Method and apparatus for peristaltic pump and surgical handpiece with pressure regulated fluid sensing for maxillary sinus elevation

Abstract

An apparatus for performing a maxillary sinus membrane elevation is described having a peristaltic or other electronic pump providing a fluid to a sleeve extending to the maxillary sinus through a handle. A pressure sensor monitors the fluid pressure and if the pressure reaches an excessive pressure level, the fluid flow is cut off to protect the membrane. Pressure variations in the fluid pressure due to the operation of the pump are reduced or eliminated using one or more baffles.

1 . An apparatus for performing maxillary membrane elevation comprising:
 a fluid source;   a fluid delivery tube;   an electrically operated pump connected to said fluid source and pumping said fluid to said tube;   a baffling element arranged to absorb pressure variations in said tube resulting from the operation of the pump; and   a sleeve sized and shaped to be inserted in a patient to provide maxillary membrane elevation when receiving fluid through said tube.   
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said sleeve has a tubular body with a bottom and said tube includes a connector attaching said tube to said bottom. 
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said pump is peristaltic pump. 
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said baffling element includes a fluid path in form of a continuous labyrinth. 
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said baffling element includes a fluid chamber with a variable volume controlled by a spring-biased piston. 
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a pressure sensor sensing the pressure of the fluid applied to the sleeve and an indicator indicating the pressure detected by the pressure sensor. 
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 6  further comprising a control line coupling said pressure sensor to said pump to deactivate said pump if the pressure detected by the pressure sensor reaches a predetermined threshold. 
   
   
       8 . An apparatus for performing maxillary membrane elevation comprising:
 a peristaltic pump generating a fluid output with pressure variations;   a handle having a fluid connector, a fluid input and a fluid path connecting said fluid connector to said fluid input;   a sleeve adapted for positioning to extend into the maxillary cavity for said membrane elevation, said sleeve being selectively coupled to said connector;   a tube connecting said pump to said input to provide said fluid;   a baffle positioned to absorb said pressure variations;   a pressure sensor arranged to sense a fluid pressure at said sleeve;   a controller coupled to said pressure sensor and adapted to automatically turn said pump off if said pressure reaches a limit.   
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of  claim 8  wherein said pressure sensor is incorporated into said handle. 
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 8  further comprising an indicator coupled to said pressure sensor to provide an indication to a user of said pressure. 
   
   
       11 . The apparatus of  claim 8  wherein said indicator is a visual indicator. 
   
   
       12 . The apparatus of  claim 10  wherein said indicator is an audible indicator. 
   
   
       13 . The apparatus of  claim 11  wherein said indicator is disposed in said handle. 
   
   
       14 . The apparatus of  claim 8  wherein said baffle is positioned in said handle. 
   
   
       15 . The apparatus of  claim 8  wherein said baffle is a chamber with a labyrinthical path. 
   
   
       16 . The apparatus of  claim 8  wherein said baffle is an electronic pressure modulator. 
   
   
       17 . The apparatus of  claim 8  wherein said baffle includes a cylinder through with the fluid flows with a spring loaded piston. 
   
   
       18 . The apparatus of  claim 8  further comprising a manual switch for selectively controlling the delivery of fluid from said handle to said sleeve. 
   
   
       19 . The apparatus of  claim 14  wherein said manual switch is incorporated in said handle.