TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates generally to the field of healthcare and specifically to a clamping forceps device with a built-in disconnecting wedge mechanism for separating a fluid supply tube from a patient tube connector.

BACKGROUND

Tracheal intubation is one of the most common procedures performed in an operating room and during transit in an ambulance. The procedure involves the introduction of a plastic endotracheal tube into the patient's trachea to create an open channel for air and gas to flow. The endotracheal tube is a flexible plastic tube that is placed through the mouth into the trachea (windpipe) to help a patient breathe. A patient tube connector located at the end of the endotracheal tube then connects to a tube in fluid communication with a source of gas or fluid such as, for example, an oxygen cylinder of an ambulance, to deliver oxygen to the lungs. When the ambulance reaches an emergency care hospital and the patient is ready to be transferred via a stretcher, for example, a medical professional needs to disconnect the tube supplying oxygen from the patient tube connector of the endotracheal tube. Similarly, while the patient is in hospital, there is often a need to disconnect the tube supplying gas from the patient tube connector of the endotracheal tube in order for the patient tube connector to be connected to a new or different source of gas.

Often it can be difficult to disconnect the patient tube connector from an end of the oxygen supply tube, and a wedge mechanism may be needed to pry between the patient tube connector and an end of the oxygen supply tube to disconnect the endotracheal tube from the oxygen supply tube. However, the wedge mechanism may not be readily available or a properly sized wedge mechanism may not be readily available, both of which can lead to unnecessary delay caused in the transfer of the patient from the ambulance to the operating room. Further, an improperly sized wedge mechanism can result in discomfort to the patient as the fluid or gas supply tube is being disconnected from the patient tube connector.

It would be desirable to provide a wedge mechanism that is easily accessible to medical professionals and which cannot be easily misplaced such that the unnecessary delay that may associated with disconnecting the patient tube connector from an end of the oxygen supply tube is avoided.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce in a simplified form concepts that are further described in the following detailed descriptions. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it to be construed as limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In accordance with the purposes of the disclosed devices and methods, as embodied and broadly described herein, the disclosed subject matter relates to devices and methods of use thereof. Additional advantages of the disclosed devices and methods will be set forth in part in the description, which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description. The advantages of the disclosed devices and methods will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the disclosed compositions, as claimed.

The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

Disclosed herein is a device for clamping forceps device. According to various embodiments, the device includes two clamps in pivotal connection to one another and each having an operator end for being operated by a health care provider. The device also includes an extension extending aft of the operator end of each clamp, the extension forming a space therebetween sized to form a disconnecting wedge mechanism for separating a tube from a patient tube connector, wherein each extension defines a ramped surface increasing in thickness moving from an extension tip towards the operator end.

According to one or more embodiments, each clamp further comprises a mutually engaging ratchet interlock extending towards the other clamp.

According to one or more embodiments, the extension tip forms a wedge for insertion between an end connection of the tube and the patient tube connector.

According to one or more embodiments, the disconnecting wedge mechanism defines an approximate u-shape.

According to one or more embodiments, each extension incudes an elevated ridge at a side facing the other extension, wherein the elevated ridge is configured for engaging the patient tube connector when the patient tube connector is being separated from the tube.

According to one or more embodiments, the clamps are configured for pivoting about a hinge when moving from an occlusion position for occluding a tube supplying a fluid to a patient to an open position.

According to one or more embodiments, the disconnecting wedge mechanism is formed in the closed position.

According to one or more embodiments, the mutually engaging ratchet interlock of each clamp engages the other clamp when the clamps are in a closed position.

According to one or more embodiments, the clamps comprise a rigid thermoplastic material.

According to one or more embodiments, the clamps comprise a stainless steel.

According to one or more embodiments, the patient tube connector is configured for coupling to a ventilator tube inserted in a mouth or nose of a person.

Disclosed herein is a method of using a clamping forceps device. According to various embodiment, the method includes providing a clamping forceps device. The clamping forceps device includes two clamps in pivotal connection to one another and each having an operator end for being operated by a health care provider; and, an extension extending aft of the operator end of each clamp, the extension forming a space therebetween sized to form a disconnecting wedge mechanism for separating a tube from a patient tube connector, wherein each extension defines a ramped surface increasing in thickness moving from an extension tip towards the operator end. The method further includes inserting an extension tip of each extension between a tube end and the patient tube connector. The method also includes separating the tube end from the patient tube connector.

According to one or more embodiments, each extension incudes an elevated ridge at a side facing the other extension, wherein the method further comprises engaging a separated patient tube connector with elevated ridge.

