Systems and methods for draining bodily fluid via an intercostal pump
US9393387B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 16, 2013 |
| Grant date | Jul 19, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 5, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2210/1017
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An intercostal-pump based fluid management system, as described herein, comprises an intercostal pump that is, generally, a resiliently flexible bulb having an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is attached to a first tube that extends from the intercostal pump to a first area of a patient's body, for example, the patient's pleural cavity. The outlet is connected to a second tube that extends from the intercostal pump to a second area of a patient's body, for example, the patient's peritoneal cavity. Upon operation of the intercostal pump, fluid is transferred from the first area of the patient's body to the second area. In use, the intercostal pump is placed between a first rib and a second rib in a patient. The intercostal pump operates by being successively compressed and decompressed between the first and second ribs as the patient breaths. As the patient inhales, the patient's rib cage expands and the intercostal pump is decompressed. As the patient exhales, the patient's rib cage contracts and the intercostal pump is compressed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.