Agent delivery and aspiration device
The methods and devices disclosed provides for the delivery of agents to an orifice cavity and subsequent aspiration of the agent and orifice contents from the orifice cavity and related areas. In one form, the delivery and aspiration system comprises an agent delivery sub-assembly, an aspiration sub-assembly and a device tip sub-assembly. The subassemblies operate to first deliver an agent contained within the device to an orifice cavity and after an optional time delay, subsequently aspirate the delivered agent and orifice contents from the orifice cavity and related areas. In another form, a removable reservoir is provided whereby the aspirated agent and orifice contents from the orifice are assayed either independent of or within the device itself.
1. An apparatus for the delivery of an agent into an orifice and the subsequent aspiration of contents from the orifice, comprising:
a bulb, said bulb defining an air pocket capable of generating positive pressure when in a compressed state, and negative pressure when released from said compressed state;
a reservoir of agent;
a tube forming at least part of an agent dispensing pathway, said tube having a first end extending into said reservoir of agent;
a device tip operatively connected to said bulb at one end of the bulb and recieving a second end of said tube, said device tip having a portion configured for contacting said orifice;
a first valve positioned with respect to said air pocket, said reservoir of agent, and said tube such that said valve regulates flows through said tube in response to pressures from the compression and release of said bulb; and
an aspiration pathway within said device tip comprising an aspirate chamber, wherein the aspiration pathway extends from the portion of the device tip configured for contacting said orifice to the air pocket of said bulb, and wherein the pathway is configured such that the aspirate chamber is connected to the air pocket of the bulb through a gas/liquid separator and a second valve; wherein said second valve regulates pressures and flows from the compression and release of said bulb, wherein said gas/liquid separator is positioned and configured to limit passage of aspirated contents into the air pocket of the bulb and wherein said device tip is capable of being removed from said bulb.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said gas/liquid separator comprises a filter.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a means for delivering a metered amount of said agent to the orifice.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a means for delaying the time between the compression and release of said bulb.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the agent is a solution.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the orifice is a nose.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the compression and release of the bulb is through a mechanical means.