US20070252057A1

US20070252057A1 - Mounting bracket for medical device

Info

Publication number: US20070252057A1
Application number: US11/416,371
Authority: US
Inventors: David Utterberg; William Schnell
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: NxStage Medical Inc
Priority date: 2006-05-01
Filing date: 2006-05-01
Publication date: 2007-11-01

Abstract

A mounting bracket is provided for holding a medical device adjacent a medical apparatus. The mounting bracket includes spring arms that allow the bracket to be spring loaded and inserted between a medical apparatus and a pole. The bracket includes fingers for flexibly receiving a medical device thereon, so that the device may be securely mounted adjacent the medical apparatus. The bracket includes a base having the first spring arm and second spring arm extending therefrom.

Description

The present invention pertains to a mounting bracket for a medical device such as a dialyzer for use with a blood processing system.
Hemodialysis systems are well known that pump and process blood via arterial and venous tubing sets. A typical hemodialysis blood processing apparatus (“dialysis machine”) includes a cabinet for housing the pumping components. An air trap acts to remove air bubbles from the blood being processed by the dialysis machine. Generally the dialyzer is a membrane device connected to the dialysis machine via tubular arterial and venous flow lines. The dialyzer is mounted adjacent the dialysis machine. For example, the dialysis machine may have a metal pole extending from the top of the cabinet or placed nearby. In a typical orientation, the dialyzer is mounted to the pole.
The mounting of the dialyzer to the pole is usually accomplished via a conventional bracket having multiple components, springs, and clamping arms on the bracket. For example, a first clamping portion may be provided having a metal coil spring formed between two arms in order to mechanically operate the first clamping arm which may clamp onto the outer sides of the dialyzer cylinder. A second portion of the bracket may be provided for clamping onto the pole. For example, a threaded screw may be provided for tightening and untightening so that the screw may be moved in a direction towards the pole. Tightening of the screw against the pole causes the bracket to clamp onto the pole.
Typically such a bracket will have multiple components that are connected together via screws, rivets or other fasteners. The screw and coil spring are generally formed of metal which are mounted to the bracket via insert molding or other fastening means. Each of these connection means provide crevices and gaps in the bracket which are susceptible of accumulating contaminants or blood. Also, the device is expensive.
As the bracket is used in a medical environment—where cleanliness and lack of contamination is highly desirable—it is necessary that the bracket be easily cleaned and disinfected and have minimal crevices where contaminants and blood may accumulate that may be difficult to clean. Therefore, there is desired a mounting bracket which can overcome the disadvantages of previously known brackets.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides a bracket comprising a first pole clamping arm and a second device clamping arm assembly having a pair of resilient clamping fingers, and the first pole clamping arm having a concave-shaped hand member. The pole clamping arm and the device clamping arm assembly are formed as one piece, for example a single, molded piece, so that the bracket may be easily cleaned, and is inexpensive. In an embodiment, the first pole clamping arm and second device clamping arm are joined to form a pair of spring arms utilizing the resilience of the plastic used to make the bracket. The bracket may be mounted between a pole abutting the pole clamping arm and a medical apparatus (such as a dialysis machine) abutting the device clamping arm. The pair of spring arms typically may exert an outward force against the pole. In an embodiment, the pair of arms are molded as one piece of a glass filled nylon compound. In some embodiments, the device clamping arm may include a guide member protruding therefrom for engaging a side of the medical apparatus to position the bracket when mounted between the pole and the medical apparatus.
In some embodiments, the second device clamping arm includes a first finger having a resting surface, and a second finger having a substantially L-shaped clamping surface. The first finger is bendable away from the second finger, so that a device may be inserted between the fingers and maintained between the clamping surface and the resting surface. In an embodiment, the medical device held may be a cylindrically shaped dialyzer that is securely held by the device clamping arm assembly comprising the pair of fingers, each on a separate arm portion, or branching from a single arm, if desired. In one embodiment, the first finger and second finger each may include an arm portion that separately join each finger to a base, and each arm portion extends in a direction perpendicular to the base. Each arm portion of the second arm may be substantially parallel to the other.
In an embodiment, the first pole clamping arm may extend from the base. The hand member may be a generally C-shaped member that includes a circumference between approximately 90-180 degrees.
In another embodiment, the hand member may be generally V-shaped. A strut is attached to the device clamping arm. The strut may extend at least partially parallel to a bisecting line that extends across the opening of the hand between a proximal point and a distal point on the V or C-shaped member, so that applying pressure on the strut will direct an angular clamping force toward the V or C-shaped member in order to easily clamp the bracket to a pole. The bracket may further comprise a guide member protruding from the device clamping arm at approximately a 90 degree angle, the guide member being used for abutting a side of a medical apparatus to which the bracket is mounted. The pole clamping arm may be clamped to a pole extending from the medical apparatus, the pole extending parallel to the side of the medical apparatus, and the guide member may have an L-shape to engage the side.
The bracket may comprise a spring arm comprising a first arm having a first abutment surface, a second spring arm flexibly connected to the first arm at a base, the second arm having a second abutment surface, the bracket having a rest condition where the first arm is extended fully from the second arm, the bracket also having a mounted condition, where the first arm is compressed toward the second arm so that a force of typically about 20-30 pounds is generated at the first and second abutment surface. In one embodiment, the first and second arms may be molded as one piece of a plastic such as glass filled nylon compound. In one embodiment, the first abutment surface may be a generally C-shaped hand member for clamping onto a pole, and the second abutment surface may be a generally L-shaped guide member for engaging a side of the dialysis machine when the bracket is in the mounted condition.
As stated, the second arm may include first and second fingers for engaging a medical device, so that the medical device is mounted adjacent a medical apparatus and a pole, between which the bracket is compressed. In some embodiments, the bracket may further include a third arm disposed between the first and second arm and for supporting one of the fingers that clamp to a medical device disposed between the first and second finger.
The present invention may also provide a method of mounting a medical device to a medical apparatus, comprising the steps of providing a spring arm bracket having first and second arms that form spring arms, inserting a bracket between a pole and the medical apparatus in order to compress the spring arms, generating an outward force by the spring arms due to the compression between the pole and the medical apparatus, maintaining the bracket in a vertical position, and mounting a medical device to the bracket so that it is maintained in a position adjacent the medical apparatus. The method further comprises the steps of attaching blood flow tubes between the medical device and the medical apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

There is shown in the drawings a preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein like numerals in the various figures pertain to like elements, and wherein:
FIG. 1 is perspective view of the bracket of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a plan view of the bracket of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the bracket of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the bracket of FIG. 1 shown mounted to a pole and having an extracorporeal blood treatment device mounted on the bracket;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the bracket of FIG. 4 depicted in its compressed condition mounted between a pole and a dialysis machine, prior to insertion of the blood treatment device therein; and
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the bracket mounted to a dialysis machine and having a dialyzer mounted in the bracket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIGS. 1-6. A bracket 10 is provided which includes a pole clamping arm 20 including a hand 22. In an embodiment, the hand is generally C-shaped or concave and is formed to attach to a cylindrical pole 23 (FIGS. 4 and 5). In an alternate embodiment, the hand 22 may be V-shaped. The hand 22 forms an opening 26, as indicated by bisecting line L, across opening 26 between a proximal point 27 and a distal point 28 formed by the hand 22. The C-shaped member 22 includes a circumference of between approximately 90°-180°. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the proximal point 27 is oriented about 180° from the distal point 28.
A first (double) arm 31, 31 a extends from an opposite end of the base 30 and forms a device clamping arm. The device clamping arm includes a first finger 32 and a second finger 34. The first finger 32 provides for a first abutment surface 32 a and the second finger 34 provides for a second abutment surface 34 a. In an embodiment, the second abutment surface 34 a may be defined by an L-shaped guide member 35. The pole clamping arm 20 forms a spring arm or trunk extending from base 30 and defines a second arm 20. The arms 20, 31, 31 a, base 30 and fingers 32, 34 may be integrally formed of a polymer material of one piece, to provide spring arms that are resilient and flexible, in order to allow for the bracket 10 to mount to a dialysis machine 40, and to hold a dialyzer 47. Each arm 20, 31 has an arm portion that connects the arm 20, 31 to the base 30. Each arm forms a first and second finger 32, 34 that extend substantially perpendicular to the base 30. Arm portion 31 a also connects integrally to base 30. In an alternate embodiment, first arm portion 31 a may extend from the trunk of the first arm portion 31 in a Y configuration.
Dialysis machine 40 is a well-known blood processing apparatus, such as for hemodialysis, and dialyzer 47 has blood tubing that attaches it via parts 51, 53 to the dialysis machine 40. Many clinically used types are known. An example of a dialysis machine and dialyzer are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,517,508, which is incorporated herein by reference.
First and second fingers 32, 34 act to hold dialyzer 47 therebetween. The fingers are resiliently formed so that dialyzer 47 may be slid between the fingers, causing them to expand and separate from each other. Each finger has a tapered end 37, 38, so that dialyzer 47 may be easily inserted between fingers 32, 34. Upon complete insertion of dialyzer 47 against the L-shaped guide member 35, fingers 32, 34 close around device 47 and securely hold device 47 within bracket 10.
FIGS. 1-3 depict bracket 10 in its rest condition, where first, double arm 31, 31 a is fully extended from second arm 20. This is a non-stressed condition, allowing bracket 10 to be mounted to the medical apparatus 40 on pole 23. As shown in FIG. 4, bracket 10 is mounted on pole 23 by compressing spring arms 20, 31 between pole 23 and side 48 of dialysis machine 40. Once medical device 47 is inserted between the fingers 32, 34, dialyzer 47 is maintained in a position adjacent pole 23 and dialysis machine 40. As shown in FIG. 5, bracket 10 is spring loaded in a compressed condition of arms 20, 31 between the dialysis machine side 48 and pole 23, so that dialyzer 47 can be securely maintained between pole 23 and apparatus 40.
First arm portion 31 includes a guide member 45 protruding generally at a right angle from first arm 31. The first arm portion 31 is normally positioned adjacent to a side 48 of the dialysis machine 40, and first arm 31 and guide member 45 acting to brace and position bracket 10 against dialysis machine 40. Due to the resilient nature and spring arm orientation of the bracket 10 having the first and second arms 20, 31, 31 a attached to base 30, the entire bracket may be compressed between pole 23 and apparatus 40. In an embodiment, mounted bracket 10 exerts an outward force of about 20-30 pounds against the pole 23.
First arm portion 31 may also include a strut 55. Strut 55, part of guide member 35, may be formed parallel to the bisecting line L, formed across the opening 26 of the C-shaped hand 22. Due to the orientation of the strut 55 and the resilient nature of bracket 10, strut 55 may be pushed by a medical attendant's hand in order to push the C-shaped hand member 22 onto the pole 23. Pushing on strut 55 directs an angular clamping force on the C-shaped member 22, in order to easily clamp the bracket 10 to the pole 23 by a springing-fit retention.
After bracket 10 is clamped to pole 23, the first arm 31 may be slid against the dialysis machine, in order to provide the bracket in a preset or stressed condition, so that arms 20, 31 are applying an outward force against dialysis machine 40 and pole 23. In particular, the first arm portion 31 and guide member 45 apply a force against side 48 of apparatus 40, and the C-shaped hand 22 applies a force against the pole 23, in order to securely maintain bracket 10 in a vertical orientation adjacent the side of the apparatus 40 and pole 23. Thus, it may be understood that once dialyzer 47 is mounted between fingers 32, 34, it will be maintained in a secure position adjacent apparatus 40. In such a position, the dialysis solution connections 75 extending from the medical device 47 can be provided. Blood flow ports 51, 53 can also be connected to blood tubing and dialyzer machine 40, while the dialyzer 47 is clamped between fingers 32, 34.
Therefore, it may be understood that the bracket's one piece construction allows it to have minimal crevices and components to collect contaminants, such as blood, and may be easily cleaned while providing for a means to quickly and easily mount a medical device, such as a dialyzer, to a medical apparatus, such as dialysis machine. It is also apparent that the bracket 10 may be easily removed from the dialysis machine for disinfecting, such as submersing the entire bracket in a disinfectant solution. After disinfecting and cleaning, such by scrubbing with cleansers, the bracket may be quickly and easily reinserted on the apparatus and a medical device mounted thereto. Also, bracket 10 is inexpensive to manufacture, and thus may be disposable if desired.
In a method of mounting the medical device 47 to a medical apparatus 40, the steps are followed of: inserting the bracket 10 between pole 23 and the dialysis machine 40, in order to compress the spring arms 20, 31. The spring arms 20, 31 typically generate an outward force of about 20-30 pounds due to the compression between the pole 23 and the medical apparatus 40, but other compressions may be used. The bracket is maintained in a vertical position by arms 20, 31. Finally, the medical device 47 is inserted between clamping fingers 32, 34, so that medical device 47 is maintained in position adjacent medical apparatus 40. Following the mounting of dialyzer 47, flexible tubing 51, 53, 75 is attached as appropriate, between device 47 and the dialysis machine 40.
The matter set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings is offered by way of illustration only and not as a limitation. Although particular embodiments have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the broader aspects of applicant's contribution. For example, the bracket 10 of the present invention may be used to mount devices other than a dialyzer and may be mounted to apparatus other than a dialysis machine. The actual scope of the protection sought is intended to be defined in the following claims, when viewed in their proper perspective based on the prior art.

Claims

1. A bracket comprising:

a first pole clamping arm having a concave-shaped hand member;

a second device clamping arm having a pair of resilient clamping fingers; and

the pole clamping arm and the device clamping arm formed as one integral piece.

2. The bracket of claim 1 wherein the first pole clamping arm and device clamping arm are joined to form a pair of spring arms.

3. The bracket of claim 2 wherein the bracket is mounted between a pole abutting the pole clamping arm and a medical apparatus abutting the device clamping arm and the pair of spring arms exert an outward force against the pole when mounted.

4. The bracket of claim 3 which is molded as one piece of a glass filled nylon compound.

5. The bracket of claim 3 wherein the device clamping arm includes a guide member protruding therefrom for engaging a side of the medical apparatus and helping to position the bracket in a compressed condition when mounted between the pole and the medical apparatus.

6. The bracket of claim 1 wherein the second device clamping arm includes a first finger having a resting surface, and a second finger having a substantially L-shaped clamping surface and the first finger being bendable away from the second finger so that a device may be inserted between the fingers and maintained between a clamping surface and a resting surface.

7. The bracket of claim 6 wherein the device is a cylindrically shaped, extracorporeal blood treatment device that is securely held by the device clamping arm.

8. The bracket of claim 6 wherein the first finger and second finger each include an arm portion that join each finger to a base, and each arm portion extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the base and each arm portion extends substantially longitudinally to the other.

9. The bracket of claim 8 wherein the first pole clamping arm extends from the base.

10. The bracket of claim 8 wherein the hand member is a generally C-shaped member that includes a circumference of between approximately 90 to 180°.

11. The bracket of claim 10 wherein a strut is attached to the second device clamping arm, the strut extending at least partially parallel to a bisecting line that extends across an opening of the hand between a proximal point and a distal point on the C-shaped member, so that applying pressure on the strut will direct an angular clamping force on the C-shaped member in order to easily clamp the bracket to a pole.

12. The bracket of claim 8 wherein the hand member is generally V-shaped.

13. The bracket of claim 8 wherein the pole clamping arm is clamped to a pole carried by a medical apparatus, the pole extending parallel to the side of the medical apparatus, and guide member on said bracket having an L-shape to engage said medical apparatus.

14. The bracket of claim 1 further comprising a guide member protruding from the device clamping arm at approximately a 90° angle, the guide member for abutting a side of a medical apparatus to which the bracket is mounted.

15. A spring arm bracket comprising:

a first arm having a first abutment surface;

a second arm flexibly connected to the first arm at a base, the second arm having a second abutment surface;

the bracket having a rest condition where the first arm is extended fully from the second arm; and

the bracket having a mounted condition where the first arm is compressed toward the second arm so that a force of about 20-30 pounds is generated at the first and second abutment surface, when mounted.

16. The bracket of claim 15 wherein the first and second arms are molded as one piece.

17. The bracket of claim 15 wherein the first abutment surface comprises a C-shaped hand member for clamping onto a pole, and the second abutment surface is a generally L-shaped guide member for engaging a side of a medical apparatus when the bracket is in the mounted condition.

18. The bracket of claim 15 wherein the second arm includes first and second fingers for engaging a medical device that is mounted onto the bracket between the fingers so that the medical device is mounted adjacent a medical apparatus and a pole, between which the bracket is compressed.

19. The bracket of claim 15 further comprising a third arm portion for providing a second finger that is adjacent a first finger of said second arm that clamps to a medical device disposed between the first and second finger.

20. A method of mounting a medical device to a medical apparatus comprising the steps of:

providing a spring arm bracket having a first and second arm forming spring arms and the second arm having clamping fingers;

inserting the bracket between a pole and the medical apparatus in order to compress the spring arms;

generating an outward force by the spring arms due to the compression between the pole and the medical apparatus;

maintaining the bracket in a vertical position; and

inserting a medical device between the clamping fingers so that the medical device is maintained in a position adjacent the medical apparatus.

21. The method of claim 19 further comprising the steps of:

attaching tubes between the medical device and a dialysis machine.