EP1485299A2

EP1485299A2 - Sanitary support device for a medical instrument

Info

Publication number: EP1485299A2
Application number: EP03711191A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Nicholas Sotiropolous; Cesare Crognale; Melville Q. Wyche, Iii
Original assignee: TNC Devices Inc
Current assignee: TNC Devices Inc
Priority date: 2002-02-20
Filing date: 2003-02-20
Publication date: 2004-12-15
Also published as: CA2476303A1; WO2003065883A3; US20050230280A1; EP1485299A4; WO2003065883A9; AU2003215366A1; WO2003065883B1; AU2003215366A8; WO2003065883A2

Abstract

A sanitary support device (10) for holding medical instruments during a medical procedure. The device includes a receptacle (12) having a closed end (13) relatively isolated from the environment and an open end (15) adapted for passage of at least a portion of a medical instrument into its closed end, and a mounting member 30) or other support for mounting the receptacle adjacent the patient, e.g. to an item commonly found in hospital rooms, etc. The receptacle may be of a single- or multi-piece design. In a multi-piece design, a lower portion of the receptacle is fixed to the mounting member, and the upper portion of the receptacle is removably supportable thereon. The receptacle may include a notch (20) having sidewalls spaced for pinching the instrument's tube to disrupt a vacuum flow. A removable liner (40) may be held by the receptacle or a portion thereof to prevent cross-contamination among patients.

Description

SANITARY SUPPORT DEVICE FOR A MEDICAL INSTRUMENT

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to medical devices and particularly to a receptacle for supporting a medical instrument, such as a vacuum-operated aspirator tube.

BACKGROUND Medical procedures are typically performed while a patient is resting on a bed, gurney, or operating table, etc. (collectively "bed"). Such medical procedures often involve the intermittent use of medical instruments. Before the present invention, an adequate place of rest for medical instruments was unavailable, particularly in hospital and nursing home rooms, which generally are not fully equipped for performance of medical procedures.

Applicants have thus identified a need for a supportive receptacle, and preferably a readily-accessible, sanitary receptacle, for medical instruments while such instruments are not in use during the course of a medical procedure. This need is particularly acute when the instrument is of a type intended to be inserted into a patient's body because such instruments should be stored in a sterile environment to avoid contamination of such instruments.

An aspirator tube is an example of a vacuum-operated instrument including portions that are preferably stored in a sterile, or at least relatively clean, environment. The aspirator tube often includes an interchangeable Yankauer tip that is changed for each patient so that the same aspirator tube may be repeatedly used without a fear of cross-contamination among patients. The Yankauer tip is typically inserted into a patient's body for removing fluids from a body cavity, such as mucus from the mouth and throat. Bodily fluids are drawn through the tip and along the aspirator tube for collection and disposal. The aspirator tube is vacuum-operated in that it is connected to a vacuum source, such a vacuum pump. Applicants have come to appreciate that such vacuum-operated instruments are noisy, which is particularly undesirable for the extended periods of time that such instruments are not in use during a medical procedure. Additionally, such instruments may draw dust, lint, etc. during such periods that can foul the vacuum system.

Applicants have thus also identified a need for a receptacle that allows for at least partial disruption of the vacuum flow to reduce or eliminate unwanted noise and prevent fouling of the vacuum system.

The present invention fulfills these needs, among others.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a sanitary support device for containing and isolating medical instruments in a substantially sanitary environment during the course of a medical procedure performed on a patient. In preferred embodiments, the device comprises a receptacle having a closed end relatively isolated from the environment and an open end adapted for passage of at least a portion of a medical instrument into its closed end, and a mounting member for securing the receptacle in a position adjacent the patient. The sanitary support device provides a sanitary, readily accessible location to retain the medical instruments during periods of non-use of a medical procedure. In certain embodiments, the sanitary support device includes a receptacle having a notch over which a tube, hose, cord, cable, etc. (collectively "tube") of the medical instrument may be draped for support. The notch limits lateral movement of the medical instrument. The notch may be provided with spaced sidewalls for forming a friction fit with the tube to limit longitudinal movement of the medical instrument. In a certain embodiment, the sidewalls are spaced for pinching the tube to at least partially disrupt a vacuum flow therethrough to reduce or eliminate unwanted noise, intake of dust, etc.

Optionally, but preferably, a removable liner (e.g. sheet or bag) is held by the receptacle (or a portion thereof) to prevent contact of the medical instrument with the receptacle (or a portion thereof), etc. and any resulting cross-contamination between the receptacle and the medical instrument. The liner (or receptacle portion including the liner) may be removed and replaced to prevent cross-contamination among patients. In a preferred multi-piece receptacle embodiment, the receptacle includes an upper portion releasably matable with a lower portion. The upper portion includes the liner and the lower portion includes a mounting member, such as a clamp, tongue or hook configured for attaching the sanitary support device to a pole, bed, cart, or other item commonly found in hospital rooms, nursing home rooms, operating rooms, etc. where it may be desirable to use the sanitary support device. A clamp of the mounting member may be joined directly to the receptacle or be supported on an arm joined to the receptacle to space the clamp from the receptacle. The arm may be extendible.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the following drawings in which: Figures 1-5 are perspective views of an exemplary sanitary support device in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, shown with various mounting members;

Figures 6 and 7 are perspective views of an exemplary sanitary support device in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of an exemplary sanitary support device in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of an exemplary sanitary support device in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 is a perspective view of an exemplary alternative embodiment of the liner of Figure 9;

Figure 11 is a perspective view of an exemplary sanitary support device in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 12 is a perspective view of an exemplary sanitary support device in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 13 and 15 are top views of the male portion of the sanitary support device of Figure 12;

Figure 13A is a partial cross-sectional view of the male receptacle portion of Figure 13; Figure 14 is a top view of a retaining ring for insertion into the male portion of

Figure 12;

Figure 16 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a liner including a retaining ring for use with the male portion of Figure 12; Figures 17-19 are perspective or plan views of alternative exemplary mounting members including a female support member receptacle portion for supporting a male receptacle portion similar to that shown in Figures 6, 7, 9, 10, 11 or 12;

Figure 20 is a side view showing the mounting member of Figure 18 attached to a bed;

Figure 21 is a perspective view showing the mounting member of Figure 19 attached to a pole;

Figure 22 is a perspective view showing the mounting member of Figure 17 supported between a bed and a mattress; Figures 23-25A are front, top and side views of the sanitary support device of

Figures 6 and 7 shown attached to a bed;

Figures 26-28A are perspective and end views of the clamp-type mounting member of Figure 3, shown attached to a bed; and

Figure 29 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method for using a sanitary support device in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figures 1 , 2, 3, 4 and 5 are perspective views of an exemplary sanitary support device 10 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figures 1 -5 the sanitary support device 10 includes a tubular receptacle 12 of a one- piece design. In Figures 1-5, the sanitary support device 10 includes a receptacle 12 that is substantially circular in transverse cross-section and therefore forms an open- ended cylinder. Other tubular configurations, such as those having rectangular, oval, irregular, or only partially closed tubes in transverse cross-section, are also suitable. The receptacle has a first end 13 relatively isolated from the environment, e.g. an open or closed end, and an open end 15 adapted for passage of at least a portion of a medical instrument.

Figures 6 and 7 are perspective views of an exemplary sanitary support device 10 in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention which is illustrative of a receptacle 12 of a multi-piece design. More specifically, the receptacle 12 includes a male portion 12a and a female portion (support member) 12b configured to mate with the male portion 12a. In the exemplary embodiment of Figures 6 and 7, the male portion 12a has a necked-down portion 12c for fitting in an internal region 16b of the female portion 12b. The male and female portions 12a, 12b are provided with complementary ribs and grooves 14 to positively couple the male and female portions 12a, 12b. Additionally, the ribs and grooves 14 retain a liner 40 when the male and female portions 12a, 12b are mated, as can be seen from Figure 7. When the liner 40 is positioned as shown in Figure 7, the liner is capable of preventing contamination of the female portion 12b by the medical instrument, making the female portion (support member) 12b suitable and ready for repeated use. The exemplary sanitary support device 10 of Figures 6 and 7 also has a closed loop configuration in transverse cross- section, similar to those of Figures 1-5.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of an exemplary sanitary support device 10 in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. The exemplary sanitary support device 10 of Figure 8 is of a one-piece design, and is of an open configuration. In Figure 8, the receptacle 12 is substantially planar and acts as a support member. Figure 9 is a perspective view of an exemplary sanitary support device 10 in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 9, the receptacle 12 is of a multi-piece design, the receptacle 12 including a rigid body male portion 12a and a female portion (support member) 12b configured to mate with the male portion 12a. Conceptually, the male portion 12a is configured to act as a liner for preventing contamination of the mating female portion 12b.

In the example of Figure 9, the male portion 12a has an elongated necked-down portion 12c for fitting in an internal region of the female portion 12b. In this manner, the male portion 12a acts as a liner for receiving a medical instrument and the female portion 12b supports the liner/male portion 12a. Accordingly, the female portion 12b may be permanently or semi-permanently attached to a bed (see Figures 17, 18, 20, 22 and 23-28A), IV or other pole (see Figures 19, 21 ), etc., e.g. by a mounting member 30 (not shown in Figure 9), and the male portion 12a may be supported by the female portion 12b, such that it may be removed and replaced between treatment of consecutive patients. For a next patient, the same female portion 12b may be used, and a new (sterile or clean) male portion 12a may be used. The male portion 12a may be cleaned and reused, or be discarded and replaced. Accordingly, the male portion 12a acts as a liner 40 for female portion 12b and a clean receptacle 10 is provided for each patient so that cross-contamination between patients is avoided.

It is preferable that the male portion 12b be closed at its bottom end 42 to support the medical instrument and prevent contamination thereof. For example, the male portion 12a may be formed as a cup. Alternatively, the male portion 12a may have a flexible liner bag 40 attached thereto, e.g. around the inside or outside of necked-down portion 12c, as shown in the alternative embodiment of Figure 10. For example, the liner bag 40 may be integrally formed with the male portion 12a, or the liner 40 may be adhered, fused, bonded, joined or mechanically fastened to the male portion 12a. An exemplary arrangement of mechanically fastening the liner 40 to the male portion 12a is discussed below with reference to Figures 12-16. If the liner 40 is positioned to prevent contamination of the male portion 12a (see Figure 2), then the liner 40 may be cleaned or replaced after each patient and the male and female portions 12a, 12b may be reused. However, it is preferred that the male portion 12a and liner 40 are formed as a unit to encourage disposal and replacement thereof as a unit after each patient, and that only the female portion 12b is reused, contamination of the female portion 12b being prevented by the male portion/liner.

Figure 11 is a perspective view of an exemplary sanitary support device 10 in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 11 , the receptacle 12 is of a multi-piece design, including a male portion 12a and a female portion 12b configured to mate with the male portion 12a, as described above with reference to Figures 9 and 10. In this embodiment, the male and female portions 12a, 12b have a complementary configuration for positively interlocking, preferably in a manner permitting relative rotation. In the example of Figure 11 , the female portion 12b defines an internal track in the nature of a groove 50, and the male portion 12a includes a cantilevered tang 52 having a projection 54 for mating with and riding in the groove 50. This allows for rotation of the male portion 12a relative to the female portion 12b and forms an insertion detent mechanism that helps to ensure positive interlocking of the male and female portions 12a, 12b. The tang 52 is provided with a button 56 accessible when the male and female portions 12a, 12b are mated. The button 56 may be depressed to cause deflection of the tang 52 and corresponding disengagement of the projection 54 from the groove 50. Accordingly, when the button 56 is depressed, the male portion 12a may be easily removed from the female portion 12b. In the example of Figure 11 , the liner 40 is of a flexible bag-type and is joined to or integral with the male portion 12a, as described above with reference to Figure 10. Accordingly, the male portion 12a and liner 40 may be removed and replaced as a unit. Alternatively, the female portion 12b may omit the groove 50 but have a reduced height ( such that the projection 54 latches beneath the lower edge of the female portion 12b, as in Figure 17, rather than in a groove 50.

Optionally, a multi-piece design may include a rotational detent mechanism to positively retain the male and female portions 12a, 12b in predetermined rotational positions relative to one another. For example, an external circumferential groove may be provided on the outer surface of the male portion 12a, and the inner surface of the female portion 12b may be provided with a projection (not shown) for riding in the groove and positively, but releasably, seating in depressions spaced at predetermined positions along the groove. Accordingly, when the male and female portions 12a, 12b are rotated relative to one another, they tend to releasably lock in position at predetermined positions at which the projection and a depression are aligned. Any suitable detent mechanisms may be used, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Figure 12 is a perspective view of an exemplary sanitary support device 10 with a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment shown in Figure 12 is similar to that shown in Figure 11. In particular, the support member 12 is of a multi- piece design, including a male portion 12a and a female portion 12b configured to mate with the male portion 12a, as described above. The male and female portions 12a, 12b have a complementary configuration for positively interlocking, preferably in a manner permitting relative rotation. Like the embodiment of Figure 11 , the female portion 12b defines an internal track in the nature of a groove 50, and the male portion 12a includes a cantilevered tang 52 having a projection 54 for mating with and riding in the groove 50. The entire tang 52 including the button 56 being capable of resiliently inwardly flexing to permit a projection 54 to engage and disengage the groove 50. However, in this embodiment, the projection 54 is substantially wedge shaped, e.g. in the form of a barb.

In Figures 13-16, an exemplary configuration of the male portion 12a and liner 40 is shown for mechanically fastening the liner 40 to the male portion 12. As shown in Figures 13 and 13A, the male portion 12a has an outer sidewall 11 , an inner sidewall 17 and a bottom wall 13. A groove 15 is formed in the bottom wall 13 of the male portion 12a between the outer and inner sidewalls 11 , 17, e.g. by machining or integral molding. A retaining ring 19 as shown in Figure 14 is provided that is dimensioned to be received in the groove 15 and form a friction fit therewith when a liner 40 is positioned between the retaining ring 19 and groove 15. For example, an open end of a flexible liner 40 of a bag-type may be threaded through the retaining ring 19 and have its end (adjacent the open end) folded over the retaining ring 19 before the retaining ring 19 is inserted into the groove 15. The friction fit of the male portion 12a, liner 40 and retaining ring 19 mechanically joins the liner 40 to the male portion 12a. Alternatively, the retaining ring 19 may be bonded to, fused to, adhered to, or integrally formed with the liner 40 as shown in Figure 16. In such a case, the retaining ring 19 may be simply inserted into the groove 15 to mechanically join the liner 40 to the male portion 12a.

In the embodiments shown in Figures 1-8 and 12, the receptacle 12 defines a notch 20 for supporting a tube of a medical instrument. The configuration of the notch 20, the weight of the medical instrument, and/or gravity cooperate to limit movement of the medical instrument, particularly in a lateral direction relative to the notch. The notch may also limit longitudinal movement of the medical instrument due to friction between the tube of the medical instrument and the receptacle 12. The notch 20 may have any suitable configuration. For example, the notch 20 may be substantially chevron-shaped as shown in Figure 8. Optionally, the notch 20 includes sidewalls 22, 24 as shown in Figures 1-7 and 12 spaced for holding a tube of the medical instrument in a friction fit, e.g. by pinching the tube, and thereby preventing longitudinal movement of the medical instrument relative to the receptacle. For vacuum-operated medical instruments, the sidewalls 22, 24 may be spaced for pinching a flexible vacuum hose. The pinching may slow or stop a vacuum flow and thereby reduce suction noise and prevent fouling of the vacuum system by suction of dust, lint, etc. while the medical instrument is not in use. Optionally, the notch 20 includes re- entrant sidewalls 26, 28 sloping inwardly towards the spaced sidewalls 22, 24 to aid in guiding a tube between the spaced sidewalls 22, 24, as best shown in Figures 1 , 2 and 12.

The sanitary support device 10 may be sufficiently large to be freestanding at a height easily accessible to a health care provider during a medical procedure. However, it is preferable that the receptacle is relatively small, e.g. less than 18 inches in overall length, but is configured with a mounting member that may be used to attach the sanitary support device 10 to an item commonly found in a hospital room, nursing home room, doctor's office, operating room, etc. at a height that is easily accessible to a health care provider during a medical procedure. For example, such items include a bed, gurney, table, IV pole, bed pole, anesthesia cart, anesthesia machine, etc. The mounting member may have any suitable configuration. By way of example, the mounting member 30 may include a hook, tongue or clamp.

Figure 1 shows a hook-type mounting member 30. For example, such a mounting member may be used to hang the support member 12 from a siderail or other bed or gurney structure, a cart, etc. The hook-type mounting member may be constructed of any suitable material and joined, mounted, or attached to the support member 12 in any suitable manner, e.g. by machining, welding, mechanical fasteners, or injection molding.

Alternatively, Figures 2 and 17 show a tongue-type mounting member 30. The tongue-type mounting member 30 may be constructed of any suitable material and joined, mounted, or attached to the receptacle 12 (or support member 12b) in any suitable manner, e.g. by machining, welding, mechanical fasteners, or injection molding. For example, the tongue-type mounting member 30 may be constructed of bent tubing (see Figure 2) or a substantially flat plate (see Figure 17) to extend from the sanitary support device approximately 10 - 24 inches in length so that the tongue-type mounting member 30 may be positioned under the mattress of a bed, patient, etc. to be held in place by the weight of the mattress and/or patient, etc., as shown in Figure 22.

Figures 3, 4, 5, 18, 19 and 23-28A show alternative clamp-type mounting members 30. The clamp-type mounting member 30 may be constructed of any suitable material and joined, mounted, or attached to the receptacle 12 in any suitable manner. Optionally, as shown in Figures 3 and 18, the clamp may be mounted on an arm 32 extending from the receptacle. Preferably, the arm 32 is elongated, e.g. between 4 and 24 inches in length to allow the receptacle to be positioned near an end of the bed, etc., and the clamp to be attached to the bed, etc. at a distance from the end of the bed. This provides space along the bed, e.g. along a siderail of the bed, for attachment of other devices, while allowing the receptacle to be positioned near an end of the bed for easy access by an anesthesiologist or other health care provider, as shown in Figures 20 and 23-28A.

Optionally, the arm 32 is configured to selectively extend or retract, i.e. telescope. For example, such an embodiment is shown in Figures 6 and 18. Telescoping structures are well known in the art and any suitable telescoping configuration may be used. For example, a telescoping structure may include multiple extendible nesting portions, or overlapping arms 32a, 32b held together by bolts 33 fastened to one arm 32a and riding in a slot 35 of the other arm 32b such that the bolts 33 may be tightened to fix the arm in an extended position, as shown in Figure 18.

Figures 4, 5 and 19 show various clamp-type mounting members 30 including a thumbscrew 34 for securely attaching the clamp to an IV pole or bed pole, at a desired height or position, as is well-known in the art. Various clamp configurations are known in the art and any suitable clamp configuration may be used. The sanitary support device 10 may be constructed of any suitable material(s) capable of supporting a medical instrument. For example, stainless steel, aluminum alloys and PVC, General Electric Co. Corp.'s Lexan® and E.I. DuPont de Nemours and Co. Corp.'s Delrin® plastics have been found to be suitable materials. In closed loop configurations, e.g. as shown in Figures 1-7 and 9-12, the receptacle 12 defines an internal region 16 dimensioned for receiving the desired medical instruments. For example, an inner diameter D (for a cylindrical receptacle) of 2 to 5 inches has been found suitable for many medical instruments. A sanitary support device having a height H of approximately 4 to 10 inches has been found suitable for many medical instruments, for receptacles of single and multi-piece designs, and for open and closed loop configurations.

As discussed above, a removable liner is provided for optional use for covering at least a portion of the receptacle to prevent cross-contamination between the medical instrument and receptacle, etc. The liner may be made of any suitable material, such as those well-known for use in medical applications. Preferably, the liner is constructed of a relatively low-cost material, e.g. similar to a conventional plastic grocery bag, that they may be used disposably and economically. Preferably, the liner is constructed of a material that will not be drawn into a vacuum-operated medical instrument.

The liner may have any suitable configuration. For example, the liner 40 may be a sheet that is draped over the receptacle, as shown in Figure 8. Alternatively, the liner 40 may be a bag that is held in an interior region 16 of the sanitary support device 10 and/or a receptacle 12, as shown in Figures 2, 7, 11 and 12, or a rigid, closed-end cuplike member, as shown in Figure 9.

When used with a sanitary support device 10 having a receptacle 12 of a one- piece design (Figures 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5 and 8), the liner 40 may include an elastic band 42 to retain the liner 40 on the sanitary support device 10 as best shown in Figure 2.

Alternatively, a tie, rubber band, etc. may be used to hold the bag in place (not shown). As a further alternative, a portion of the bag may be looped over a hook-type mounting device (see Figure 1 ).

When used with a sanitary support device 10 having a receptacle 12 of a multi- piece design, the liner 40 may be placed between the male and female portions 12a, 12b before the portions are mated, the interlocking action of the top and bottom portions holding the liner 40 in place, as shown in Figures 6 and 7. Alternatively, the liner 40 may be in the form of a rigid cup (see Figure 9) or flexible bag (see Figures 10, 11 and 12) and be joined to or joinable with one of the portions, e.g. the male portion 12a, as shown in Figures 9-15.

The liner 40 may be cleaned and reused or removed and replaced with a new liner to prevent contamination between patients. Optionally, a sterile liner may be used to preserve cleanliness of the medical instrument. The liner is particularly useful to prevent contamination of the receptacle or its components and prevent contamination of the medical instrument from the air, etc. When the liner and a portion of the receptacle are joined, removal and replacement of the liner and the associated receptacle as a unit is encouraged, which helps to prevent cross-contamination between the sanitary support device and the medical instrument, and between patients. However, it is noted that sterility and/or cleanliness may be maintained by omitting use of a liner and cleaning the receptacle before or after each use.

A sanitary support device 10 according to the present invention may be used for containing and isolating medical instruments in a substantially sanitary environment during the course of a medical procedure performed on a patient. Figure 29 is a flow diagram 80 illustrating an exemplary method for using a sanitary support device. Referring now to Figure 29, a sanitary support device including a receptacle is provided, as shown at step 82. Next, the receptacle is supported in a position for use during a medical procedure by securing a mounting member of the sanitary support device to a bed, pole etc. For example, this may involve supporting the mounting member by positioning a tongue of the mounting member beneath a mattress of a bed, when the mounting member includes a tongue. Alternatively, when the mounting member includes a clamp having a thumbscrew, this step may involve supporting the mounting member by advancing the thumbscrew against a pole or portion of a bed positioned within the clamp.

The sanitary support device 10 is then prepared for use in a medical procedure by applying a liner 40, e.g. by inserting a bag-type liner 40 through the receptacle 12 as shown in Figure 2, by draping a sheet-type liner 40 over the receptacle 12 as shown in Figure 8, by positioning a bag-type liner 40 between the male and female portions 12a, 12b of a two-piece receptacle and mating the portions 12a, 12b (see Figure 7), or by mating a male portion 12a including a liner 40 with the female portion 12b (see Figures 9-12). The liner 40 provides a clean surface to prevent contamination of the medical instrument. The receptacle is then ready for use and a first portion of a medical procedure involving use of a selected medical instrument, such as an aspirator tube with a Yankauer tip.

After performance of the first portion of a medical procedure, as shown at step 86, there is a period during which the medical instrument is not required, and it is desired to maintain the medical instrument in a sanitary and/or clean environment. Accordingly, at this point, at least a portion of the medical instrument is passed into the open end of the receptacle, as shown at step 88. For example, a Yankauer tip of an aspirator tube may be inserted into an interior region 16 of the receptacle 12/12b (in the embodiments shown in Figures 1-7 and 9-12) or draped over the receptacle 12/12a (in the embodiment shown in Figure 8).

A tube of the medical instrument may be positioned in the notch 20, if provided, of the receptacle 12 to limit movement of the medical instrument relative to the sanitary support device 10. If desired, the medical instrument's tube may be guided along any re-entrant sidewalls 26, 28 and positioned in a space between the sidewalls 22, 24 (see Figures 1-5, 8 and 12) until the tube is secured by a friction fit with the sidewalls 22, 24 to limit lateral and longitudinal movement of the tube. If the medical instrument includes a vacuum tube, the sidewalls disrupt a vacuum flow through the tube to eliminate or reduce any associated suction noise and prevent suction of dust, lint, etc. that might foul the vacuum system, as shown at step 90.

When it is time to perform a second portion of the medical procedure that requires use of the medical instrument, the medical instrument is removed from the open end of the receptacle, and used to perform the second portion of the medical procedure, as shown at steps 92 and 94. The medical instrument may be removed from the sanitary support device, used and replaced in the sanitary support device as necessary during the medical procedure. In the case of a multi-piece design, the male portion 12a may be rotated relative to the female portion 12b to allow for easy positioning of the notch 20 at a location convenient for a health care provider. It should be noted that when a vacuum-based medical instrument is removed from the receptacle, i.e. when the medical instrument's tube is removed from between the sidewalls 22, 24, the vacuum flow resumes and the medical instrument is ready for use. In this manner, the medical instrument is retained in a substantially sanitary environment while in the receptacle at periods between the first and second portions of the medical procedure. When the medical procedure is complete, the medical instrument (or a portion thereof, such as a disposable Yankauer tip) may be dropped into the liner 40/receptacle 12/12b and the liner and medical instrument may be removed as a unit and disposed of as necessary leaving a sterile receptacle 12/receptacle portion 12b. If a liner 40 is not used, the receptacle may be disassembled and cleaned as desired. Having thus described particular embodiments of the invention, various alterations, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications and improvements as are made obvious by this disclosure are intended to be part of this description though not expressly stated herein, and are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description is by way of example only, and not limiting. The invention is limited only as defined in the following claims and equivalents thereto.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A sanitary support device for containing and isolating a medical instrument in a substantially sanitary environment during the course of a medical procedure performed on a patient, said device comprising: a receptacle having a first end substantially isolated from the environment and an open end adapted for passage of at least a portion of said medical instrument into said first end; and means for mounting said receptacle adjacent to the patient.

2. The sanitary support device of claim 1 , wherein said first end of said receptacle is removably attached to said mounting means.

3. A sanitary support device for containing and isolating a medical instrument in a substantially sanitary environment during the course of a medical procedure performed on a patient, said device comprising: a receptacle having a first end substantially isolated from the environment and an open end adapted for passage of at least a portion of said medical instrument into said first end; and a mounting member capable of supporting said receptacle.

4. The sanitary support device of claim 3, wherein said first end comprises a closed end.

5. The sanitary support device of claim 3, wherein said receptacle comprises a support member substantially permanently attached to said mounting member and wherein at least a portion of said first end is removably attached to said support member.

6. The sanitary support device of claim 3, said receptacle comprising a notch adjacent said open end for limiting movement of the medical instrument relative to said receptacle.

7. The sanitary support device of claim 3, wherein the medical instrument comprises a flexible vacuum tube, said receptacle comprising a notch adjacent said open end, said notch having sidewalls spaced for pinching the vacuum tube to at least partially disrupt a vacuum flow therethrough.

8. A sanitary support device kit for providing a clean place of rest for a medical instrument, said sanitary support device kit comprising: a receptacle having a first end substantially isolated from the environment and an open end adapted for passage of at least a portion of said medical instrument into said first end; and a liner removably positionable within said receptacle.

9. The sanitary support device kit of claim 7, wherein the medical instrument comprises a flexible vacuum tube, said receptacle comprising a notch adjacent said open end, said notch having sidewalls spaced for pinching the vacuum tube to at least partially disrupt a vacuum flow therethrough.

10. A sanitary support device for receiving and supporting a medical instrument, said sanitary support device comprising: a substantially tubular support member; and a receptacle having a first end substantially isolated from the environment, said receptacle comprising a cantilevered tang defining a projection for mating with said support member; whereby said receptacle is receivable by said support member to support the medical instrument.

11. The sanitary support device of claim 10, further comprising: a mounting member joined to said support member for mounting said receptacle.

12. The sanitary support device of claim 11 , wherein said mounting member comprises a substantially planar outwardly extending tongue.

13. The sanitary support device of claim 12, wherein said tongue comprises a platelike member.

14. The sanitary support device of claim 11 , wherein said mounting member comprises a hook.

15. The sanitary support device of claim 11 , wherein said mounting member comprises a clamp having a thumbscrew.

16. The sanitary support device of claim 15, wherein said clamp is supported on an arm extending from said support member.

17. The sanitary support device of claim 16, wherein said arm is extendible.

18. The sanitary support device of claim 10, said receptacle comprising a bag-like flexible liner defining said first end.

19. The sanitary support device of claim 18, wherein said liner is releasably joined to said receptacle.

20. The sanitary support device of claim 18, said receptacle having an outer sidewall, an inner sidewall, and a bottom wall extending therebetween and defining a groove, said receptacle further comprising a retaining ring disposed in said groove to securely fix a portion of said liner therein.

21. The sanitary support device of claim 10, wherein said support member defines an internal groove for receiving said projection.

22. The sanitary support device of claim 10, wherein said first end comprises a closed end.

23. A sanitary support device for containing and isolating a medical instrument in a substantially sanitary environment during the course of a medical procedure performed on a patient, said device comprising: a receptacle having a first end substantially isolated from the environment and an open end adapted for passage of at least a portion of said medical instrument into said first end; and a mounting member joined to said receptacle for mounting said receptacle adjacent to the patient.

24. The sanitary support device of claim 23, wherein said first end comprises a closed end.

25. The sanitary support device of claim 23, wherein said mounting member comprises a substantially planar outwardly extending tongue.

26. The sanitary support device of claim 25, wherein said tongue comprises a platelike member.

27. The sanitary support device of claim 23, wherein said mounting member comprises a hook.

28. The sanitary support device of claim 23, wherein said mounting member comprises a clamp having a thumbscrew.

29. The sanitary support device of claim 28, wherein said clamp is supported on an arm extending from said receptacle.

30. The sanitary support device of claim 29, wherein said arm is extendible.

31. A method for containing and isolating medical instruments in a substantially sanitary environment during the course of a medical procedure performed on a patient, said method comprising: providing, in proximity to a patient, a receptacle having a first end substantially isolated from the environment and an open end adapted for passage of at least a portion of said medical instrument into said first end; passing at least a portion of said medical instrument into said open end of said receptacle after said medical instrument is used to perform a first portion of the medical procedure; and removing said medical instrument from said open end of said receptacle before said medical instrument is used to perform a second portion of the medical procedure; whereby said medical instrument is retained in a substantially sanitary environment while in said receptacle intermediate said first portion and said second portion of the medical procedure.

32. The method of claim 31 , wherein said medical instrument comprises a vacuum tube and said receptacle defines a notch having sidewalls spaced for pinching the vacuum tube to at least partially disrupt a vacuum flow therethrough, the method further comprising: positioning the vacuum tube between said sidewalls to at least partially disrupt a vacuum flow through the vacuum tube.

33. The method of claim 31 , wherein said receptacle comprises a mounting member comprising a tongue, the method further comprising: supporting said mounting member by positioning said tongue beneath a mattress of a bed.

34. The method of claim 31 , wherein said receptacle comprises a mounting member comprising a clamp having a thumbscrew, the method further comprising: supporting said mounting member by advancing said thumbscrew against a pole positioned within said clamp.

35. The method of claim 31 , wherein said receptacle comprises a mounting member comprising a clamp having a thumbscrew, the method further comprising: supporting said mounting member by advancing said thumbscrew against a portion of a bed positioned within said clamp.