摘要 |
<p>An improved respiratory suction apparatus catheter (200) comprising a manifold (204) for attachment to the distal hub of an endotracheal tube to form a ventilation circuit, a catheter tube (208) which is displaceable through the manifold (204) and into the endotracheal tube to suction secretions from the tube and lungs, and a valve mechanism disposed adjacent the ventilation circuit to minimize the draw of air from the ventilation circuit of a patient while the catheter is being cleaned. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the catheter (208) is cleaned more thoroughly than in the prior art while simultaneously drawing little or no air from the patient's ventilation circuit.</p> |