CA2017534C - Apparatus and method for producing sterile slush and heated sterile liquid - Google Patents
Apparatus and method for producing sterile slush and heated sterile liquid Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2017534C CA2017534C CA002017534A CA2017534A CA2017534C CA 2017534 C CA2017534 C CA 2017534C CA 002017534 A CA002017534 A CA 002017534A CA 2017534 A CA2017534 A CA 2017534A CA 2017534 C CA2017534 C CA 2017534C
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- Prior art keywords
- basin
- drape
- sterile
- sterile liquid
- slush
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- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F7/00—Heating or cooling appliances for medical or therapeutic treatment of the human body
- A61F7/0085—Devices for generating hot or cold treatment fluids
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B46/00—Surgical drapes
- A61B46/10—Surgical drapes specially adapted for instruments, e.g. microscopes
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L7/00—Heating or cooling apparatus; Heat insulating devices
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
- F25C1/00—Producing ice
- F25C1/12—Producing ice by freezing water on cooled surfaces, e.g. to form slabs
- F25C1/125—Producing ice by freezing water on cooled surfaces, e.g. to form slabs on flexible surfaces
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F7/00—Heating or cooling appliances for medical or therapeutic treatment of the human body
- A61F2007/0059—Heating or cooling appliances for medical or therapeutic treatment of the human body with an open fluid circuit
- A61F2007/0063—Heating or cooling appliances for medical or therapeutic treatment of the human body with an open fluid circuit for cooling
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F7/00—Heating or cooling appliances for medical or therapeutic treatment of the human body
- A61F7/10—Cooling bags, e.g. ice-bags
- A61F2007/101—Cooling bags, e.g. ice-bags for cooling organs in the body before or during surgery
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
- F25C2301/00—Special arrangements or features for producing ice
- F25C2301/002—Producing ice slurries
Abstract
A surgical slush system for producing a sterile, semi-frozen slush from a sterile liquid. The system includes a slush generating unit having a cabinet with a plurality of louvres for air circulation, a basin at the top of the cabinet, a refrigeration means inside the cabinet for cooling the basin to a temperature below the freezing point of the sterile liquid, and a heating means for heating the basin to a temperature above the freezing point of the sterile liquid. A sterilized drape covers the basin. The drape is impervious to the sterile liquid and is sufficiently flexible to conform substantially to ~
the interior shape of the basin with the sterile liquid being directly contained by the drape within the basin.
An air filter in the form of a thin flexible sterilized sheet is fixed to and extends outwardly from the margin of the drape and is sized to extend over the louvres.
the interior shape of the basin with the sterile liquid being directly contained by the drape within the basin.
An air filter in the form of a thin flexible sterilized sheet is fixed to and extends outwardly from the margin of the drape and is sized to extend over the louvres.
Description
43~.'~'~~a:~~:
Apparatus and P3ethad for producing Sterile Slush and Heated Sterile Liquid BAOKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to the field of medical devices and, more particularly, to devices for producing sterile ice and heated sterile liquid for surgical procedures and the like.
It is well known in the field of medicine to freeze a suitable sterile liquid such as saline for use in connection with surgical procedures. For example, in transplant surgery it is desirable to reduce the temperature of the body cavity after the organ has been removed to reduce bleeding. Thereafter, once the new organ has been transplanted, the sterile ice is replaced with a quantity of warm sterile saline solution to facilitate warming the body cavity back up to normal body temperature.
A relatively crude and laborious means which has been employed to produce the sterile ice is to simply freeze the sterile liquid in a bag and then break apart or crush the contents to render it suitable for use. Not only is it difficult to employ this procedure and result in a sterile ice product of uniform consistency, it is also possible to puncture or tear the bag and unintentionally spill the contents.
United States Patent No. x,393,659 to Taylor discloses a method arzd apparatus for producing sugical sterile ice having a semi-frozen or slush consistency. Unfortunately, the device and method disclosed therein has at least several disadvantages. Fox example, the device requires _?_ the use of a removable stainless steel product basin which must be continually reused and resterilized. Further, an alcohol or hospital grade glycol liquid is employed as a heat transfer medium between the heat transfer basin and the product basin. Such liquids may be are highly flammable or toxic, thereby creating possible fire hazards during use as well as further complicating the procedure.
Yet further, although intended for use in a highly sterile environment, the interior of the machine can over tame accumulate dust which during operation can ba blown externally by air circulating through the louvres in the machine cabinet. In addition, the machine does not have any capability to heat the sterile liquid.
SUMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention, there is provided a surgical slush system for producing a sterile, semi-frozen slush from a sterile liquid comprising: a slush generating unit including a cabinet having a top portion; a basin disposed at the top portion of said cabinet; refrigeration means inside said cabinet for cooling said basin to a temperature below the freezing point of said sterile liquid; and a sterilized drape container for directly receiving said sterile liquid, said drape container being impervious to the sterile liquid and sized to be received in and entirely cover said basin, said drape container also being sufficiently compliant to conform substantially to the interior shape of said basin such that said drape container is directly cooled by said basin to thereby cool the received sterile liquid in said drape container.
According to the present invention there is further provided a method for producing a sterile, semi-frozen surgical slush from a sterile liquid, comprising the steps of:(a) providing a surgical slush unit having a rigid basin and refrigeration means for cooling said basin to a temperature below the freezing point of said sterile liquid;(b) forming a drape container by covering the interior of said basin with a sterile drape and conforming said drape substantially to the interior shape of said basin;(c introducing a quantity of 3a sterile liquid directly into said drape container; and (d) cooling said sterile liquid within said drape container by activation of said refrigeration means so as to cause said sterile liquid to congeal as surgical slush in drape container.
Also according to the present invention there is provided a combination sterilized drape and air filter for use with a machine for producing a sterile semi-frozen surgical slush from a sterile liquid, said machine having a cabinet including a plurality of sides and a plurality of louvres along one or more of the sides thereof sized for passage of air therethrough to facilitate heat transfer inside said machine, and a basin at the top of said cabinet, said combination sterilized drape and air filter comprising: a sterilized drape including a thin sheet formed of a material which is impervious to the sterile liquid and sized to cover said basin, said drape also being sufficiently flexible to conform substantially to the interior shape of said basin; and an air filter formed of a thin flexible sterilized sheet fixed to and extending outwardly from the margin of said drape and sized to extend over said louvres, said sheet being pervious to air but substantially impervious to dust particles.
According to the present invention there is further provided a surgical slush system for producing a sterile, semi-frozen slush from a sterile liquid, comprising: a quantity of sterile liquid; a slush generating unit including a cabinet; a 3b basin at the top of said cabinet, and refrigeration means inside said cabinet for cooling said basin to a temperature below the freezing point of said sterilized liquid, said refrigeration means including an evaporator mounted at the underside of said basin in heat transfer relationship therewith; and a thin sterilized drape, said drape being impervious to said sterile liquid and sized to cover said basin, said drape compliantly conforming substantially to the interior shape of said basin, said drape directly abutting said basin along substantially the entire surface of said basin and removable therefrom, said sterile liquid being directly contained by said drape within said basin such that the contained sterile liquid is cooled by said evaporator through said basin and said drape.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention there is provided a surgical slush system and method for producing a sterile, semi-frozen slush from a sterilized liquid.
The system may be generally characterized as comprising a slush generating unit including a cabinet, a basin at the top of the cabinet, and a refrigeration means inside the cabinet for cooling the basin to a temperature below the freezing point of the sterilized liquid. The refrigeration means includes an evaporator mounted to the underside of the basin in heat transfer relationship therewith. The system may further be .characterized as having a thin sterilized drape which is impervious to the sterile liquid and sized to cover the basin.
3c The drape is sufficiently flexible to conform substantially to the interior shape of the basin and is removable therefrom. In use, the drape directly abuts the basin along substantially the entire surface of the basin. A sterilized liquid is directly contained by the drape within the basin.
As another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a combination sterilized drape and air filter for use with a surgical slush machine of a type having a cabinet including a plurality of sides and a plurality of louvres along one or more of the sides thereof sized for passage of air therethrough to facilitate heat transfer inside the machine and a basin at the top of the cabinet. The combination sterilized drape and air filter comprises a sterilized drape including a thin sheet formed of a material which is impervious to the sterile liquid and sized to cover the basin while also being sufficiently flexible to conform substantially to the interior shape of v~~,~.'~i:~~~'~
the basin. There is also provided an air filter formed of a thin flexible sterilized sheet fixed to and extending outwardly from the margin of the drape and sized to extend over the louvres. The air filter sheet is pervious to air but substantially impervious to dust particles, Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved method and system for producing a sterile, semi-frozen slush from a sterilized liquid and for heating sterilized liquid.
to It is a further object of the present invention to provide a combination sterilized drape and air filter which directly contains the sterile liquid and prevents dust particles inside the surgical slush unit from contaminating the sterile environment externally thereof.
Related objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent by reference to the following figures and detailed description.
~~.'~~;:~
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the slush generating unit of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the slush generating unit of FIG. 1 with the combination sterilized drape and air filter mounted thereon.
FIG. 3 is a section view schematically depicting interior components of the slush generating unit of FIG. 1.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific S language will be used to describe the same. Tt will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.
Referring to the drawings in detail, FTG. 1 shows the slush generating unit of the present invention generally designated at 10. The slush generating unit 10 contains the cooling and heating systems for producing either sterile slush ice or heated sterile liquid for use during surgical procedures. Slush generating unit 10 includes an outer cabinet 11 of stainless steel construction, the top portion 12 of which is provided with a basin 13 of similar construction rigidly mounted therein. Basin Z3 serves to contain the surgical sterile liquid, typically a saline solution, in a manner which will be fully described later herein. Wheels 14 and hand grips 15 on opposed sides of cabinet 11 facilitate easy transportation of unit 10. an especially convenient feature when dealing with cramped space conditions during surgery. As a further convenience, the height of top portion 12 is preferably sized to correspond to the height of a standard surgical instrument table. An externally mounted three-way switch 16 controls the operation of slush generating unit 10 and ~~~' .~~ ~aq _7_ is manually activated among "COOL", "OFF" and "HEAT"
positions. A red indicator light 16a lights when switch 16 is in the "HEAT°' position to serve as a further visual indicator to distinguish that setting from the "COOL" and "OFF" settings, it being noted that the switch 16 is covered during operation by the combination drape/air filter as depicted in FIG. 2. A plurality of louvres 17 extend along one or more sides of cabinet 11 to provide intake and exhaust openings through which air is circulated inside cabinet 10 to facilitate heat transfer from cooling and heating systems residing internally thereof which will be described hereinafter.
Referring now also to FIG. 2, a combination drape/air filter 18 is shown covering the slush generating unit 10.
The drape/air filter 18 has a unitary construction and includes a drape portion 19 coextensive with the top portion 12 and basin 13 of cabinet 11 and an air filter portion 20 sewed to the outer margin of drape portion 19 and which is formed to extend fully around the cabinet 11 and downwardly along the sides thereof a sufficient distance to fully cover the louvres 17. A drawstring 21 extends around air filter portion 20 along the lowermost portion and serves to seal the space between the cabinet 11 and air filter portion 20 below louvres 17.
The purpose of drape portion 19 is to directly contain a desired quantity of surgical sterile liquid 22 within basin 13 and maintain its sterility in use. Therefore, drape portion 19 must be formed of a material which is impervious to the sterile liquid 22. Further, drape portion 19 should be sufficiently .flexible to conform to the interior shape of basin 13 with a minimum of air pockets therebetween so as to facilitate heat transfer between the surgical sterile liquid 22 and basin 13. In _8_ addition, the thickness of drape portion 19 should be minimized to enhance its heat transfer characteristics while being sufficiently thick to resist tearing or puncturing during normal use. Preferably, drape/air filter 18 is designed to be disposable after one time use and provided to the user presterilized and prepackaged in a leak proof bag or other suitable sealed container which preserves sterility during storage. While there are a range of conventionally known materials which meet these design constraints, DuraflexTM PS8020F, clear polyruethane film manufactured by Deerfield Urethane, Inc.
of South Deerfield, Michigan is presently preferred.
Air filter portion 20 serves as a sterile cover or barrier to prevent direct contact with the sides of unit 10 which is not capable of being sterilized to surgical sterile condition. It is to be noted that during operation of unit 10 air being exhausted through louvres 17 can contain contaminated dust particles which accumulate inside cabinet 11 during periods of nonuse. To address this problem, air filter portion 20 is formed of a material which is pervious to air but substantially impervious to such airborne particulate contaminants.
Moreover, as with drape portion 19, air filter portion 20 is preferably made of a material suitable for one time disposable use. While there are a range of materials which are suitable f.or these purposes and which meet these design constraints, 0.8 oz. per square yard density span bonded polypropylene fabric manufactured by VWR Textiles and Supplies, Inc. of I-Iic)cory, North Carolina is presently preferred.
Referring now also to FTG. 3, the construction of the refrigeration and heating means inside cabinet 11 will now be described. Refrigeration means 25 includes an ~."~~~a°~
evaporator 26 comprising a series of coils of conducting tubing suitably mounted, such as by soldering or brazing, in a close heat transfer relationship with basin 13 on the underside of basin 13 coextensive with the downwardly sloping sides thereof. A suitable insulation material 28, preferably polyurethane foam, is disposed around the exposed portions of the coils of conducting tubing and underside of basin 13. Evaporator 26 is connected in a closed refrigeration loop with compressor 27 and condenser 29. In the preferred embodiment, compressor and condensor are fan cooled by air circulated through louvres 17.
Heating means 30 includes an electrical heating element 31 disposed on the bottom underside of basin 13 and a thermostat 31a internally mounted inside cabinet 11 which selectively adjusts the heating level of element 31 by way of a manually rotatable selector dial 31b. The heating element 31 is in the shape of a thin wafer with a centrally located circular opening 32 through which threaded stud 33 projects. Heating element 31 is secured to the underside of basin 13 by a suitable pressure sensitive adhesive which not only serves as a means of attaching the element to basin 13 but also facilitates heat transfer by eliminating any voids or air gaps therebetween. zn the preferred embodiment, heating element 31 is a model no. 06006086 heating element manufactured by Heatron of Leavenworth, Kansas. A plate 34 having a shape which corresponds to that of heating element 31 is mounted to stud 33 by nut 36 and Teflon~
lock washer 37 and serves both as a means for dissipating excess heat from heating element 31 within cabinet 11 and as an additional means for securing heating element 31 against basin 13. Lock washer 37 is made from a suitable insulating material such as Teflon which minimizes the o~..~.~.'a'',~q heat transfer between heating element 31 and stud 33, thereby serving to prevent an undesirable hot spot at the bottom center of basin 13 which might otherwise cause melting of the drape portion 19 during use.
The method for producing a sterile, semi-frozen surgical slush from a sterilized liquid and for heating the sterilized liquid in accordance with the apparatus of the present invention disclosed above will now be described.
The surgical slush unit 10 is prepared for use by covering the unit 10 with the combination drape/air filter 18 so that the interior of basin 13 is covered with the drape portion 19 and the air filter portion 20 extends downwardly therefrom along the sides of cabinet 11 so as to fully cover the louvres 17. Drawstring 21 is drawn and tied so as to seal the flow of air through louvres 17 between air filter portion 21 and cabinet 11. The part of the drape portion 19 which overlies the basin 13 is pressed into and against the interior surface of the basin 13 so as to loosely conform the drape portion 19 to the shape of basin 13 and thereby minimize wrinkles and folds which reduce the effectiveness of heat transfer between the basin 13 and drape portion 19. Use of the DureflexTM polyurethane film as the material for drape portion 19 is prefered because of the material's ability to conform closely and adhere to the curved surface of the basin 13, which is preferably made of stainless steel. A
suitable quantity of surgical sterile liquid, such as saline solution, is poured into the basin shaped cavity defined by that part of the drape portion 19 which overlies basin 13. The weight of the surgical sterile liquid naturally tends to press the drape portion 19 into contact with the surface of basin 13 so as to further facilitate heat transfer therebetween.
_w (~:~. ~ ~~
Once the liquid is poured into basin 13, the refrigeration means in unit 10 is activated to cool the liquid by moving switch 15 to the "COOL" setting. As the Sterilized liquid congeals against the interior surface of the drape portion 19, a suitable spatula or paddle (not Shown) is employed to stir the liquid and scrape the semi-frozen liquid from the sides of drape portion 19.
Preferably, the paddle is made of a material which is sterilizable and sufficiently soft and resilient to resist tearing the drape portion 19 during use. For added convenience to the user, the paddle may be designed for disposal after use and provided in a pre-sterilized kit along with the combination drape/air filter 18. Scraping and stirring of the sterile liquid proceeds until a 1S desired quantity of loose, semi-frozen slush ice is produced having the consistency desired for the intended use, such as for packing into a body cavity to reduce the temperature of the body cavity during a surgical procedure.
Once the surgical procedure is performed, it is desirable to facilitate raising the body cavity back to its normal temperature by contact with a sterile liquid having a temperture which is elevated slightly with respect to normal body temperature, for example approximately 105°F. For this purpose, an additional quantity of sterile liquid is poured into the drape portion 19 overlying basin 13 and the heating means in unit 10 is activated by moving switch 16 to the "HEAT"
position so as to activate heating element 31.
After use, the combination drape/air filter 18 is removed from unit 10 and disposed.
It is to be noted that the operation above described is intended to be performed within the surgical sterile environment of an operating room. Within this -lz-environment, the combination drape/air filter 18 provides a sterile barrier protecting against direct contact with unit 10, which cannot itself be sterilized to surgical sterility standards. In addition, air flowing through louvres 17 is filtered by filter portion z0 to remove particulate contaminants therefrom which may have accumulated on the surfaces of internal components o.f unit 10. Moreover, since the unit 10 does not directly contain the sterile liquid there is no need to sterilize basin 13 for reuse.
While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.
Apparatus and P3ethad for producing Sterile Slush and Heated Sterile Liquid BAOKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to the field of medical devices and, more particularly, to devices for producing sterile ice and heated sterile liquid for surgical procedures and the like.
It is well known in the field of medicine to freeze a suitable sterile liquid such as saline for use in connection with surgical procedures. For example, in transplant surgery it is desirable to reduce the temperature of the body cavity after the organ has been removed to reduce bleeding. Thereafter, once the new organ has been transplanted, the sterile ice is replaced with a quantity of warm sterile saline solution to facilitate warming the body cavity back up to normal body temperature.
A relatively crude and laborious means which has been employed to produce the sterile ice is to simply freeze the sterile liquid in a bag and then break apart or crush the contents to render it suitable for use. Not only is it difficult to employ this procedure and result in a sterile ice product of uniform consistency, it is also possible to puncture or tear the bag and unintentionally spill the contents.
United States Patent No. x,393,659 to Taylor discloses a method arzd apparatus for producing sugical sterile ice having a semi-frozen or slush consistency. Unfortunately, the device and method disclosed therein has at least several disadvantages. Fox example, the device requires _?_ the use of a removable stainless steel product basin which must be continually reused and resterilized. Further, an alcohol or hospital grade glycol liquid is employed as a heat transfer medium between the heat transfer basin and the product basin. Such liquids may be are highly flammable or toxic, thereby creating possible fire hazards during use as well as further complicating the procedure.
Yet further, although intended for use in a highly sterile environment, the interior of the machine can over tame accumulate dust which during operation can ba blown externally by air circulating through the louvres in the machine cabinet. In addition, the machine does not have any capability to heat the sterile liquid.
SUMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention, there is provided a surgical slush system for producing a sterile, semi-frozen slush from a sterile liquid comprising: a slush generating unit including a cabinet having a top portion; a basin disposed at the top portion of said cabinet; refrigeration means inside said cabinet for cooling said basin to a temperature below the freezing point of said sterile liquid; and a sterilized drape container for directly receiving said sterile liquid, said drape container being impervious to the sterile liquid and sized to be received in and entirely cover said basin, said drape container also being sufficiently compliant to conform substantially to the interior shape of said basin such that said drape container is directly cooled by said basin to thereby cool the received sterile liquid in said drape container.
According to the present invention there is further provided a method for producing a sterile, semi-frozen surgical slush from a sterile liquid, comprising the steps of:(a) providing a surgical slush unit having a rigid basin and refrigeration means for cooling said basin to a temperature below the freezing point of said sterile liquid;(b) forming a drape container by covering the interior of said basin with a sterile drape and conforming said drape substantially to the interior shape of said basin;(c introducing a quantity of 3a sterile liquid directly into said drape container; and (d) cooling said sterile liquid within said drape container by activation of said refrigeration means so as to cause said sterile liquid to congeal as surgical slush in drape container.
Also according to the present invention there is provided a combination sterilized drape and air filter for use with a machine for producing a sterile semi-frozen surgical slush from a sterile liquid, said machine having a cabinet including a plurality of sides and a plurality of louvres along one or more of the sides thereof sized for passage of air therethrough to facilitate heat transfer inside said machine, and a basin at the top of said cabinet, said combination sterilized drape and air filter comprising: a sterilized drape including a thin sheet formed of a material which is impervious to the sterile liquid and sized to cover said basin, said drape also being sufficiently flexible to conform substantially to the interior shape of said basin; and an air filter formed of a thin flexible sterilized sheet fixed to and extending outwardly from the margin of said drape and sized to extend over said louvres, said sheet being pervious to air but substantially impervious to dust particles.
According to the present invention there is further provided a surgical slush system for producing a sterile, semi-frozen slush from a sterile liquid, comprising: a quantity of sterile liquid; a slush generating unit including a cabinet; a 3b basin at the top of said cabinet, and refrigeration means inside said cabinet for cooling said basin to a temperature below the freezing point of said sterilized liquid, said refrigeration means including an evaporator mounted at the underside of said basin in heat transfer relationship therewith; and a thin sterilized drape, said drape being impervious to said sterile liquid and sized to cover said basin, said drape compliantly conforming substantially to the interior shape of said basin, said drape directly abutting said basin along substantially the entire surface of said basin and removable therefrom, said sterile liquid being directly contained by said drape within said basin such that the contained sterile liquid is cooled by said evaporator through said basin and said drape.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention there is provided a surgical slush system and method for producing a sterile, semi-frozen slush from a sterilized liquid.
The system may be generally characterized as comprising a slush generating unit including a cabinet, a basin at the top of the cabinet, and a refrigeration means inside the cabinet for cooling the basin to a temperature below the freezing point of the sterilized liquid. The refrigeration means includes an evaporator mounted to the underside of the basin in heat transfer relationship therewith. The system may further be .characterized as having a thin sterilized drape which is impervious to the sterile liquid and sized to cover the basin.
3c The drape is sufficiently flexible to conform substantially to the interior shape of the basin and is removable therefrom. In use, the drape directly abuts the basin along substantially the entire surface of the basin. A sterilized liquid is directly contained by the drape within the basin.
As another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a combination sterilized drape and air filter for use with a surgical slush machine of a type having a cabinet including a plurality of sides and a plurality of louvres along one or more of the sides thereof sized for passage of air therethrough to facilitate heat transfer inside the machine and a basin at the top of the cabinet. The combination sterilized drape and air filter comprises a sterilized drape including a thin sheet formed of a material which is impervious to the sterile liquid and sized to cover the basin while also being sufficiently flexible to conform substantially to the interior shape of v~~,~.'~i:~~~'~
the basin. There is also provided an air filter formed of a thin flexible sterilized sheet fixed to and extending outwardly from the margin of the drape and sized to extend over the louvres. The air filter sheet is pervious to air but substantially impervious to dust particles, Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved method and system for producing a sterile, semi-frozen slush from a sterilized liquid and for heating sterilized liquid.
to It is a further object of the present invention to provide a combination sterilized drape and air filter which directly contains the sterile liquid and prevents dust particles inside the surgical slush unit from contaminating the sterile environment externally thereof.
Related objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent by reference to the following figures and detailed description.
~~.'~~;:~
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the slush generating unit of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the slush generating unit of FIG. 1 with the combination sterilized drape and air filter mounted thereon.
FIG. 3 is a section view schematically depicting interior components of the slush generating unit of FIG. 1.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific S language will be used to describe the same. Tt will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.
Referring to the drawings in detail, FTG. 1 shows the slush generating unit of the present invention generally designated at 10. The slush generating unit 10 contains the cooling and heating systems for producing either sterile slush ice or heated sterile liquid for use during surgical procedures. Slush generating unit 10 includes an outer cabinet 11 of stainless steel construction, the top portion 12 of which is provided with a basin 13 of similar construction rigidly mounted therein. Basin Z3 serves to contain the surgical sterile liquid, typically a saline solution, in a manner which will be fully described later herein. Wheels 14 and hand grips 15 on opposed sides of cabinet 11 facilitate easy transportation of unit 10. an especially convenient feature when dealing with cramped space conditions during surgery. As a further convenience, the height of top portion 12 is preferably sized to correspond to the height of a standard surgical instrument table. An externally mounted three-way switch 16 controls the operation of slush generating unit 10 and ~~~' .~~ ~aq _7_ is manually activated among "COOL", "OFF" and "HEAT"
positions. A red indicator light 16a lights when switch 16 is in the "HEAT°' position to serve as a further visual indicator to distinguish that setting from the "COOL" and "OFF" settings, it being noted that the switch 16 is covered during operation by the combination drape/air filter as depicted in FIG. 2. A plurality of louvres 17 extend along one or more sides of cabinet 11 to provide intake and exhaust openings through which air is circulated inside cabinet 10 to facilitate heat transfer from cooling and heating systems residing internally thereof which will be described hereinafter.
Referring now also to FIG. 2, a combination drape/air filter 18 is shown covering the slush generating unit 10.
The drape/air filter 18 has a unitary construction and includes a drape portion 19 coextensive with the top portion 12 and basin 13 of cabinet 11 and an air filter portion 20 sewed to the outer margin of drape portion 19 and which is formed to extend fully around the cabinet 11 and downwardly along the sides thereof a sufficient distance to fully cover the louvres 17. A drawstring 21 extends around air filter portion 20 along the lowermost portion and serves to seal the space between the cabinet 11 and air filter portion 20 below louvres 17.
The purpose of drape portion 19 is to directly contain a desired quantity of surgical sterile liquid 22 within basin 13 and maintain its sterility in use. Therefore, drape portion 19 must be formed of a material which is impervious to the sterile liquid 22. Further, drape portion 19 should be sufficiently .flexible to conform to the interior shape of basin 13 with a minimum of air pockets therebetween so as to facilitate heat transfer between the surgical sterile liquid 22 and basin 13. In _8_ addition, the thickness of drape portion 19 should be minimized to enhance its heat transfer characteristics while being sufficiently thick to resist tearing or puncturing during normal use. Preferably, drape/air filter 18 is designed to be disposable after one time use and provided to the user presterilized and prepackaged in a leak proof bag or other suitable sealed container which preserves sterility during storage. While there are a range of conventionally known materials which meet these design constraints, DuraflexTM PS8020F, clear polyruethane film manufactured by Deerfield Urethane, Inc.
of South Deerfield, Michigan is presently preferred.
Air filter portion 20 serves as a sterile cover or barrier to prevent direct contact with the sides of unit 10 which is not capable of being sterilized to surgical sterile condition. It is to be noted that during operation of unit 10 air being exhausted through louvres 17 can contain contaminated dust particles which accumulate inside cabinet 11 during periods of nonuse. To address this problem, air filter portion 20 is formed of a material which is pervious to air but substantially impervious to such airborne particulate contaminants.
Moreover, as with drape portion 19, air filter portion 20 is preferably made of a material suitable for one time disposable use. While there are a range of materials which are suitable f.or these purposes and which meet these design constraints, 0.8 oz. per square yard density span bonded polypropylene fabric manufactured by VWR Textiles and Supplies, Inc. of I-Iic)cory, North Carolina is presently preferred.
Referring now also to FTG. 3, the construction of the refrigeration and heating means inside cabinet 11 will now be described. Refrigeration means 25 includes an ~."~~~a°~
evaporator 26 comprising a series of coils of conducting tubing suitably mounted, such as by soldering or brazing, in a close heat transfer relationship with basin 13 on the underside of basin 13 coextensive with the downwardly sloping sides thereof. A suitable insulation material 28, preferably polyurethane foam, is disposed around the exposed portions of the coils of conducting tubing and underside of basin 13. Evaporator 26 is connected in a closed refrigeration loop with compressor 27 and condenser 29. In the preferred embodiment, compressor and condensor are fan cooled by air circulated through louvres 17.
Heating means 30 includes an electrical heating element 31 disposed on the bottom underside of basin 13 and a thermostat 31a internally mounted inside cabinet 11 which selectively adjusts the heating level of element 31 by way of a manually rotatable selector dial 31b. The heating element 31 is in the shape of a thin wafer with a centrally located circular opening 32 through which threaded stud 33 projects. Heating element 31 is secured to the underside of basin 13 by a suitable pressure sensitive adhesive which not only serves as a means of attaching the element to basin 13 but also facilitates heat transfer by eliminating any voids or air gaps therebetween. zn the preferred embodiment, heating element 31 is a model no. 06006086 heating element manufactured by Heatron of Leavenworth, Kansas. A plate 34 having a shape which corresponds to that of heating element 31 is mounted to stud 33 by nut 36 and Teflon~
lock washer 37 and serves both as a means for dissipating excess heat from heating element 31 within cabinet 11 and as an additional means for securing heating element 31 against basin 13. Lock washer 37 is made from a suitable insulating material such as Teflon which minimizes the o~..~.~.'a'',~q heat transfer between heating element 31 and stud 33, thereby serving to prevent an undesirable hot spot at the bottom center of basin 13 which might otherwise cause melting of the drape portion 19 during use.
The method for producing a sterile, semi-frozen surgical slush from a sterilized liquid and for heating the sterilized liquid in accordance with the apparatus of the present invention disclosed above will now be described.
The surgical slush unit 10 is prepared for use by covering the unit 10 with the combination drape/air filter 18 so that the interior of basin 13 is covered with the drape portion 19 and the air filter portion 20 extends downwardly therefrom along the sides of cabinet 11 so as to fully cover the louvres 17. Drawstring 21 is drawn and tied so as to seal the flow of air through louvres 17 between air filter portion 21 and cabinet 11. The part of the drape portion 19 which overlies the basin 13 is pressed into and against the interior surface of the basin 13 so as to loosely conform the drape portion 19 to the shape of basin 13 and thereby minimize wrinkles and folds which reduce the effectiveness of heat transfer between the basin 13 and drape portion 19. Use of the DureflexTM polyurethane film as the material for drape portion 19 is prefered because of the material's ability to conform closely and adhere to the curved surface of the basin 13, which is preferably made of stainless steel. A
suitable quantity of surgical sterile liquid, such as saline solution, is poured into the basin shaped cavity defined by that part of the drape portion 19 which overlies basin 13. The weight of the surgical sterile liquid naturally tends to press the drape portion 19 into contact with the surface of basin 13 so as to further facilitate heat transfer therebetween.
_w (~:~. ~ ~~
Once the liquid is poured into basin 13, the refrigeration means in unit 10 is activated to cool the liquid by moving switch 15 to the "COOL" setting. As the Sterilized liquid congeals against the interior surface of the drape portion 19, a suitable spatula or paddle (not Shown) is employed to stir the liquid and scrape the semi-frozen liquid from the sides of drape portion 19.
Preferably, the paddle is made of a material which is sterilizable and sufficiently soft and resilient to resist tearing the drape portion 19 during use. For added convenience to the user, the paddle may be designed for disposal after use and provided in a pre-sterilized kit along with the combination drape/air filter 18. Scraping and stirring of the sterile liquid proceeds until a 1S desired quantity of loose, semi-frozen slush ice is produced having the consistency desired for the intended use, such as for packing into a body cavity to reduce the temperature of the body cavity during a surgical procedure.
Once the surgical procedure is performed, it is desirable to facilitate raising the body cavity back to its normal temperature by contact with a sterile liquid having a temperture which is elevated slightly with respect to normal body temperature, for example approximately 105°F. For this purpose, an additional quantity of sterile liquid is poured into the drape portion 19 overlying basin 13 and the heating means in unit 10 is activated by moving switch 16 to the "HEAT"
position so as to activate heating element 31.
After use, the combination drape/air filter 18 is removed from unit 10 and disposed.
It is to be noted that the operation above described is intended to be performed within the surgical sterile environment of an operating room. Within this -lz-environment, the combination drape/air filter 18 provides a sterile barrier protecting against direct contact with unit 10, which cannot itself be sterilized to surgical sterility standards. In addition, air flowing through louvres 17 is filtered by filter portion z0 to remove particulate contaminants therefrom which may have accumulated on the surfaces of internal components o.f unit 10. Moreover, since the unit 10 does not directly contain the sterile liquid there is no need to sterilize basin 13 for reuse.
While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.
Claims (18)
1. A surgical slush system for producing a sterile, semi-frozen slush from a sterile liquid comprising:
a slush generating unit including a cabinet having a top portion;
a basin disposed at the top portion of said cabinet;
refrigeration means inside said cabinet for cooling said basin to a temperature below the freezing point of said sterile liquid; and a sterilized drape container for directly receiving said sterile liquid, said drape container being impervious to the sterile liquid and sized to be received in and entirely cover said basin, said drape container also being sufficiently compliant to conform substantially to the interior shape of said basin such that said drape container is directly cooled by said basin to thereby cool the received sterile liquid in said drape container.
a slush generating unit including a cabinet having a top portion;
a basin disposed at the top portion of said cabinet;
refrigeration means inside said cabinet for cooling said basin to a temperature below the freezing point of said sterile liquid; and a sterilized drape container for directly receiving said sterile liquid, said drape container being impervious to the sterile liquid and sized to be received in and entirely cover said basin, said drape container also being sufficiently compliant to conform substantially to the interior shape of said basin such that said drape container is directly cooled by said basin to thereby cool the received sterile liquid in said drape container.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein said drape container is part of a sterile drape that covers at least the entirety of said top portion of said cabinet.
3. The system of claim 2 wherein said cabinet includes a plurality of louvres along one or more of the sides thereof sized for passage of air therethrough to facilitate thermal energy transfer between inside and outside cabinet, and said drape includes a sterilized air filter cover extending outwardly from the margins of said drape so as to extend over said louvers, said cover being pervious to air but substantially impervious to dust particles to filter air passing through said louvres.
4. The system of claim 1 further comprising heating means for heating said basin to temperatures above the freezing point of said sterile liquid.
5. The system of claim 4 wherein said heating means includes an electrical heating element mounted to the underside of said basin.
6. The system of claim 1 wherein refrigeration means includes an evaporator mounted in thermal transfer relation with the underside of said basin.
7. A method for producing a sterile, semi-frozen surgical slush from a sterile liquid, comprising the steps of:
(a) providing a surgical slush unit having a rigid basin and refrigeration means for cooling said basin to a temperature below the freezing point of said sterile liquid;
(b) forming a drape container by covering the interior of said basin with a sterile drape and conforming said drape substantially to the interior shape of said basin;
(c introducing a quantity of sterile liquid directly into said drape container; and (d) cooling said sterile liquid within said drape container by activation of said refrigeration means so as to cause said sterile liquid to congeal as surgical slush in drape container.
(a) providing a surgical slush unit having a rigid basin and refrigeration means for cooling said basin to a temperature below the freezing point of said sterile liquid;
(b) forming a drape container by covering the interior of said basin with a sterile drape and conforming said drape substantially to the interior shape of said basin;
(c introducing a quantity of sterile liquid directly into said drape container; and (d) cooling said sterile liquid within said drape container by activation of said refrigeration means so as to cause said sterile liquid to congeal as surgical slush in drape container.
8. The method of claim 7 wherein said surgical slush tends to congeal on the interior surface of said drape container, said method further comprising the step of:
(e) removing the congealed sterile liquid from the interior surface of said drape container as step (d)is performed.
(e) removing the congealed sterile liquid from the interior surface of said drape container as step (d)is performed.
9. The method of claim 7 wherein said sterile slush unit further includes a heating means for heating said basin, and said method comprising the further steps of:
(f) heating a quantity of said sterile liquid contained directly within said drape container to a desired temperature which is elevated with respect to normal body temperature by activation of said heating means in said sterile slush unit.
(f) heating a quantity of said sterile liquid contained directly within said drape container to a desired temperature which is elevated with respect to normal body temperature by activation of said heating means in said sterile slush unit.
10. The method of claim 9 wherein step (f) is performed after steps (d) and (e).
11. The method of claim 7 wherein said sterile slush unit includes a plurality of louvres for circulation of air through said unit and said method comprises the further steps of:
(g) providing a sterilized air filter cover extending outwardly from the margins of said drape, said cover being pervious to air but substantially impervious to dust particles; and (h) covering said louvres with said cover thereby filtering air passing through said louvres when said sterile slush unit is activated.
(g) providing a sterilized air filter cover extending outwardly from the margins of said drape, said cover being pervious to air but substantially impervious to dust particles; and (h) covering said louvres with said cover thereby filtering air passing through said louvres when said sterile slush unit is activated.
12. A combination sterilized drape and air filter for use with a machine for producing a sterile semi-frozen surgical slush from a sterile liquid, said machine having a cabinet including a plurality of sides and a plurality of louvres along one or more of the sides thereof sized for passage of air therethrough to facilitate heat transfer inside said machine, and a basin at the top of said cabinet, said combination sterilized drape and air filter comprising:
a sterilized drape including a thin sheet formed of a material which is impervious to the sterile liquid and sized to cover said basin, said drape also being sufficiently flexible to conform substantially to the interior shape of said basin; and an air filter formed of a thin flexible sterilized sheet fixed to and extending outwardly from the margin of said drape and sized to extend over said louvres, said sheet being pervious to air but substantially impervious to dust particles.
a sterilized drape including a thin sheet formed of a material which is impervious to the sterile liquid and sized to cover said basin, said drape also being sufficiently flexible to conform substantially to the interior shape of said basin; and an air filter formed of a thin flexible sterilized sheet fixed to and extending outwardly from the margin of said drape and sized to extend over said louvres, said sheet being pervious to air but substantially impervious to dust particles.
13. The combination sterilized drape and air filter of claim 12 and further comprising:
a sealing means for sealing the space between said air filter and said cabinet.
a sealing means for sealing the space between said air filter and said cabinet.
14. The combination sterilized drape and air filter of claim 13 wherein said sealing means includes a drawstring mounted on the outer margin of said air filter.
15. A surgical slush system for producing a sterile, semi-frozen slush from a sterile liquid, comprising:
a quantity of sterile liquid;
a slush generating unit including a cabinet;
a basin at the top of said cabinet, and refrigeration means inside said cabinet for cooling said basin to a temperature below the freezing point of said sterilized liquid, said refrigeration means including an evaporator mounted at the underside of said basin in heat transfer relationship therewith;
and a thin sterilized drape, said drape being impervious to said sterile liquid and sized to cover said basin, said drape compliantly conforming substantially to the interior shape of said basin, said drape directly abutting said basin along substantially the entire surface of said basin and removable therefrom, said sterile liquid being directly contained by said drape within said basin such that the contained sterile liquid is cooled by said evaporator through said basin and said drape.
a quantity of sterile liquid;
a slush generating unit including a cabinet;
a basin at the top of said cabinet, and refrigeration means inside said cabinet for cooling said basin to a temperature below the freezing point of said sterilized liquid, said refrigeration means including an evaporator mounted at the underside of said basin in heat transfer relationship therewith;
and a thin sterilized drape, said drape being impervious to said sterile liquid and sized to cover said basin, said drape compliantly conforming substantially to the interior shape of said basin, said drape directly abutting said basin along substantially the entire surface of said basin and removable therefrom, said sterile liquid being directly contained by said drape within said basin such that the contained sterile liquid is cooled by said evaporator through said basin and said drape.
16. The system of claim 15 wherein said slush generating unit further includes a heating means for heating said basin to a temperature above the freezing point of said sterile liquid said heating means including an electrical heating element mounted at the underside of said basin in heat transfer relationship therewith.
17. The system of claim 16 wherein said slush generating unit further includes:
a mounting stud rigidly fixed to and extending from the underside of said basin;
a cover plate mounted on said mounting stud on the underside of said basin beneath said electrical heating element, said cover plate serving to dissipate excess heat from said heating element within said cabinet; and a low friction, insulative lock washer extending between said mounting stud and said cover plate and serving to insulate the connection therebetween.
a mounting stud rigidly fixed to and extending from the underside of said basin;
a cover plate mounted on said mounting stud on the underside of said basin beneath said electrical heating element, said cover plate serving to dissipate excess heat from said heating element within said cabinet; and a low friction, insulative lock washer extending between said mounting stud and said cover plate and serving to insulate the connection therebetween.
18. The system of claim 15 wherein said cabinet includes a plurality of louvres along one or more of the sides thereof sized for passage of air therethrough to facilitate heat transfer inside said cabinet, and said system further comprising:
an air filter including a thin flexible sterilized sheet fixed to extend over said louvres, said sheet being pervious to air but substantially impervious to dust particles.
an air filter including a thin flexible sterilized sheet fixed to extend over said louvres, said sheet being pervious to air but substantially impervious to dust particles.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US07/377,461 US4934152A (en) | 1989-07-10 | 1989-07-10 | Apparatus and method for producing sterile slush and heated sterile liquid |
| US377,461 | 1989-07-10 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2017534A1 CA2017534A1 (en) | 1991-01-10 |
| CA2017534C true CA2017534C (en) | 2000-07-25 |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002017534A Expired - Lifetime CA2017534C (en) | 1989-07-10 | 1990-05-25 | Apparatus and method for producing sterile slush and heated sterile liquid |
Country Status (7)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4934152A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0484338B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP3151214B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2017534C (en) |
| DE (1) | DE69004263T2 (en) |
| ES (1) | ES2047331T3 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1991000715A1 (en) |
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| US3024471A (en) * | 1960-05-27 | 1962-03-13 | Sara H Anderson | Bath tub protective covers |
| SE334989B (en) * | 1970-02-10 | 1971-05-10 | B Bengtsson | |
| US4495402A (en) * | 1981-10-02 | 1985-01-22 | W. G. Whitney Corporation | Warmer for temperature conditioning wet dressings and other articles |
| US4393659A (en) * | 1982-06-01 | 1983-07-19 | Taylor Freezer Company | Method and apparatus for producing sterile slush ice |
-
1989
- 1989-07-10 US US07/377,461 patent/US4934152A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1990
- 1990-05-15 DE DE90908817T patent/DE69004263T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1990-05-15 JP JP50851090A patent/JP3151214B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1990-05-15 WO PCT/US1990/002748 patent/WO1991000715A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1990-05-15 EP EP90908817A patent/EP0484338B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1990-05-15 ES ES90908817T patent/ES2047331T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1990-05-25 CA CA002017534A patent/CA2017534C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| ES2047331T3 (en) | 1994-02-16 |
| JP3151214B2 (en) | 2001-04-03 |
| DE69004263D1 (en) | 1993-12-02 |
| US4934152A (en) | 1990-06-19 |
| CA2017534A1 (en) | 1991-01-10 |
| EP0484338A1 (en) | 1992-05-13 |
| WO1991000715A1 (en) | 1991-01-24 |
| EP0484338B1 (en) | 1993-10-27 |
| JPH04506304A (en) | 1992-11-05 |
| DE69004263T2 (en) | 1994-04-21 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKEX | Expiry |