초록 ▼

An improved respiratory suction apparatus catheter includes a manifold for attachment to the distal hub of an endotracheal tube to form a ventilation circuit, a catheter tube which is displaceable through the manifold and into the endotracheal tube to suction secretions from the tube and lungs, and

An improved respiratory suction apparatus catheter includes a manifold for attachment to the distal hub of an endotracheal tube to form a ventilation circuit, a catheter tube which is displaceable through the manifold and into the endotracheal tube to suction secretions from the tube and lungs, and a valve mechanism disposed adjacent the ventilation circuit to minimize the draw of air from the ventilation circuit of a patient while the catheter is being cleaned. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the catheter is cleaned more thoroughly than in the prior art while simultaneously drawing little or no air from the patient's ventilation circuit.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. An endotracheal suction catheter apparatus comprising:a catheter configured for removing fluids from a respiratory tract of a patient by applying negative pressure to a lumen of the catheter;a manifold defining a ventilation circuit disposed in communication with the ca

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. An endotracheal suction catheter apparatus comprising:a catheter configured for removing fluids from a respiratory tract of a patient by applying negative pressure to a lumen of the catheter;a manifold defining a ventilation circuit disposed in communication with the catheter so as to allow the catheter to be advanced through the ventilation circuit of the manifold and into the respiratory tract of the patient;a valve disposed in the manifold so as to pivot with respect to a ring, the valve being a flap hingedly attached to an annular ring and configured to selectively limit the withdrawal of air from the ventilation circuit, the valve being actuated by suction through the catheter, the valve has an open position and a closed position and wherein the valve comprises means for frictionally maintaining the valve in a closed position; andwherein the means for frictionally maintaining the valve in a closed position comprises a catch disposed to hold the flap and maintain the valve in a closed position.