WO2022118343A1 - A negative pressure portable sterile enclosure kit for dental procedures - Google Patents

Abstract

A negative pressure portable sterile enclosure kit for dental procedures, said kit comprising: a multi-sided enclosure (22) consisting of: a ventrally located elastic opening (11), for allowing entry of only a patient's head into said enclosure; a laterally located sleeve opening with laterally located hand sleeves (39), starting from an interior surface of said lateral walls and, protruding inwards from said lateral walls, for allowing a doctor's hands to enter said enclosure; a laterally located helmet opening with a helmet (19), with a clear screen, starting from an interior surface of said lateral walls and, protruding inwards from said lateral walls, for allowing a doctor's head to enter said enclosure; a head gear (32) configured to be worn by said patient before entering said enclosure (22), ventrally; and windows (3) configured with air filters, to suck in purified air into said enclosure.

Description

A NEGATIVE PRESSURE PORTABLE STERILE ENCLOSURE KIT FOR DENTAL PROCEDURES

FIELD OF THE INVENTION:

This invention relates to the field of biomedical engineering.

Particularly, this invention relates to a negative pressure portable sterile enclosure for dental procedures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:

In surgical procedures, whether dental or otherwise, a doctor (or a surgeon) needs to be amply prevented from risk of infection caused by fluids of a patient. If a patient suffers from contagious diseases, there is amplified risk of transmission to not only the doctor (or dental surgeon) performing a procedure on the patient but also to assistants, nurses, other staff, and to the environment / clinic in general.

Prior art solutions focus on absorbing aerosols generated during the process partially by using a suction machine kept near the mouth of a patient. Another common solution is negatively pressurizing the entire clinic with air purifying units; this prevents escape of aerosols out of the room. Since the doctor and assistant are in the same space with patient they are still at a relatively higher risk of contracting an infection (from the patient). Also, aerosols can deposit inside the room or clinic which can be a threat to other patients.

It has been observed that there is no single solution for containing an infection and protecting doctors while performing a dental procedure. Specifically, in dental clinics, protective PPE kits used, which are currently used, are inadequate due to type of aerosols generated during the process. Additionally, disposal of PPE kits are a major challenge.

According to prior art document, EP0619108, a device for isolating a patient is taught. This document teaches isolating the patient during treatment. However, a doctor needs to entire to the unit for accessing the patient; thus, there is no way of protecting the doctor from the patient. Therefore, there is a need for an improved system to address these issues.

According to prior art document, US 20160166455, a device for a self-contained sterile surgical environment is taught. This prior art citation is a positive pressurized unit specifically for eye surgeries. One of the major problem areas, here is that, in dental procedures, a patient has to spit during the procedure frequently; this aspect, obviously, leads to exposure of infections. This citation does not address this problem. Additionally, size of instrument tray and light is large and it cannot be incorporated in the design of this citation. Therefore, there is a need for an improved system to address these issues.

According to prior art document, W02016102018, a device for providing sterile limited space for surgery is taught. This citation teaches an inflatable tent type structure which is placed on a surgical site and surgery is conducted. This is same as other prior art designs; it creates an obstruction to vision and there can be infiltration of contaminated air during the placement of structure on the surgical site and this is resolved in the new design. Additionally, this prior art citation results in preventing cross-infection only partially. Since this space is positively pressurized, if a patient is infected, it could lead to spread in infection. Therefore, there is a need for an improved system to address these issues. According to prior art document, US20046685622, a controlled environment device is taught. In the embodiment of this citation, too, surface of the enclosure obstructs a surgeon’s vision and hand movement. Therefore, there is a need for an improved system to address these issues.

Therefore, there is a need to alleviate all these prior art related problems and provide a new and improved solution.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:

An object of the invention is to provide a sterile enclosure in which dental procedures can be executed.

Another object of the invention is to provide a sterile enclosure, for dental procedures, in which cross-infection is controlled.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a sterile enclosure, for dental procedures, in which there is a clear barrier between a patient and a doctor.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a sterile enclosure, for dental procedures, wherein it contains infectious air / fluid / aerosols / debris from patients during dental procedures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

The invention focuses on the creation of a negatively pressurized enclosure with an opening for hands of a doctor and / or assistant(s) to safely access a patient. The invention can be retrofitted to existing dental chairs and it has provision for accessing a head of a patient and instruments. Aerosols generated are contained in the enclosure and an air purifier attached ensures negative pressure which is maintained. Air exiting the enclosure is purified before it is exhausted. Provision of chemical and Ultraviolet-C/Chemical disinfection ensures that the unit can be reused after a procedure with minimum preparation time.

In at least an embodiment, the kit of this invention allows for creation of a physical barrier by isolating a patient and containing all generated aerosols. This facility is provided without hampering body movements required to perform a surgical / dental procedure.

In at least an embodiment, the kit of this invention allows for creation of negative pressure in the enclosure of the patient; this ensures no aerosol is leaked out of the unit. The air purifier used to create negative pressure ensures that the air inside the enclosure is purified before exhausting. Since the enclosure only needs to contain dental chair and patient, volume of air that needs to be handled is less. Since there is a constant flow of air, the patient will not suffocate even without air conditioning; also, air filtration unit can be attached in both air inlet along with air exit for additional safety.

In at least an embodiment, after each patient, the unit is disinfected with chemical / UVC germicidal lamps / chemical disinfection means, this makes it safe to use for the next patient.

According to the invention, there is provided a negative pressure portable sterile enclosure kit for dental procedures, said kit comprising: a multi-sided enclosure consisting of: o a ventrally located elastic opening, for allowing entry of only a patient’s head into said enclosure; o a laterally located sleeve opening with laterally located hand sleeves, starting from an interior surface of said lateral walls and, protruding inwards from said lateral walls, for allowing a doctor’s hands to enter said enclosure; o a laterally located helmet opening with a helmet, with a clear screen, starting from an interior surface of said lateral walls and, protruding inwards from said lateral walls, for allowing a doctor’s head to enter said enclosure; a head gear configured to be worn by said patient before entering said enclosure, ventrally, said head gear consists of a head cover with a top flap type structure and a bottom flap type structure; and windows on one or more sides of said enclosure, said windows configured with air filters, to suck in purified air into said enclosure.

In at least an embodiment, said head gear’s top flap is folded and a removable knot being made at its operative top, said head gear being worn by a patient before their ventral entry into said enclosure, in that, said knot, at said top flap, being released for exposing face of said patient once said patient’s head is inside said enclosure, and opening of said top flap causing sandwiching of said ventral base of said enclosure to be sandwiched between said top flap and said bottom flap.

In at least an embodiment, said head gear’s comprises a neck portion and a head portion, in that, said neck portion comprising elastic bands to reduce infiltration of aerosols in to a patient’s neck region / clothes.

In at least an embodiment, said helmet opening comprises a bend-tube structure opening downwards with a uni-directional valve such that once negative pressure is established, in said enclosure, air from outside gets in to said enclosure through said bend-tube thereby, ensuring ample air circulation in said helmet.

In at least an embodiment, said enclosure comprises spacers to provide enough room for air to pass through.

In at least an embodiment, said helmet comprises at least an air purifier inlet to eliminate any air from said doctor getting in contact with said patient.

In at least an embodiment, said hand sleeves comprises an elastic hand cuff to prevent air infiltration through said sleeves.

In at least an embodiment, front of said helmet is made of a transparent material to give good vision.

In at least an embodiment, said kit comprises a rotary arm, an instrument tray, and a dental operation light inserted in said enclosure by openings at the side of the enclosure.

In at least an embodiment, said enclosure comprises a quick access window provided for taking instruments in and out of said enclosure.

In at least an embodiment, said helmet’ s opening is provisioned by means of crimp and flap type air lock.

In at least an embodiment, said sleeve’s opening is provisioned by means of crimp and flap type air lock. In at least an embodiment, said enclosure comprises a side port entry - box with magnet which opens along with enclosure flap.

In at least an embodiment, said enclosure comprises an additional opening, in said enclosure, for attaching a spittoon.

In at least an embodiment, said enclosure is designed with a flexible impervious fabric to provide maximum access to a doctor and to allow flexibility to said patient to access said spittoon.

In at least an embodiment, said enclosure is coupled with a disposable bag attached to an opening at a base of said enclosure.

In at least an embodiment, said enclosure’s base are transparent so that legs of doctors are unobstructed to view a foot pedal, located outside of said enclosure and underneath said enclosure, without occlusion.

In at least an embodiment, said windows, attached with air purifiers, are placed adjacent to a mouth of said patient to capture maximum aerosols generated.

In at least an embodiment, said air filters, are coupled with negative pressure air purifiers, so as to maintain negative pressure in said enclosure to ensure that inserted air is sterile.

In at least an embodiment, said enclosure is retrofitted over an existing dental chair. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS:

The invention will now be described in relation to accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURES 1 and 2 illustrate various views of the negative pressure portable sterile enclosure for dental procedures;

FIGURE 3 and 4 illustrate gear to be worn by a patient;

FIGURE 5 illustrates a doctor wearing their gear and entering the enclosure; and

FIGURE 6 illustrates a spittoon as a part of the enclosure.

DETAIUED DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS:

According to the invention, there is provided a negative pressure portable sterile enclosure kit for dental procedures.

FIGURES 1 and 2 illustrate various views of the negative pressure portable sterile enclosure for dental procedures.

FIGURE 3 and 4 illustrate gear to be worn by a patient.

FIGURE 5 illustrates a doctor wearing their gear and entering the enclosure.

FIGURE 6 illustrates a spittoon as a part of the enclosure.

In at least an embodiment, the kit of this invention comprises a multi-sided enclosure (22) with a ventrally located elastic opening (11) for a patient, an opening, in the enclosure (22), for attaching a spittoon (42). The enclosure (22) is retrofitted over an existing dental chair. Additionally, a rotary arm, an instrument tray (23), and a dental operation light (41) is inserted in the enclosure (22) by openings at the side of the enclosure. After insertion of instrument tray (23) and light, its corresponding openings are closed to prevent air infiltration. The spittoon (42) is inserted through another opening (10). A quick access window (24) is provided for taking instruments in and out of the enclosure (22), if required, even during the procedure.

In at least an embodiment, the enclosure (22) is designed with a flexible impervious fabric to provide maximum access to a doctor; also this flexibility allows the patient to access the spittoon (42).

In at least an embodiment, the kit of this invention comprises a disposable bag which is attached (7) to an opening at the base of the enclosure (22). During a surgical / dental procedure, waste disposal can be done by using the disposable bag attached (7) to the opening at the base of the enclosure (22). The same bag can be used for disposing gloves after the procedure. The bag can be sealed and removed without any spillage after the procedure.

The base of the enclosure is transparent and the legs of doctors are unobstructed; a foot pedal (29) of chair / dental drill controls can be operated normally.

In at least an embodiment, air will be sucked in to the enclosure (22) through windows (3) attached with air filters so that air getting in gets purified. The position of air purifier inlet is strategically placed adjacent to mouth of the patient to capture maximum aerosols generated. In at least an embodiment, negative pressure is maintained, in the enclosure (22), by use of an air purifier (18) which is connected to the enclosure (22), along with ensuring a negative pressure it also ensures the exhausted air is sterile.

In at least an embodiment, the enclosure (22) comprises hand sleeves, protruding inwards from an interior wall / surface of the enclosure (22) and a special helmet shaped opening (19) with a clear screen (38) for receiving a head of a doctor or an assistant; this provides accessibility to patient(s) and instruments with minimum obstruction to movement.

In at least an embodiment, the kit of this invention comprises a specially designed head gear (32) which is to be used by a patient before entering the enclosure (22). The head gear consists of a head cover with top (34) and bottom (35) flap type structures. The top flap (34) is folded and a removable knot (36) is made at the top (Figure 3); this is worn by a patient and only then the patient enters the enclosure (22). Once the patient’s head is inside, the enclosure knot (36) at the top flap (34) is released exposing face (31) of the patient. Once the top flap is opened, the enclosure base will be sandwiched between top flap (34) and bottom flap (35). This eliminates contact of patient with opening of enclosure base - thereby, eliminating any contamination to the patient in case of consecutive cases. The elastic bands around a patient’s neck (33) reduce infiltration of aerosols in to the patient’s neck region / clothes.

In at least an embodiment, the helmet type (19) structure for doctors / assistants entry consists of a bend-tube (15) like structure opening downwards with a unidirectional valve. Once negative pressure is established, air from outside gets in to the enclosure through the bend-tube (15). This ensures ample air circulation in the headgear (19). Spacers (37) placed inside provide enough room for air to pass through. Filters can be included in the head gear or the bend-tubes can be extended in to the air purifier inlet (18) to eliminate any air from doctor or assistant getting in contact with the patient. Air circulation ensures a pleasant environment for doctors to work; also, this reduces fogging inside. Hand sleeves (39), attached, have an elastic hand cuff to prevent air infiltration through that. The front of the head gear (19) is made of a transparent material (38) to give good vision.

In at least an embodiment, doctor’s entry is provisioned by means of crimp and flap type air lock.

In at least an embodiment, side port entry - box with magnet, opens along with enclosure flap.

Thus,

- only patient's head is inside enclosure, but doctors have hand plus half suit entry;

- same negative pressure device is used for both half suit air circulation and for enclosure;

- patient head gear eliminates risk of patient contact with the enclosure and, therefore, leaking of fluids in the enclosure;

- any type of dental procedure can be done without worrying about crossinfection;

- doctor, assistant, and patient do not have to wear any additional PPE during the procedure; this makes it more comfortable for doctors and they do not have to worry about its disposal; savings in PPE kits leads to ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE of this invention.

Some of the major issues in prior art was not having a proper physical barrier which is reusable, not having accessibility of patient and instruments, patient’s accessibility to spittoon, visual and physical obstruction caused by the enclosure, difficulty in quickly and effectively disinfecting the infected area after each procedure (especially in consecutive cases); all of which is solved by this invention.

The TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENT of this invention lies in the fact that, in this enclosure, materials are not required to be entered or exited. Additionally, since everything is inside the enclosure, there is no obstruction in vision; additionally, the entire operating area, as well as the instruments, is sterile. Moreover, and essentially, there is a physical barrier between patient and the doctor caused by their suits; also, unidirectional valves with bend-tube design in the head gear of the doctor helps in preventing any cross infection between patient and doctor. This leads to INVENTIVE STEP.

Furthermore, the air / fluid / aerosols/debris is either purified or separated before exhausting. This also creates a barrier between patient doctor / other occupants in the room. This leads to INVENTIVE STEP.

Additionally, once a patient’s head is inside, the enclosure knot at the top flap is released exposing face of the patient. Once the top flap is opened, the enclosure base will be sandwiched between top flap and bottom flap. This leads to INVENTIVE STEP. Still additionally, the current invention is enabled to run the unit energy efficiently since a fraction of suction power is required. This is achieved by containing the infectious air in the enclosure and filtering it gradually. This leads to INVENTIVE STEP.

The TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENT of this invention lies in providing and maintaining a cost effective, portable, safe and sterile solution for conducting dental procedures / surgeries. This invention can be deployed at any location and it minimizes the probability of surgical site infections by air bone contaminates. Use of this invention’s surgical enclosure provides a dentist with better accessibility to a patient (in the surgical enclosure) without hindering vision and with minimum obstruction to motion. This invention also provisions for accessing surgical instruments without possibility of them getting contaminated.

While this detailed description has disclosed certain specific embodiments for illustrative purposes, various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art which do not constitute departures from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims, and it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation.

Claims

CLAIMS,

1. A negative pressure portable sterile enclosure kit for dental procedures, said kit comprising:

- a multi-sided enclosure (22) consisting of: o a ventrally located elastic opening (11), for allowing entry of only a patient’s head into said enclosure; o a laterally located sleeve opening with laterally located hand sleeves (39), starting from an interior surface of said lateral walls and, protruding inwards from said lateral walls, for allowing a doctor’s hands to enter said enclosure; o a laterally located helmet opening with a helmet (19), with a clear screen, starting from an interior surface of said lateral walls and, protruding inwards from said lateral walls, for allowing a doctor’s head to enter said enclosure;

- a head gear (32) configured to be worn by said patient before entering said enclosure (22), ventrally, said head gear consists of a head cover with a top (34) flap type structure and a bottom (35) flap type structure; and

- windows (3) on one or more sides of said enclosure, said windows configured with air filters, to suck in purified air into said enclosure.

2. The kit as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said head gear’s (32) top flap (34) being folded and a removable knot (36) being made at its operative top (Figure 3), said head gear (32) being worn by a patient before their ventral entry into said enclosure (22), in that, said knot (36), at said top flap (34), being released for exposing face (31) of said patient once said patient’s head is inside said enclosure, and opening of said top flap (34) causing sandwiching of said ventral base of said enclosure to be sandwiched between said top flap (34) and said bottom flap (35). The kit as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said head gear’s (32) comprising a neck portion (35) and a head portion (34), in that, said neck portion comprising elastic bands to reduce infiltration of aerosols in to a patient’s neck region / clothes. The kit as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said helmet (19) opening comprising a bend- tube (15) structure opening downwards with a uni-directional valve such that once negative pressure is established, in said enclosure (22), air from outside gets in to said enclosure (22) through said bend-tube (15) thereby, ensuring ample air circulation in said helmet (19). The kit as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said enclosure comprising spacers (37) to provide enough room for air to pass through. The kit as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said helmet (19) comprising at least an air purifier inlet (18) to eliminate any air from said doctor getting in contact with said patient. The kit as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said hand sleeves (39) comprising an elastic hand cuff to prevent air infiltration through said sleeves. The kit as claimed in claim 1 wherein, front of said helmet (19) being made of a transparent material (38) to give good vision. The kit as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said kit comprising a rotary arm, an instrument tray (23), and a dental operation light (41) inserted in said enclosure (22) by openings at the side of the enclosure. The kit as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said enclosure comprising a quick access window (24) provided for taking instruments in and out of said enclosure (22). The kit as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said helmet’s opening being provisioned by means of crimp and flap type air lock. The kit as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said sleeve’s opening being provisioned by means of crimp and flap type air lock. The kit as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said enclosure comprising a side port entry - box with magnet which opens along with enclosure flap. The kit as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said enclosure comprising an additional opening (10), in said enclosure (22), for attaching a spittoon (42). The kit as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said enclosure (22) being designed with a flexible impervious fabric to provide maximum access to a doctor and to allow flexibility to said patient to access said spittoon (42). The kit as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said enclosure (22) being coupled with a disposable bag attached (7) to an opening at a base of said enclosure (22). The kit as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said enclosure’s (22) base being transparent so that legs of doctors are unobstructed to view a foot pedal (29), located outside of said enclosure and underneath said enclosure, without occlusion.

16 The kit as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said windows (18), attached with air purifiers (18), being placed adjacent to a mouth of said patient to capture maximum aerosols generated. The kit as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said air filters, being coupled with negative pressure air purifiers, so as to maintain negative pressure in said enclosure to ensure that inserted air is sterile. The kit as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said enclosure (22) being retrofitted over an existing dental chair.

17