Patent · US Active

Subglottic suctioning system

US10245401B2 · kind B2 · utility

2Cited by
41References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJul 21, 2015
Grant dateApr 2, 2019
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 14, 2038

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61M1/774
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A subglottic suctioning system with a tracheal tube having a ventilation lumen, a cuff inflation lumen, and a suction lumen are disclosed which may help reduce the incidence of ventilator associated (or acquired) pneumonia. The suction lumen communicates with the space in the trachea above the cuff where secretions accumulate. The suction lumen has a valve on the proximal end for connection to a source of vacuum. The valve is adapted to interrupt the supply of vacuum to the suction lumen to allow for the introduction of a rinsing fluid in its place and to automatically re-establish the connection to the source of vacuum upon completion of rinsing. The rinsing fluid aids in maintaining an open suction lumen and may include medicaments and mucolytic agents to enhance or promote healing or to alter the properties of the mucus to make removal easier. The user may easily and repeatedly alternate suction and rinsing fluid through the suction lumen, i.e., the user may “pulse” the line to loosen, break up and remove secretions and deposits that may partially or completely block or clog the suction lumen.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.