WO2014144054A1

WO2014144054A1 - Endotracheal tube adaptor

Info

Publication number: WO2014144054A1
Application number: PCT/US2014/028302
Authority: WO
Inventors: Greg Davis; Bruce Arnold; Greg CZAPLEWSKI
Original assignee: Sage Products, Llc
Priority date: 2013-03-15
Filing date: 2014-03-14
Publication date: 2014-09-18

Abstract

An adaptor for an endotracheal tube including a first section and a second section. The second section of the adaptor is positioned at an angle from the first section. The adaptor includes a plurality of ports that allow simultaneous attachment of an endotracheal tube, a ventilator system, and a catheter housing. The catheter housing permits a catheter or other device for cleaning the endotracheal tube to be inserted into the adaptor.

Description

ENDOTRACHEAL TUBE ADAPTOR

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present patent application claims the benefit of the filing date under 35 U.S.C. §1 19(e) of Provisional U.S. Patent Application Serial No.

61/791 ,962, filed March 15, 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to device having an attachable adaptor with a plurality of ports configured to couple with a medical device, such as an endotracheal tube for ventilation, for assisting with cleaning of the endotracheal tube.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Patients who are unable to breathe sufficiently for themselves often use a ventilator system. Ventilator systems often utilize an endotracheal tube to facilitate proper ventilation to the lungs. Over time, the inside surfaces of endotracheal tubes may acquire secretions and/or biofilm which can interrupt proper ventilation and possibly lead to ventilator-associated pneumonia and trauma to the airway. Therefore, it may be desirable to periodically maintain and/or clean the inside surfaces of endotracheal tubes.

[0003] An important aspect of the ventilation process is that the ventilator system should be kept as a closed system. A closed system is a system that maintains a substantially constant air pressure by regulating the air that enters and exits the system. A closed system may be able to assist in patient recovery by allowing the ventilator system to limit the loss of lung volume while maintaining connection with the ventilator. In addition, a closed system may be able to minimize or prevent contamination of the endotracheal tube by not allowing the system to be open to the atmosphere. BRIEF SUMMARY

[0004] An adaptor for an endotracheal tube comprising a first section and a second section, wherein the second section is positioned at an angle from the first section. The adaptor further includes a plurality of ports.

[0005] In another embodiment, the first section further includes a first port and a second port. The first port is located at a first end of the first section and the second port is located at a second end of the first section. In a further embodiment, the first port is configured to connect with an endotracheal tube and the second port is configured to connect with a ventilator system. In a further embodiment, the first port of the adaptor is greater than the diameter of the second port.

[0006] In another embodiment, the adaptor has a second section that further comprises a proximal portion, a middle portion, a distal portion, and a third port. The proximal portion is proximal to the first port and the distal portion is distal to the first port. The third port is located on the distal portion. In a further embodiment, the second section further comprises a movable component movably attached to the distal portion of the second section such that translation of the movable component relative to the second section from a first position to a second position provides access to the third port. In a further embodiment, the movable component is movably attached to the distal portion of the second section with springs. In a further embodiment, the second section further comprises a plurality of rings disposed about the inner wall of the distal portion of the second section, and wherein the plurality of rings interact with the movable component to prevent air flow when the movable component is in the first position. In a further embodiment, the plurality of rings is composed of rubber.

[0007] In another embodiment, the middle portion of the second section of the adaptor further includes a valve configured to prevent air from exiting the proximal portion of the second section and entering the distal portion of the second section. In a further embodiment, the valve is composed of silicon. [0008] In another embodiment, the adaptor further comprises a catheter housing, wherein the catheter housing is generally hollow and includes a locking section, wherein the catheter housing is configured to be inserted into the third port of the second section such that the second section is disposed about the catheter housing, and movable component translates from the first position to the second position. In a further embodiment, the catheter housing is composed of synthetic polymer, polyvinyl chloride or high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, or polytetraflurorethylene.

[0009] In another embodiment, the locking section of the catheter housing further comprises indentations and the movable component of the second section further comprises an engaging element. The insertion of the catheter housing translates the movable component from the first position to the second position and causes the engaging element to interact with the indentations on the locking section thereby locking the catheter housing relative to the second section.

[0010] In another embodiment, the movable component of the second section further includes a flap on the outer surface of the movable component. Translation of the flap disengages the engaging element of the movable component from the indentation of the locking section of the catheter housing to allow the catheter housing to move relative to the second section.

[0011] A method of attaching a catheter housing to an adaptor for an endotracheal tube comprising providing a catheter housing, positioning the catheter housing within the adaptor; and affixing the catheter housing to the adaptor.

[0012] Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be, or will become, apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be within the scope of the invention, and be encompassed by the following claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] FIG. 1 shows a top view of the adaptor with the second section of the adaptor in the closed position.

[0014] FIG. 2 shows a side view of the adaptor with the second section of the adaptor in the closed position.

[0015] FIG. 2.1 shows a perspective view of the adaptor with the second section of the adaptor in the closed position.

[0016] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the adaptor with the second section of the adaptor in the closed position.

[0017] FIG. 4 shows a side view of a second section of the adaptor.

[0018] FIG. 5 shows a side view of the adaptor with the second section of the adaptor in the open position.

[0019] FIG. 5.1 shows a perspective view of the adaptor with a catheter housing inserted in the second section of the adaptor.

[0020] FIG. 6 shows a side view of the adaptor with the second section of the adaptor in the closed position.

[0021] FIG. 7 shows a side view of the adaptor and a catheter housing.

[0022] FIG. 7.1 shows a perspective view of the adaptor and a catheter housing.

[0023] FIG. 8 shows a side view of the adaptor with a catheter housing partially inserted in the second section of the adaptor.

[0024] FIG. 9 shows a side view of the adaptor with a catheter housing fully inserted and locked in the second section of the adaptor.

[0025] FIG. 9.1 shows a perspective view of the adaptor with a catheter housing partially inserted in the second section of the adaptor and the door of the second section of the adaptor in the open position.

[0026] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the door of the second section of the adaptor in the closed position.

[0027] FIG. 1 1 shows a perspective view of the door of the second section of the adaptor and the catheter housing in the open position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Embodiments are described with reference to the drawings in which like elements are generally referred to by like numerals. The relationship and functioning of the various elements of the embodiments may better be

understood by referenced to the following description. However, embodiments are not limited to those illustrated in the drawings. It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale, and in certain circumstances details may have been omitted that are not necessary for an understanding of embodiments of the present invention, such as - for example - conventional fabrication and assembly. The terms "distal" and "proximal" are to be understood with their standard usages, referring to the direction away from and the direction toward an element or a device (e.g. the term "distal" means the direction or portion of the adaptor that is furthest from another element).

[0029] The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter. This invention may, however, be embodiment in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. As used in this specification and the claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0030] FIGS. 1 -1 1 depict an embodiment of an adaptor 2 that includes a first section 4 and a second section 6. The adaptor 2 includes a plurality of ports 8 for connection of an endotracheal tube, a ventilator system, and a catheter housing 16 for placement of a catheter or other device for cleaning the

endotracheal tube.

[0031] A variety of biocompatible materials may be employed to construct components of the embodiments discussed herein, including the adaptor. Such biocompatible materials include, for example, various synthetic polymers, polyvinyl chloride or high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene and polytetrafluoroethylene. [0032] The first section 4 of the adaptor 2 illustrated in FIGS. 1 -9.1 includes a tubular shape with a first port 10 and a second port 12 for connection to an endotracheal tube and a ventilator system, respectively. The diameter of the first port 10 is larger than the diameter of the second port 12 to ensure proper placement of the endotracheal tube and ventilator system. The first port 10 permits for attachment of an endotracheal tube to the first section 4 of the adaptor 2 using an interference fit such that the diameter of the first port 10 is larger than the diameter of the endotracheal tube to secure attachment. The second port 12 permits for attachment of a ventilator system to the first section 4 of the adaptor 2 using interference fit such that the diameter of the second port 12 is smaller than the diameter of the connection piece of the ventilator system to secure attachment. The interference fit facilitates ease of use in attaching and detaching the endotracheal tube and a ventilation system from the adaptor 2.

[0033] The second section 6 of the adaptor 2 illustrated in FIGS. 1 -9.1 includes a third port 14 for connection to a catheter housing 16 that houses a catheter or other device for cleaning the endotracheal tube. The second section 6 of the adaptor 2 includes a first end 18 and a second end 20. As best shown in FIG. 2, the second section 6 shown in the figures is positioned at an angle outward from the first section 4 such that the first end 18 is proximal to the first port 10 of the first section 4 and the second end 20 is distal to the first port 10 of the first section 4.

[0034] The second section 6 of the adaptor 2 illustrated in FIGS. 1 -9.1 includes a proximal portion 22, a middle portion 24, and a distal portion 26. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 -9.1 the proximal portion 22 and the middle portion 24 include a tubular shape with a diameter of the proximal portion 22 being smaller than the diameter of the middle portion 24. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the second section 6 of the adaptor is hollow. In additional embodiments, the diameter of the proximal portion 22 may be the same as the diameter of the middle portion 24. The distal portion 26 of the adaptor 2 includes a rectangular shape to prevent or minimize the likelihood that the ventilator system or endotracheal tube is accidentally attached to the second section 6.

[0035] As best shown in FIGS. 5 and 10, the distal portion 26 of the second section 6 of the adaptor 2 illustrated in FIGS. 1 -1 1 includes a door 28 to minimize or prevent airflow through the second section 6 and generally maintain a closed system. The distal portion 26 may also include a plurality of rings positioned between the door 28 and the second end 20 of the second section 6 of the adaptor 2 when the door 28 is in a closed position to prevent airflow from escaping the closed system and maintaining the air pressure within the closed system. The plurality of rings is similar in shape to washers and used as a secondary measure to ensure that airflow does not escape the closed system with the door 28 in a closed position. The plurality of rings is positioned within the second section 6 of the adaptor 2 as to engage the inner wall of the second section 6. The material for the plurality of rings may include rubber or similar material to enable the rings to be configured to be altered to fit within the second section 6 of the adaptor 2. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the door 28 includes a pair of torsion springs 30 to permit rotation of the door 28. The pair of torsion springs 30 are located at the pivot point 32 of the door 28 and on opposite ends of the door 28 to allow the door to open and close automatically. When the catheter housing 16 is not attached to the adaptor 2, the door 28 is in a closed position and is attached to the adaptor 2 at the second end 20 of the second section 6 of the adaptor 2. FIGS. 1 -4, 6-7.1 , and 10 illustrate the door 28 in the closed position. When the catheter housing 16 is inserted into the adaptor 2, the catheter housing 16 pushes the door 28 open and the door 28 pivots to allow entry of the catheter housing 16. FIGS. 5-5.1 , 8-9.1 , and 1 1 illustrate the door 28 in the open position.

[0036] The adaptor 2 may be used by a medical profession to access the inner surface of an endotracheal tube to clean and remove debris and/or biofilm in the endotracheal tube while generally or completely maintaining a closed system. For example, the medical professional may use the adaptor to clean the inner surface of the endotracheal tube with a vacuum device, a scraping device, or any other cleaning apparatus. During such an operation, the medical professional may insert the catheter housing 16 into the adaptor 2 to push open the door 28. After positioning the catheter housing 16 in the adaptor 2, the medical professional may insert the cleaning apparatus into the catheter housing 16, through the first section 4 of the adaptor 2, and through the endotracheal tube to clean the tube. The insertion of the catheter housing 16 and the cleaning apparatus may be a continuous step or the catheter housing 16 may be previously connected to the cleaning apparatus prior to connection to the adaptor 2 to ensure airflow does not escape the closed system. After cleaning, the medical professional may remove the cleaning apparatus from the endotracheal tube by passage through the endotracheal tube, the first section 4 of the adaptor 2, the second section 6 of the adaptor 2, and then through the catheter housing 16 for complete removal. The medical professional may then remove the catheter housing 16 from the second section 6, thereby permitting the door 28 to close. The removal of the cleaning apparatus and the catheter housing 16 may be a continuous step or the catheter housing 16 may be connected to the cleaning apparatus to ensure airflow does not escape the closed system during removal.

[0037] FIG. 2.1 illustrates an embodiment of the second section 6 of the adaptor 2 wherein the middle portion 24 includes a valve 34. The valve 34 may include silicone or a similar material including natural polymers with one or more partial openings for a passageway for a catheter through the second section 6 of the adaptor 2. The valve 34 helps to prevent air from entering and exiting the closed system even when the door 28 is open prior to insertion of the catheter housing 16. Additionally, the valve 34 may prevent any secretions and biofilm from flowing back into the system during removal of the catheter.

[0038] FIGS. 5.1 , 7-9.1 , and 1 1 illustrate an embodiment of a catheter housing 16. The catheter housing 16 is hollow and houses and guides a catheter or device for cleaning the endotracheal tube for insertion into the adaptor 2 and the endotracheal tube. Numerous biocompatible materials such as various synthetic polymers, polyvinyl chloride or high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene and polytetrafluoroethylene may be used to construct the catheter housing 16. The catheter housing 16 includes a first section 36, a locking section 37, a middle section 38, and a second section 40. The first section 36 includes the locking section 37. The locking section 37 is rectangular shaped and the remainder of the first section 36 is circular shaped. The middle section 38 and the second section 40 are circular shaped. The diameter of the middle section 38 is larger than the diameter of the second section 40. The first section 36 is the portion of the catheter housing 16 that is inserted into the second section 6 of the adaptor 2. The locking section 37 is rectangular shaped to align with and position the locking section 37 within the distal portion 26 of the adaptor 2.

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 5, 5.1 ,6, 10 and 1 1 , the adaptor 2 includes a locking system such that the catheter housing 16 may be locked when placed in the second section 6 of the adaptor 2 similar to a snap and hook device. The catheter housing 16 further includes a locking element 42 that includes a plurality of indentations 46 located on the outer portion of the locking section 37 of the catheter housing 16. Numerous biocompatible materials such as various synthetic polymers, polyvinyl chloride or high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene and polytetrafluoroethylene may be used to construct the locking element 42. As illustrated in FIG. 1 1 , the plurality of indentations 46 is located on each side of the locking section 37. The door 28 further includes an engaging element 54 located adjacent to the pair of torsion springs 30 to engage the locking element 42 of the catheter housing 16 via the plurality of indentations 46. The engaging element 54 protrudes from the door 28 and is a similar shape to the plurality of indentations 46 to engage the locking element 42 of the catheter housing 16. The door 28 also includes a flap 56. The flap 56 may be pulled to release the locking system to allow the catheter housing 16 to be removed from the adaptor 2. [0040] A method of attaching an endotracheal tube to the adaptor 2 includes positioning an endotracheal tube within the first port 10 of the adaptor 2. The method further includes pushing the endotracheal tube into the first port 10 via an interference or frictional fit.

[0041] A method of attaching a ventilator system to the adaptor 2 includes positioning an ventilator system within the second port 12 of the adaptor 2. The method further includes pushing the ventilator system into the second port 12 via an interference or frictional fit.

[0042] A method of attaching a catheter housing 16 to the adaptor 2 includes positioning the catheter housing 16 within the third port 14 of the adaptor 2. The method also includes pushing the catheter housing 16 into the second section 6 of the adaptor 2 to open the door 28 and engage the engaging element 54 to lock the catheter housing 16 within the second section 6 of the adaptor 2.

[0043] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments not expressly illustrated herein may be practiced within the scope of the present invention, including that the features described herein for different embodiments may be combined with each other and/or with currently-known or future- developed technologies while remaining within the scope of the claims presented herein. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. It is therefore intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting. And, it should be understood that the following claims, including all equivalents, are intended to define the spirit and scope of this invention.

Furthermore, the advantages described above are not necessarily the only advantages of the invention, and it is not necessarily expected that all of the described advantages will be achieved with every embodiment of the invention.

Claims

1. An adaptor for an endotracheal tube comprising:

a first section and a second section, wherein the second section is positioned at an angle from the first section; and

a plurality of ports.

2. An adaptor for an endotracheal tube of claim 1 , wherein the first section further includes a first port and a second port, wherein the first port is located at a first end of the first section and the second port is located at a second end of the first section.

3. An adaptor for an endotracheal tube of claim 2, wherein the first port is configured to connect with an endotracheal tube.

4. An adaptor for an endotracheal tube of claim 2, wherein the second port is configured to connect with a ventilator system.

5. An adaptor for an endotracheal tube of claim 2, wherein the diameter of the first port is greater than the diameter of the second port.

6. An adaptor for an endotracheal tube of claim 2, wherein the second section further comprises a proximal portion, a middle portion, a distal portion, and a third port, wherein the proximal portion is proximal to the first port, the distal portion is distal to the first port, and the third port is located on the distal portion.

7. An adaptor for an endotracheal tube of claim 6, wherein the second section further comprises a movable component movably attached to the distal portion of the second section such that translation of the movable component relative to the second section from a first position to a second position provides access to the third port.

8. An adaptor for an endotracheal tube of claim 7, wherein the movable component is movably attached to the distal portion of the second section with springs.

9. An adaptor for an endotracheal tube of claim 7, wherein the second section further comprises a plurality of rings disposed about an inner wall of the distal portion of the second section, and wherein the plurality of rings interact cooperate with the movable component to prevent air flow when the movable component is in the first position.

10. An adaptor for an endotracheal tube of claim 9, wherein the plurality of rings are composed of rubber.

1 1 . An adaptor for an endotracheal tube of claim 6, wherein the middle portion of the second section further includes a valve configured to prevent air from exiting the proximal portion of the second section and entering the distal portion of the second section.

12. An adaptor for an endotracheal tube of claim 11 , wherein the valve is composed of silicon.

13. An adaptor for an endotracheal tube of claim 7, further comprising: a catheter housing, wherein the catheter housing is generally hollow and includes a locking section, wherein the catheter housing is configured to be inserted into the third port of the second section such that the second section is disposed about the catheter housing and the movable component translates from the first position to the second position.

14. An adaptor for an endotracheal tube of claim 13, wherein the catheter housing is composed of a synthetic polymer.

15. An adaptor for an endotracheal tube of claim 13, wherein the catheter housing is composed of a polyvinyl chloride or high density polyethylene.

16. An adaptor for an endotracheal tube of claim 13, wherein the catheter housing is composed of a low density polyethylene.

17. An adaptor for an endotracheal tube of claim 13, wherein the catheter housing is composed of a polytetraflurorethylene.

18. An adaptor for an endotracheal tube of claim 13, wherein the locking section of the catheter housing further comprises indentations and the movable component of the second section further comprises an engaging element;

wherein the insertion of the catheter housing translates the movable component from the first position to the second position and causes the engaging element to interact with the indentations on the locking section, thereby locking the catheter housing relative to the second section.

19. An adaptor of an endotracheal tube of claim 18, wherein the movable component of the second section further includes a flap on the outer surface of the movable component, wherein translation of the flap disengages the engaging element of the movable component from the indentation of the locking section of the catheter housing to allow the catheter housing to move relative to the second section.

20. A method of attaching a catheter housing to an adaptor for an endotracheal tube comprising:

providing a catheter housing; - re positioning the catheter housing within the adaptor; and affixing the catheter housing to the adaptor.