US20140290649A1 - Medical device tube having a suction lumen and an associated suctioning system - Google Patents
Medical device tube having a suction lumen and an associated suctioning system Download PDFInfo
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- US20140290649A1 US20140290649A1 US14/304,264 US201414304264A US2014290649A1 US 20140290649 A1 US20140290649 A1 US 20140290649A1 US 201414304264 A US201414304264 A US 201414304264A US 2014290649 A1 US2014290649 A1 US 2014290649A1
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- pressure
- suction lumen
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- suction
- lumen
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
- A61M16/04—Tracheal tubes
- A61M16/0463—Tracheal tubes combined with suction tubes, catheters or the like; Outside connections
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
- A61M16/0003—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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- A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
- A61M16/04—Tracheal tubes
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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- A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
- A61M16/04—Tracheal tubes
- A61M16/0434—Cuffs
- A61M16/0443—Special cuff-wall materials
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- A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
- A61M16/04—Tracheal tubes
- A61M16/0475—Tracheal tubes having openings in the tube
- A61M16/0477—Tracheal tubes having openings in the tube with incorporated means for delivering or removing fluids
- A61M16/0479—Tracheal tubes having openings in the tube with incorporated means for delivering or removing fluids above the cuff, e.g. giving access to the upper trachea
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
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- A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
- A61M16/04—Tracheal tubes
- A61M16/0486—Multi-lumen tracheal tubes
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
- A61M16/04—Tracheal tubes
- A61M16/0434—Cuffs
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- A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
- A61M16/08—Bellows; Connecting tubes ; Water traps; Patient circuits
- A61M16/0816—Joints or connectors
- A61M16/0841—Joints or connectors for sampling
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- A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
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- A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
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- A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
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- A61M2205/502—User interfaces, e.g. screens or keyboards
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- A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
- A61M2205/58—Means for facilitating use, e.g. by people with impaired vision
- A61M2205/581—Means for facilitating use, e.g. by people with impaired vision by audible feedback
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- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
- A61M2205/58—Means for facilitating use, e.g. by people with impaired vision
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- A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
- A61M2205/60—General characteristics of the apparatus with identification means
- A61M2205/6054—Magnetic identification systems
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
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- A61M2205/6063—Optical identification systems
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- A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
- A61M2205/70—General characteristics of the apparatus with testing or calibration facilities
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- A61M2209/00—Ancillary equipment
- A61M2209/06—Packaging for specific medical equipment
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates to tracheal tubes used in medical applications and, more particularly, to tracheal tubes having suctions lumens for suctioning secretions above a sealing cuff and systems for controlling the suctioning.
- a tube or other medical device may be used to control the flow of air, food, fluids, or other substances into and out of the patient.
- medical devices such as tracheal tubes
- tracheal tubes may include endotracheal tubes (ETTs), tracheostomy tubes, or transtracheal tubes.
- ETTs endotracheal tubes
- tracheostomy tubes or transtracheal tubes.
- tracheal tubes are often coupled to an air source, such as a ventilator, to provide the patient with a source of fresh air that is transferred through a main ventilation lumen adapted to allow airflow to and from the patient during inspiration and expiration, respectively.
- an air source such as a ventilator
- a main ventilation lumen adapted to allow airflow to and from the patient during inspiration and expiration, respectively.
- a tracheal tube may include a suction lumen that runs the length of the tube and that terminates at an aperture located above the inflatable cuff
- the suction lumen may be used for suctioning patient secretions from the mouth and upper airway that flow down into the trachea and accumulate above the inflatable cuff or on the tube.
- the evacuation process may provide for removal of secretions, it may be possible for the aperture to be come occluded, in particular because patient secretions may be relatively viscous and the aperture is small.
- FIG. 2A is a graph of the pressure over time for a first pressure transducer of FIG. 1 during intermittent suctioning
- FIG. 2B is a graph of the pressure over time for a second pressure transducers of FIG. 1 during intermittent suctioning
- FIG. 2C is a graph of the pressure over time for a differential between the two pressure transducers of FIG. 1 during intermittent suctioning;
- FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a method of controlling suctioning that may be used in conjunction with the system of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 is an elevation view of an exemplary tracheal tube with a secretion sensor
- FIG. 5 is a side view of an exemplary tracheal tube with a secretion sensor inserted into a patient trachea;
- FIG. 6 is a side view of an alternative arrangement of a tracheal tube with a circumferential secretion sensor
- FIG. 7 is a side view of an alternative arrangement of a tracheal tube with a secretion sensor associated with an alternate suction lumen;
- FIG. 8 is a diagramatic view of an exemplary tracheal suctioning system.
- tracheal tubes may include dedicated lumens with apertures located above the cuff. When a suction force is applied to the suction lumen, secretions are taken up into the lumen through the aperture. This suctioning process may be performed on a regular basis, because tracheal tubes are typically used for days or weeks before being replaced.
- tracheal tubes that include lumens for suctioning secretions that may accumulate on an inflated cuff.
- the lumens may be associated with suction systems that are capable of alternating positive and negative pressure to clear blockages in the suction lumen.
- the tracheal tubes may also include one or more sensors for determining if the suction lumens are blocked. Additionally, the tracheal tubes may include sensors for determining the presence of and/or the extent of secretion build-up.
- FIG. 1 shows an exemplary tracheal tube system 10 that has been inserted into the trachea of a patient.
- the system 10 includes a tracheal tube 12 , shown here as an endotracheal tube, with an inflatable balloon cuff 14 that may be inflated to form a seal against the tracheal walls.
- a suction lumen 16 terminating in opening 18 may be disposed on the tracheal tube 12 .
- an exterior suction tube 20 connects to the suction lumen 16 for the removal of suctioned fluids.
- the suction tube 20 may connected to a vacuum source 22 and fluid collection canister 23 via additional connecting tubes.
- the suction tube 20 and suction lumen 16 are in fluid communication with a pressure transducer 24 and a pressure transducer 26 . As provided herein, information about pressure at the pressure transducer 24 and the pressure transducer 26 may be used to determine information about the suction lumen 16 .
- the pressure transducer 24 and the pressure transducer 26 may be associated with the suction lumen 16 and the suction tube 20 . To that end, they may be directly mounted onto one or both of the suction lumen 16 , the suction tube 20 , or any associated tubes, side arms, or connectors in the flow path from the suction lumen 16 to the vacuum source 22 , including the fluid collection canister 23 . As shown, the pressure transducer 24 is coupled to the fluid collection canister 23 . In other configurations, the pressure transducers 24 and 26 may be disposed within a shunted pathway from suction tube 20 and fluid collection canister 23 . Further, in certain embodiments, a differential pressure sensor may be employed.
- the system 10 may also include a respiratory circuit (not shown) connected to the endotracheal tube 12 that allows one-way flow of expired gases away from the patient and one-way flow of inspired gases towards the patient.
- the respiratory circuit including the tube 12 , suction lumen 16 , and suction tube 20 , may include standard medical tubing made from suitable materials such as polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene teraphthalate (PETP), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene, silicone, neoprene, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or polyisoprene.
- the cuff 14 is formed from material having suitable mechanical properties (such as puncture resistance, pin hole resistance, tensile strength), chemical properties (such as biocompatibility).
- the walls of the cuff 14 are made of a polyurethane having suitable mechanical and chemical properties.
- An example of a suitable polyurethane is Dow Pellethane® 2363-80A.
- the walls of the cuff 14 are made of a suitable polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
- the cuff 14 may be generally sized and shaped as a high volume, low pressure cuff that may be designed to be inflated to pressures between about 15 cm H 2 O and 30 cm H 2 O.
- the cuff 14 may be any suitable cuff, such as a tapered cuff, a non-tapered cuff, and so forth.
- calibration information may be used in calculations for estimating a pressure drop between the pressure transducer 24 and the pressure transducer 26 .
- the monitor 32 may be configured to provide indications of blockages in the suction lumen 16 , such as an audio, visual or other indication, or may be configured to communicate the information to another device, such as the ventilator 22 .
- the microprocessor 34 may be programmed with instructions for controlling the application of the vacuum source 22 . For example, a vacuum may be applied constantly or intermittently.
- the pressure transducers 24 and 26 may be any suitable pressure sensor that may be integrated into the system 10 .
- the pressure transducers 24 and 26 may be piezoelectric pressure sensors connected to leads be soldered or otherwise coupled to the pressure transducer 24 and 26 and may run along the length of suction lumen 16 , suction tube 20 , or any other tubing or couplers. It should be understood that, while the pressure transducers may be integrated into or onto an exterior wall of the lumen 16 or suction tube 20 , other contemplated embodiments may involve proximally located pressure transducers 24 and 26 in fluid communication, for example through a lumen, with the suction lumen 16 or at various points along the suction pathway.
- calibration information (e.g., the volume of the pressure transducers 24 and 26 , the distance between them) may be provided in a barcode on the tube or associated packaging that may be scanned by a reader coupled to the monitor 32 .
- the calibration information may also be determined by the monitor 32 as a function of the lumen inner diameter and length.
- the pressure transducers 24 and 26 may include a passive or active RFID circuit that may be read wirelessly to convey pressure monitoring information and cuff calibration information to the monitor 32 .
- the relevant calibration data may be provided in the packaging of the tube 12 and may simply be entered manually.
- equal pressure period 76 showing either no pressure drop or a small pressure drop where the pressures at pressure transducers 24 and 26 are approximately equal, may be indicative of a blocked lumen 16 .
- the substantially equal pressure period is temporary as the suction is maintained. The suction, if sufficient to clear the blockage, pulls the secretions through the suction lumen 16 until the secretions reach the location of the second pressure transducer 26 .
- the measured pressure at the pressure transducer 26 remains about the same. That is, the clear pressure 60 , the pressure during blockage 61 , the pressure 62 with fluid between the transducers 24 and 26 , and the pressure 63 when the fluid has passed transducer 24 and is being evacuated, are generally the same. These pressures may be compared against a calibration pressure 64 , which may be obtained by venting the suction tube 20 and measuring the pressure while the suction tube 20 is empty.
- the pressure at pressure transducer 24 varies throughout the blockage.
- the pressure 66 is lower relative to the pressure 60 at pressure transducer 26 .
- the pressure 67 increases and then subsequently decreases to pressure 68 and pressure 69 as the fluid is pulled through the lumen and into the evacuation canister 23 .
- These pressures may be normalized to calibration case 70 .
- the variance in pressure at pressure transducer 24 over time because of blockage in the lumen 16 results in a changing pressure drop, shown in FIG. 2C .
- the characteristic pressure drop 74 when the suction lumen 16 is clear is larger than the lack of pressure drop 76 experienced during a period of blockage.
- a larger pressure drop 78 is followed by an even larger pressure drop 80 as the fluid is evacuated.
- the method 60 begins with a measurement of pressure at a first location at step 92 by the pressure transducer 24 associated with a tracheal tube 12 that has been inserted into a patient.
- the pressure transducer 26 measures the pressure at a second location.
- the pressure measurements may be communicated to the monitor 32 for further analysis.
- the monitor 32 may also receive calibration information from an information element or other storage device associated with the connector 28 that may be used to calculate the pressure. It should be noted that the monitor may, of course, receive data or signals directly from the pressure transducers 24 and 26 .
- a pressure drop is determined from the pressures measured at steps 92 and 94 .
- the method 90 returns to step 92 .
- the suction line may be vented or occluded so that reference or calibration baseline pressures (e.g., pressures 64 and 70 ) at the transducers 24 and 26 may be collected.
- the method 90 may be also performed in conjunction with constant or intermittent suctioning.
- steps 92 and 94 may be coordinated with the timing of the application of a vacuum to the suction lumen 16 .
- the measured pressure drop may be determined during periods that suction is applied.
- the vacuum may be applied infrequently, such as every ten minutes for about five seconds, unless a blockage is detected.
- the method 90 may apply a vacuum at step 102 so that the secretions in the suction lumen 16 can be cleared.
- the monitor 32 may then look for the characteristic pressure drop 74 that indicates that the suction is pulling the secretions through the lumen to clear them at step 104 . If the characteristic pressure drop 74 is detected, the monitor may wait until the pressure pattern returns to the characteristic pressure drop 74 associated with a clear lumen and then cease applying. In this manner, the vacuum source may be applied infrequently and only sustained during periods in which the lumen is blocked.
- the method 90 returns to step 92 . If, on the other hand, there is no characteristic pressure drop 74 and the pressure at the first pressure transducer 26 remains substantially the same as the pressure at the second transducer 24 , an alarm or other indication of blockage may be triggered at step 108 so additional clearing measures may be taken. In other embodiments, the vacuum force may be increased until the blockage is cleared.
- equal pressure period 76 may predict a blocked lumen 16 , while a pattern of an equal pressure period 76 followed by larger pressure drops 78 and 80 is characteristic of pressures that occur as the lumen 16 is being cleared. Accordingly, equal pressure period 76 may serve as a trigger to continue pressure monitoring to determine if the blockage is being cleared. Further, it should be understood that the monitor 32 may determine that a blockage has occurred if any part or combination of the a characteristic pressure pattern (e.g., pressure drop 76 followed by characteristic pressures 78 and 80 ) is detected, including the equal pressure period 76 , the pressure drop 78 , a larger pressure drop 80 , and a return to the normal clear pressure 66 or the normal pressure drop 74 .
- a characteristic pressure pattern e.g., pressure drop 76 followed by characteristic pressures 78 and 80
- the monitor 32 may be configured to provide a graphical, visual, or audio representation of a blockage in the suction lumen 16 .
- a clear lumen 16 may be indicated by a green light indicated on a display, while a pressure differential pattern indicating a blockage in the suction lumen 16 may trigger an alarm, which may include one or more of an audio or visual alarm indication.
- the alarm may be triggered if a change from the characteristic pressure drop 74 is substantially greater than a predetermined value, substantially less than a predetermined value, or outside of a predetermined range.
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary tracheal tube 12 according to certain presently contemplated embodiments.
- the tube 12 includes a cuff 14 that may be inflated via inflation lumen 42 .
- the cuff 14 may be connected to the tube 12 via a proximal shoulder 114 and a distal shoulder 116 .
- a suction lumen 16 may be formed in the tube walls running parallel to the airflow path of the interior airflow lumen 118 .
- the suction lumen 16 terminates in opening 18 , located above the proximal shoulder 114 .
- the tube 12 forms a slight curve along its length for ease of insertion into the patient.
- the curve defines an inside face 120 of the tube that, when inserted into the patient, faces dorsally.
- the opening 18 may be located on the inside face 120 .
- a secretion sensor 122 is located on the tube 12 between the opening 18 and the proximal shoulder 114 . When the tube 12 is inserted into a patient, secretions may build up on the cuff 14 . These secretions first encounter the secretions sensor 112 before reaching the level of the cuff.
- the secretion sensor 122 is configured to communicate with a monitor 32 to provide an indication of secretions buildup.
- an imaginary axis 124 drawn through the secretion sensor 122 and the opening 18 may be approximately parallel to the airflow path.
- the secretion sensor 122 may be placed at other circumferential locations on the tube 12 between the opening 18 and the proximal shoulder 114 .
- the secretion sensor 122 may be a pressure sensor, a capacitive sensor, a gas sensor, a thermal sensor, or a conductive sensor.
- a thermal sensor may experience an increase in temperature as secretions surround it.
- a gas sensor may experience a decrease in detected gas in the ambient air as the secretions block the gas from encountering the sensor 122 .
- the information provided by the secretion sensor 122 may be used to control the application of a vacuum to the suction lumen 16 . In certain embodiments, a vacuum may only be applied when secretions are detected.
- the tube 12 may include a connector 28 that facilitates coupling of the sensor 122 to a patient monitor, e.g., monitor 32 .
- the tube 12 may include an addition lumen (not shown) for adding saline or another fluid to the secretions to decrease their viscosity and aid suctioning.
- the lumen 16 may be used to deliver saline.
- FIG. 5 Shown in FIG. 5 is a side view of a tracheal tube 12 inserted into a patient airway.
- secretions 128 flow down from the mouth, they begin to build up above the cuff 14 .
- the secretions may spread around the area above cuff 14 , leaking from the dorsal side 130 to the ventral side 132 (shown by arrows 134 ).
- the secretions may spread in a proximal direction, forming a pool around the opening 18 .
- a tracheal tube may include any number of addition secretion sensors, e.g., secretion sensors 122 a, 122 b, 122 c, and 122 d, placed at appropriate locations around the tube 12 to provide information about the extent of the secretion buildup.
- secretion sensor 122 a is between the opening 18 and the proximal cuff shoulder 114
- secretions sensor 122 b is above the opening 18 .
- the secretion sensor 122 b may provide information about the extent of pooling around the opening 18 . Pooling may be more extensive if both sensors 122 a and 122 b are covered.
- secretion sensors 122 c and 122 d may be located towards the ventral side 132 to detect leaking of secretions around the cuff 14 .
- FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of a region of the tube 12 surrounding an opening 18 .
- the secretion sensor 122 may be annular or semi-annular so that the secretion sensor 122 at least partially surrounds the opening 18 .
- the secretion sensor 122 may be configured so that an indication of secretion buildup may include information about the percentage of the annular opening 18 that is covered.
- a tube 12 may include a plurality of individual secretion sensors 122 that surround the opening 18 .
- Secretion sensors 122 may also be associated with multiple suction lumens 16 to that may provide redundant suctioning functionality. As shown in FIG. 7 , a side view of a region of a tube 12 above the cuff 14 , the tube 12 may have multiple suction lumens 16 (shown as 16 a and 16 b ), each terminating in respective openings 18 a and 18 b. Secretion sensors 122 a and 122 b may be associated with each opening 18 . If, for example, suction lumen 16 a is blocked, as indicated by secretion sensor 122 a, suction may be redirected to suction lumen 16 b until suction lumen 16 a is cleared.
- a tube 12 may be associated with a suction system that includes connectors configured to couple the lumen 16 to a vacuum source 22 and a fluid collection canister 23 .
- the vacuum source 22 may be provided as a standard vacuum pumping system and may include any suitable regulator to control the flow of the negative pressure.
- a vacuum pump set to ⁇ 100 mm Hg may be reduced to ⁇ 20 mm Hg suctioning pressure via a valve.
- a system 10 may also include a source of positive pressure air. In certain embodiments, when a suction lumen 16 is blocked, a combination of negative pressure air and positive pressure air may be used to clear the blockage.
- FIG. 8 is an exemplary suctioning system 150 that includes a vacuum source 22 coupled to a positive pressure unit 152 via suction line 154 , which is coupled via any appropriate combination of tubing and connectors to suction tube 20 and suction lumen 16 .
- the positive pressure unit includes a pressurized air source 155 that may be coupled to the suction line 154 via a one-way valve.
- the vacuum source 22 is regulated by valve control 156 .
- the valve control 156 may increase the vacuum pressure applied to line 154 (e.g., from ⁇ 20 mm hg to ⁇ 50 mm Hg) in an attempt to clear the blockage. If, after a period of time, the pressure does not drop, indicating that the lumen is not clear, the positive pressure from the positive pressure unit 152 may be blown air down the suction line 154 to clear the blockage. The pressurized air is then used to eject the mucus plug from the lumen back into the trachea.
- the valve control 156 may increase the vacuum pressure and duration of its application through additional cycles. For example, during additional cycles, vacuum pressures of ⁇ 70 mm Hg and ⁇ 90 mm Hg may be used. After each vacuum pressure cycles, positive pressure may be applied, even if the lumen is not yet clear. The cycle of alternating negative and positive pressure may break up the secretions, allowing them to be more easily cleared through the lumen 16 . That is, the secretions may be broken into smaller pieces or may be in more liquid form that is less likely to block the lumen 16 .
- Positive pressure unit 152 is coupled to the suction line 154 so that a source of pressurized air 156 is able to provide positive pressure air into the suction line 154 .
- the positive pressure unit may be a unitary device that has an upstream connector 158 and a downstream connector 160 so that the positive pressure unit 152 may be connected in-line with the suction line 154 .
- the positive pressure unit 152 may be provided as an upgrade to an existing suctioning system.
- the positive pressure unit 152 may include processing circuitry, such as a microprocessor 162 and a display 164 that may provide indications or alarms related to detected blockages.
- the positive pressure unit 152 may also include a control input 166 , such as a keyboard or touch screen, that allows an operator to change settings, such as settings related to the pressure of the air blown into the suction line 154 .
- the positive pressure unit 152 may also communicate with one or more pressure transducers 157 . Further, the positive pressure unit may communicate with the valve control 156 so that the vacuum pressure and the positive pressure may be appropriately alternated to facilitate clearing any blockages.
- FIG. 9A is an cross-sectional view of a positive pressure system 170 that provides positive pressure air into the suction line 154 without using a pressurized air canister.
- the positive pressure system 170 uses the increase in energy to pressurize ambient air.
- the suction line 154 experiences increased negative pressure, the pressure increase pulls a flap 172 and a moveable member, shown as deformable membrane 174 , towards the suction line 154 .
- This movement in turn creates a vacuum that draws air, shown by arrow 176 , into chamber 178 through one-way valve 180 .
- the moveable membrane may be a piston or a spring-loaded cylinder.
- the moveable member When the vacuum pressure in the suction line 154 passes a threshold where the spring force or the deforming force of the moveable member is higher than that of the suction line 154 , the moveable member will be released and will drive the air out of the change through flap valve 184 . As shown in FIG. 9B , the air, represented by arrow 186 , then enters the suction line 154 . It should be understood that the size of the chamber 178 and the deforming or spring-force characteristics of the moveable member may be selected to facilitate injection of air into the suction line 154 at particular pressure points in the suction line 154 .
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Abstract
Various embodiments of a tracheal tube having a suction lumen are provided. For example, the suction lumen may be associated with two spaced apart pressure transducers, whereby a pressure drop between the transducers indicates that the suction lumen is free of blockages and a characteristic lack of pressure drop and/or particular pressure curve is indicative of a blockage. In addition, embodiments may include a tracheal tube with sensors configured to sense a buildup of secretions. The sensors may be located proximate to an opening in the suction lumen. In other embodiments, a blockage-clearing system for a suction lumen may be provided that blows air into the suction lumen to clear blockages. In particular, in certain embodiments, the blockage-clearing system may operate to create its own pressurized air source by utilizing the pressure change created in the suction line by a blockage.
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/847,795 filed Jul. 30, 2010, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
- The present disclosure relates to tracheal tubes used in medical applications and, more particularly, to tracheal tubes having suctions lumens for suctioning secretions above a sealing cuff and systems for controlling the suctioning.
- This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure, which are described and/or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.
- In the course of treating a patient, a tube or other medical device may be used to control the flow of air, food, fluids, or other substances into and out of the patient. For example, medical devices, such as tracheal tubes, may be used to control the flow of air or other gases through a trachea of a patient. Such tracheal tubes may include endotracheal tubes (ETTs), tracheostomy tubes, or transtracheal tubes. In many instances, it is desirable to provide a seal between the outside of the tube or device and the interior of the passage in which the tube or device is inserted, such as the trachea. In this way, substances can only flow through the passage via the tube or other medical device inserted in the tube, allowing a medical practitioner to maintain control over the type and amount of substances flowing into and out of the patient. In addition, a high-quality seal against the tracheal passageway allows a ventilator to perform efficiently.
- Such tracheal tubes are often coupled to an air source, such as a ventilator, to provide the patient with a source of fresh air that is transferred through a main ventilation lumen adapted to allow airflow to and from the patient during inspiration and expiration, respectively. However, it may be desirable for additional functionalities to be provided by the tracheal tube. For example, a tracheal tube may include a suction lumen that runs the length of the tube and that terminates at an aperture located above the inflatable cuff The suction lumen may be used for suctioning patient secretions from the mouth and upper airway that flow down into the trachea and accumulate above the inflatable cuff or on the tube. Although the evacuation process may provide for removal of secretions, it may be possible for the aperture to be come occluded, in particular because patient secretions may be relatively viscous and the aperture is small.
- Advantages of the disclosed techniques may become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings in which:
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary tracheal ventilation system with a suction lumen coupled to two pressure transducers; -
FIG. 2A is a graph of the pressure over time for a first pressure transducer ofFIG. 1 during intermittent suctioning; -
FIG. 2B is a graph of the pressure over time for a second pressure transducers ofFIG. 1 during intermittent suctioning; -
FIG. 2C is a graph of the pressure over time for a differential between the two pressure transducers ofFIG. 1 during intermittent suctioning; -
FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a method of controlling suctioning that may be used in conjunction with the system ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is an elevation view of an exemplary tracheal tube with a secretion sensor; -
FIG. 5 is a side view of an exemplary tracheal tube with a secretion sensor inserted into a patient trachea; -
FIG. 6 is a side view of an alternative arrangement of a tracheal tube with a circumferential secretion sensor; -
FIG. 7 is a side view of an alternative arrangement of a tracheal tube with a secretion sensor associated with an alternate suction lumen; -
FIG. 8 is a diagramatic view of an exemplary tracheal suctioning system; and -
FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary tracheal suctioning system that used the suction line to pressurize air; and -
FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of the tracheal suctioning system ofFIG. 9A in which the air is released into the suction line. - One or more specific embodiments of the present techniques will be described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual implementation are described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure.
- After a tracheal tube has been inserted into a patient airway, an associated balloon cuff is inflated to form a seal within the tracheal space. The inflated cuff forms a shelf that blocks secretions from the mouth from traveling into the lungs. Over time, the secretions may build up on the top of the cuff and leak down into the lower airway if the seal against the tracheal walls becomes degraded. Accordingly, tracheal tubes may include dedicated lumens with apertures located above the cuff. When a suction force is applied to the suction lumen, secretions are taken up into the lumen through the aperture. This suctioning process may be performed on a regular basis, because tracheal tubes are typically used for days or weeks before being replaced. When the aperture becomes occluded, e.g., because the secretions are viscous, it is impractical to replace the tracheal tube with a fresh tube with a clear suctioning lumen. Accordingly, it is desirable to be able to detect and clear any blockages in the suction lumen so that suctioning may continue.
- Provided herein are tracheal tubes that include lumens for suctioning secretions that may accumulate on an inflated cuff. For example, the lumens may be associated with suction systems that are capable of alternating positive and negative pressure to clear blockages in the suction lumen. The tracheal tubes may also include one or more sensors for determining if the suction lumens are blocked. Additionally, the tracheal tubes may include sensors for determining the presence of and/or the extent of secretion build-up. Also provided herein are systems for communicating with the tracheal tubes and associated sensors to inform clinicians if a suction lumen is blocked or if secretions have built up on the cuff.
- In certain embodiments, the disclosed tracheal tubes, systems, and methods may be used in conjunction with any appropriate medical device, including a feeding tube, an endotracheal tube, a tracheotomy tube, a circuit, an airway accessory, a connector, an adapter, a filter, a humidifier, a nebulizer, nasal cannula, or a supraglottal mask/tube. The present techniques may also be used to monitor any patient benefiting from mechanical ventilation, e.g., positive pressure ventilation. Further, the devices and techniques provided herein may be used to monitor a human patient, such as a trauma victim, an intubated patient, a patient with a tracheotomy, an anesthetized patient, a cardiac arrest victim, a patient suffering from airway obstruction, or a patient suffering from respiratory failure.
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FIG. 1 shows an exemplarytracheal tube system 10 that has been inserted into the trachea of a patient. Thesystem 10 includes atracheal tube 12, shown here as an endotracheal tube, with aninflatable balloon cuff 14 that may be inflated to form a seal against the tracheal walls. Asuction lumen 16 terminating in opening 18 may be disposed on thetracheal tube 12. As shown, anexterior suction tube 20 connects to thesuction lumen 16 for the removal of suctioned fluids. Thesuction tube 20 may connected to avacuum source 22 andfluid collection canister 23 via additional connecting tubes. Thesuction tube 20 andsuction lumen 16 are in fluid communication with apressure transducer 24 and apressure transducer 26. As provided herein, information about pressure at thepressure transducer 24 and thepressure transducer 26 may be used to determine information about thesuction lumen 16. - The
pressure transducer 24 and thepressure transducer 26 are spaced apart so that a pressure drop between them may provide information about potential blockages in thesuction lumen 16. Generally, thepressure transducer 26 located closer to a patient end will experience higher pressure than thepressure transducer 24 located closer to thevacuum source 22 during suctioning of a clear, unblocked lumen. Accordingly, any change from this expected pressure drop between thepressure transducer 24 and thepressure transducer 26 may be indicative of a blockage in thesuction lumen 16. - As noted, the
pressure transducer 24 and thepressure transducer 26 may be associated with thesuction lumen 16 and thesuction tube 20. To that end, they may be directly mounted onto one or both of thesuction lumen 16, thesuction tube 20, or any associated tubes, side arms, or connectors in the flow path from thesuction lumen 16 to thevacuum source 22, including thefluid collection canister 23. As shown, thepressure transducer 24 is coupled to thefluid collection canister 23. In other configurations, thepressure transducers suction tube 20 andfluid collection canister 23. Further, in certain embodiments, a differential pressure sensor may be employed. In certain embodiments, a connecting tube that includes thepressure transducer 24 and thepressure transducer 26 and that is adapted to connect to thesuction tube 20 may be packaged with thetracheal tube 12 to be sold as a kit. Further, in certain embodiments, thepressure transducer 24 and thepressure transducer 26 may be coupled via electrical leads or other connections to aconnector 28 that may facilitate connection of thepressure transducers patient monitor 32. - The
system 10 may also include a respiratory circuit (not shown) connected to theendotracheal tube 12 that allows one-way flow of expired gases away from the patient and one-way flow of inspired gases towards the patient. The respiratory circuit, including thetube 12,suction lumen 16, andsuction tube 20, may include standard medical tubing made from suitable materials such as polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene teraphthalate (PETP), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene, silicone, neoprene, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or polyisoprene. Thecuff 14 is formed from material having suitable mechanical properties (such as puncture resistance, pin hole resistance, tensile strength), chemical properties (such as biocompatibility). In one embodiment, the walls of thecuff 14 are made of a polyurethane having suitable mechanical and chemical properties. An example of a suitable polyurethane is Dow Pellethane® 2363-80A. In another embodiment, the walls of thecuff 14 are made of a suitable polyvinyl chloride (PVC). In certain embodiments, thecuff 14 may be generally sized and shaped as a high volume, low pressure cuff that may be designed to be inflated to pressures between about 15 cm H2O and 30 cm H2O. Additionally, it should be noted that thecuff 14 may be any suitable cuff, such as a tapered cuff, a non-tapered cuff, and so forth. - The
system 10 may also include devices that facilitate positive pressure ventilation of a patient, such as theventilator 30, which may include any ventilator, such as those available from Nellcor Puritan Bennett LLC. The system may also include amonitor 32 that may be configured to implement embodiments of the present disclosure to determine information about blockages in thesuction lumen 16 based upon the pressure at thepressure transducer 24 and thepressure transducer 26. It should be understood that themonitor 32 may be a stand-alone device or may, in embodiments, be integrated into a single device with, for example, theventilator 30. - The
monitor 32 may include processing circuitry, such as amicroprocessor 34 coupled to aninternal bus 36 and adisplay 38. In an embodiment, themonitor 32 may be configured to communicate with the tube, for example viaconnector 28, to obtain signals from thefirst transducer 24 and thepressure transducer 26. In certain embodiments, theconnector 28 may also provide calibration information for thetube 12 and/or thepressure transducer 24 and thepressure transducer 26. The information may then be stored inmass storage device 40, such as RAM, PROM, optical storage devices, flash memory devices, hardware storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable computer-readable storage medium. The information may be accessed and operated upon according tomicroprocessor 34 instructions. In certain embodiments, calibration information may be used in calculations for estimating a pressure drop between thepressure transducer 24 and thepressure transducer 26. Themonitor 32 may be configured to provide indications of blockages in thesuction lumen 16, such as an audio, visual or other indication, or may be configured to communicate the information to another device, such as theventilator 22. In addition, themicroprocessor 34 may be programmed with instructions for controlling the application of thevacuum source 22. For example, a vacuum may be applied constantly or intermittently. - The pressure transducers 24 and 26 may be any suitable pressure sensor that may be integrated into the
system 10. For example, thepressure transducers pressure transducer suction lumen 16,suction tube 20, or any other tubing or couplers. It should be understood that, while the pressure transducers may be integrated into or onto an exterior wall of thelumen 16 orsuction tube 20, other contemplated embodiments may involve proximally locatedpressure transducers suction lumen 16 or at various points along the suction pathway. - The
connector 28 may be suitably configured to connect to a receiving port on themonitor 32. Theconnector 28 may contain an information element, such as a memory circuit, e.g., an EPROM, EEPROM, coded resistor, or flash memory device for storing calibration information for thepressure transducers connector 28 may also contain certain processing circuitry for at least partially processing signals frompressure transducers connector 28 is coupled to themonitor 32, the information element may be accessed to provide calibration information to themonitor 32. In addition, theconnector 28 may facilitate providing pressure monitoring information to themonitor 32. In certain embodiments, calibration information (e.g., the volume of thepressure transducers monitor 32. The calibration information may also be determined by themonitor 32 as a function of the lumen inner diameter and length. Alternatively, thepressure transducers monitor 32. In other embodiments the relevant calibration data may be provided in the packaging of thetube 12 and may simply be entered manually. -
FIGS. 2A-C are exemplary pressure graphs of pressure at PT1 (pressure transducer 26), pressure at PT2 (pressure transducer 24), and their differential over time as a vacuum suction is applied intermittently. For example,graph 58 inFIG. 2A shows the sensedpressure 59 frompressure transducer 26,graph 65 inFIG. 2B shows the sensedpressure 71 frompressure transducer 24, andgraph 72 inFIG. 2C shows the differential betweenpressure transducers suction lumen 16, the pressure 66 (seeFIG. 2B ) atpressure transducer 24 is somewhat higher than the pressure 60 (seeFIG. 2A ) at thepressure transducer 26. This is due to the relative pressure drops of the air flowing through thesuction lumen 16 and thesuction tube 20. During intermittent suction, this is seen as a pulse of the characteristicclear pressure 60 atpressure transducer 26 and a pulse of the characteristicclear pressure 66 atpressure transducer 24. The difference between thepressure 66 and thepressure 60 is the characteristic pressure drop 74 (seeFIG. 2C ) seen with a clear lumen. - When the
suction lumen opening 18 becomes covered in secretions so that the suction lumen is blocked, thepressure 67 at thesecond pressure transducer 24 increases while thepressure 61 at thefirst pressure transducer 26 remains constant, which results in substantially no pressure drop between the twotransducers FIG. 2C ,equal pressure period 76, showing either no pressure drop or a small pressure drop where the pressures atpressure transducers lumen 16. In the depicted example, the substantially equal pressure period is temporary as the suction is maintained. The suction, if sufficient to clear the blockage, pulls the secretions through thesuction lumen 16 until the secretions reach the location of thesecond pressure transducer 26. At the point where there is still fluid in the suction line, but the fluid has passed thepressure transducer 26, the pressure in thepressure transducer 24 will drop to apressure 68 that is lower than the unblockedpressure 66. This is because, as opposed to the case of an unblocked tube, the viscous fluid between the twopressure transducers - As shown in
FIG. 2A , during this period of blockage, the measured pressure at thepressure transducer 26 remains about the same. That is, theclear pressure 60, the pressure duringblockage 61, thepressure 62 with fluid between thetransducers pressure 63 when the fluid has passedtransducer 24 and is being evacuated, are generally the same. These pressures may be compared against a calibration pressure 64, which may be obtained by venting thesuction tube 20 and measuring the pressure while thesuction tube 20 is empty. - In contrast, as shown in
FIG. 2B , the pressure atpressure transducer 24 varies throughout the blockage. When the lumen is clear, thepressure 66 is lower relative to thepressure 60 atpressure transducer 26. During occlusion, thepressure 67 increases and then subsequently decreases topressure 68 andpressure 69 as the fluid is pulled through the lumen and into theevacuation canister 23. These pressures may be normalized to calibration case 70. - The variance in pressure at
pressure transducer 24 over time because of blockage in thelumen 16 results in a changing pressure drop, shown inFIG. 2C . In thegraph 72, the characteristic pressure drop 74 when thesuction lumen 16 is clear is larger than the lack ofpressure drop 76 experienced during a period of blockage. When the fluid moves through thelumen 16 and intosuction tube 20, alarger pressure drop 78 is followed by an even larger pressure drop 80 as the fluid is evacuated. These pressure drops may be normalized to the calibration differential 82 between the calibration pressures 70 and 64. - The
monitor 32 may monitor the pressure and use the resulting pressure patterns or pressure differentials to determine if thesuction lumen 16 is blocked.FIG. 3 is an exemplary process flow diagram illustrating a method for determining lumen blockage based on the pressure at thepressure transducer 24 and thepressure transducer 26. The method is generally indicated byreference number 90 and includes various steps or actions represented by blocks. It should be noted that themethod 90 may be performed as an automated or semiautomated procedure by a system, such assystem 10. Further, certain steps or portions of the method may be performed by separate devices. For example, a portion of themethod 90 may be performed bypressure transducers method 90 may be performed by amonitor 32. In embodiments, themethod 90 may be performed continuously or intermittently for long-term patient monitoring or at any appropriate interval depending on the particular situation of the intubated patient. - According to a presently contemplated embodiment, the
method 60 begins with a measurement of pressure at a first location atstep 92 by thepressure transducer 24 associated with atracheal tube 12 that has been inserted into a patient. In addition, atstep 94 thepressure transducer 26 measures the pressure at a second location. The pressure measurements may be communicated to themonitor 32 for further analysis. In addition, themonitor 32 may also receive calibration information from an information element or other storage device associated with theconnector 28 that may be used to calculate the pressure. It should be noted that the monitor may, of course, receive data or signals directly from thepressure transducers step 98, a pressure drop is determined from the pressures measured atsteps step 98, amonitor 32 may determine whether thesuction lumen 16 is blocked atstep 100. For example, if there is a characteristic pressure drop 74 associated withclear lumen 16, themonitor 32 may determine that thesuction lumen 16 is clear. It should be understood that the calculated pressure drop may be within a standard deviation from thecharacteristic pressure drop 74. Further, a characteristic pressure drop 74 may vary from device to device (e.g., may vary with the size of the tube 12). Accordingly, the particular characteristic pressure drop 74 may be calibrated based on empirical calibration values that are stored in theconnector 28. - If the
suction lumen 16 is clear, themethod 90 returns to step 92. In particular embodiments, prior to the first time that steps 92 and 94 are performed, the suction line may be vented or occluded so that reference or calibration baseline pressures (e.g., pressures 64 and 70) at thetransducers method 90 may be also performed in conjunction with constant or intermittent suctioning. For example, in certain embodiments, steps 92 and 94 may be coordinated with the timing of the application of a vacuum to thesuction lumen 16. In such embodiments, the measured pressure drop may be determined during periods that suction is applied. When thesuction lumen 16 is clear, the vacuum may be applied infrequently, such as every ten minutes for about five seconds, unless a blockage is detected. - If, at
step 100, themonitor 32 determines that the suction lumen is blocked, for example by detecting an equal pressure period (e.g., exemplified by a small or substantially no pressure drop as in pressure differential 76), themethod 90 may apply a vacuum atstep 102 so that the secretions in thesuction lumen 16 can be cleared. Themonitor 32 may then look for the characteristic pressure drop 74 that indicates that the suction is pulling the secretions through the lumen to clear them atstep 104. If thecharacteristic pressure drop 74 is detected, the monitor may wait until the pressure pattern returns to the characteristic pressure drop 74 associated with a clear lumen and then cease applying. In this manner, the vacuum source may be applied infrequently and only sustained during periods in which the lumen is blocked. Once thesuction lumen 16 is clear, themethod 90 returns to step 92. If, on the other hand, there is no characteristic pressure drop 74 and the pressure at thefirst pressure transducer 26 remains substantially the same as the pressure at thesecond transducer 24, an alarm or other indication of blockage may be triggered atstep 108 so additional clearing measures may be taken. In other embodiments, the vacuum force may be increased until the blockage is cleared. - As noted,
equal pressure period 76 may predict a blockedlumen 16, while a pattern of anequal pressure period 76 followed by larger pressure drops 78 and 80 is characteristic of pressures that occur as thelumen 16 is being cleared. Accordingly,equal pressure period 76 may serve as a trigger to continue pressure monitoring to determine if the blockage is being cleared. Further, it should be understood that themonitor 32 may determine that a blockage has occurred if any part or combination of the a characteristic pressure pattern (e.g., pressure drop 76 followed bycharacteristic pressures 78 and 80) is detected, including theequal pressure period 76, thepressure drop 78, alarger pressure drop 80, and a return to the normalclear pressure 66 or thenormal pressure drop 74. - The
monitor 32 may be configured to provide a graphical, visual, or audio representation of a blockage in thesuction lumen 16. For example, aclear lumen 16 may be indicated by a green light indicated on a display, while a pressure differential pattern indicating a blockage in thesuction lumen 16 may trigger an alarm, which may include one or more of an audio or visual alarm indication. In one embodiment, the alarm may be triggered if a change from thecharacteristic pressure drop 74 is substantially greater than a predetermined value, substantially less than a predetermined value, or outside of a predetermined range. - While a blockage in the
suction lumen 16 may be detected by indirect measurements of the pressure differential at proximal locations along the suction path, the buildup of secretions around thelumen opening 18 may be directly measured by appropriately placed sensors.FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an exemplarytracheal tube 12 according to certain presently contemplated embodiments. Thetube 12 includes acuff 14 that may be inflated viainflation lumen 42. Thecuff 14 may be connected to thetube 12 via a proximal shoulder 114 and adistal shoulder 116. Asuction lumen 16 may be formed in the tube walls running parallel to the airflow path of the interior airflow lumen 118. Thesuction lumen 16 terminates in opening 18, located above the proximal shoulder 114. Thetube 12 forms a slight curve along its length for ease of insertion into the patient. The curve defines aninside face 120 of the tube that, when inserted into the patient, faces dorsally. Theopening 18 may be located on theinside face 120. Asecretion sensor 122 is located on thetube 12 between theopening 18 and the proximal shoulder 114. When thetube 12 is inserted into a patient, secretions may build up on thecuff 14. These secretions first encounter the secretions sensor 112 before reaching the level of the cuff. Thesecretion sensor 122 is configured to communicate with amonitor 32 to provide an indication of secretions buildup. As shown, animaginary axis 124 drawn through thesecretion sensor 122 and theopening 18 may be approximately parallel to the airflow path. In other embodiments, thesecretion sensor 122 may be placed at other circumferential locations on thetube 12 between theopening 18 and the proximal shoulder 114. - The
secretion sensor 122 may be a pressure sensor, a capacitive sensor, a gas sensor, a thermal sensor, or a conductive sensor. For example, a thermal sensor may experience an increase in temperature as secretions surround it. A gas sensor may experience a decrease in detected gas in the ambient air as the secretions block the gas from encountering thesensor 122. The information provided by thesecretion sensor 122 may be used to control the application of a vacuum to thesuction lumen 16. In certain embodiments, a vacuum may only be applied when secretions are detected. Thetube 12 may include aconnector 28 that facilitates coupling of thesensor 122 to a patient monitor, e.g., monitor 32. In addition, thetube 12 may include an addition lumen (not shown) for adding saline or another fluid to the secretions to decrease their viscosity and aid suctioning. Alternatively, thelumen 16 may be used to deliver saline. - When a
tracheal tube 12 is inserted into a patient, the patient is generally in an inclined position. Shown inFIG. 5 is a side view of atracheal tube 12 inserted into a patient airway. Assecretions 128 flow down from the mouth, they begin to build up above thecuff 14. However, because thetracheal tube 12 is at an incline, the secretions may spread around the area abovecuff 14, leaking from thedorsal side 130 to the ventral side 132 (shown by arrows 134). In addition, the secretions may spread in a proximal direction, forming a pool around theopening 18. In one embodiment, a tracheal tube may include any number of addition secretion sensors, e.g.,secretion sensors tube 12 to provide information about the extent of the secretion buildup. For example, thesecretion sensor 122 a is between theopening 18 and the proximal cuff shoulder 114, and thesecretions sensor 122 b is above theopening 18. Thesecretion sensor 122 b may provide information about the extent of pooling around theopening 18. Pooling may be more extensive if bothsensors secretion sensors ventral side 132 to detect leaking of secretions around thecuff 14. Similarly,FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of a region of thetube 12 surrounding anopening 18. In this alternative embodiment, thesecretion sensor 122 may be annular or semi-annular so that thesecretion sensor 122 at least partially surrounds theopening 18. Thesecretion sensor 122 may be configured so that an indication of secretion buildup may include information about the percentage of theannular opening 18 that is covered. In another embodiment, rather than a singleannular secretion sensor 122 surrounding theopening 18, atube 12 may include a plurality ofindividual secretion sensors 122 that surround theopening 18. -
Secretion sensors 122 may also be associated withmultiple suction lumens 16 to that may provide redundant suctioning functionality. As shown inFIG. 7 , a side view of a region of atube 12 above thecuff 14, thetube 12 may have multiple suction lumens 16 (shown as 16 a and 16 b), each terminating inrespective openings Secretion sensors opening 18. If, for example, suction lumen 16 a is blocked, as indicated bysecretion sensor 122 a, suction may be redirected tosuction lumen 16 b until suction lumen 16 a is cleared. - As provided herein, a
tube 12 may be associated with a suction system that includes connectors configured to couple thelumen 16 to avacuum source 22 and afluid collection canister 23. Thevacuum source 22 may be provided as a standard vacuum pumping system and may include any suitable regulator to control the flow of the negative pressure. For example, a vacuum pump set to −100 mm Hg may be reduced to −20 mm Hg suctioning pressure via a valve. In addition to a vacuum source, asystem 10 may also include a source of positive pressure air. In certain embodiments, when asuction lumen 16 is blocked, a combination of negative pressure air and positive pressure air may be used to clear the blockage. -
FIG. 8 is an exemplary suctioning system 150 that includes avacuum source 22 coupled to a positive pressure unit 152 viasuction line 154, which is coupled via any appropriate combination of tubing and connectors tosuction tube 20 andsuction lumen 16. The positive pressure unit includes apressurized air source 155 that may be coupled to thesuction line 154 via a one-way valve. Thevacuum source 22 is regulated byvalve control 156. When a downstream blockage in thesuction lumen 16 is detected, for example via a change of pressure detected at one ormore pressure transducers 157 associated withsuction line 154,suction tube 20, orsuction lumen 16, thevalve control 156 may increase the vacuum pressure applied to line 154 (e.g., from −20 mm hg to −50 mm Hg) in an attempt to clear the blockage. If, after a period of time, the pressure does not drop, indicating that the lumen is not clear, the positive pressure from the positive pressure unit 152 may be blown air down thesuction line 154 to clear the blockage. The pressurized air is then used to eject the mucus plug from the lumen back into the trachea. - The
valve control 156 may increase the vacuum pressure and duration of its application through additional cycles. For example, during additional cycles, vacuum pressures of −70 mm Hg and −90 mm Hg may be used. After each vacuum pressure cycles, positive pressure may be applied, even if the lumen is not yet clear. The cycle of alternating negative and positive pressure may break up the secretions, allowing them to be more easily cleared through thelumen 16. That is, the secretions may be broken into smaller pieces or may be in more liquid form that is less likely to block thelumen 16. - Positive pressure unit 152 is coupled to the
suction line 154 so that a source ofpressurized air 156 is able to provide positive pressure air into thesuction line 154. In one embodiment, the positive pressure unit may be a unitary device that has anupstream connector 158 and a downstream connector 160 so that the positive pressure unit 152 may be connected in-line with thesuction line 154. As such, the positive pressure unit 152 may be provided as an upgrade to an existing suctioning system. The positive pressure unit 152 may include processing circuitry, such as amicroprocessor 162 and adisplay 164 that may provide indications or alarms related to detected blockages. The positive pressure unit 152 may also include acontrol input 166, such as a keyboard or touch screen, that allows an operator to change settings, such as settings related to the pressure of the air blown into thesuction line 154. The positive pressure unit 152 may also communicate with one ormore pressure transducers 157. Further, the positive pressure unit may communicate with thevalve control 156 so that the vacuum pressure and the positive pressure may be appropriately alternated to facilitate clearing any blockages. -
FIG. 9A is an cross-sectional view of apositive pressure system 170 that provides positive pressure air into thesuction line 154 without using a pressurized air canister. When thelumen 16 becomes blocked, the pressure of the air in thesuction line 154 increases. Thepositive pressure system 170 uses the increase in energy to pressurize ambient air. When thesuction line 154 experiences increased negative pressure, the pressure increase pulls aflap 172 and a moveable member, shown asdeformable membrane 174, towards thesuction line 154. This movement in turn creates a vacuum that draws air, shown byarrow 176, intochamber 178 through one-way valve 180. In other embodiments, the moveable membrane may be a piston or a spring-loaded cylinder. - When the vacuum pressure in the
suction line 154 passes a threshold where the spring force or the deforming force of the moveable member is higher than that of thesuction line 154, the moveable member will be released and will drive the air out of the change through flap valve 184. As shown inFIG. 9B , the air, represented byarrow 186, then enters thesuction line 154. It should be understood that the size of thechamber 178 and the deforming or spring-force characteristics of the moveable member may be selected to facilitate injection of air into thesuction line 154 at particular pressure points in thesuction line 154. - While the disclosure may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and have been described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the embodiments provided herein are not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the various embodiments may cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the following appended claims.
Claims (20)
1. A system, comprising:
a tracheal tube configured to be inserted into a patient's airway, wherein the tracheal tube comprises:
a conduit having a proximal end and a distal end;
an inflatable cuff surrounding the conduit, wherein the inflatable cuff is configured to seal the airway;
a first suction lumen formed in a wall of the conduit and terminating in a first opening proximal to the inflatable cuff;
a first sensor disposed on the wall of the conduit between the inflatable cuff and the opening, wherein the first sensor is adjacent to the opening and configured to detect secretion build-up above the inflatable cuff;
a second sensor disposed on the wall of the conduit adjacent to the inflatable cuff and opposite the first sensor and the opening; and
a monitor communicatively coupled to the tracheal tube and comprising a processor configured to receive information from the first sensor and the second sensor, wherein the processor controls a vacuum system configured to suction the secretions based on the information.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first sensor at least partially surrounds the opening.
3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first sensor is configured to detect a percentage of the first opening covered by the secretion build-up.
4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the second sensor is configured to detect secretion leakage around the inflatable cuff.
5. The system of claim 1 , comprising a second suction lumen formed in the wall of the conduit and terminating in a second opening proximal to the inflatable cuff.
6. The system of claim 5 , wherein the second opening is co-axially aligned with the first opening.
7. The system of claim 5 , wherein the second opening is associated with the second sensor.
8. The system of claim 5 , wherein the second suction lumen removes the secretions when the first suction lumen is blocked with the secretion build-up.
9. The system of claim 1 , wherein the second sensor is positioned on a ventral side when the tracheal tube is inserted into the patient's airway.
10. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first sensor is positioned on a dorsal side when the tracheal tube is inserted into the patient's airway.
11. A method, comprising:
determining a first pressure associated with a suction lumen formed in a wall of a tracheal tube configured to be inserted into a patient's airway, wherein the suction lumen is in fluid communication with a first pressure sensor configured to measure the first pressure;
measuring a second pressure associated with the suction lumen with a second pressure sensor spaced apart from the first sensor;
determining a pressure differential between the first pressure and the second pressure, wherein the pressure differential is indicative of secretion blockage in the suction lumen;
detecting a characteristic pressure drop between the first and second pressure sensors; and
applying a vacuum to the suction lumen based on the pressure differential and the characteristic pressure drop.
12. The method of claim 11 , comprising removing the vacuum from the suction lumen when the characteristic pressure drop is detected.
13. The method of claim 12 , wherein the suction lumen is blocked when the first pressure and the second pressure are the same.
14. The method of claim 11 , wherein the suction lumen is clear when the pressure differential is equal to the characteristic pressure drop.
15. The method of claim 11 , comprising positioning the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor on a suction tube fluidly coupled to the suction lumen, wherein the suction tube is exterior to the patient when the tracheal tube is inserted.
16. The method of claim 11 , displaying information associated with secretion blockage in the suction lumen on a monitor communicatively coupled to the tracheal tube.
17. A system, comprising:
A monitor coupled to a tracheal tube inserted in a patient's airway and comprising:
a processor configured to receive a first signal from a first pressure sensor and a second signal from a second pressure sensor fluidly coupled to a suction lumen formed in a wall of the tracheal tube, wherein the first and second signals are indicative of a pressure within the suction lumen, and wherein the processor comprises instructions configured to:
determine a pressure differential between the first and second signals, wherein the pressure differential is indicative of secretion blockage in the suction lumen;
compare the pressure differential with a characteristic pressure drop associated with an unblocked suction lumen;
control a vacuum source configured to remove the secretions through the suction lumen based on the pressure differential and the characteristic pressure drop.
18. The system of claim 1 , wherein the suction lumen is clear when the pressure differential is equal to the characteristic pressure drop.
19. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor are external to the patient with the tracheal is inserted.
20. The system of claim 1 , wherein the monitor provides a graphical, visual, or audio representation of the secretion blockage in the suction lumen.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US14/304,264 US20140290649A1 (en) | 2010-07-30 | 2014-06-13 | Medical device tube having a suction lumen and an associated suctioning system |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
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US12/847,795 US8783255B2 (en) | 2010-07-30 | 2010-07-30 | Medical device tube having suction lumen and an associated suctioning system |
US14/304,264 US20140290649A1 (en) | 2010-07-30 | 2014-06-13 | Medical device tube having a suction lumen and an associated suctioning system |
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US12/847,795 Continuation US8783255B2 (en) | 2010-07-30 | 2010-07-30 | Medical device tube having suction lumen and an associated suctioning system |
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US20140290649A1 true US20140290649A1 (en) | 2014-10-02 |
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US14/304,264 Abandoned US20140290649A1 (en) | 2010-07-30 | 2014-06-13 | Medical device tube having a suction lumen and an associated suctioning system |
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US12/847,795 Active 2032-07-25 US8783255B2 (en) | 2010-07-30 | 2010-07-30 | Medical device tube having suction lumen and an associated suctioning system |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2012015587A3 (en) | 2012-04-05 |
EP2598193A2 (en) | 2013-06-05 |
WO2012015587A2 (en) | 2012-02-02 |
EP2598193B1 (en) | 2016-12-21 |
US8783255B2 (en) | 2014-07-22 |
US20120024293A1 (en) | 2012-02-02 |
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