A FLUID REMOVAL AND DELIVERY APPARATUS

摘要

An apparatus (100) can be connected to an otoscope (500) and used to aspirate the middle ear and to deliver a medicament in the one operation. It can be operated by a single hand, allowing stabilisation of the patient's head during the procedure. The extent of vacuum application and of drug delivery is fully under user control both in terms of volume and duration. Aided by the otoscope (500), and operation of a lever (110) by the second finger extends the lumen (140) which will perforate the tympanic membrane (ear drum). Once the tympanic membrane is punctured, the user will press a vacuum push button (111) which allows fluid to be aspirated from the middle ear through the lumen (140). The extent of vacuum and its duration can be controlled because the clinician can control the movement of the button (111) between the extreme positions. The user will then press a lever (112) to administer a prescribed dose of drug into the middle ear. Again, the extent of medicament flow and its duration can be controlled because the clinician can control the movement of the lever (112) between the extreme positions. The extension mechanism lever (110) is then released.