| 摘要 |
A method and apparatus are provided for cleaning a catheter tube (34). The distal end portion (36) of the tube has a distal opening (38) and at least one side opening (40) adjacent to the distal opening. The distal end of the tube is disposed in a closed chamber (62) with the distal opening generally opposite from a first orifice defined in the chamber. A liquid is introduced into the chamber and is drawn into the distal opening in the tube, for example by a suction force. A different fluid medium, such as air, is drawn through the first orifice and into the distal opening in the tube. A turbulent flow path is established with the fluid medium wherein the medium is drawn through the first orifice, into the distal opening in the tube, out the side opening in the tube, and back into the distal opening in the tube. This turbulent flow path enhances the cleaning action of the liquid introduced into the chamber for cleaning the distal end portion of the tube within the chamber. |
