Method for clearing blockages in in-situ artificial lumens
Inventors
Bagwell, Roger B • Frankhouser, Paul L • Mulvihill, Maureen L • Crespo, Josue R • Park, Brian M • Mallen, Dana B • Meza, Gabriela Hernandez • Demers, Debora L
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-9011606-B2
Publication Date
2015-04-21
Expiration Date
Abstract
Devices and methods for the effective clearing of artificial tubes, especially in-situ clearing of artificial tubes in a living being are covered in this disclosure. An elongated clearing member includes either a fixed or an adjustable element that selectively defines the portion of the elongated clearing member that is insertable within the artificial tube. The proximal end of the clearing member is releasably secured to the driving mechanism and the driving mechanisms may comprise a wide variety of repetitive motion drivers such as voice coil motors, piezoelectric actuators, pneumatic actuators, DC motors, etc. These devices/methods may comprise a free-standing console for hands-free operation or may comprise hand-held versions. The distal working end of the clearing member may comprise tips of differing functions, including an irrigation/aspiration feature.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to in situ clearing of blockages in artificial tubes completely or partially disposed within a living being. A controller remains outside of the living being while a releasably-secured flexible clearing member is coupled to the controller and includes a wire.
The method inserts a working end of the flexible clearing member into an opening in the artificial tube so that, within the artificial tube, a stationary sheath and the wire are both located in the tube. The wire is arranged such that a first portion directly faces the stationary sheath, while a second portion distal to the first portion extends through an opening at a terminal distal end of the stationary sheath.
The wire protrusion is located distal from the terminal distal end of the stationary sheath, and the terminal distal end of the stationary sheath is located in the artificial tube. The controller is energized so the flexible clearing member experiences repetitive motion, positioning the wire tip into repetitive contact with the blockage for clearing the blockage.
Clearing is performed when the flexible clearing member is positioned within a straight portion or within a curved portion of the artificial tube, and the method limits the amount of insertion of the flexible clearing member while allowing the wire to have repetitive motion within the artificial tube and with respect to the stationary sheath. The described system further supports clearing within artificial lumens such as feeding tubes and PEG tubes, including options with distal working-end tools and user-facing indicators.
Claims Coverage
The document provides one independent method claim focused on in situ clearing using an external controller and a flexible clearing member with a wire and stationary sheath. The dependent claims refine structural and operational aspects, including insertion limiting, motion parameters, operator feedback, and working-end tool geometry.
In situ clearing using external controller and wire/stationary sheath
A method for in situ clearing of blockages in artificial tubes completely or partially disposed within a living being, comprising coupling a first end of a releasably-securable flexible clearing member to a controller that remains outside of the living being; inserting a second working end into an opening in the artificial tube with the wire and a stationary sheath both located in the artificial tube; arranging a first wire portion directly facing the stationary sheath and a second wire portion extending through an opening at a terminal distal end of the stationary sheath, with a wire protrusion located distal from the terminal distal end; energizing the controller so the flexible clearing member experiences repetitive motion and positioning the wire tip into repetitive contact with the blockage; wherein the flexible clearing member clears the blockage when positioned within a straight portion or within a curved portion of the artificial tube; and limiting the amount of insertion while allowing the wire to have repetitive motion within the artificial tube and with respect to the stationary sheath.
Overall, the claim coverage centers on the repetitive-motion wire tip interacting with a blockage inside an artificial tube while an external controller drives a releasably-secured flexible clearing member, and insertion is limited so motion occurs relative to a stationary sheath across straight and curved tube portions.
Stated Advantages
Faster clearing (e.g., <6 minutes).
Higher success versus prior methods.
Cleaner tube walls.
Documented Applications
In situ blockage clearing for artificial lumens disposed within a living being, including feeding tubes.
In situ clearing for PEG tubes using a handheld rotating tube clearer (TC2).
In situ clearing for artificial tubes including NG tubes, GJ tubes, and NJ tubes.
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