Active system for in-situ clearing of secretions and occlusions in tubes

摘要

A device for removing secretions from an artificial tube is provided. The device may include a clearing catheter and a driving mechanism that may apply repetitive motion to the clearing catheter. In another version of the device, the clearing catheter may dispense irrigation fluid and aspirate the irrigation fluid. The clearing catheter may have an irrigation and an aspiration lumen that may both reciprocate with the clearing catheter. In another version a compliant member into which irrigation fluid is located may be present.

主权项

1. A device for removing materials from a tube, comprising:
a clearing catheter having an outer sheath and an inner catheter forming an aspiration lumen and an irrigation lumen; a driving mechanism in mechanical communication with said inner catheter, applying reciprocating motion to said inner catheter such that said inner catheter reciprocates relative to said outer sheath; a compliant reservoir in fluid communication with said irrigation lumen and in mechanical communication with said driving mechanism, wherein said reciprocating motion of said driving mechanism causes changes in pressure in said compliant reservoir and said irrigation lumen; and a bracket restraining said outer sheath from said reciprocating motion.