CATHETER FOR REMOVAL OF SOLIDS FROM SURGICAL DRAINS

摘要

A catheter is provided for clearing surgical drains of solid and semi-solid material that collects in and obstructs the drains. The catheter has a solids removal member at its distal end. Preferably, the solids removal member is an inflatable balloon, a deployable umbrella member, a deployable spring, a slicer, or a fixed spring. The solids removal member is effective to aid removal of collected solids from the surgical drain. An aspiration port is also provided at the distal end of the catheter to remove or aspirate collected solids that are dislodged from the surgical drain by the solids removal member. A method for using such a catheter is also provided.