Sam Chan

US Patent:

20100300449, Dec 2, 2010

Filed:

Dec 11, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/635822

Inventors:

Sam C. Chan - Atlanta GA, US
Nathan C. Griffith - Roswell GA, US
Michael A. Kenowski - Alpharetta GA, US
James F. Schumacher - Cumming GA, US

International Classification:

A61M 16/04

US Classification:

12820714

Abstract:

There is provided an improved tracheostomy tube having a proximal section over-molded by a distal section, where the sections have a differential in the degree of radio-opacity. The radio-opaque material allows a medical professional to determine the location of the tube in the trachea non-invasively, using an x-ray or similar device. In addition, aligning the top (proximal end) of the balloon with the transition between the distal and proximal sections of the tube allows a medical professional to know the exact location of the balloon. The length of the proximal section may be set so that the balloon is place in a pre-determined position so that the transition point between the distal and proximal sections may be used as a position indicator.

US Patent:

20110098687, Apr 28, 2011

Filed:

Oct 22, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/603859

Inventors:

Sam C. Chan - Atlanta GA, US
Nathan C. Griffith - Roswell GA, US
Michael A. Kenowski - Alpharetta GA, US
James F. Schumacher - Cumming GA, US

International Classification:

A61B 19/00

US Classification:

606 1

Abstract:

There is provided a mechanism for gently detaching a loading catheter from a tracheostomy tube once the tube is placed in the trachea of a patient. After dilating the trachea, a loading catheter is inserted into a tracheostomy tube with which it desirably engages. Once the loading catheter and tracheostomy tube are attached to each other, the entire unit is passed through the stoma until the flange of the tracheostomy tube is in contact with the throat. The loading catheter may then be removed by rotating or twisting the loading catheter handle. The loading catheter and tracheostomy tube have a cam-action mechanism that gently forces the two parts apart as they are rotated relative to each other. This “cam action” disengagement allows for the removal of the loading catheter without subjecting the trachea or throat to undue pressure or forces that might cause trauma or increase recovery time. Other accessories like cannulas and obturators may attach and detach from the tracheostomy tube in a like manner.