Endotracheal tube pressure monitoring system and method of using same

摘要

An endotracheal tube pressure monitoring system for an endotracheal tube having at least one pressure line in fluid communication with a major lumen of the endotracheal tube, a purging subsystem in fluid communication with at least one of the pressure lines, and a pressure monitoring subsystem in operative communication with each respective pressure line to monitor the pressure of fluid within each respective pressure line. Each pressure line that is in fluid communication with the purging subsystem being selectively purged by the purging subsystem when pressure monitoring subsystem determines the respective pressure line has become obstructed. Purging the pressure line maintains the patency of the pressure line so that accurate pressure measurements within the endotracheal tube can be obtained for calculation of parameters in lung mechanics. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b).