Method and Apparatus for Treatment of Pleural Effusion

摘要

A device for the drainage of a pleural effusion through an operatively engaged chest tube in the chest wall. The device employs a check valve situated between a vacuum source communicating with the chest tube to prevent reversal of the fluid flow out of the patient's body and possible contamination. A valve mounted on a vacuum bottle provides user control of communication of negative pressure from the vacuum bottle to the chest tube. Opening the valve on the bottle communicates negative pressure to the chest tube relative to the pressure in the tube thereby initiating a fluid flow out of the tube and the patient. Once the valve on the bottle is closed, fluid flow ceases and the check valve prevents reversal of the flow.

主权项

1. An apparatus for treatment of a pleural effusion comprising:
a tube, said tube having a distal end adapted to communicate with fluids within a patient's body when placed in communication therewith in a mounted position; said tube having a first end opposite said distal end; an axial cavity communicating between said first end and said distal end; a valve, said valve having a valve conduit communicating between a first end and a second end; said first end of said valve conduit configured for a sealed engagement with said axial cavity at said first end of said tube; said valve in said sealed engagement defaulting to a closed position preventing communication through said valve conduit from said axial cavity; said valve in said sealed engagement having an open position wherein said axial cavity communicates with said second end of said valve conduit; said valve in said sealed engagement actuatable from said closed position to said open position by a communication of negative pressure to said second end of said valve conduit; said negative pressure communicated to said second end of said valve conduit initiating a fluid flow in said axial cavity in a direction toward said first end of said axial cavity, when said valve is actuated to said open position; and said valve in said closed position, providing a means to prevent said fluid flow from reversing said direction.