Christopher J Grey

US Patent:

7089942, Aug 15, 2006

Filed:

Jun 14, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/152799

Inventors:

Christopher Grey - Davie FL, US

International Classification:

A61M 16/00

US Classification:

12820714, 12820715

Abstract:

An endotracheal tube and suction catheter system having an inflatable cuff with a collection pocket formed in the cuff for collecting pooled secretions and a railing system for controllably guiding a suction catheter along the tube and into the pocket for aspirating pooled secretions. The cuff has an elongated parallelogram-like shape to counter the rocking phenomenon caused by a patient coughing or turning to keep the cuff in contact with the trachea wall so secretions do not leak past the cuff balloon. The railing system allows the suction catheter to be replaced without having to remove the endotracheal tube from the patient.

US Patent:

20040255951, Dec 23, 2004

Filed:

Jan 30, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/768580

Inventors:

Christopher Grey - Davie FL, US

International Classification:

A61M016/00

US Classification:

128/207140, 128/207150, 128/200260

Abstract:

An endotracheal tube and suction catheter system having an inflatable cuff with a unique shape, collection pocket formed by the inflatable cuff and a unique railing system for controllably guiding a suction catheter along the tube and into or proximal to the pocket. The cuff and pocket facilitate the collection of pooled secretions that accumulate in the trachea area. Pooled secretions are collected in the cuff pocket and the cuff may be pitched toward the pocket or have a concave hemispherical design at the posterior pocket end and, or a convex hemispherical design at the anterior end to further urge pooled secretions into the pocket. The cuff preferably has an elongated parallelogram-like shape to counter the rocking phenomenon caused by a patient coughing or turning. The parallelogram-like shape causes the cuff to maintain its contact with the trachea walls so secretions and fluid do not leak past the cuff balloon. The suction catheter, which is guided along the tube toward the pocket, is used to aspirate the collected secretions in the pocket and above the cuff. The railing system allows the suction catheter to be replaced without having to remove the endotracheal tube. Although the instant invention is primarily described with reference to flexible endotracheal tubes, it may also be adapted for trachea tubes, which are typically shorter and more rigid. The instant invention may also comprise a system having a suction catheter with a temperature probe and, or sublingual system probe.