are possible (eg, oval, rectangular, etc.). The illustrated saliva control device 100 advantageously has a rim 106 that is optionally raised about the outer periphery of the elastic body 102. As shown, the rim 106 has a cross-sectional thickness T (ie, height) that is greater than the cross-sectional thickness of the elastic body 102 near the clamping hole 104. The optional rim 106 can advantageously improve the degree of hardness of the instrument 100, and during the handling and placement of the instrument, the selected nodule of tissue around the salivary canal is routed through the clamping hole 104. Useful when inserting. In addition, the inner surface 107 of the rim 106 advantageously provides a surface for the hollow suction tube of the handheld vacuum pump device to be held by frictional forces (ie, defined on the inner surface 107 of the outer rim 106). Can be rubbed in the inner space.) This occlusion mechanism will be described in more detail below.
The elastic body 102 is advantageously formed from one or more elastic materials (e.g. thermoplastic elastomers). Suitable elastomers include various polyolefins (eg, polypropylene and polyethylene), latex and styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS) copolymers. Any suitable elastic material can be used as long as it is non-toxic when used in the oral cavity and has sufficient stretchability. An elastic material is preferably selected that has a stretchability of at least about 200%, more preferably at least about 400%, and most preferably at least about 800%.

  The diameter of the clamping hole 104 and / or the hardness and extensibility of the elastic body 102 is such that when the tissue is inserted through the clamping hole (i.e., the elastic body closes with a spring force or otherwise) When tightening the nodular portion of the surrounding tissue, the salivary tube should be sufficiently closed to stop the flow of saliva without substantially blocking the blood flow in the nodular portion of the surrounding tissue of the salivary tube It is advantageous to be configured to tighten. The diameter of the clamping hole has been found to be suitable between about 0.1 mm and about 2 mm, more preferably between about 0.5 mm and about 1.75 mm, and most preferably between about 0.8 mm and about 1.5 mm. . The diameter of the clamping hole is selected by the hardness and stretchability of the various physical properties of the material. If the stretch value of the material is low, a relatively large diameter is employed. In other words, if the elastic body is made of a material with low extensibility (ie, high hardness), the diameter of the clamping hole will be relatively large (eg, more than the diameter of the nodule portion of the salivary duct tissue). Slightly small). On the other hand, if the elastic body is made of a highly extensible material (eg, at least about 500%), the diameter of the clamping hole will be relatively small (eg, less than about 0.8 mm).

FIG. 2 shows another saliva control device 200 having a resilient body 202 and a clamping hole 204. The essential difference between the device 100 of FIG. 1 and the device 200 of FIG. 2 is that the device 200 advantageously has an otic protrusion 208. Ear projections 208 advantageously provide a grip surface that can be more easily reached, facilitating instrument removal. In other words, the ear projection 208 provides an edge surface that is more easily grasped. In addition, the instrument 100 of FIG. 1 optionally has a rim 106, but such a rim is not depicted in the portion of the instrument 200 of FIG. 2 (however, it optionally has such a rim. May be).
The depicted saliva control device 200 advantageously has a lifeline (or string) 211 so that the device 200 is not inadvertently dropped or inhaled into the patient's throat. In order to prevent the device 200 from being swallowed, lost to the throat, i.e. inhaled, or other accidents that fall out of the patient's mouth, one end of the lifeline 211 is connected to the device 200 through a recess or protrusion (eg, eyelet 213). And the other end is connected to some suitable anchoring material (eg, a dental instrument outside the patient's mouth). Examples of preferred lifeline materials include normal yarn, dental floss and monofilament. Although depicted in connection with the device 200 of FIG. 2, it will be appreciated that any saliva control device within the scope of the present invention may be configured to advantageously use a lifeline.

Figures 3A and 3B show two additional embodiments. The saliva control device 300 of FIG. 3A has an elastic main body 302 and a tightening hole 304. The instrument 300 of FIG. 3A further includes a slit 310 that extends from the outer edge 305 of the resilient body 302 toward the clamping hole 304. Advantageously, the slit 310 does not extend the entire stroke toward the clamping hole 304 so that the elastic body 302 can clamp the salivary duct to a sufficient extent. Similar to the otic process 208 in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2, the slit 310 also provides a surface for the therapist to more easily grasp, and the device can be easily removed when the therapist has completed the procedure in the patient's mouth. be able to.
FIG. 3B similarly shows another embodiment 300 ′ of a saliva control device that includes an elastic body 302 having a clamping hole 304 formed near the center of the elastic body 302. Instrument 300 'has a notch 310' rather than a simple slit. For example, a state in which a cutout 310 ′ having a shape of a cut pie is removed from the elastic main body 302 is depicted. Such a configuration also provides an edge surface that can be easily grasped by the therapist's hand or through the use of a tool operated by the therapist, and the instrument can be easily removed when needed.
FIG. 3C shows yet another aspect 300 ″ of a saliva control device that includes an elastic body 302 ″ having a clamping hole 304 ″ formed near the center of the elastic body 302 ″. The instrument 300 "advantageously further has a flared sidewall 306" extending outwardly to the upper rim 307 ". The sidewall 306" and the upper rim 307 "are more easily (relatively smaller) for the practitioner. Provides a gripping surface (compared to the elastic body 302 ", which is only too much) and allows the device to be easily removed once the therapist has finished the procedure in the oral cavity.

  Device 300 "has an additional advantage when two devices are placed in close proximity to each other (eg, one device is placed in each of the two submandibular salivary ducts on the lower floor of the mouth). The bottom of the instrument (i.e., the elastic body 302 ") can be relatively small, for example, about 4 mm in diameter or less. The upper rim 307 "can be made larger, for example about 6-8 mm in diameter or more. Such a configuration brings two instruments close together due to the small size of the elastic body bottom part. And the upper rim 307 "can have a larger diameter for easy grasping. The height of the side wall 306 "is advantageously less than about 10 mm, preferably less than about 7 mm. This height is particularly useful when the instrument is placed on the submandibular salivary duct, sublingually. A relatively short side wall (eg, less than about 7 mm) is more comfortable for the patient because the instrument does not substantially interfere with the relaxed placement of the patient's tongue. Side wall 306 "is advantageously flexible. is there. This allows the flexible side walls to flex and yield (e.g. required when placing the instrument on two adjacent submandibular salivary ducts that are typically 1-7 mm apart). As is the case, the bases of the elastic bodies of the two instruments can be arranged adjacent to each other. In some embodiments, the side wall 306 "may be formed from the same elastic material as the elastic body 302".

3D to 3F show an example of the saliva control device 400. 3D and 3E are top and bottom perspective views, respectively, and FIG. 3F is a perspective view of the instrument 400 opened so that the interior of the instrument can be better seen. The instrument 400 has a body 402, a cavity (ie, an opening or hole) 404, a vacuum chamber 406 and an air exhaust path (eg, a one-way valve) 408. Advantageously, a lifeline (or string) 411 may be included to prevent the instrument 400 from being inadvertently dropped or inhaled into the patient's throat. To prevent the device 400 from being swallowed, lost to the throat, i.e., inhaled, or other accidents that leave the patient's mouth, one end of the lifeline 411 passes through the recess or protrusion (e.g., through the eyelet 413) to the device 400. Connected, the other end is connected to a suitable fixture (eg, a dental instrument outside the patient's mouth). Examples of preferred lifeline materials include normal yarn, dental floss and monofilament. Although depicted in FIGS. 3D-3F as being substantially circular, the body 402 and cavity 404 may have other desired shapes.
The cavity 404 is configured to form a seal on the salivary duct. In other words, the instrument 400 is configured to adsorb on a selected saliva tube by a vacuum. A cavity 404 formed in the body 402 forms a seal on the saliva tube, and the vacuum chamber 406 and the air exhaust path 408 assist in forming the seal with the cavity. The air exhaust path 408 is in fluid communication with the vacuum chamber 406, and the vacuum chamber 406 is in fluid communication with the cavity 404. When a vacuum is applied to the air exhaust path 408, the vacuum chamber 406 and the cavity 404 are evacuated, and the vacuum state is maintained. When the instrument is placed on the saliva tube, the chamber 406 and the cavity 404 are depressurized through the passage 408 and the saliva tube is drawn into the cavity 404. In some embodiments, the cavity 404 is small enough so that when the saliva tube is pulled into the cavity 404, the saliva tube is clamped between the walls of the body defining the opening 404. In this way, the device reduces saliva production and / or prevents saliva produced by the saliva duct from flowing beyond the range of the device. In some embodiments, the body 402 surrounding the cavity 404 may be formed from a soft deformable material. In addition to forming a seal, the soft deformable material can provide a high degree of comfort to the patient.

The air exhaust passage 408 is configured to selectively remove air from the vacuum chamber 406 and the cavity 404 and allow the therapist to vacuum-suction the instrument 400 onto the patient's saliva tube. The saliva control device may consist of a single piece (integral piece). As shown in FIG. 3F, the body 402 may consist of two components connected by a flexible hinge 410. In the illustrated embodiment, the air exhaust passage 408 is formed of a one-way slit valve, but other configurations can be employed.
Other embodiments and further details of the device 400 are described in US patent application Ser. No. 11 / 208,897 filed Aug. 22, 2005 and entitled “Vacuum-Sealed Saliva Control Device”. Other embodiments and further details of the instrument 100 shown in FIG. 1 are filed on August 30, 2006, and are assigned US patent application Ser. No. 11/468 entitled “Apparatus and Method for Tightening Salivary Ducts”. 696. A further saliva control device that can be used with the pump device of the present invention is described in International Patent Application Publication No. WO2004069084 entitled “Vacuum Sealed Saliva Control Device”.

III. Exemplary System and Method of Use FIG. 4A shows a system 550 that includes a saliva control device 100 and a syringe 460 having a hollow suction tube 562 and a plunger 564. Syringe 560 may further optionally include an outer tube 567 that can slide on a hollow suction tube. The hollow suction tube 562 and the plunger 564 are an example of means for applying a vacuum to the saliva tube through the tightening hole 104 of the elastic main body 102 to facilitate the arrangement of the saliva control device. In use, the hollow suction tube 562 and the plunger 564 are placed around the salivary tube after the device 100 is positioned so that the nodular portion of the tissue surrounding the salivary tube is inserted through the clamping hole 104 of the elastic body 102. The raised tissue nodules can be used to suck up into the hollow suction tube 562.
In one such kit, instrument 100 may be stored while connected to syringe 560. For example, as shown in FIG. 4B, the tip 563 of the plunger 564 may have a conical shape that ends at one point. The instrument 100 can be mounted on the distal end of the plunger 564 with little or no deformation of the clamping hole 104. This may be advantageous when transporting and storing the kit, as extending the clamping hole will result in the hole becoming permanently large and not suitable for use after storage. In other words, when the fastening hole 104 is attached to the tip of the plunger 564, the hole is less stretched or is not stretched, so that permanent deformation that would otherwise occur can be prevented.

Once the device 100 is placed on the desired saliva tube, the device 100 slides easily from the distal end 563 of the plunger 564 and rises backward, the clamping hole 104 is temporarily extended, and the distal end of the hollow suction tube 562 Can be made large enough to be inserted through the clamping hole 104, so that the tip of the hollow suction tube 562 can be crossed as shown in FIG. 4C. The distal opening 566 of the hollow suction tube 562 is then placed over the selected saliva tube, and the plunger 564 slides backward (ie, rearward) to evacuate the hollow suction tube 562. (See FIG. 4D). The nodular portion of the tissue surrounding the selected salivary duct is drawn into the distal opening 566 and the hollow suction tube 562. The instrument 100 then slides distally over the tip opening 566. At this time, the tissue surrounding the selected salivary tube remains held inside the hollow suction tube 562. Syringe 560 advantageously includes an outer tube 567 slidably disposed on a hollow suction tube 562 for pushing instrument 100 past tip opening 566. Alternatively, tweezers, the therapist's fingers or other dental tools may be used to slide the instrument 100 over the tip opening 566. Once the instrument 100 is slid out of the distal opening 566, the elastic body 102 is closed by spring force due to the elastic force of the elastic body 102 surrounding the clamping hole 104. As a result, the base of the tissue nodule is inserted through the clamping hole 104. The vacuum in the hollow suction tube 562 may then be released (eg, to slide the plunger 564 distally or to release a tissue nodule held in the hollow suction tube 562). Pull out the syringe 560).
The nodular portion of the tissue surrounding the salivary duct is fastened to the elastic main body 102 surrounding the fastening hole 104 (see FIG. 10B). The elastic body 102 clamps around the nodule of the tissue and blocks the flow of saliva from the salivary duct. Advantageously, the degree of tightening is sufficient to prevent saliva production and flow, but not so strong as to substantially block blood flow to the tissue nodule (ie, tissue The nodule maintains redness due to blood flow). The degree of tightening depends on the diameter of the tightening hole 104 and the stretchability of the material forming the elastic body 102.

FIG. 4E is operably connected to the saliva control instrument 100, a hollow suction tube 562 ′, which can consist of a long flexible tube (eg, a surgical tube), and a proximal end of the hollow suction tube 562 ′. Another system 550 ′ is shown that includes a structured vacuum pump 568. Hollow suction tube 562 ′ and vacuum pump 568 are another example of means for applying a vacuum to the saliva tube to allow the saliva tube to be equipped with a saliva control device. In other words, the hollow suction tube 562 ′ and the vacuum pump 568 are hollow so that the nodule-like portion of the tissue surrounding the selected salivary tube is drawn up and inserted through the clamping hole 104 of the elastic body 102. The suction tube 562 ′ can be evacuated.
The instrument 100 has a distal end of the hollow suction tube 562 ′ that has been tightened so that the distal end 563 ′ of the hollow suction tube 562 ′ is temporarily large enough to be inserted through the hole 104. 563 ′. The opening at the tip 563 'is then placed over the selected salivary duct. At this time, the vacuum pump 568 is operating, and the hollow suction tube 562 ′ is evacuated. The nodular portion of the tissue surrounding the salivary duct is drawn into the hollow suction tube 562 ′. The instrument 100 can then be slid in the distal direction and removed from the hollow suction tube 562 ′. At this time, the nodule portion of the tissue is inserted through the compression hole 104. The vacuum pump 568 can be switched off and the hollow suction tube 562 ′ is removed. The nodular portion of the tissue surrounding the salivary duct is clamped to an elastic body 102 that surrounds the clamp hole 104 so as to advantageously prevent saliva flow.
Instead of temporarily extending the clamping hole 104 and inserting the tip 563 ′ through the hole 104, the vacuum state in the hollow suction tube 562 ′ is alternatively placed on the tip 563 ′ of the hollow tube 562 ′. It can be used to hold the instrument 100. The vacuum pump is in operation and the opening at the tip 563 'and the clamping hole 104 are evacuated through the hollow suction tube 562' and the clamping hole 104 and can then be placed on the selected saliva tube. . The nodule of the surrounding tissue of the salivary duct is sucked up into the hollow suction tube 562 ′ through the tightening hole 104. The vacuum pump 568 can be switched off and the hollow suction tube 562 ′ is removed. The nodule of the tissue surrounding the salivary duct is clamped by the elastic body 102 surrounding the clamping hole 104, and the flow of saliva is advantageously prevented.

FIG. 5 shows another alternative system that includes the saliva control device 100, a hollow suction tube 160, and a manually operated vacuum gun 150 operably connected to the rear end 162 of the hollow suction tube 160. The manually operated vacuum gun 150 has a handle 154 and a base 156 that can be gripped, and a lever 158 that can be gripped with a finger. The lever 158 is spaced apart from the handle 154 and is movably mounted on the handle 154 so that a user can grasp it and move the lever 158 relative to the handle 154. The hollow suction tube 160 is supported by the mount 156, and the plunger 166 is slidably disposed in the rear end 162 of the hollow suction tube 160. The rear end of the plunger 166 has a slot 172 for placement through the end of the lever 158. Such a configuration allows the plunger 166 to slide back through the tube 160 when the user pulls on the handle 154 and pulls the lever 158 toward the handle 154 so that the hollow suction tube 160 is hollow. Vacuum inside.
The instrument 100 can be placed on the tube 160 by temporarily stretching the clamping hole 104 on the tube 160 as described above. However, in a preferred embodiment, the tube 160 has an outer diameter that is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the rim 106 (see FIG. 1) of the instrument 100, and the tip 164 of the tube 160 is frictionally applied within the inner diameter surface of the rim 106. It is advantageous to ensure that it is retained. Such a configuration allows the therapist to place and hold the instrument 100 at the distal end 164 of the tube 160 before and during installation of the device 100.

IV. Example of Integrated, Handheld Vacuum Pump Device FIGS. 5 and 6 show an example of an integrated vacuum pump device 150. FIG. 5 is a perspective view and FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the device 150. As shown, the vacuum pump device 150 has a body 152 having a handle 154 that can be gripped and a support or cradle 156. A lever 158 that can be gripped with a finger is spaced apart from and substantially parallel to a handle 154 that can be gripped. The lever 158 is an example of a means for moving the plunger backward in the hollow suction tube in response to the hand and / or pressing with at least one finger by the therapist. The grippable lever 158 is movably mounted on the grippable handle 154 so that the lever 158 that can be gripped with a finger can selectively move relative to the handle 154 that can be gripped. ing. The arrangement of the lever 158 so as to be substantially parallel to the handle 154 facilitates gripping both the handle and the lever with one hand, and facilitates an effective, simple and comfortable operation with one hand. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 154 has a rotating shaft pin 155 (FIG. 6) configured to be received in a hole 157 formed near the end of the lever 158. The rotary shaft pin 155 can be snap-fitted and held in the hole 157. For example, the end of the pin 155 opposite to the base bonded to the handle 154 may have an enlarged ridge 155a and a slit 155b. This allows the pin 155 and the enlarged ridge 155a to bend together. When they are bent together, the effective diameter of the pin 155 decreases and a pin 155 having an enlarged ridge 155a can be inserted through the hole 157. Once fully inserted, the enlarged ridges 155a and slits 155b are restored to their original pre-bend shape by spring force and lock the pin 155 into the hole 157.

The hollow suction tube 160 is supported by a gantry support 156 (eg, having a U-shaped cross-sectional shape for supporting and supporting the tube 160). The hollow suction tube 160 has a rear end 162 and a front end 164. The plunger 166 is slidably disposed inside the hollow suction tube 160. The plunger 166 has a stem 168 and a sealing plug 170 (FIG. 6). The sealing plug 170 and at least a part of the stem 168 are slidably arranged inside the hollow suction tube. The tube 160 is advantageously soft and flexible, while the cradle 156 provides the necessary support and / or stiffness.
The gantry 156 is an example of a support that supports the tube 160. This support may have any configuration as long as it can support the tube 160. The cradle 156 supports the tube 160 by enclosing a portion of its outer periphery over substantially the entire length, but the support may have more or more outer periphery at the desired length of the tube 160 as long as it can support the tube 160. It may be surrounded by a small number and may have any configuration. The tube 160 advantageously protrudes beyond the tip of the cradle 156 (eg, about 1 cm or less) so that when the tube 160 is used to place the saliva control device 100 over the saliva tube, Advantageously, the support can be prevented from interfering with operation and / or placement. Further, forming tube 160 from a transparent material is advantageous because it allows the therapist to more easily see the tube and saliva control device (eg, device 100) when placed on the saliva tube. . In other words, the transparent tube allows the therapist to more easily determine whether the tube and saliva control device are correctly positioned with respect to the salivary duct. For the same reason, in some embodiments it may be advantageous that the saliva control device is also transparent. The hollow suction tube can be formed from a suitable flexible soft deformable thermoplastic material. Examples of suitable materials include various polyolefins such as polypropylene.

Plunger 166 is operably connected to the rear end of lever 158. The connecting means in the illustrated embodiment has the end of the lever 158 inserted into the slot 172. This configuration provides selective movement of the lever 158 (ie, pulling toward the handle 154) that induces a backward slide in the hollow suction tube 160 of the plug 170 to evacuate the tube 160. To do. By releasing the lever 158, the plug 170 moves in the distal direction in the tube 160, and the vacuum is released. The sliding movement of the lever 158 is guided by a second slot 163 that is formed in the body 152 and into which the lever 158 is inserted and has the sensation that the therapist is guided smoothly during use. Such a smoothly guided sensation advantageously allows the therapist to concentrate on the placement and installation of the saliva control device rather than operating the vacuum pump device. In addition to this, the device can be operated with one hand, and it is also advantageous to have another hand free for other applications.
The body 152 of the device 150, the lever 158 that can be gripped with a finger, and the plunger stem 168 can be formed by injection molding of a suitable plastic material. Examples of the material include, but are not limited to, acrylonitrile butadiene sterene and / or polyphenylsulfone. Polyphenylsulfone is particularly preferred because it can maintain structural strength even after multiple autoclave treatments (eg, 100 cycles or more). The handle 154, support (eg, cradle 156), lever 158 and plunger stem 168 can be advantageously formed from materials that can be easily cleaned to minimize the risk of cross-infection between patients. Cleaning can be done by wiping the handle, cradle, plunger stem and lever or other cleaning or autoclaving these parts. Advantageously, the hollow suction tube 160 can be removed and discarded from the rest of the apparatus. Since the tube 160 is the device part that is most likely to come into contact with the patient's bodily fluids, this also works to minimize the risk of cross-infection between patients. Plunger 166 can also be removed from other parts of device 150. If desired, the plunger can be discarded after one use (rather than being washed).

7A-7B illustrate another device 150 ′ that includes a body 152 ′ having a handle 154 ′ and a support 156 ′ that can be grasped. A lever 158 'that can be gripped with a finger is spaced substantially parallel to and away from the tip of the handle 154' that can be gripped. In use, the therapist can pull lever 158 'in the direction of handle 154' (eg, by pressing the hand and / or at least one finger). The configuration in which the lever 158 'is substantially parallel to the handle 154' helps to easily grasp both the handle and the lever with one hand and provides an effective, simple and comfortable one-handed operation. The hollow suction tube 160 ′ is supported by a support 156 ′, and the plunger 166 ′ is slidably disposed in the hollow suction tube 160 ′. In the illustrated embodiment, the tube 160 ′ protrudes far beyond the tip of the support 156 ′. The tube 160 ′ itself can be made of a harder material compared to the tube 160 that is almost completely supported by the gantry support 156.
In the illustrated embodiment, the lever 158 'is connected to the handle 154' by first and second supports 159 'and 161', respectively. Each of the supports 159 ′ and 161 ′ is connected to be rotatable at each end. That is, one end of each support is connected to the lever 158 'so that the shaft can rotate, while the other end of each support is connected to the handle 154' so that the shaft can rotate. The lever 158 'and the handle 154' Are substantially parallel. The support body 159 ′ is connected to one end of the lever 158 ′ so as to be axially rotatable by a pin 157 ′. On the other hand, the other end of the support 159 'is connected to the handle 154' via another pin 165 'so that the shaft can rotate. The pin 157 'passes through a pair of holes 157a' formed near the end of the support 159 ', and the terminal end of the pin 157' is held in a pair of holes 157b 'formed in the lever 158'. Can be done. The pin 165 ′ passes through a pair of holes 165a ′ formed at the other end of the support 159 ′, and the terminal portion of the pin 165 ′ is held in a pair of holes 165b ′ formed in the handle 154 ′. Can be done. The support 161 ′ is connected to the lever 158 ′ and the handle 154 ′ so as to be rotatable in the same manner. The pin 167 ′ passes through a pair of holes 169a ′ formed in the vicinity of the end of the support 161 ′, and the terminal portion of the pin 167 ′ is held in a pair of holes 169b ′ formed in the lever 158 ′. Can be done. The other pin 171 ′ passes through a pair of holes 173a ′ formed at the other end of the support 161 ′, and a terminal portion of the pin 171 ′ is a pair of holes 173b ′ formed in the handle 154 ′. Can be held in. Other configurations of accessory parts will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

When the therapist pulls lever 158 ′ toward handle 154 ′, lever 158 ′ slides back toward handle 154 ′. The sliding movement of the lever 158 ′ guided in the groove 163 ′ formed in the body 152 ′ in addition to the supports 159 ′ and 161 ′ gives a smooth guided sensation during the use of the therapist. Such a smoothly guided sensation advantageously allows the therapist to concentrate on the placement and installation of the saliva control device rather than operating the vacuum pump device.
Plunger 166 'has a stem 168' and a sealing plug 170 '. The rear end of stem 168 'is connected to a coupler 174' connected to lever 158 '(eg, by a pin 177' at the tip of element 174 '). In use, when the therapist grasps the handle 154 ′ and presses the lever 158 ′, the lever 158 ′ is pulled in the direction of the handle 154 ′. The coupler 174 ′ moves rearward and pulls the plunger 166 ′ backward in the hollow suction tube 160 ′ to evacuate the hollow suction tube 160 ′. When the lever 158 'is released, the sealing plug 170' moves backward and the vacuum is released. The coupler 174 ′ is another example of means for operably coupling the plunger 166 ′ to the lever 158 ′.
The tip 164 'of the tube 160' is advantageously connected to the saliva control device to be installed, otherwise it is occluded. For example, the tip 164 'of the hollow suction tube 160' is held by frictional force on a raised rim, hub or protrusion formed on the top of the saliva control device 400, as shown (FIG. 7A). Can be configured as follows. Of course, the tip 164 ′ may be configured to mate with the saliva control device 100 of FIG. 1 or other saliva control devices. Other configurations of the tip 164 'for connection or attachment to the saliva control device will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  In one embodiment, the tube 160 'is slidably disposed on the hollow suction tube 160' and external to push the device 400 away from the tip 164 'once the saliva control device is in the desired position. Tube 185 'is advantageously included. Alternatively, tweezers, the therapist's fingers or other dental instruments may be used to slide and / or remove instrument 400 from tip 164 '. Although depicted in the figure as being coupled to device 150 ', it should be understood that a slidable outer tube (eg, tube 185') can be included in any of the described handheld vacuum pump devices. Let's go. For example, such a slidable outer tube can be included in the device 150 of FIGS. After placing the saliva control device on the salivary duct when needed, the outer tube can be used to push the saliva control device (eg, device 100) over and / or out of the tip 164 ( For example, the outer tube can be used to initially stretch the clamping hole 104 of the device 100 to place the instrument 100 on the tube 160 and push the instrument 100 past the tip 164). Once the instrument 100 slides away from the tip 164, the elastic body 102 closes with a spring force due to the elastic force of the elastic body 102 surrounding the clamping hole 104. As a result, the base of the nodular portion of the tissue surrounding the salivary duct is inserted through the tightening hole 104. The vacuum in the hollow suction tube 160 can then be released.

FIG. 8 shows another alternative handheld vacuum pump device 150 ″ that includes a body 152 ″ having a handle 154 ″ that can be gripped and a support 156 ″. The lever 158 "that can be gripped with a finger is substantially parallel to the handle 154" that can be gripped and spaced rearwardly from the handle 154 ". In use, the therapist moves the lever 158" to the handle 154. ”(Eg, by pressing a hand and / or at least one finger). A hollow suction tube 160 ″ is supported on a support 156 ″ and a plunger 166 ″ is a hollow suction. The tube 160 "is slidably disposed.
Device 150 "is similar to device 150 of Figs. 5-6. The main difference between the two is in the means of connecting plunger 166 to lever 158". Plunger 166 "is operably connected to the rear end of lever 158". In the illustrated embodiment, the plunger 166 "is not smooth and includes a series of recessed locking positions 176" for engaging a fork 172 "disposed at the end of the lever 158". The therapist can advantageously adjust the strength of the generated vacuum by selecting a fixed position that engages the fork 172 "that adjusts the displacement length of the plunger 166" to any fixed position. The degree of adjustment of the intensity of the generated vacuum can be selected by the therapist and results from the application of a very strong vacuum force that is sufficient to adsorb the saliva control device onto the saliva tube and that would be uncomfortable. The vacuum force can minimize any patient discomfort.
When the lever 158 "is selectively moved (ie, pulled in the direction of the handle 154") by the connecting mechanism of the lever 158 "and the plunger 166", the plug 170 "of the plunger 166" is placed in the hollow suction tube 160 ". Is moved rearward, and the inside of the tube 160 ″ is evacuated. This vacuum is released by releasing the lever 158 "so that the plug 170" of the plunger 166 "can move distally within the tube 160".

  FIGS. 9 and 10A-10B illustrate the use of the device 150 of FIG. 5 for mounting a saliva control device on one or more saliva tubes of a patient. Referring to FIG. 9, two submandibular saliva tubes 180a and 180b, usually covered by tongue 182 are visible on the lower floor of patient 175's mouth. The tubes 180a and 180b are surrounded by raised nodular tissues 181a and 181b, respectively. Two parotid salivary tubes 190a and 190b and their associated tissue nodules 191a and 191b are likewise visible inside the patient's cheek. As seen in FIG. 10A, the saliva control device 100 is held on the tip of the hollow suction tube 160 of the suction device 150. And the saliva control instrument 100 is arrange | positioned on the selected salivary duct and the nodule-like part (for example, nodule-like part 181a) of the raised tissue. The hollow suction tube 160 is evacuated, and the nodular portion 181a of the tissue surrounding the saliva tube 180a is pulled up into the hollow suction tube 160. Since the instrument 100 is held by frictional force at the tip of the hollow suction tube 160 as described above, a vacuum is applied through the tightening hole 104, and the tissue nodule portion 181 a is sucked through the tightening hole 104. It is inserted into the tube 160. Once the tissue nodule 181a is inserted through the clamping hole 104, the vacuum on the device 150 is released and the device 150 can be removed.

  Prior to placing the device on the saliva tube, an adhesive, anesthetic and / or lubricant may be applied to the underside of the device 100 (for example, pre-applied in the manufacture of the saliva control device). Or apply just before use). The adhesive will help to keep the device in place, especially for relatively long times (eg, over 90 minutes). Examples of oral pressure-sensitive adhesives that adhere to wet oral tissues include polyvinylpyrrolidone, carboxymethylcellulose, carbopol, or a photocurable pressure-sensitive adhesive (for example, hydrophilic polyurethane, hydrophilic acrylic resin, or hydrophilic polyurethane-acrylic resin). be able to. An anesthetic (eg, benzocaine) or lubricant can be advantageously applied to the underside of the device 100 to reduce any discomfort felt by the patient as a result of applying a control device and tightening around the salivary duct.

  As seen in FIG. 10B, the elastic body 102 surrounding the clamping hole 104 tightens around the nodular portion 181a of the tissue around the saliva tube 180a. The tissue nodule portion 181 a may protrude from the top of the clamping hole 104. The clamping hole 104 has a sufficiently small diameter, and the hardness and extensibility of the material forming the elastic body 102 allows the saliva tube 180a to surround and prevent the production and flow of saliva from the saliva tube 180a. It is like tightening. The diameter of the tightening hole 104 and the hardness and extensibility of the material forming the elastic body 102 are preferably such that the periphery of the saliva tube 180a is tightened so as to prevent the generation and flow of saliva from the saliva tube. . The diameter of the clamping hole 104 and the hardness and extensibility of the material forming the elastic body 102 are not so severe as to substantially impede blood flow through the nodular portion 181a of the tissue surrounding the saliva tube 180a. It is preferable. In other words, the tissue nodule 181a advantageously maintains redness and vitality during the procedure in which the device 100 is positioned so that the patient's tissue is not permanently damaged. ing. Although one saliva control device 100 and saliva tube 180a have been described, it will be understood that any one or more of the four main saliva tubes can be selected for mounting the saliva control device. . Further, it will be appreciated that various other saliva control devices (eg, device 400) may be installed in place of device 100. The tube 160 can be used to wear as many instruments as needed for a single patient and can then be discarded. The plunger may be discarded or cleaned with the device body and lever prior to use with other patients.

  The saliva control device can remain in place for as long as necessary. Typically from about 10 minutes to about 3 hours, more typically from about 20 minutes to about 2.5 hours, and most typically from about 30 minutes to about 2 hours. Thereafter, one or more saliva control devices are removed (eg, by scraping with pliers, dental tools, or even fingernails). The raised rim 106 (FIG. 1) helps grasp the instrument for removal. As described above in conjunction with FIGS. 2, 3A, 3B and 3C, saliva control devices advantageously have alternative means for providing a grippable surface that facilitates removal of the device (eg, a resilient body is One or more otic processes, one or two, that provide an edge or grippable surface that allows the therapist to more easily grasp and easily remove the instrument when needed You may have one or more slits or one or more notches.

It will be understood that the claimed invention encompasses other specific forms without departing from the essential characteristics thereof.
The described embodiments are not to be construed as limiting, but are to be considered as illustrative only. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims (37)

A saliva control device that is mounted on a saliva tube and configured to prevent the flow of saliva without damaging the saliva tube and the soft oral tissue around the saliva tube, the saliva control device comprising:
An elastic body (102) of at least one elastomer, the elastic body having a bottom surface for placement relative to the oral tissue surrounding the salivary duct;
A clamping hole (104) having a diameter formed through the elastic body; and an inner wall in the elastic body defining the clamping hole (104), wherein the inner wall is substantially Smooth and
The elastic body (102) is
Controlling the flow of saliva from the salivary duct (181a) during use of the saliva control device (100);
The tightening hole (104) can expand when placed around the saliva tube (181a), and the inner wall tightens around the saliva tube (181a) to form the saliva tube (181a) and the saliva tube (181a). To prevent saliva flow without substantially blocking blood flow to the salivary duct (181a) and the soft oral tissue surrounding the salivary duct (181a) so as not to damage and weaken the soft oral tissue around Thus, it has elasticity and hardness in cooperation with the diameter of the tightening hole (104). The diameter of the tightening hole (104) is 0 . The saliva control device according to claim 1, wherein the saliva control device is 1 mm to 2 mm. The diameter of the tightening hole (104) is 0 . 5 mm to 1 . The saliva control device according to claim 1, which is 75 mm. The diameter of the tightening hole (104) is 0 . 8 mm to 1 . The saliva control device according to claim 1, which is 5 mm. Wherein the at least one elastomer, and has a 2 100% stretchability also less saliva control device according to claim 1. Wherein the at least one elastomer and has a 4 100% stretchability also less saliva control device according to claim 1. Wherein the at least one elastomer, and has a least be 8 100% extensible, saliva control device according to claim 1. Wherein the at least one elastomer, least also have 5 100% extensible, and the diameter of the fastening hole 0. The saliva control device according to claim 1, wherein the saliva control device is less than 8 mm.   The saliva control device of claim 1, further comprising means on the elastic body (102) for providing a grippable surface for facilitating removal of the saliva control device from the saliva tube (181a). . Means for providing a grippable surface on the elastic body;
A raised rim (106) extending around the outer periphery of the elastic body (102);
One or more otic processes (208);
A slit (310) extending from the outer edge of the elastic body (102) toward the clamping hole but not reaching the clamping hole; or extending from the outer edge of the elastic body (102) toward the clamping hole Notch (310 ') that does not reach the tightening hole
The saliva control device according to claim 9, comprising at least one of the above.   The saliva control device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one elastomer is one or more of a thermoplastic elastomer, polyolefin, latex, or styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene.   The saliva control device of claim 1, wherein the elastic body (102) has a substantially flat disc shape.   The saliva control device of claim 1, wherein the resilient body (102) has a substantially circular, elliptical or rectangular shape. And a vacuum chamber (402) defined in the elastic body,
The vacuum chamber (402) is in fluid communication with the clamping hole (404),
When a vacuum is applied to the vacuum chamber (402), the applied vacuum pulls the saliva tube (181a) through the tightening hole (404) to tighten and seal the saliva tube (181a) in the tightening hole (404). To help,
The saliva control device according to claim 1, comprising: An air exhaust path (408) in fluid communication with the vacuum chamber (402);
A vacuum can be applied to the vacuum chamber (402) through the air exhaust path (408),
The air exhaust passage (408) has a one-way valve for sealing the exhaust passage after a vacuum is applied,
The saliva control device according to claim 14, wherein   The saliva control device according to claim 15, wherein the air exhaust passage (408) is a one-way slit valve. A saliva control device that is mounted on a saliva tube and configured to prevent the flow of saliva without damaging the saliva tube and the soft oral tissue around the saliva tube, the saliva control device comprising:
Comprising at least one elastomer, the body (102) with elasticity of 2 100% stretchability also less body (102) with the elastic is placed against the oral tissue surrounding the salivary duct (181a) Having a bottom surface for;
Formed through the elastic body (102) and having a diameter of 0 . A clamping hole (104) that is in the range of 1 mm to 2 mm; and an inner wall in the elastic body that defines the clamping hole (104), wherein the inner wall is substantially smooth;
The elastic body (102) is
Preventing saliva from flowing from the salivary duct (181a) during use of the saliva control device;
The tightening hole (104) can expand when placed around the saliva tube (181a), and the inner wall tightens around the saliva tube (181a) to form the saliva tube (181a) and the saliva tube (181a). To prevent saliva flow without substantially blocking blood flow to the salivary duct (181a) and the soft oral tissue surrounding the salivary duct (181a) so as not to damage and weaken the soft oral tissue around Thus, it has elasticity and hardness in cooperation with the diameter of the tightening hole (104). Wherein the at least one elastomer, least also have 4 100% extensible, and the diameter of the fastening hole 0. 5 mm to 1 . The saliva control device according to claim 17, which is in a range of 75 mm. A saliva control device that is mounted on a saliva tube and configured to prevent the flow of saliva without damaging the saliva tube and the soft oral tissue around the saliva tube, the saliva control device comprising:
An elastic body (102) of at least one elastomer, the elastic body having a bottom surface for placement relative to the oral tissue surrounding the salivary duct;
A raised rim (106) extending around the outer periphery of the elastic body (102), this rim facilitates removal of the elastic body (102) from the salivary duct (181a) and the elastic body ( 102) and is configured to be retained by frictional forces between the hollow suction tube used to mount the saliva control device around the saliva tube (181a);
A clamping hole (104) having a diameter formed through the resilient body (102); and an inner wall in the resilient body (102) defining the clamping hole (104); However, the inner wall is substantially smooth and the elastic body (102) widens when the clamping hole (104) is placed around the salivary duct (181a) during use of the saliva control device. The inner wall tightens around the salivary duct (181a) and damages it without substantially blocking blood flow to the salivary duct (181a) and the soft oral tissue surrounding the salivary duct (181a) Without elasticity, it has elasticity and hardness to prevent saliva flow. Wherein the at least one elastomer also has the least has two 100% extensible, and the fastening diameter of the hole (104) is zero. The saliva control device according to claim 19, wherein the saliva control device is in a range of 1 mm to 2 mm. A hollow suction tube (562) having a rear end and a tip;
At least one saliva control device (100), wherein the saliva control device is
An elastic body (102) of at least one elastomer, the elastic body having a bottom surface for placement against oral tissue around the salivary duct;
A clamping hole (104) having a diameter formed through the elastic body (102); and an inner wall in the elastic body (102) defining the clamping hole (104); However, the inner wall is substantially smooth,
The elastic body (102) is
Preventing saliva from flowing out of the salivary duct (181a) during use of the saliva control device (100);
The tightening hole (104) can expand when placed around the saliva tube (181a), and the inner wall tightens around the saliva tube (181a) to form the saliva tube (181a) and the saliva tube (181a). To prevent saliva flow without substantially blocking blood flow to the salivary duct (181a) and the soft oral tissue surrounding the salivary duct (181a) so as not to damage and weaken the soft oral tissue around And retracting the salivary tube through the clamping hole (104) formed in the elastic body (102) and tightening the salivary tube (181a) to control and inhibit the production of saliva Saliva used to control saliva production, including means for applying a vacuum to the salivary duct (181a) through a hollow suction tube (562) Control system.   The saliva control system according to claim 21, wherein the means for applying a vacuum comprises a plunger (564) or a vacuum pump (568).   Further, an external tube (567) slidably disposed on the hollow suction tube (562), and the external tube (567) is once inserted into the saliva tube (181a) through the tightening hole (104) of the saliva control device (100). The saliva control system of claim 21, wherein the saliva control device can be used to remove the saliva control device (100) from the tip of the hollow suction tube (562) when retracted. A raised rim (106) formed on the body with dimensions such that the body (102) of the saliva control device (100) further provides retention by frictional force, provided that the retention by frictional force is:
When the saliva control device (100) is releasably attached to the tip of the hollow suction tube (562), and the clamping hole (104) of the saliva control device (100) is disposed on the saliva tube (181a) When the plunger (564) is pulled into the hollow, the hollow suction tube (562) is evacuated and the saliva tube (181a) is pulled through the tightening hole (104) to tighten the saliva tube (181a) to generate saliva. The saliva control device (100) will essentially seal the tip (562) of the hollow suction tube to assist in the control and prevention of
The saliva control system according to claim 21, comprising:   The outer diameter of the hollow suction tube (562) is configured to be held by frictional force inside the inner diameter of the raised rim (106) of the body (102) of the saliva control device (100). The saliva control system according to claim 24. Means for applying the vacuum comprises:
A plunger (166) slidably disposed within the hollow suction tube (160); and a manually operable vacuum pump device (150), wherein the vacuum pump device comprises:
A body (152) having a support (156) configured to receive and support the hollow suction tube (160) and plunger (166); the body further includes a handle portion (154);
A manually operable lever (158) attached to the main body (152); and the saliva tube (181a) is pulled into the tightening hole (104) of the saliva control device (100) to tighten the saliva tube (181a). In order to assist in the control and prevention of saliva production, the plunger (166) is pulled in the hollow suction tube (160) by pressing the lever (158), and the hollow suction tube (160) Means for operably connecting the lever (158) to one end of the plunger (166) to create a vacuum therein;
The saliva control system according to claim 21, comprising:   27. The saliva control system of claim 26, wherein the manually operable lever (158) and the handle portion (154) are substantially parallel.   27. The saliva control system of claim 26, wherein the body (152) and a manually operable lever (158) are formed from autoclavable material.   27. The saliva control system of claim 26, wherein the body (152) and manually operable lever (158) are formed from at least one of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene or polyphenylene sulfone. Means for operably connecting a lever (158) to the plunger (166);
A slot (172) formed in the plunger;
By selectively pressing the lever (158), the plunger (166) is pulled in the hollow suction tube (160) to create a vacuum in the hollow suction tube (160). 158) to receive the end,
The saliva control system according to claim 26, comprising: Means for operably connecting a lever (158 ") to the plunger (166");
A series of recessed fixing positions (176 ") formed on the stem of the fork (172") and the plunger (166 ") disposed at the end of the lever (158"), provided that the lever (158 ") By selectively pushing, the plunger (166 ") is pulled in the hollow suction tube (160") to create a vacuum in the hollow suction tube (160 ");
The fork (172 ") is configured to engage the series of recessed fixed positions (176");
The saliva control system according to claim 26, comprising: Means for operably connecting a lever (158 ') to the plunger (166');
A coupler (174 ′) having one end connected to the lever (158 ′) and the other end connected to the plunger (166 ′),
By selectively pressing the lever (158 ′), the coupler (174 ′) is moved backward, and the plunger (166 ′) is pulled in the hollow suction tube (160 ′), and the hollow Creating a vacuum in the suction tube (160 '),
The saliva control system according to claim 26, comprising:   27. The saliva control system of claim 26, wherein the hollow suction tube (160) is removably attached to the support (156) so that it can be discarded to avoid cross-infection between patients.   27. The saliva control system of claim 26, wherein the plunger (166) is removably attached to the support (156) so that it can be discarded to avoid cross-infection between patients.   The tip of the hollow suction tube (160) protrudes beyond the tip of the support (156) so that the support (156) does not interfere with the operation and placement of the saliva control device (100) during use. The saliva control system according to claim 26. The saliva control device (400) further comprises:
A vacuum chamber (402) defined in the body,
This vacuum chamber is in fluid communication with the clamping hole (404),
When a vacuum is applied to the vacuum chamber (402), the applied vacuum pulls the saliva tube (181a) through the tightening hole (404) to tighten and seal the saliva tube in the tightening hole (404). An air exhaust passage in fluid communication with the vacuum chamber (402);
A vacuum is applied to the vacuum chamber (402) through the air exhaust path,
The air exhaust passage has a one-way valve (408) for sealing the exhaust passage after a vacuum is applied,
The saliva control system according to claim 21, comprising:   The saliva control system according to claim 36, wherein the air exhaust path is a one-way slit valve (408).