| 摘要 |
<p>An outer catheter so sized and configured so as to extend from a point below the first bifurcation of the trachea through the upper respiratory system of the patient is disposed about an inner catheter having a tip secured in the opening at the distal end thereof with an outer lateral periphery larger in diameter than the outer surface of the inner catheter. A passageway is formed between said outer catheter and said inner catheter. A connector hub assembly, connected to the proximal end of the outer catheter and couplable to a supply of oxygen, allows for oxygen insufflation to take place during the bronchoalveolar lavage procedure. The proximal surface of the tip between the outer lateral periphery and the outer surface of the inner catheter is capable of sealingly engaging the distal end of the outer catheter. In this condition the pair of catheters can be advanced through the upper respiratory system of the patient without contaminating the outer surface of the inner catheter. Thereafter the inner catheter is advanced relative to the outer catheter into a wedging position in a bronchiole of the patient. In one embodiment, the inner catheter is provided with a selectively inflatable cuff by which to engage the walls of a bronchiole of the patient.</p> |
