GB2481585A

GB2481585A - Forceps

Info

Publication number: GB2481585A
Application number: GB1010771.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jim Roberts; David Enderby
Original assignee: UCL Business Ltd
Current assignee: UCL Business Ltd
Priority date: 2010-06-25
Filing date: 2010-06-25
Publication date: 2012-01-04
Also published as: GB201010771D0

Abstract

The invention provides laryngoscopy forceps comprising a pivot point 11, having a pivot axis extending through the pivot point; and wherein the portion of the forceps distal of the pivot point is bent and the tips 13 are at an angle to a plane normal to the pivot axis. The forceps may be provided with a light source (51 figs 5-10) which may be detachable or embedded, thereby making it easier to visualize a patient's airway. The tips 13 may be shaped in a loop or have rounded corrugations. The shape of the forceps is adapted to follow the anatomical shape of the human airway, thereby making the forceps easier to use.

Description

FORCEPS

The present invention relates to forceps, in particular forceps used during laryngoscopy.

Laryngoscopy is performed when it is desired to view a patient's throat and airway. A medical practitioner may use a laryngoscope to manipulate the airway in order to improve the view of the patient's airway, or to assist in the intubation of a patient's airway. However, anatomical differences between patients mean that airways show significant variation. One way of classifying these variations is the Cormack and Lehane scale. On this scale, grade I is an "easy" airway in which most of the glottis can be seen with conventional laryngoscopy, whereas grade "IV" is a "difficult" airway in which neither the epiglottis nor the glottis can be seen.

Depending on the difficulty of the airway, a visual inspection of the airway may be relatively easy or difficult. Alternatively, it may simply be desirable to inspect fUrther down the airway than can be seen by unassisted inspection. In such cases, a fiberoptic camera may be inserted into the airway in order to perform the inspection. One example of such a fiberoptic camera is a "fiberscope" which may have an articulated end in order to assist in positioning the camera within the airway.

However, such fiberscopes are very expensive. Therefore, it is sometimes simpler to use an unarticulated fiberoptic camera and to position it using forceps. The forceps are used to grip the distal tip of the fiberoptic cable to position it as required. In addition, such forceps can be used when intubating an airway, in order to position the intubation tube in the airway.

However, conventional forceps suffer from the problem that they are unwieldy and difficult to use. In addition, due to the difficulty in using conventional forceps, the use of the forceps can result in unnecessary trauma to the patient's airway.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided laryngoscopy forceps comprising: a pivot point, having a pivot axis extending through the pivot point; and wherein the portion of the forceps distal of the pivot point is bent.

According to this embodiment, the distal portion of the forceps is bent. This is the portion of the forceps comprising the forceps blades, which are inserted into a patient's throat. As the human throat is not straight, the bend in the forceps makes it easier to use the forceps inside a patient's throat. This leads to a reduction in damage to the soft tissues of the mouth and throat, which could be inflicted accidentally when using conventional forceps.

According to another aspect, there is provided laryngoscopy forceps comprising: a pivot point, having a pivot axis extending through the pivot point; and forceps tips distal of the pivot point; wherein the forceps tips are at an angle to a plane normal to the pivot axis. That is, the tips are at an angle to the plane in which the forceps pivot at the position of the pivot axis. Once again, this shape allows for ease of use in a patient's throat, which is not straight.

Conventionally, in a closed position, the forceps tips meet in a plane that is parallel to the pivot axis, or a plane that intersects the pivot axis at a single point.

According to this embodiment, the tips of the forceps meet in a plane that is not parallel to, and does not intersect at a single point, the pivot axis. In other words, the pivot axis does not lie in the plane in which the tips meets. That is, the tips may be twisted with respect to the pivot axis, or curved or bent at an angle to the pivot axis.

In some embodiments, the forceps tips are at an angle to a plane normal to the pivot axis. The laryngoscopy forceps may comprise a first bend distal of the pivot point. This is one way of providing the shape to the forceps, and is relatively cheap to manufacture. The first bend may comprise an angle having a first component in the range of from 0 to 300, preferably from 10 to 25° and more preferably from 15 to 20°, measured in a plane normal to the pivot axis. The angle may further comprise a second component in the range of from 0 to 350, preferably 10 to 25°, to the first plane. These angles allow the formation of bend which allows for easy insertion of the forceps into apatient's throat. In addition, the laryngoscopy forceps may comprise a second bend distal of the pivot point, wherein the second bend is closer to the pivot point than the first bend. The second bend may comprise an angle having a first component in the range of from 0 to 20°, preferably from 5 to 15°, measured in the first plane normal to the pivot axis. This second angle further helps to create a shape in the forceps which mirrors the anatomical shape of the human throat, thereby making the forceps easier to use.

Alternatively the laryngoscopy forceps are curved distal of the pivot. The curved shape leads to a more continuous shape of the forceps, with less angles, thereby further increasing the ergonomics of the forceps and reducing the chance of causing accidental trauma to the patient.

The laryngoscopy forceps may further comprise two blade portions pivotally connected at, and distal of, the pivot point. The blade portions may comprise the first bend and preferably the second bend mentioned above. The blade portions are bent in the same way, so that they come together when the forceps are in a closed position.

The laryngoscopy forceps may comprise a light source.

According to one aspect, there is provided laryngoscopy forceps comprising at least one light source.

According to this aspect, the forceps are provided with a light source, thereby eliminating the need for a separate light source when performing laryngoscopy. In addition, by positioning the light source on the forceps, the light is less likely to be obstructed by other implements, thereby ensuring the best possible lighting of the patient's airway, and making it easier to direct the forceps. As a result, there is less chance of the forceps causing accidental trauma to the patient.

Preferably, the laryngoscopy forceps further comprise a pivot point, having a pivot axis extending through the pivot point.

The light source is preferably positioned distal of the pivot point. Preferably, the light source points away from the pivot point. Preferably, the laryngoscopy forceps comprise forceps tips distal of the pivot point, wherein the light source is positioned closer to the forceps tips than the pivot point. That is, it is preferable for the light source to be positioned on one of the forceps blades, and ideally close to the tips. The light source is directed towards the tips so that the light is provided as close to the region in which it is needed as possible.

The light source may comprise a light guide. Alternatively, the light source may be a light generating component such as a bulb. That is, any suitable means of providing light can be used with the invention. A light generating component will not suffer from attenuation due to light transmission if it is used as the light source, whereas a light guide may allow a more streamlined light source to be provided.

The light source may be detachable from the forceps. This allows for easy cleaning and sterilisation. In some embodiments the light source may be embedded in the forceps. This allows for a more streamlined shape, and makes it less likely that the light source will cause accidental trauma to an airway, as it does not protrude as far.

The laryngoscopy forceps may further comprise a power source for the light source. The power source may be a battery for example, which is attached to the proximal end of the forceps. The power source may be detachable from the forceps, to assist in cleaning or for easy replacement (for example, if the power source is a non-rechargeable battery).

The forceps tips may come into contact with each other at contact surfaces when the forceps are in a closed position. This ensures that the forceps are able to grip anything that may be required, including very thin objects or structures. The forceps tips may be shaped in a ioop, and! or the contact surface of each tip may comprise rounded corrugations. The rounded corrugations help to ensure that the tips are unlikely to damage whatever they are holding, whilst allowing a secure grip to be maintained.

According to another aspect, there is provided a method of performing laryngoscopy upon a patient, the method comprising using the laryngoscopy forceps discussed above to feed a tube into the patient's throat.

According to another aspect, there is provided a method of performing laryngoscopy upon a patient, the method comprising using any of the aforementioned laryngoscopy forceps comprising a light source, to shine light into the patient's throat.

The invention is described below, by way of example only with reference to -5..

the accompanying Figures, in which: Fig. 1 is a drawing of laryngoscopy forceps with a bend in the end distal of the pivot point; Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic view of the forceps of Fig. 1, looking in a direction parallel to the pivot axis; Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic view of the forceps of Fig. 1, looking in a direction perpendicular to the pivot axis; Figs 4a and 4b are drawings showing the bend in the end of the forceps distal to the pivot point; Fig. 5 is a drawing of laryngoscopy forceps upon which a light source and power source are mounted; Fig. 6 is a drawing showing how the light source of Fig.5 attaches to the forceps of Fig. 5; Fig. 7 is a drawing showing how the power source of Fig. 5 attaches to the forceps of Fig. 5; Fig. 8 is a drawing of laryngoscopy forceps having an integrated light source and power source; Fig. 9 is a drawing of the light source of the forceps of Fig. 8; Fig. 10 is drawing of a detachable light source and how it connects to forceps; and Fig. 11 is a drawing showing rounded corrugations in the tips of laryngoscopy forceps.

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a laryngoscopy forceps 10. Figs 2 and 3 show the forceps 10 from alternative orientations.

The forceps 10 have two members 17, which are pivotally connected at a pivot point 11. The members 17 pivot about the pivot axis of the pivot point 11. At one end of each of the members 17, at the proximal end to the user in use, is positioned a handle 16 for manipulating the position of the forceps 10. The user operates the forceps 10 by changing the distance between the handles 16, like scissors. This causes the members 17 to pivot about the pivot point 11 thereby

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moving the portion of the forceps 10 distal of the pivot point 11.

The pivot point 11 may be a screw or rivet, for example, joining the members 17 whilst leaving the members 17 free to rotate with respect to each other.

The portion of the forceps 10 distal of the pivot point 11 comprises the blades 12 and the tips 13. The blades 12 and the tips 13 are part of the members 17. That is, the distal portion of one member 17 consists of a blade 12 and a tip 13.

As can be seen in Figs. 2 and 3, the distal portion of the forceps 10 is bent at bend 14. That is, the blades 12 of the forceps 10 are bent. As a result, the portion of the forceps 10 distal of the pivot point 11 is not straight. In this context, the term "straight" is used to denote that the surfaces of the blades 12 and tips 13 which are in apposition to each other are substantially flat. This is not to say that the surfaces may not be textured.

In particular, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the blades 12 of the forceps 10 have been bent together in a particular direction. In the closed position of the forceps 10, as shown in the Figures, both blades 12 have been bent in the same way, so that the blades 12 lie next to each other in the closed position, just as in conventional forceps.

The bend is further illustrated in Figs 4a and 4b. As can be seen in Fig. 2, the angle by which the blades 12 have been bent has a first component e 1 in a plane normal to the pivot axis (i.e. in the plane of the page of Fig. 2). In other words, if one were to look along the blades 12 from the pivot point 11, with the pivot axis arranged vertically, the blades 12 would be seen to bend sideways or horizontally.

As can be seen from Fig. 2 and Fig. 4a, the portion of the forceps 10 from the tips 13 to the bend 14 are substantially straight. As such, they define a direction in which the tips 13 point. As can be seen from Figures 2 and 3, the tips 13 point in a direction which lies on a straight line that does not intersect the pivot axis or the pivot point 11.

The bend 14 in the forceps 10 also has a component 2, as shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4b. Component 02 is the angle of the bend 14 with respect to the plane that is normal to the pivot axis. That is, it is the angle into the page in Fig. 2. Therefore, the forceps tips 13 are at an angle to the plane normal to the pivot axis due to * -7-component 82. Considered another way, the bend 14 results in the tips 13 meeting, in a closed position, in a plane that is parallel to the pivot axis or that only intersects the pivot axis at a single point. That is, the pivot axis does not lie in the plane in which the tips 13 meet. It is noted that the tips 13 may not be totally smooth, but it will still be possible to determine an average plane in which the tips 13 meet. For example, Figs. 4a and 4b show a close up view of the blades 12 and tips 13 of the forceps of Fig. 1. It can be seen that the tips 13 are "corrugated" on the surface which meet each other. Nonetheless, an "average" plane, going midway through the corrugations, can be determined in which the tips 13 are said to meet.

Preferably, component 81 is in the range of from 0 to 300, more preferably from 10 to 25° and more preferably from 15 to 20°, measured in the plane normal to the pivot axis 11. Preferably component 92 is in the range from 0 to 350 and more preferably from 10 to 250 to the plane normal to the pivot axis.

Optionally, the forceps may further comprise a second bend, located between the first bend 14 and the pivot point 11. That is, the second bend is also in the portion of the forceps 10 distal to the pivot point 11. Preferably, the second bend has a component in the range of from 0 to 20°, preferably from 5 to 15° to the plane normal to the pivot axis.

Optionally, the forceps 10 may be shaped to have a more gradual curve, rather than distinguishable bends. The curve may be only in the portion of the forceps 10 distal to the pivot point 11, or may also comprise part of the forceps 10 on the proximal side of the pivot point 11. However, even when the curve continues into the portion of the forceps 10 on the proximal side of the pivot point 11, the tips 13 of the forceps 10 are still at an angle to the forceps 10 at the pivot point 11. In this case, the angle is measured from the line tangential to the curved forceps at the pivot point.

The curves or bends in the distal portion of the forceps 10, as described above, are designed so that the forceps 10 more closely mirror the shape of a person's airway. As such, the forceps 10 can be more easily manipulated in the throat of a patient, and are less likely to cause unnecessary trauma to a patient's airways. As such, the first and second bends mentioned above are preferably in the same direction

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with respect to the angle they make to the plane normal to the pivot axis.

In addition, the handles 16 of the forceps 10 may also be at an angle to the plane that is normal to the pivot axis and also at an angle to the forceps 10 at the pivot point 11. This allows for the handles 16 to be directed to the side of a patient's mouth whilst the distal end of the forceps 10 is directed down a patient's airway.

This leaves the airway as clear as possible for the medical practitioner to observe the patient's throat. In a preferred embodiment, as shown in Figs 2 and 3, the handles 16 bend away from a plane normal to the pivot axis in a different direction to the bends distal of the pivot point 11.

Figure 5 is a drawing of laryngoscopy forceps 50. The forceps 50 are similar to the forceps 10 and have corresponding features which have the same reference numerals. However, in addition, the forceps 50 have a light source 51, connected to a power source 52 by a cable 53. The light source 51 is positioned distal of the pivot point 11, and is preferably close to the tips 13. That is, the light source 51 is preferably closer to the tips 13 than the pivot point 11.

The light source 51 points away from the pivot point 11. That is, the light source 51 is positioned to direct light towards the tips 13.

The light source 51 may be a light guide, such as a fiberoptic cable. That is, the light source 51 is for emitting light, but the light may be generated elsewhere.

For example, the light may be generated close to the power source 52 and transmitted to the light source 51 by a fiberoptic cable in place of cable 53. Alternatively, as in Fig. 5, the light source 51 may be a light generating component such as a bulb or LED, which receives power from a power source 52 via cable 53.

The power source 52 may be rechargeable power source or may be a non-rechargeable battery. As shown in Fig. 5, the power source 52 may be attachable to the handles 16 or a portion of the members 17 on the proximal side of the pivot point 11 of the forceps 50. That is, it is preferable for the power source 52 not to be located on the distal portion of the forceps 50. This is because the power source is likely to be bulky, and therefore would provide an unnecessary obstruction in the patient's throat when the forceps 50 are in use. If the power source 52 is provided on

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the proximal side, the power source 52 does not obstruct the view of the patient's airway when the forceps 50 are being used. The power source 52 may further comprise a switch for the light source 51, to turn the light source on and off. This is another reason why it is desirable to position the power source closer to the proximal end of the forceps 50, as the switch is more conveniently accessible during use.

By positioning the light source 51 on the forceps 50 as shown in Figure 5, the forceps 50 can be used to light the airway as the airway is manipulated or as a tube or fiberoptic cable is fed into the patient's throat. Because the light source 51 points towards the forceps tips 13, it is easy for the user of the forceps 50 to see where the forceps 50 are being directed to without worrying about shadowing caused by, for example, a laryngoscope or a tube.

As shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the light source 51 and the power source 52 of the forceps 50 may be detached from the forceps 50. In this case, the cable 53 is also detachable. This allows for the easy cleaning andlor replacement of the various constituent parts of the.forceps 50.

Optionally, the light source 51 and the power source 52 may be integrated with the forceps. Fig. 8 shows an embodiment in which the light source 51 and the power source 52 of the forceps 80 are integrated into the forceps 80 themselves. Fig. 9 shows a close up view of the light source 41. As can be seen, the light source is encased within the forceps blade 12. Other than the integration of the light source 51 and the power source 52 into the forceps 80, the forceps 80 are similar to the forceps and 50.

Optionally, instead of a power source 52, the forceps 80 may have a connector for connecting to an external power source.

In the forceps 80, the light source 51 and the power source 52 may be connected by a cable which is also built into one of the members of the forceps 80.

Additionally, although the power source 52 may be housed within the forceps themselves, the power source may still be detachable andlor replaceable. Similarly, the light source 51 may still be detachable. However, by integrating the light source 51 and the power source 52 into the forceps 80, such that the light source 51 and the

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power source 52 are encased within the forceps members 17 themselves, the light source 51 and the power source 52 are more secure, and there are less edges which may be caught in the patient's airway or on other equipment in the patient's airway.

Therefore, it is less likely that unnecessary trauma will be caused to the patient.

For ease of manufacture, it is preferable that the light source 51 and power source 52 are located on the same member 17 of forceps 50 or 80. This avoids the need to have cables, for example, crossing from one member to the other.

Fig. 10 shows another alternative for mounting a light source 51 on laryngoscopy forceps. In this embodiment, the light source 51 has a self contained power source. As a result, the light source 51 attaches to the forceps via a mounting point 101, and no further attachments to the forceps are required. The light source 51 may comprise a slot in which a thin sheet 102 of plastic or other suitably insulating material is positioned to electrically insulate a bulb or LED component of the light source 51 from a power source component of the light source 51. Removing the thin sheet 102 from the slot may cause the power source to be electrically connected to the bulb or LED, completing the circuit and turning the bulb or LED on.

Optionally, the light source 51 of Figs. 5, 6 and 8-10 further comprises a camera, preferably a digital video camera. The camera may be integrated into the housing of the light source 51. This enables the forceps 50, 80 to be used to provide both light and vision when being used for examination of a patient's throat or intubation, for example. The camera may communicate wirelessly with an external receiver and display for showing the pictures captured by the camera, or may be linked via a wire to a connection, preferably provided in the proximal portion of the forceps 50, 80, which can be connected to an external receiver and display.

Fig. 11 shows a drawing of the tips 13 of laryngoscopy forceps of some embodiments. The tips have rounded corrugations which allow a benign grip on an airway tube, for example.

Claims

SCLAIMS1. Laryngoscopy forceps comprising: a pivot point, having a pivot axis extending through the pivot point; and wherein the portion of the forceps distal of the pivot point is bent.
2. Laryngoscopy forceps comprising: a pivot point, having a pivot axis extending through the pivot point; and forceps tips distal of the pivot point; wherein the forceps tips are at an angle to a plane normal to the pivot axis.
3. The laryngoscopy forceps according to claim 2, wherein, in a closed position, the forceps tips meet in a plane that is parallel to the pivot axis, or a plane that intersects the pivot axis at a single point.
4. The laryngoscopy forceps according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the forceps comprise a first bend distal of the pivot point.
5. The laryngoscopy forceps according to claim 4, wherein the first bend comprises an angle having a first component in the range of from 0 to 30°, preferably from 10 to 25° and more preferably from 15 to 20°, measured in a plane normal to the pivot axis.
6. The laryngoscopy forceps according to claim 5, wherein the angle comprises a second component in the range of from 0 to 35°, preferably 10 to 25°, to the plane normal to the pivot axis.S
7. The laryngoscopy forceps according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the forceps comprise a second bend distal of the pivot point.
8. The laryngoscopy forceps according to claim 7, wherein the second bend is closer to the pivot point than the first bend.
9. The laryngoscopy forceps according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the second bend comprises an angle having a first component in the range of from 0 to 200, preferably from 5 to 15°, measured in a or the plane normal to the pivot axis.
10. The laryngoscopy forceps according to any one of claims ito 10, wherein the forceps are curved distal of the pivot.
11. The laryngoscopy forceps according to any one of the previous claims, further comprising two blade portions pivotally connected at, and being distal of, the pivot point.
12. The laryngoscopy forceps according to claim 11, when appendant to any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein the blade portions comprise the first bend.
13. The laryngoscopy forceps according to claim 12, when appendant to any one of claims 4-9, wherein the blade portions comprise a or the second bend.
14. The laryngoscopy forceps according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the forceps comprise a light source.
15. Laryngoscopy forceps comprising at least one light source.
16. The laryngoscopy forceps according to claim 15, further comprising a pivot point, having a pivot axis extending through the pivot point.
17. The laryngoscopy forceps according to claim 14 or 16, wherein the light source is positioned distal of the pivot point.
18. The laryngoscopy forceps according to any one of claims 14, 16 or 17 wherein the light source points away from the pivot point.
19. The laryngoscopy forceps according to any one of claims 16 to 18, further comprising forceps tips distal of the pivot point, wherein the light source is positioned closer to the forceps tips than the pivot point.
20. The laryngoscopy forceps according to any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein the light source comprises a light guide.
21. The laryngoscopy forceps according to any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein the light source is a light generating component such as a bulb.
22. The laryngoscopy forceps according to any one of claims 14 to 21, wherein the light source is detachable from the forceps.
23. The laryngoscopy forceps according to any one of claims 14 to 22, wherein the light sOurce is embedded in the forceps.
24. The laryngoscopy forceps according to any one of claims 14 to 23, wherein the forceps further comprise a power source for the light source.
25. The laryngoscopy forceps according to claim 24, wherein the power source is detachable from the forceps.
26. The laryngoscopy forceps according to any one of claims 14 to 25, wherein the light source further comprises a camera.
27. The laryngoscopy forceps according to any one of the previous claims, when appendant to claim 2 or claim 19, wherein the forceps tips come into contact with each other at contact surfaces when the forceps are in a closed position.
28. The laryngoscopy forceps according to any one of claim 27, wherein the forceps tips are shaped in a loop.
29. The laryngoscopy forceps according to claim 27 or claim 28, wherein the contact surface of each tip comprises rounded corrugations.
30. A method of performing laryngoscopy upon a patient, the method comprising using the laryngoscopy forceps according to any one of claims 1 to 29 to feed a tube into the patient's throat.
31. A method of performing laryngoscopy upon a patient, the method comprising using the laryngoscopy forceps according to any one of claims 14 to 26, or claims 27 to 28 when appendant to claims 14 to 25, to shine light into the patient's throat.
32. Laryngoscopy forceps substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
33. A method of performing laryngoscopy substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.*.:r: INTELLECTUAL . ... PROPERTY OFFICE Application No: GB 1010771.2 Examiner: Paul Jenkins Claims searched: 1-14, 17-29 & 32 Date of search: 15 September 2010 Patents Act 1977: Search Report under Section 17 Documents considered to be relevant: Category Relevant Identity of document and passage or figure of particular relevance to claims X 1-13& US2006/0030880A1 27-29 at (TYLKE) see especially figure 6 and paragraph 29 least X 1, 14 and US 2002/0009275 Al 17-22 at (WILLIAMS) see especially figure 17 and paragraph 132 least X 1-4, 10-13 FR 2377797 Al at least (MCGLOTHIN) see all figures and the EPODOC and WPI abstracts X l,2,4and GB2415931A 7 at least (KHAN-SULLMAN) see especially figure 11 X 1&2at US3316913A least (SWENSON) see all figures X 1 and 2 at DE 102006022775 Al least (KRAUSE) see all figures and the WPI and EPODOC abstracts X 1 and 2 at CN 201299620 Y least (HAIFANG) see the figure and the WPI and EPODOC abstracts X land2at CN2263973Y least (SHEN) see the figures and the EPODOC abstract Categories: X Document indicating lack of novelty or inventive A Document indicating technological background and/or state step of the art.Y Document indicating lack of inventive step if P Document published on or after the declared priority date but combined with one or more other documents of before the filing date of this invention.same category.& Member of the same patent family E Patent document published on or after, but with priority date earlier than, the filing date of this application.Field of Search:Search of GB, EP. WO & US patent documents classified in the following areas of the UKCX Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.ipo.gov.uk *::r: INTELLECTUAL . .... PROPERTY OFFICE 16 Worldwide search of patent documents classified in the following areas of the IPC A61B; A61M The following online and other databases have been used in the preparation of this search report WPI, EPODOC International Classification: Subclass Subgroup Valid From A61B 0017/28 01/01/2006 A61B 0001/267 01/01/2006 Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.ipo.gov.uk