IMPROVED SURGICAL SCRUB

摘要

In many surgical procedures antiseptic swabbing is necessary. A simple, inexpensive and disposable dispensing device is needed. The solution to the above problem comprises a surgical scrub apparatus (60) including a liquid-containing rupturable cylindrical cartridge (65), which is slidable within a tubular handle (63) having at least one and preferably two hollow interior spikes (69, 70) projecting longitudinally from one end and an annular stop member defining a pre-deployed position of the cartridge. The cartridge (65) can be inserted sufficiently far past the stop member to cause rupture of the cartridge by both spikes (69, 70). Liquid from the ruptured cartridge flows from within the handle (63), preferably through the spikes (69, 70), to an applicator sponge (61) having two wide area applicator surfaces (73, 74). The spikes (69, 70) may include exterior projections (75, 76) which are received in respective recesses or flow passages (81, 82) in the applicator (61) to facilitate distribution of liquid through the applicator (61) to application surfaces (73, 74). The recesses (81, 82) are contoured as desired to aid in liquid contribution. The interior of the spikes (69, 70) may be coated with a non-wetting agent such as silicone to facilitate flow through the hollow spikes (69, 70). The spikes (69, 70) are oriented such that one is always disposed higher than the other when the device is in use, thereby creating a pressure difference between the punctures made by the spikes (69, 70) so as to facilitate liquid outflow from one puncture by promoting air inflow through the other.