METHODS AND DEVICES TO CLEAR OBSTRUCTIONS FROM MEDICAL TUBES

摘要

A device for clearing obstructions from a medical tube, such as a chest tube, is disclosed in various embodiments. The device features a clearance member in the form of a loop. The loop desirably has a diameter that substantially corresponds to the inner diameter of the medical tube. Also desirably, the loop presents a substantially unobstructed pathway therethrough for the flow of material from a location in the medical tube distal to the loop to a location in the medical tube proximal to the loop regardless whether the clearance member is being translated or is at rest in the medical tube. Methods of utilizing such a device are also disclosed.

主权项

1. A medical-tube assembly comprising a medical tube, a clearance device adapted to couple with and dislodge debris accumulated within said medical tube, and a CO2 sensor provided in fluid communication with said medical tube to sense the presence of CO2 levels in said medical tube.