Tongue retraction method and apparatus with relief notch
Some embodiments includes an apparatus for retracting an animal tongue that includes a handle that is elongate and that includes a proximal portion and a distal portion and a tongue retraction cup coupled to the distal portion of the handle, the tongue retraction cup being generally concave and sized such that a first side of the tongue retraction cup extends over a first side of the tongue, a second side opposite the first side extends over a second side of the tongue that is opposite the first side of the tongue, a dorsal portion of the cup extends along the dorsal portion of the tongue and a posterior extending tip extends at least partially along the back of the tongue, the first side, second side, and posterior extending tip defining a tongue receiving cavity of the tongue retraction cup.
Various embodiments described herein relate generally to oral tools, including a tongue retraction and cleaning method and apparatus.
BACKGROUNDCare providers need to manage the location of the tongue during examination and treatment of patients. Accordingly, apparatus, system and method are needed to provide these benefits, among others. In some instances, apparatus and method capable of positioning the tongue while reducing or eliminating contact with the tongue are desired.
This describes embodiments of a tongue retractor and shows examples of the tongue retractor in use. Among the tongue retractors discussed here are embodiment that have a notch sized to allow the tongue retractor to be used under the tongue with the tongue's frenulum placed into a notch or relief in the tongue retractor. An oral frenulum is a fold of tissue that secures or restricts the motion of a mobile organ. There is an oral frenulum under the tongue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth. Some examples discussed here have a notch to so that the tongue retractor can be extended under the tongue in a dorsal direction without being restricted by the oral frenulum. In use, the tongue retractor applies pressure to the tongue along an anterior or cranial direction to move the tongue so that diagnosis or treatment procedures occurring under the tongue are made easier.
Although these figures are directed toward a tongue retractor, embodiments that additionally clean the tongue are contemplated, as disclosed herein. In various embodiments, the tongue retractor 100 includes a tongue receiving or retraction cup 102 for cupping and retracting a tongue via force applied using the handle 104. In various examples, the tongue retraction handle 104 is adapted to force the tongue retraction cup 102 to forcibly retract the animal tongue one or more of the anterior-posterior axis, the dorsal-ventral axis, and the right-left axis, as well as long combinations of these axes. The tongue receiving cup 102 is coupled to the handle 104. Various coupling means are possible, including, but not limited to, molding, welding, adhesive, and the like. In some examples, a cup and the handle are part of a continuous mold. A partial cross section of the tongue retractor 100 as applied to the tongue 202 of an animal 204 is illustrated in
The present subject matter is effective on animals. Animals contemplated include, but are not limited to, humans, canines and felines. The present subject matter is for use by various care providers, including medical doctors and associated care providers, dentists and associated care providers and veterinary doctors and associated care providers. Consumers additionally are able to purchase devices disclosed herein over the shelf and apply them to one or more animals such as humans or other animals. Dental procedures contemplated include, but are not limited to, titanium spray, computer aid design rendering, computer aided machining, surgery and tooth reconstruction, as well as various hygienist procedures.
In various embodiments, the devices disclosed herein are sized for use on a particular animal. For example, in some embodiments, the present subject matter is sized for use with humans. In additional embodiments, the present subject matter is sized for use with other animals. Embodiments that are sized for use on multiple animals are additionally contemplated. Further, embodiments that are sized for an animal at a particular stage of growth (e.g., an infant stage, an adult stage, etc.) are contemplated.
The embodiments disclosed herein include several size variables that are sized to fit a particular animal.
Returning to the embodiment of
The perspective view of
In various embodiments, the tongue receiving cup 102 includes a base 120 that is generally planar, with the base being perpendicular to the major plane 118. The base 120 is at least partially disposed along a dorsal surface of the tongue in various embodiments. The first side 106 of the tongue receiving cup 102 includes a first wall 122 curving away from the base 120 in a direction away from the major plane 118, the first wall 122 curving around a first wall axis 306, illustrated in
In various embodiments, the tip 114 is bisected by the major plane 118. The tip 114, in some instances, curves away from the base 120 in a direction distal from the handle, the tip having a height H2 measured from the base that is greater than the height of the second cup portion, and lesser than the height H1 of the first cup portion. Embodiments in which the height H2 is greater than the height H1 are additionally contemplated. A first webbing 126 curving away from the base 120 and joins the first wall 122 and the tip 114, in some embodiments. In additional embodiments, a second webbing 128 curves away from the base 120 and joins the second wall 124 and the tip 114. In various embodiments, the base 120, first wall 122, the second wall 124, the tip 114, the first webbing 126 and the second webbing 128 define a concave cavity, with the junction between the base 120, the first wall 122, the second wall 124, the tip 114, the first webbing 126 and the second webbing 128 being curved.
The present subject matter comprises various materials, including, but not limited to, biocompatible embodiments of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (“UHMWPE”), ultra low molecular weight polyethylene (“ULMWPE—PE-WAX”), high molecular weight polyethylene (HMWPE), high density polyethylene (“HDPE”), high density cross-linked polyethylene (“HDXLPE”), cross-linked polyethylene (“PEX”), medium density polyethylene (“MDPE”), low density polyethylene (“LDPE”), linear low density polyethylene (“LLDPE”), very low density polyethylene (“VLDPE”), polyamide such as Nylon®, polypropylene, polyvinylchloride, polystyrene including, but not limited to, high density polystyrene, polylactic acid, cellulose based products including, but not limited to wood, other plant based materials including starches such as carbohydrates, and biocompatible metal alloys such as stainless steel. Combinations of these and other materials are possible. Some embodiments mold a plastic handle to a stainless steel cup, and vice versa. Various embodiments are opaque. Additional embodiments are transparent or semi-transparent. Embodiments including tint are contemplated. Embodiments in which a cup is tinted one color, while a handle is tinted another color are contemplated. Various textures are contemplated including, but not limited to, gloss texture, matte texture, and other textures.
Various cleaning element shapes are contemplated.
With reference to
In some examples, oral tissue is protected by the retractor during a procedure such as a surgery. Example surgeries include, but are not limited to, laser surgeries. For example, tissues are covered by a retractor, with a surgery-target area such as a lesion exposed through the relief notch. During surgery, portions of the tissue are covered and protected from laser energy by the retractor and surgery-target areas are exposed through the relief notch. Accordingly, an operator is free to operate on the surgery-target area while reducing instances of undesirable damage to tissue not part of the surgery-target area.
At 706, the method includes oscillating the elongate cleaning tool repeatedly along the anterior posterior axis of the animal such that cleaning elements of the cup scrape a dorsal surface of the tongue while cupping the oral part of the tongue. Some methods include oscillating the elongate cleaning tool repeatedly along the anterior posterior axis of the animal such that the cleaning elements of the cup scrape the left lateral side of the tongue and the right lateral side of the tongue. Some methods include cupping the tongue of the animal with the elongate cleaning tool to reduce the potentiating of a pharyngeal (“gag”) reflex. Optional methods include oscillating the elongate cleaning and retracting element without provoking a pharyngeal (“gag”) reflex.
Some methods include cupping the tongue such that the tongue is substantially depressed in a ventral direction of the animal. Additional methods include cupping the tongue such that the tongue is substantially depressed in a lateral direction of the animal.
The receiving cup 902 spans two sides of the underside of a tongue with a first side 912 and a second side 914. The distance the left side 912 and the right side 914 extend 914 posteriorly, i.e. their length, is illustrated as an example, and shorter or longer sides are possible. Some embodiments include only one side. Additional embodiments include two sides of different lengths. The posterior length of the relief notch 910 is additionally variable depending on the application for which the instrument is to be used. For example, longer notches are used for persons with longer oral frenulums, in certain examples.
Support beams 916 are illustrated and are formed as part of the tongue retractor 900 to improve the bending stiffness of the tongue retractor 900. The shape and configuration of these support beams is provided as an example only, and other shapes and/or numbers of support beams 916 are possible. Some examples of a tongue retractor do not include support beams 916.
In various examples the handle 920 is rigidly or stiffly coupled or fixed to the receiving cup 902. The rigid coupling resist bending while a tongue is retracted. In various embodiments, the rigid coupling is reinforced against bending, such that a hand force by an average man can retract the tongue with little or no bending between or of the handle 920 or receiving cup 902. As set forth herein, the handle 902 and receiving cup 902 are formed of materials and of a size to resist hand bending when used as a hand tool to retract a tongue.
Among several embodiments, various numbers and shapes of cleaning element 1302 are possible. For example, some embodiments include fewer cleaning elements or no cleaning elements, while additional embodiments include cleaning elements that number in excess of the number shown in the above examples.
Various methods of manufacture are contemplated, including injection molding the elongate cleaning and retracting tool. Some methods include modeling the animal tongue and rapid prototyping the elongate cleaning and retracting tool such that the cup form fits the tongue. Some embodiments disposed herein position a parting line such that the parting line is out of contact with tissue of the patient. For example, in some embodiments, the parting line is on a ventral surface of a tongue receiving cup, rather than being on the sides.
In some example methods, an operator such as an oral surgeon or an oncologist and displace a tongue using a tongue retractor such as the tongue retractor disclosed in
Additionally, one or more of the devices and methods demonstrated herein are useful for ventral and lateral retraction of the tongue. The present subject matter demonstrates several benefits, such tongue retraction to expose various dental areas for oral procedures. Oral procedures include, but are not limited to, removal of foreign debris, dental examinations, surgeries, hygienist examinations, suturing, dental restoration, endodontic procedures, oral cancer screening examinations and any related intra-oral dental procedure.
During one or more of the procedures described here, in addition to other procedures, the present subject matter reduces the potentiating of a pharyngeal (“gag”) reflex. The present subject matter disclosed herein can be used during collection of oral and throat culture specimens. In additional embodiments, it can be used during upper or hard palette procedures. Embodiments of the present subject matter can be used to retract oral cheek areas while performing oral procedures. For example, some embodiments enhance suctioning during oral procedures by providing for greater exposure of areas needed to be suctioned.
In some instances, the present subject matter is additionally useful for tongue cleaning and scraping to improve oral hygiene. Such embodiments can reduce halitosis. Some embodiments help reduce bacterial buildup on tongue surface. Embodiments disclosed herein provide for tongue scraping while reducing the potentiating of a pharyngeal (“gag”) reflex. The present subject matter provides increased scraping and cleaning area by providing a plurality of cleaning elements, as disclosed herein.
At 1506, the method includes oscillating the elongate cleaning tool repeatedly along the anterior posterior axis of the animal such that cleaning elements of the cup scrape a dorsal surface of the tongue while cupping the oral part of the tongue. Some methods include oscillating the elongate cleaning tool repeatedly along the anterior posterior axis of the animal such that the cleaning elements of the cup scrape the left lateral side of the tongue and the right lateral side of the tongue. Some methods include cupping the tongue of the animal with the elongate cleaning tool to reduce the potentiating of a pharyngeal (“gag”) reflex. Optional methods include oscillating the elongate cleaning and retracting element without provoking a pharyngeal (“gag”) reflex.
Some methods include cupping the tongue such that the tongue is substantially depressed in a ventral direction of the animal. Additional methods include cupping the tongue such that the tongue is substantially depressed in a lateral direction of the animal.
It will be readily understood to those skilled in the art that various other changes in the details, material, and arrangements of the parts and method stages which have been described and illustrated in order to explain the nature of this invention may be made without departing from the principles and scope of the invention as expressed in the subjoined claims.
It is emphasized that the Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b) requiring an Abstract that will allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
Claims
1. An apparatus for retracting at least a portion of sides of an animal tongue, at least a portion of the back of the animal tongue, and a dorsal portion of an animal tongue, comprising:
- a tongue retraction handle that is elongate comprising a proximal portion that extends along a reference plane toward a distal portion, with the tongue retraction handle generally disposed above the reference plane; and
- a tongue retraction cup coupled to the distal portion of the tongue retraction handle, the tongue retraction cup extending along the reference plane and generally beneath the reference plane, the tongue retraction cup being generally concave and sized to position a first side of the tongue retraction cup at least partially over a first lateral side of the tongue, a second side opposite the first side at least partially over a second side of the tongue that is opposite the first lateral side of the tongue, a dorsal portion of the cup along the dorsal portion of the tongue and a posterior extending tip at least partially along the back of the tongue toward an oral pharyngeal portion of the tongue, the first side, second side, and posterior extending tip defining a tongue receiving cavity of the tongue retraction cup, wherein the tongue retraction cup defines a relief notch opening proximal the posterior extending tip, the relief notch sized to accommodate an oral frenulum,
- wherein the apparatus is formed of one or more materials adapted to maintain a shape, including an orientation of the tongue retraction handle with respect to the tongue retraction cup, to forcibly retract the animal tongue laterally.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is for cleaning the animal tongue, and further comprising cleaning elements coupled to the tongue retraction cup and extending away from the tongue retraction cup and into the tongue receiving cavity.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a cross section of the cup at a left right dorsal ventral plane has a form factor that substantially matches a cross section of the tongue at the left right dorsal ventral plane.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a cross section of the cup at an anterior posterior dorsal ventral plane has a form factor that substantially matches a cross section of the tongue at the anterior posterior dorsal ventral plane.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tongue retraction cup comprises polyethylene.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the tongue retraction cup comprises high density polyethylene.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tongue retraction cup comprises polyamide.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tongue retraction cup comprises polypropylene.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tongue retraction cup comprises cellulose.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the animal is a human.
11. An apparatus for retracting at least a portion of sides of an animal tongue, at least a portion of the back of the tongue, and a dorsal portion of the animal tongue, comprising:
- a tongue retraction handle that is elongate and comprises a proximal portion that extends along a reference plane toward a distal portion, with the tongue retraction handle generally disposed above the reference plane; and
- means for cupping an underside of the tongue coupled to the distal portion of the handle, the means for cupping additionally for avoiding contact with an oral frenulum of the animal, the means for cupping extending along the reference plane and generally beneath the reference plane,
- wherein the apparatus is formed of one or more materials adapted to maintain a shape, including an orientation of the tongue retraction handle with respect to the means for cupping, to forcibly retract the animal tongue laterally.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the means for cupping the tongue of the animal comprise means for cupping the tongue by cupping an oral portion of the tongue and by at least partially cupping the oral pharyngeal portion of the tongue.
13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the apparatus for retracting at least a portion of sides of an animal tongue, at least a portion of the back of the tongue, and a dorsal portion of the animal tongue is for cleaning the animal tongue and further comprising means for cleaning the tongue coupled to the means for cupping the tongue.
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Type: Grant
Filed: Jun 4, 2010
Date of Patent: Jan 7, 2014
Inventor: Gilbert William Mettler, Jr. (Washington, NH)
Primary Examiner: Nicholas Woodall
Assistant Examiner: Larry E Waggle, Jr.
Application Number: 12/794,686
International Classification: A61B 13/00 (20060101); A61B 17/24 (20060101);