VIDEO-GUIDED CHEST TUBE INSERTION SYSTEM

摘要

A chest tube placement apparatus is provided that has an elongate body with a rigid tip that is disposed within the interior of a flexible chest tube and an inflatable member mounted to the body is inflated and the apparatus is then inserted in a prepared location in the chest wall of a patient. The body of the apparatus has at least one axial material transfer channel with a tip port that permits the injection of anesthetic or the aspiration of gases or liquids at the tip. The body also has a light and video camera and display to allow the visualization of the internal structures of the patient during chest tube placement. Once placed and the fluids and gases aspirated, the inflatable member is deflated and the apparatus is removed from the interior of the placed chest tube.

主权项

1. A chest tube placement apparatus, comprising:
an elongate body with a rigid tip configured for insertion into a flexible chest tube having a hollow interior; and at least one inflatable member coupled to an exterior surface of the elongate body; the inflatable member having a first expanded position that stiffens a chest tube and a second unexpanded position that restores flexibility to the chest tube.