Method and apparatus for the ultrasonic cleaning of biofilm coated surfaces
First Claim
1. Medical treatment apparatus, comprising:
- an elongated tube having a proximal end and a distal end adapted to be inserted into a cavity within a living body having a biofilm coating so that the distal end of the tube is disposed within the cavity and its proximal end is exterior of the body, the tube containing a first lumen for introducing fluid into the cavity and a second lumen for suctioning fluid from the cavity;
a first port for introducing fluid containing biofilm treatment reducing agents into the proximal end of the first lumen;
a second port at the proximal end of the tube for applying a suction force to the second lumen to suction fluid from the cavity; and
an ultrasonic generator physically separate from the elongated tube, disposed externally of the body and operative to introduce ultrasonic energy through an external wall of the body and into the biofilm at a power level below the level which will destroy the tissue underlying the biofilm.
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Abstract
To treat body surfaces, such as the sinuses, which are coated with biofilms, the surface is irrigated and suctioned with a fluid which may contain a biocide or other chemical agent for disrupting the biofilm while ultrasonic energy is applied to either the fluid barrier formed over the biofilm or a body surface proximal to the biofilm. Action of the fluid enhanced by the ultrasonic energy tends to remove sections of biofilm which are suctioned out of the site. An electrical field may also be applied to the biofilm to enhance the disruptive action. Apparatus for practicing this method to treat chronic rhinosinusitis comprises an elongated tube adapted to be inserted into sinus cavities through the nose or mouth. The tube includes a first lumen which feeds an irrigating fluid containing biocides and/or biofilm-disruptive chemicals to the treatment site and a second lumen which suctions fluid from the site. An ultrasound horn extends through the tube and its distal end introduces ultrasonic energy into the fluid layer overlying the biofilm. Alternatively, an ultrasound probe may be applied to an adjacent body surface, such as the face over a sinus cavity. In an alternative embodiment, the tube includes a pair of electrodes which establish an electric field across the biofilm, accelerating degradation.
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Citations
8 Claims
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1. Medical treatment apparatus, comprising:
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an elongated tube having a proximal end and a distal end adapted to be inserted into a cavity within a living body having a biofilm coating so that the distal end of the tube is disposed within the cavity and its proximal end is exterior of the body, the tube containing a first lumen for introducing fluid into the cavity and a second lumen for suctioning fluid from the cavity; a first port for introducing fluid containing biofilm treatment reducing agents into the proximal end of the first lumen; a second port at the proximal end of the tube for applying a suction force to the second lumen to suction fluid from the cavity; and an ultrasonic generator physically separate from the elongated tube, disposed externally of the body and operative to introduce ultrasonic energy through an external wall of the body and into the biofilm at a power level below the level which will destroy the tissue underlying the biofilm. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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Specification