U.S. patent application number 13/945703 was filed with the patent office on 2013-11-28 for endotracheal tube with subglottic secretion suction and detachable suction connection line.
This patent application is currently assigned to Teleflex Medical Incorporated. The applicant listed for this patent is Teleflex Medical Incorporated. Invention is credited to Daniel Patrick Dwyer, Jorge Jimenez Perez, Gary James Roth.
Application Number | 20130312741 13/945703 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45971903 |
Filed Date | 2013-11-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130312741 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Perez; Jorge Jimenez ; et
al. |
November 28, 2013 |
Endotracheal Tube with Subglottic Secretion Suction and Detachable
Suction Connection Line
Abstract
An endotracheal tube assembly is disclosed. The endotracheal
tube assembly includes an elongate tube having an outer wall, and a
first connector disposed on the outer wall. The outer wall defines
a generally cylindrical elongate central lumen therein, an elongate
suction lumen therein, and a first suction lumen aperture
therethrough, the first suction lumen aperture being in fluid
communication with the elongate suction lumen. The first connector
includes a first annular wall disposed within a second annular
wall, where the first annular wall and the second annular wall
extend away from a longitudinal axis of the elongate tube in a
radial direction. An internal surface of the first annular wall
defines a first flow passage, and a rim of the first annular wall
defines a first connection aperture. The first connection aperture
is in fluid communication with the elongate suction lumen through
the first flow passage.
Inventors: |
Perez; Jorge Jimenez;
(Raleigh, NC) ; Roth; Gary James; (Wake Forest,
NC) ; Dwyer; Daniel Patrick; (Raleigh, NC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Teleflex Medical Incorporated |
Research Triangle Park |
NC |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Teleflex Medical
Incorporated
Research Triangle Park
NC
|
Family ID: |
45971903 |
Appl. No.: |
13/945703 |
Filed: |
July 18, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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13093083 |
Apr 25, 2011 |
8511311 |
|
|
13945703 |
|
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|
|
61327857 |
Apr 26, 2010 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
128/202.16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 16/04 20130101;
A61M 16/0463 20130101; A61M 16/0816 20130101; A61M 16/0479
20140204; A61M 16/0431 20140204; A61M 16/0434 20130101; A61M
16/0486 20140204; A61M 2205/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
128/202.16 |
International
Class: |
A61M 16/04 20060101
A61M016/04 |
Claims
1. An endotracheal tube assembly, comprising: an elongate tube
having an outer wall, the outer wall defining a generally
cylindrical elongate central lumen therein, an elongate suction
lumen therein, and a first suction lumen aperture therethrough, the
first suction lumen aperture being in fluid communication with the
elongate suction lumen; and a first connector disposed on the outer
wall, the first connector including a first annular wall disposed
within a second annular wall, the first annular wall and the second
annular wall extending away from a longitudinal axis of the
elongate tube in a radial direction, an internal surface of the
first annular wall defining a first flow passage, a rim of the
first annular wall defining a first connection aperture, the first
connection aperture being in fluid communication with the elongate
suction lumen through the first flow passage.
2. The endotracheal tube assembly of claim 1, further comprising at
least one detent disposed on an outer surface of the second annular
wall.
3. The endotracheal tube assembly of claim 1, further comprising a
second connector coupled to the first connector, the second
connector including a third annular wall disposed between the first
annular wall and the second annular wall.
4. The endotracheal tube assembly of claim 3, wherein the second
connector further includes a fourth annular wall disposed around
the second annular wall.
5. The endotracheal tube assembly of claim 4, further comprising at
least one detent disposed on an outer surface of the second annular
wall, wherein the fourth annular wall defines at least one groove
therethrough, and wherein the at least one detent is disposed
within the at least one groove.
6. The endotracheal tube assembly of claim 5, wherein the at least
one detent consists of two detents, the at least one groove
consists of two grooves, and each of the two detents is disposed in
a corresponding one of the two grooves.
7. The endotracheal tube assembly of claim 3, wherein an internal
surface of the third annular wall defines a second flow passage,
the second flow passage being in fluid communication with the
elongate suction lumen through the first connection aperture for
drawing secretions from the elongate suction lumen through the
second flow passage.
8. The endotracheal tube assembly of claim 1, wherein the first
connector further includes a flange that extends radially into the
elongate suction lumen, the flange being configured to seal the
elongate suction lumen against passing a flow through the elongate
suction lumen in a longitudinal direction along the longitudinal
axis of the elongate tube.
9. The endotracheal tube assembly of claim 8, wherein the flange
also extends into the elongate suction lumen in the longitudinal
direction of the elongate tube.
10. The endotracheal tube assembly of claim 8, wherein a
substantially radial face of the flange extends into the elongate
suction lumen proximal to the first suction lumen aperture.
11. The endotracheal tube assembly of claim 5 wherein the at least
one detent is configured to slide within the at least one groove by
rotating the first connector about the radial direction relative to
the second connector.
12. The endotracheal tube assembly of claim 3, wherein the second
connector is fluidly coupled to a suction tube, and the suction
tube is in fluid communication with the elongate suction lumen via
the first flow passage of the first connector.
13. The endotracheal tube assembly of claim 1, wherein a flow area
of the first flow passage is not less than a flow area of the
elongate suction lumen, the flow area of the first flow passage
extends normal to the radial direction, and the flow area of the
elongate suction lumen extends normal to the longitudinal axis of
the elongate tube.
14. The endotracheal tube assembly of claim 1, further comprising
an inflatable cuff attached to the elongate tube, wherein the outer
wall of the elongate tube further defines a second suction lumen
aperture therethrough, the second suction lumen aperture disposed
between the inflatable cuff and the first suction lumen aperture
along the longitudinal axis of the elongate tube, and wherein the
second suction lumen aperture is in fluid communication with the
first connection aperture via the elongate suction lumen.
15. The endotracheal tube assembly of claim 14, wherein an end of
the inflatable cuff proximal to the second suction lumen aperture
is folded under itself, such that a first portion of an outer
surface of the inflatable cuff faces away from the elongate tube,
and a second portion of the outer surface of the inflatable cuff
faces the elongate tube.
16. An endotracheal tube assembly comprising: an elongate tube
having an outer wall, the outer wall defining a generally
cylindrical elongate central lumen and also defining an elongate
suction lumen; an inflatable cuff attached near a distal end of the
elongate tube wherein the inflatable cuff has a proximal end and a
distal end and an inner surface and an outer surface; and a
connector assembly to couple the elongate suction lumen of the
elongate tube to a source of suction, the connector assembly
including a connector component coupled to an opening in the
elongate suction lumen defined by an outer wall of the elongate
tube, wherein the connector component is in fluid communication
with the suction lumen and defines a closed flow path for drawing
secretions from the elongate suction lumen of the elongate tube,
wherein the connector component defines an opening for passage of
fluid in communication with the elongate suction lumen, and wherein
the connector component includes a flange that extends radially
into the suction lumen, the flange being configured to seal the
suction lumen against passing a flow through the suction lumen in a
longitudinal direction.
17. The endotracheal tube assembly of claim 16, wherein the
connector component is formed from a plastic.
18. The endotracheal tube assembly of claim 16, wherein the inner
surface of the distal end of the inflatable cuff is attached to the
outer wall of the elongate tube, and the outer surface of the
proximal end of the inflatable cuff is attached to the elongate
tube.
19. The endotracheal tube assembly of claim 16, wherein a dimension
of the opening of the connector component is equal to or larger
than a width of the suction lumen.
20. The endotracheal tube assembly of claim 16, wherein a
substantially radial face of the flange extends into the suction
lumen proximal to the suction lumen opening.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 13/093,083, filed on Apr. 25, 2011, which claims the benefit of
U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/327,857, filed on Apr. 26,
2010, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by
reference, in their entireties.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to an endotracheal
tube. More particularly, the present invention pertains to an
endotracheal tube with subglottic secretion suction and a
detachable suction connection line.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Endotracheal tubes are commonly used for airway management,
mechanical ventilation, and as a drug delivery device when
intravenous delivery cannot be established. An endotracheal tube is
inserted through a process called intubation. During intubation,
the endotracheal tube is inserted into the trachea through the
patient's mouth, in order to keep the airway open and to allow air
to reach the lungs. Endotracheal tubes often include a cuff to
prevent air leaks during mechanical ventilation. This cuff is most
commonly positioned at the distal end of the tube and can be
inflatable.
[0004] Additionally, it is possible for undesirable subglottic
secretions to collect around the top of the cuff. In order to
prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), it can be beneficial
to remove these secretions by some means. One way to remove these
secretions is to remove the endotracheal tube and then re-intubate
the patient. However, continued re-intubation can be traumatic to
the patient's trachea and is therefore not preferable.
Alternatively, suction can be applied to remove these secretions
through an additional lumen in the ET tube post intubation.
[0005] It is therefore desirable to provide a device and method for
suctioning these subglottic secretions from the tracheal mucosa
without having to remove the endotracheal tube.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The foregoing needs are met, to a great extent, by the
present invention, wherein in some embodiments an endotracheal tube
that is capable of overcoming the disadvantages described herein at
least to some extent is provided.
[0007] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention a
connector to couple a suction lumen of an endotracheal tube to a
source of suction includes a first connector component coupled to
an opening in the suction lumen defined by an outer wall of the
endotracheal tube. The connector also can include a second
connector component having a first face configured to couple to the
first connector component and having a second face configured to
couple to a source of suction. The first connector component and
the second connector component can be in fluid communication.
Additionally, the first and second connector components can define
a flow path for the suction of secretions from the suction lumen of
the endotracheal tube.
[0008] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention, The first connector can include a detent and the second
connector can include a groove. The detent can then couple with the
groove to lock the first connector to the second connector. The
first connector component can also include an end cap.
[0009] Additionally, the second face of the second connector
component is coupled to a first end of a tube. The second end of
the tube is coupled to a third connector component, which is
configured to couple to a source of suction.
[0010] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention, the connector assembly can include a flange that is
configured to obstruct at least a portion of the suction lumen
proximal to the suction lumen opening. The first and second
connector components can be made from a plastic, resin, or any
other suitable material. The first connector can include a detent
and the second component can include a corresponding groove, such
that the groove and the detent couple to lock the first and second
connector together. The detent and groove can further be configured
to provide an air tight seal between the first connector and the
second connector.
[0011] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention an endotracheal tube includes an elongate tube having an
outer wall. The outer wall defines a generally cylindrical elongate
central lumen and an elongate suction lumen. The endotracheal tube
can also include an inflatable cuff attached near a distal end of
the elongate tube. The inflatable cuff can include a proximal end
and a distal end and an inner surface and an outer surface. A
connector to couple the suction lumen of the endotracheal tube to a
source of suction includes a first connector component coupled to
an opening in the suction lumen defined by an outer wall of the
endotracheal tube. The connector also can include a second
connector component having a first face configured to couple to the
first connector component and having a second face configured to
couple to a source of suction. The first connector component and
the second connector component can be in fluid communication.
Additionally, the first and second connector components can define
a flow path for the suction of secretions from the suction lumen of
the endotracheal tube. The first connector can also define an
opening for passage of fluid in communication with the suction
lumen. The connector opening can be equal to or larger than a width
of the suction lumen.
[0012] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention The first connector can include a detent and the second
connector can include a groove. The detent can then couple with the
groove to lock the first connector to the second connector. The
first connector component can also include an end cap.
[0013] Additionally, the second face of the second connector
component is coupled to a first end of a tube. The second end of
the tube is coupled to a third connector component, which is
configured to couple to a source of suction. The inner surface of
the proximal end of the cuff is attached to the outer wall of the
endotracheal tube and the outer surface of the distal end of the
cuff is attached to the endotracheal tube.
[0014] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention, the connector assembly can include a flange that is
configured to obstruct at least a portion of the suction lumen
proximal to the suction lumen opening. The first and second
connector components can be made from a plastic, resin, or any
other suitable material. The first connector can include a detent
and the second component can include a corresponding groove, such
that the groove and the detent couple to lock the first and second
connector together. The detent and groove can further be configured
to provide an air tight seal between the first connector and the
second connector.
[0015] In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present
invention, an endotracheal tube assembly includes an elongate tube
having an outer wall defining an elongate central lumen, an
elongate suction lumen, and a first and second suction lumen
opening. An inflatable cuff can be attached near a distal end of
the elongate tube just distal to the second suction lumen opening
defined by the outer wall of the elongate tube. Additionally, a
connector assembly can be included to couple the suction lumen of
the endotracheal tube to a source of suction. The connector
assembly can have a first end that couples to the first suction
lumen opening. The first end can also define an opening for passage
of fluid that is equal to or larger than a width of the first
suction lumen opening and can be in communication with the suction
lumen via the first suction lumen opening. The connector assembly
can also have a second end that defines an opening in fluid
communication with the opening defined by the first end of the
connector assembly and the suction lumen. The second end can be
configured to be connected to the source of suction.
[0016] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention, the first end of the connector can include a flange that
is configured to obstruct at least a portion of the suction lumen
proximal to the first suction lumen opening. The connector assembly
can be configured to provide an unobstructed fluid flow path from
the suction lumen to the source of suction. Additionally, the
connector assembly can be configured to provide an air tight seal
between the suction lumen and the source of suction.
[0017] An aspect of the disclosure provides endotracheal tube
assembly including an elongate tube having an outer wall, and a
first connector disposed on the outer wall. The outer wall defines
a generally cylindrical elongate central lumen therein, an elongate
suction lumen therein, and a first suction lumen aperture
therethrough, the first suction lumen aperture being in fluid
communication with the elongate suction lumen. The first connector
includes a first annular wall disposed within a second annular
wall, where the first annular wall and the second annular wall
extend away from a longitudinal axis of the elongate tube in a
radial direction. An internal surface of the first annular wall
defines a first flow passage, and a rim of the first annular wall
defines a first connection aperture. The first connection aperture
is in fluid communication with the elongate suction lumen through
the first flow passage.
[0018] Another aspect of the disclosure provides an endotracheal
tube assembly including an elongate tube having an outer wall, an
inflatable cuff attached near a distal end of the elongate tube,
and a connector assembly to couple the elongate suction lumen to a
source of suction. The outer wall of the elongate tube defines a
generally cylindrical elongate central lumen and also defines an
elongate suction lumen. The inflatable cuff has a proximal end and
a distal end and an inner surface and an outer surface. The
connector assembly includes a connector component coupled to an
opening in the elongate suction lumen defined by an outer wall of
the elongate tube. The connector component is in fluid
communication with the suction lumen and defines a closed flow path
for drawing secretions from the elongate suction lumen of the
elongate tube. The connector component defines an opening for
passage of fluid in communication with the elongate suction lumen.
The connector component includes a flange that extends radially
into the suction lumen, the flange being configured to seal the
suction lumen against passing a flow through the suction lumen in a
longitudinal direction.
[0019] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, certain
embodiments of the invention in order that the detailed description
thereof, herein may be better understood, and in order that the
present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There
are, of course, additional embodiments of the invention that will
be described below as part of the disclosure.
[0020] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment
of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the
invention is not limited in its application to the details of
construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in
the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The
invention is capable of embodiments in addition to those described
and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is
to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed
herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description
and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0021] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be
utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods
and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present
invention. It is important, therefore, that the disclosure be
regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they
do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an endotracheal tube in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates a sectional view along axis `B` of the
endotracheal tube shown in FIG. 1.
[0024] FIG. 3 illustrates a partially sectional view along axis `A`
of the endotracheal tube shown in FIG. 1.
[0025] FIG. 4 illustrates ends of a connector assembly for a
detachable suction connection line for an endotracheal tube in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0026] FIG. 5 illustrates a sectional view of the connector
assembly along section line I-I and section line II-II for the
detachable suction connection line for an endotracheal tube.
[0027] FIG. 6 illustrates another view of ends of a connector
assembly for a detachable suction connection line for an
endotracheal tube in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention.
[0028] FIG. 7 illustrates a view of the ends of a connector
assembly for a detachable suction connection line for an
endotracheal tube in a first coupled position, in accordance with
an embodiment of the invention.
[0029] FIG. 8 illustrates ends of a connector assembly for a
detachable suction connection line for an endotracheal tube in a
second coupled position, in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention.
[0030] FIG. 9 illustrates another view of the coupled ends of a
connector assembly for a detachable suction connection line for an
endotracheal tube in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention, as shown in FIG. 8.
[0031] FIG. 10 illustrates a proximal end of a suction connection
line for an endotracheal tube in accordance with an embodiment of
the invention.
[0032] FIG. 11 illustrates a suction connection line coupled to an
endotracheal tube in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention.
[0033] FIG. 12 illustrates another view of a suction connection
line for an endotracheal tube in accordance with an embodiment of
the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] The present invention provides in some embodiments, an
endotracheal tube with subglottic secretion suction and a
detachable suction line. The endotracheal tube is an elongate tube
having an outer wall defining an elongate central lumen and an
elongate suction lumen. An inflatable cuff is attached near a
distal end of the elongate tube. The endotracheal tube also
includes a connector to couple the suction lumen to a source of
suction to remove subglottic secretions from the area above the
cuff.
[0035] The invention will now be described with reference to the
drawing figures, in which like reference numerals refer to like
parts throughout. FIG. 1 illustrates an endotracheal tube 10 in
accordance with the invention. The endotracheal tube 10 includes an
outer wall 12 which defines a generally cylindrical central lumen
14. The outer wall 12 also defines an elongate suction lumen 16.
The endotracheal tube 10 has a longitudinal axis `A` extending
through the length of the tube 10 and one or more latitudinal axis
`B` extending across the tube 10. The endotracheal tube has a
distal end 18, which is inserted into the patient's trachea during
the intubation procedure, and a proximal end 20, which is coupled
to the respirator or other source of air for the patient. The
endotracheal tube 10 can also include a connector 22 mounted on the
outer wall 12 of the endotracheal tube. As shown in FIG. 1, the
connector can also include a cover 24 shown in a closed position in
FIG. 1.
[0036] FIG. 1 also illustrates an inflation cuff 26 positioned
proximate to the distal end 18 of the endotracheal tube 10. The
inflation cuff 26 can be inflated via an inflation lumen 28 defined
by the outer wall 12 of the endotracheal tube 10. As shown in FIG.
1, an inflation tube 30 extends from the inflation lumen 28. A
distal end of the inflation tube 30 is inserted into the inflation
lumen 28 and a proximal end 34 can be coupled to a source of air
for inflation. A pilot 36 and a valve 38 can be coupled to the
proximal end 34 of the inflation tube in order to keep air in the
cuff 26, once it is inflated. The endotracheal tube 10 can also
include an x-ray opaque stripe 40 extending through the outer wall
12 of the endotracheal tube 10, so that proper placement of the
tube 10 can be confirmed via x-ray, if necessary.
[0037] FIG. 2 illustrates a sectional view of an endotracheal tube
taken along axis `B` illustrated in FIG. 1. As illustrated in FIG.
2, the endotracheal tube 10 includes a central lumen 14, a suction
lumen 16, an inflation lumen 28 defined by the outer wall 12 of the
endotracheal tube 10. The x-ray opaque stripe 40 also extends
through the outer wall 12 of the tube 10. The central lumen 14 is
shown as generally circular in cross-sectional shape, while the
suction lumen 16 is shown as generally elliptical in
cross-sectional shape. However, the central lumen 14 and the
suction lumen 16 can take any shape which allows for the passage of
air or secretions. Additionally, the endotracheal tube 10 can be
formed from polyvinyl chloride or any other suitable material for
forming an endotracheal tube.
[0038] FIG. 3 illustrates a partial sectional view of the
endotracheal tube and inflation lumen taken along axis `A,`
illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 shows the suction lumen 16 extending
through the length of the endotracheal tube 10. The outer wall 12
of the endotracheal tube 10 defines a suction lumen first opening
42 in the suction lumen 16, just proximal of a proximal end 44 of
the inflation cuff 26. A plug 46 can be positioned in the suction
lumen 16 just distal to a distal end 48 of the suction lumen first
opening 42. The plug 46 can be formed from UV glue or any other
suitable material for sealing off the portion of the suction lumen
16 distal to the distal end 48 of the suction lumen first opening
42. In this way, the suction lumen 16 effectively terminates at the
opening 42, where secretions accumulating around the proximal end
of cuff 26 can be suctioned.
[0039] FIG. 3 also illustrates the inflation cuff 26. The cuff can
include a distal end 50 and a proximal end 44, as well as an inner
surface 52 and an outer surface 54. The inner surface 52 of the
distal end 50 of the cuff 26 is bonded to the endotracheal tube 10
near its distal end 18. Preferably, the proximal end 44 of the cuff
26 can be folded in, or inverted, such that the outer surface 54 is
bonded to the endotracheal tube 10. The bond can be formed by a
suitable adhesive, melting, or any other form of bond that will
connect the cuff 26 to the tube 10. Inverting the proximal end 44
of the cuff 26, but not the distal end 50, allows for the cuff 26
to increase in diameter from its distal end 50 to its proximal end
44. Additionally, the outer wall 12 of the endotracheal tube 10
defines an inflation lumen first opening 56 and an inflation lumen
second opening 58 to allow fluid communication between the
inflation lumen 28 and the inflation cuff 26.
[0040] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate ends of a connector assembly
including a connector 22 and the detachable suction connection line
62 for an endotracheal tube 10 in accordance with an embodiment of
the invention. The connector 22 on tube 10 defines a connector
opening 64 which extends into the suction lumen 16 through a
suction lumen second opening 66 defined by the outer wall 12 of the
endotracheal tube 10. The connector opening 64 on connector 22 is,
as wide or, preferably, wider than the suction lumen 16 to allow
for unobstructed suctioning, when the connector 22 is attached. The
invention thereby provides for a way to suction secretions from the
subglottic space proximal to the inflation cuff, through a lumen to
an ultimate suction source, where the suction pathway from the
patient end starting at the suction lumen first opening 42 does not
contract or narrow to impede suctioning all the way through the
endotracheal tube 10 and out of the device. The connector 22 can
also include a flange 68 which blocks off the portion of the
suction lumen 16 proximal to the suction lumen second opening 66. A
distal end 67 of the detachable suction connection line 62, also
defines a first opening 70 on a first face 72 and a second opening
74 on a second face 76, such that an elongate tube 77 of the
detachable suction line 62 inserted into second opening 74 is in
fluid communication with the suction lumen 16 when the suction
connection line 62 is coupled to connector 22, as described further
below. The detachable suction line 62 can be coupled to the
connector 22 with a detent locking mechanism or any other suitable
means of connection, and is designed to create an air tight seal
when connected. As illustrated in the embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5,
the connector 22 includes detents 78 and the detachable suction
line includes grooves 80 to form the detent locking mechanism. The
connector 22 can also include a cover 24 shown in the open position
in FIG. 4.
[0041] FIGS. 6, 7, 8 and 9 illustrate the coupling of a connector
22 and the detachable suction connection line 62 for an
endotracheal tube 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention. As shown in FIG. 6, the grooves 80 are lined up with the
detents 78 and the detachable suction connection line 62 is lowered
onto the connector 22 in the direction of arrows 82. As shown in
FIG. 7, the detachable suction connection line 62 is then turned in
the direction of arrow 84, so that the detents 78 slide through
grooves 80 and into the notch 86, as shown in FIG. 8. To remove the
detachable suction line 62 it is turned in the direction of arrow
88, as shown in FIG. 9. Additionally, the connector 22 can include
the cover 24, shown in its open position in FIGS. 6, 7, 8, and 9.
The cover 24 can be used to cover the connector 22 when suction is
not in use.
[0042] FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate a proximal end 92 of a suction
connection line 62 for an endotracheal tube 10 in accordance with
an embodiment of the invention. The proximal end 92 of the suction
connection line 62 includes a coupler 94 to couple the suction
connection line 62 to a source of suction. As shown in FIG. 10, the
coupler 94 can be connected to a suction line 96 from a suction
unit. Alternately, as shown in FIG. 11 the coupler 94 can be
connected to a suction syringe 98. Proximal end 92 can have a
flattened shape defining lateral extensions 93 for allowing
enhanced gripping to connect and disconnect to external suction
source line 96.
[0043] FIG. 12 illustrates a proximal end 92 of a suction
connection line 62 for an endotracheal tube 10 in accordance with
an embodiment of the invention. The coupler 94 can also include a
suction line end cap 100 and a coupler end cap 102. The suction
line end cap 100 can be used to cover the distal end 67 of the
suction connection line 62. The coupler end cap 102 can be used to
cover a proximal end 104 of the coupler 94. When not in use the
coupler end cap 102 also can include a clip 106 to connect the
coupler end cap 102 to the elongate tube 77 of the suction
connection line 62.
[0044] In one embodiment, the invention provides the ability to
attach and detach a suction line to a standard endotracheal tube
allowing the tube to be used as either a standard tube or as a
subglottic secretion suction tube. The detachable suction line has
been designed with a detent locking device for ease of connection
and to reduce accidental disconnection. This reduces suction line
restrictions, improving the suctioning rate of the subglottic
secretions that normally pool above the cuff.
[0045] An embodiment of the invention modifies the standard
endotracheal tube by adding the dorsal suction lumen and a sealable
connection port thereto. The inflation cuff can be modified by
inverting the top sleeve of the cuff when bonding to the tube, and
is intended to decrease the space between the top of the cuff and
the suction port for more efficient subglottic suctioning.
[0046] The parts utilized can consist of a conventional PVC tube
with the various connectors made of common resins. The injection
molded plastic connectors are designed with a detent locking
mechanism that is used for the suction accessory line. The suction
lumen line is typically bonded into the suction lumen which
restricts the inner diameter (ID) of the tube. Thus, the suction
tube ID is not restricted thus improving the suction capability.
The interference between the suction lumen and the suction line is
minimized with the interlocking systems, reducing the restrictions
to the flow of secretions and making the device less prone for
occlusions.
[0047] In one embodiment, the male connector is preferably placed
at a dorsal side of the endotracheal tube centered with the upper
opening of the suction lumen. It is preferred to be located above
the 24 cm mark which prevents the male connector having contact
with the mouth or teeth when the Endotracheal tube is in place. The
suction line accessory has the female connector that is packaged
separately and attach to the endotracheal tube male connector.
[0048] The design allows the attachment and detachment of the
suction line connector from a standard endotracheal tube allowing
the tube to be used as either a standard tube or as a subglottic
secretion suction tube. This allows for subglottic secretion
removal without re-intubation. The design features a connector with
a sealing cap, permanently attached to the dorsal lumen, which can
be opened and used with a separately packaged suction line with
mating connector. The design of the tube port and extension line
connectors improve the suction function through the endotracheal
tube suction lumen by maintaining a constant lumen geometry, thus
reducing the restriction to the flow of secretions.
[0049] The subject invention improves patient safety by providing
the ability to attach the suction accessory line separately. This
allows the use of a standard endotracheal tube across all patient
populations and provide for subglottic secretion removal only where
necessary without re-intubation. A classic example would be the
patient that goes into surgery intubated with a standard ET tube,
and subsequently requires unanticipated subglottic secretion
removal. Currently this would require the patient to be extubated
and re-intubated with an ET tube having a suction lumen. Clinical
practice discourages extubating the patient except in the most
serious cases due to the hazards involved with re-intubation which
include but are not limited to increase risk of infection, loss of
airway, and tracheal trauma The subject invention makes the
subglottic suctioning more efficient. The male connector is
attached to the upper opening of the dorsal lumen; and does not
occlude or restrict the suction lumen as is evident with the
competitor's design. The fluids and secretions are removed with
less suctioning vacuum pressure which reduces the potential for
tracheal hematomas. This will provide a cost-effective standard
Endotracheal tube and a suction line accessory that can be used as
is needed during any procedure.
[0050] The many features and advantages of the invention are
apparent from the detailed specification, and thus, the disclosure
is intended to cover all such features and advantages of the
invention which fall within the true spirit and scope of the
invention. Further, because numerous modifications and variations
will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired
to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation
illustrated and described, and accordingly, all suitable
modifications and equivalents may be resorted to falling within the
scope of the invention.
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