Method for using dispensation and disposal container for medical devices

Abstract

The invention is directed to a container for storage, dispensation, transport and disposal of a medical device such a disposable ultrasonic surgical probe, that allows its dispensation for use, and for its safe storage and disposal after use, thereby protecting the user from the hazards of needle pricks and possible contamination from small-diameter probes. The container of the present invention also provides a mechanism for restricting access to the probe to prevent its reuse, and a method for its safe attachment to and detachment from an ultrasonic medical device. The container comprises a cylindrical tube having two ends and an inner surface defining a space for containing the probe. The probe is held within the cylindrical section of the container by a locking means that allows a single dispensation for its use and enables its disposal after use in an inaccessible manner, so as to enable its attachment and detachment to the non-disposable segment of the device such as an ultrasonic probe handle without requiring direct handling by the user. The user, is therefore protected from against accidental sticks from a possibly contaminated probe. The container also prevents re-use of the probe, and provides a means for its safe disposal.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A container for dispensation, storage, transportation and disposal of medical articles comprising 
 a hollow cylindrical section comprising at least one open end comprising a closure assembly adapted to said open end, including means for mounting thereto, comprising an access opening adapted to dispense, receive and retain medical articles;    an access controlling means adapted to the said closure assembly interacting with the container and said access opening;    said access control means comprising of at least one locking mechanism formed integrally with said closure assembly and movable under the action of an actuating means from a non-locked position to a locked position;    said actuation means further comprising an articulation apparatus whereby application of pressure on said apparatus results in movement of said locking mechanism from a non-locked to a locked position, and    means for positively retaining the said locking mechanism in said locked position after movement thereto from said non-locked position.    
     
     
         2 . A container of  claim 1  wherein the closure assembly comprises a collar having at least two non-detachable segments, a first segment proximal to the cylindrical section of said container and a second segment distal to the said cylindrical section, said segments have access openings that communicate with the cylindrical section of said container, further having at least one locking mechanism disposed between said segments, and an articulation means to activate said locking mechanism.  
     
     
         3 . The locking mechanism of  claim 2  comprising a rectangular plate having a slot capable of moving over a pin attached to the collar segment proximal to the cylindrical section, said pin seated on a spring capable of exerting a unidirectional force enabling said pin to make intimate contact with said plate, whereby movement of the said plate causes said pin to be forced into the slot in causing said mechanism to lock in an irreversible manner.  
     
     
         4 . A container of  claim 2  wherein the locking mechanism is attached to an articulation means extending externally from the collar, capable of moving said locking mechanism from a non-locked position to a locked position.  
     
     
         5 . The container of  claim 2  wherein the collar has an inside diameter that is greater than the inside diameter of said tube.  
     
     
         6 . The container of  claim 2  wherein the inner diameter collar is large at the terminal end of said container, and tapers to a smaller diameter approaching the access opening proximal to the cylindrical section of said container.  
     
     
         7 . The container of  claim 2  wherein the collar comprises an additional extended structural assembly positioned around the said collar to provide a means of shielding the hand of a user from the medical article during its dispensation from or disposal into said container.  
     
     
         8 . A container of  claim 1  wherein the medical article is a medical device.  
     
     
         9 . A container of  claim 8  wherein the medical device is a disposable sharp.  
     
     
         10 . A container of  claim 8  wherein the medical device selected from the group consisting of ultrasonic surgical probes, needles, scalpels, picks, blades and guide-wires.  
     
     
         11 . A container of  claim 10  wherein the medical device is an ultrasonic surgical probe  
     
     
         12 . The container of  claim 1  containing at least two locking mechanisms, a first locking mechanism capable of engaging the medical article in the locked position and disengaging from said probe in the unlocked position upon activation, and a second locking mechanism capable of engaging an ultrasonic probe in the unlocked position and disengaging from said medical article in the locked position upon activation.  
     
     
         13 . The container of  claim 12  wherein the medical article is an ultrasonic surgical probe.  
     
     
         14 . The container of  claim 12  capable of dispensing an unused medical article upon activation of first locking mechanism, and receiving said medical article after use through the second locking mechanism upon activation in a manner that renders said medical article inaccessible.  
     
     
         15 . A container of  claim 14  wherein the medical article is dispensed from said container for its use and disposed within said container after use without requiring direct handling of said article.  
     
     
         16 . A container of  claim 15  wherein the medical article is an ultrasonic probe.  
     
     
         17 . A container of  claim 1  comprising a single open end for disposal of used medical articles  
     
     
         18 . The container of  claim 2  wherein the locking mechanism comprises of at least two locking assemblies at the same end, thereby enabling dispensation and disposal of a medical device from the said end.  
     
     
         19 . The container of  claim 2  wherein the locking mechanism secures the medical device disposed within in an immovable manner relative to the container, thereby providing a mechanism for communicating torsional forces applied to said medical device to effectuate assembly or disassembly of the said device or a segment thereof from the body of main body of the device.  
     
     
         20 . The container of  claim 19  wherein the medical device is an ultrasonic probe.  
     
     
         21 . A method of dispensation of a disposable medical device or a segment thereof prior to its use and subsequent disposal thereof after use, without substantial direct handling of the said disposable device or segment comprising 
 providing a container comprising a disposable medical device or segment thereof,    attaching said device or segment thereof to a non-disposable segment of the device    articulating a locking means to enable detachment said device or segment from locking means in container to effect dispensation    inserting said disposable device or segment thereof after use into container    articulating a locking means to secure said device, and    providing a sufficient torsional force to the non-disposable segment of device relative to the container, thereby enabling detachment said disposable device or segment thereof causing their disposal in an inaccessible manner.    
     
     
         22 . A method of  claim 21  wherein the disposable medical device is an ultrasonic probe.  
     
     
         23 . A kit comprising of a medical device contained within container of  claim 1  having suitable packaging materials and instructions for use.  
     
     
         24 . A kit of  claim 23  wherein the medical device is an ultrasonic probe.  
     
     
         25 . A kit of  claim 24  wherein the ultrasonic probe further comprises an accessory selected from a sheath assembly and a balloon catheter that is adapted to said probe.  
     
     
         26 . The kit of  claim 23  wherein said container further comprises a shielding fixture, thereby providing a means for protection from injury.  
     
     
         27 . The kit of  claim 23  wherein the contents of said kit is supplied sterile.