| 摘要 |
<p>The ventilation catheter is embodied in an endotracheal tube (20) that carries an inflatable cuff (34) on its distal end (37). Once the distal end of the cuff (34) is located in the trachea (22) of the patient, the cuff (34) is automatically inflated with the periodic application of inspiratory fluid that is directed into the proximal end (26) of the tube's lumen (38). Substantially all of the inspiratory fluid is diverted through the cuff to inflate the cuff (34) against the wall of the trachea (22). The cuff is partially deflated during the expiratory phase of respiration. The periodic deflation is combined with a tube (20) construction that directs substantially all of the patient's expiratory fluids along a path on the outer surface (39) of the tube wall. This expiratory flow path is effective for moving fluid volumes in amounts sufficient to ensure that the patient's carbon dioxide levels do not increase beyond acceptable levels, even for extended time periods of ventilation. This path is particularly effective for enabling the expiratory fluids to scour away secretions that may collect on the wall of the trachea (22). Dead space in the airway is eliminated. A channel (36) for suction or other instruments is also provided.</p> |
