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Publication Number
US-10874812-B2
Publication Date
2020-12-29
Expiration Date
Abstract
An add-on device and method for an Endo-Tracheal Tube (ETT), the add-on device including a lengthy body having a major arc-shaped cross section sized and shaped to tightly fit over an ETT, at least one longitudinal cavity passing along the lengthy body, including a distal suction cavity ending with a suction inlet at a distal end of the lengthy body; and a distal suction outlet channel extending from a proximal end of the lengthy body, the channel is a continuous extension of the distal suction cavity and configured to provide suction to the distal suction cavity. The add-on device senses moisture at a distal end of the add-on device, and in case of detection of excessive wetness, provides suction to the distal end of the device through a cavity passing along the device, the suction is provided via a suction outlet channel extending from a proximal end of the device.
Core Innovation
An add-on device is provided for a ventilation tube. The device includes a lengthy body having a longitudinal slit sized and shaped to fit over the ventilation tube while the ventilation tube is located within a trachea of a ventilated patient, and the lengthy body contains a plurality of discrete longitudinal cavities passing within a core of thickness of a cross section of the lengthy body.
At a distal end of the lengthy body, the device includes a plurality of inlets that are continuous with respective discrete longitudinal cavities. The plurality of inlets are positioned proximal to and in a vicinity of a balloon of the ventilation tube when in use, and the plurality of inlets are disposed within a depression in a rim of the lengthy body. The device further includes at least one impedance sensor for detection of liquid at the distal end proximal to and in the vicinity of the balloon, with at least one sensor data wire passing within the core of thickness and spaced apart from the discrete longitudinal cavities.
A selection valve selects one of the plurality of discrete longitudinal cavities having inlets at the distal end proximal to and in the vicinity of the balloon. A controller switches the selection valve to select a cavity and automatically activates suction in the selected cavity according to detection by the impedance sensor disposed at the distal end. The add-on device is disconnected from the ventilation tube prior to use and is connected when in use.
Claims Coverage
The partial content provides one independent claim. Across that independent claim, the coverage is based on an elongated slit-fitting wrap-like add-on device with discrete longitudinal suction cavities, distal balloon-proximal inlets, a distal impedance sensor for liquid detection, and a controller-driven selection valve that switches and automatically activates suction based on the impedance sensor.
Slit-fitting lengthy body with discrete longitudinal cavities
A lengthy body having a longitudinal slit sized and shaped to fit over the ventilation tube while the ventilation tube is located within a trachea of a ventilated patient, with a plurality of discrete longitudinal cavities passing within a core of thickness of a cross section of the lengthy body.
Distal balloon-proximal inlets in a rim depression
A plurality of inlets at a distal end of the lengthy body, each inlet continuous with a respective discrete longitudinal cavity, where the inlets are positioned proximal to and in a vicinity of a balloon of the ventilation tube when in use and disposed within a depression in a rim of the lengthy body.
Distal impedance sensor for liquid detection with sensor wiring
At least one sensor data wire passing within the core of thickness and spaced apart from the plurality of discrete longitudinal cavities, and at least one impedance sensor for detection of liquid disposed at the distal end proximal to and in the vicinity of the balloon and connected to the at least one sensor data wire.
Selection valve and controller for cavity selection and suction activation
A selection valve that selects one of the plurality of discrete longitudinal cavities having the plurality of inlets at the distal end proximal to and in the vicinity of the balloon, and a controller that switches the selection valve to select one of the discrete longitudinal cavities and automatically activates suction in the selected discrete longitudinal cavity according to the impedance sensor disposed at the distal end.
Disconnected prior to use and connected when in use
Wherein prior to use the add-on device is disconnected from the ventilation tube, and when in use the add-on device is connected to the ventilation tube.
In the provided independent claim, the add-on device combines discrete longitudinal suction cavities with distal inlets positioned near the ventilation-tube balloon, a distal impedance sensor for liquid detection, and controller-driven selection of a cavity followed by automatic suction activation based on the impedance sensor.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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