Endotracheal tube cuff synchronizing system

摘要

A system and method for controlling the inflation and deflation of a balloon or cuff on an endotracheal tube comprised of a synchronizing valve connecting a gas supply to the cuff of the tube. The valve is in turn connected to pilot pressure from a volume ventilating pump which supplies oxygen-containing gas to the endotracheal tube. The pilot pressure from the volume ventilating pump operates the valve at the beginning of the inspiration cycle to inflate the cuff to a pressure controlled by an adjustable pressure regulator between a gas supply and the valve. During the expiration cycle the valve closes to connect the cuff to an exhaust to deflate the cuff to a predetermined minimum temperature controlled by another adjustable regulator. In this manner, inflation of the cuff and deflation of the cuff is synchronized with operation of the volume ventilating pump through the synchronizing control valve means. The pilot line pressure is supplied from the pilot line which also supplies pilot pressure to an exhalation valve to exhaust expirated air from the lungs of a patient.