DEVICES FOR CLEARING BLOCKAGES IN IN-SITU ARTIFICIAL LUMENS

摘要

A method for the in situ clearing of blockages in artificial tubes completely or partially disposed within a living being is described. The method includes coupling a first end of a releasably-securable flexible clearing member to a controller, inserting a second working end of the flexible clearing member into an opening in the artificial tube, energizing the controller such that said flexible clearing member experiences repetitive motion, and positioning the flexible clearing member such that the second working end of the flexible clearing member comes into repetitive contact with the blockage for clearing the blockage therein. The controller remains outside of the living being and the flexible clearing member clears the blockage when positioned within a straight portion or within a curved portion of the artificial tube.