Active system for in-situ clearing of secretions and occlusions in tubes
Inventors
Clement, Ryan S • Bagwell, Roger B • Erdley, Katherine M • Park, Brian M • Scruggs, Casey A • Mulvihill, Maureen L • Hernandez Meza, Gabriela
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-9561337-B2
Publication Date
2017-02-07
Expiration Date
Abstract
A device for removing secretions from an artificial tube is provided. The device may include a clearing catheter and a driving mechanism that may apply repetitive motion to the clearing catheter. In another version of the device, the clearing catheter may dispense irrigation fluid and aspirate the irrigation fluid. The clearing catheter may have an irrigation and an aspiration lumen that may both reciprocate with the clearing catheter. In another version a compliant member into which irrigation fluid is located may be present.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a device for removing materials from a tube by using an active in-situ clearing catheter. The clearing catheter has an outer sheath and an inner catheter forming an aspiration lumen and an irrigation lumen, and a driving mechanism applies reciprocating motion to the inner catheter so that the inner catheter reciprocates relative to the outer sheath.
A compliant reservoir is provided in fluid communication with the irrigation lumen and in mechanical communication with the driving mechanism. The reciprocating motion causes changes in pressure in the compliant reservoir and the irrigation lumen, while the aspiration lumen is configured to aspirate loosened materials and irrigation is provided through the irrigation lumen.
The disclosed system further restrains the outer sheath from reciprocating motion by a bracket. Two catheter architectures are described: an oscillating split/double-lumen catheter in which the irrigation and aspiration lumens oscillate together, and a sheathed design in which an outer sheath is stationary while an inner catheter oscillates so that the irrigation lumen is defined by an irrigation annular space between the outer sheath and inner catheter.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims are directed to a tube-clearing device with a clearing catheter that has separate aspiration and irrigation lumens, where a driving mechanism applies repetitive or reciprocating motion to an inner or clearing catheter and, in one formulation, uses a compliant reservoir. Across the independent claims, the inventive features include four merged feature groups.
Reciprocating inner catheter relative to outer sheath with bracket restraint
A clearing catheter having an outer sheath and an inner catheter forming an aspiration lumen and an irrigation lumen; a driving mechanism in mechanical communication with the inner catheter applying reciprocating motion to the inner catheter so the inner catheter reciprocates relative to the outer sheath; and a bracket restraining the outer sheath from said reciprocating motion.
Compliant reservoir causing pressure changes in irrigation lumen
A compliant reservoir in fluid communication with said irrigation lumen and in mechanical communication with said driving mechanism, wherein said reciprocating motion of said driving mechanism causes changes in pressure in said compliant reservoir and said irrigation lumen.
Dual lumen connector with selectively attachable male and female components
A dual lumen connector in fluid communication with said aspiration and irrigation lumens, the dual lumen connector having selectively attachable male and female components interconnecting said aspiration lumen and irrigation lumen respectively with aspiration and irrigation tubing.
Handset housing with driving mechanism and connector mating
A handset housing including said driving mechanism, wherein the male component of said dual lumen connector attaches to said handset housing and the female component attaches at said clearing catheter.
Taken together, the independent claims cover a reciprocating clearing catheter architecture with separate aspiration and irrigation lumens, bracket restraint of an outer sheath, and a driving mechanism; use of a compliant reservoir where reciprocation causes pressure changes in the compliant reservoir and irrigation lumen; dual-lumen male/female connector arrangements interconnecting aspiration and irrigation lumens with aspiration and irrigation tubing; and integration with a handset housing for the driving mechanism with mating of the dual-lumen connector between the handset and the clearing catheter.
Stated Advantages
Reduced patient airflow and pressure drop versus a standard suction catheter.
Improved clearance and reduced impact on lung mechanics.
Ventilator Acquired Pneumonia (VAP) context.
Documented Applications
Active in-situ clearing for pediatric/neonatal endotracheal tubes, including a Ventilator Acquired Pneumonia (VAP) context.
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