초록 ▼

Disclosed is a disposable patient interface for an intraductal fluid aspiration system. The interface has a flexible tubular distal member for contacting the patient, and a rigid proximal member forming a vacuum chamber therein. The rigid member has a vacuum aperture for communication with a source

Disclosed is a disposable patient interface for an intraductal fluid aspiration system. The interface has a flexible tubular distal member for contacting the patient, and a rigid proximal member forming a vacuum chamber therein. The rigid member has a vacuum aperture for communication with a source of vacuum. The flexible member preferably has a low modulus of elasticity and a high tear strength, such that it can be stretched to fit over a rigid support without rupture.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A disposable patient interface for an intraductal fluid aspiration device, comprising: a flexible, unsupported, size-adjustable tubular membrane, adapted for removable attachment to a size-adjustable support, the tubular membrane having a proximal end, a distal end and a passageway extending t

1. A disposable patient interface for an intraductal fluid aspiration device, comprising: a flexible, unsupported, size-adjustable tubular membrane, adapted for removable attachment to a size-adjustable support, the tubular membrane having a proximal end, a distal end and a passageway extending therethrough, wherein the proximal end has a smaller cross sectional area than the distal end; a rigid proximal cap on the proximal end of the flexible tubular membrane; and a vacuum port on the cap for connection to a source of vacuum. 2. A disposable patient interface as in claim 1, wherein an unstressed diameter of the distal end is within the range of from about 2 inches to about 4 inches. 3. A disposable patient interface as in claim 1, wherein an unstressed diameter of the distal end is no mare than about 4 inches. 4. A disposable patient interface as in claim 1, wherein the diameter of the distal end is adapted to be stretched to at least 150% of its unstressed diameter without rupturing the membrane. 5. A disposable patient interface as in claim 1, wherein the diameter of the distal end is adapted to be stretched to at least 200% of its unstressed diameter without rupturing the membrane. 6. A disposable patient interface as in claim 1, wherein the axial length of the tubular membrane from a distal end of the proximal cap to the distal end of the tubular membrane, along the surface of the membrane, is within the range of from about 1 inch to about 6 inches. 7. A disposable patient interface as in claim 1, wherein the axial length of the tubular membrane from a distal end of the proximal cap to the distal end of the tubular membrane, along the surface of the membrane, is within the range of from about 2 inches to about 4 inches. 8. A disposable patient interface as in claim 1, wherein the proximal cap defines a chamber therein. 9. A disposable patient interface as in claim 8, wherein the proximal cap exhibits sufficient rigidity that the proximal cap resists collapse when a vacuum of at least about 150 mm Hg is applied to the chamber. 10. A disposable patient interface as in claim 9, wherein the proximal cap exhibits sufficient rigidity that the proximal caps resists collapse when a vacuum of at least about 250 mm Hg is applied to the chamber. 11. A disposable patient interface as in claim 1, wherein the proximal cap comprises at least a first retention structure for releasable connection with a complementary second retention structure on a handpiece. 12. A disposable patient interface as in claim 11, wherein the first retention structure comprises a recess on the proximal cap. 13. A disposable patient interface as in claim 11, wherein the first retention structure comprises a projection on the proximal cap. 14. A disposable patient interface as in claim 1, wherein the tubular membrane comprises a styrene block copolymer. 15. A disposable patient interface as in claim 1, wherein the tubular membrane has a wall thickness of no more than about 0.025 inches. 16. A disposable patient interface as in claim 1, wherein the tubular membrane has a wall thickness of no more than about 0.0125 inches. 17. A method of making a disposable patient interface for an intraductal fluid aspiration device, comprising the steps of: molding a proximal cap; and overmolding a flexible tubular membrane such that a substantial portion of the tubular membrane extends unsupported beyond the proximal cap.