METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DIRECTING AIR FLOW WITHIN AN INTUBATED PATIENT

 

Introduction:  A novel method and apparatus for directing air flow and for removing internal secretions within an intubated patient is provided.

The Technology:   In broad respects, the invention is an air conduit assembly positionable within a patient having an inhalation gas pathway and a separate exhalation gas pathway, so that each successive burst of exhalation gasses forces secretions progressively out of the patient through the separate exhalation gas pathway.

The air conduit may be a variety of air conduits positionable within a patient, including an endotracheal tube and a tracheostomy tube. One particular embodiment includes an air conduit having a flexible partition attached along its longitudinal extension, which defines the inhalation gas pathway and separate exhalation gas pathway. A collapsible distal valve member may also be attached to one side of the air conduit to urge the flexible partition against the opposite interior wall of the air conduit during exhalation. During inhalation, the flexible partition may be forced against the other side of the air conduit, opening up the inhalation gas pathway. The air conduit and flexible partition may also extend into a housing through a lower port. The housing may also be connected to an external air source, such as a ventilator, through an upper port. The housing may also include an air control valve that keeps inhalation gasses from passing through the exhalation gas pathway. An insertable embodiment is also disclosed that includes a support frame that may be positioned within an air conduit and a flexible partition coupled to the support frame. A further embodiment is provided that includes a collapsible tube positioned within an air conduit to define an inhalation gas pathway and a separate exhalation gas pathway. Corresponding methods are also provided.

 

NON-CONFIDENTIAL TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION

The preceding is intended to be a non-confidential summary of a novel technology created at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.

UTHSCH Ref. No. 1992-0010

Inventors: Dr. David Warters

Patent Status: United States Issued Patent Nos. 5,605,149 and 5,765,557

License Available: world-wide; exclusive or non-exclusive

 

To obtain further information about this technology, please contact:
Office of Technology Management, 7000 Fannin, Suite 720, Houston, TX 77030
Phone: (713) 500-3369  Fax: (713) 500-0331
Email: uthsch-otm@uth.tmc.edu