DISPOSABLE SURGICAL DRAIN BULB FOR THE SECURE COLLECTION OF EXUDATE
Embodiments of the present invention describe a disposable drain bulb for the collection of fluid and other exudate. A disposable drain bulb in accordance with one embodiment comprises a drain interface with a one way valve for connection to a drain line through which the drain interface receives fluid and other exudate, the drain interface sealed with a capsule, and a drain body forming an internal reservoir into which the drain interface passes and that contains an absorbable material under vacuum while the drain interface remains in a closed state.
1 . A disposable drain bulb for the collection of fluid and other exudate, the disposable drain bulb comprising:
a drain interface with a one way valve for connection to a drain line through which the drain interface receives fluid and other exudate, the drain interface sealed with a capsule; and
a drain body, the drain body forming an internal reservoir into which the drain interface passes and that contains an absorbable material under vacuum while the drain interface remains in a closed state.
2 . The disposable drain bulb of claim 1 wherein the capsule has one or more micro-perforations such that the one or more micro-perforations to rupture in the presence of sufficient pressure.
3 . The disposable drain bulb of claim 2 wherein the drain interface enters an open state in response to the presence of sufficient pressure at the capsule causing the one or more micro-perforations to rupture.
4 . The disposable drain bulb of claim 2 wherein the capsule contains a fluid.
5 . The disposable drain bulb of claim 4 wherein the fluid is pulled in the drain body when the one or more micro-perforations rupture.
6 . The disposable drain bulb of claim 1 wherein the absorbable material comprises a sponge.
7 . A disposable drain bulb for the collection of fluid and other exudate, the disposable drain bulb comprising:
a drain interface with a one way valve for connection to a drain line through which the drain interface receives fluid and other exudate, the drain interface sealed with an actuatable valve; and
a drain body, the drain body forming an internal reservoir into which the drain interface passes and that contains an absorbable material in a vacuum while the drain interface remains in a closed state.
8 . The disposable drain bulb of claim 7 wherein the actuatable valve moves to an open state in the presence of sufficient torque to open the valve.
9 . The disposable drain bulb of claim 7 wherein the absorbable material comprises a sponge.