Patent ID: 6679262
Filing Date: 2004-01-20
Classification: A61M,Y10S

Abstract:
An Endotracheal Tube Cleaning Apparatus to be used with an endotracheal tube having a distal end, a proximal end, and an interior wall structure defining a lumen therethrough; said endotracheal tube cleaning apparatus comprising:an elongate tubular member, said elongate tubular member having a distal end structured to extend into the endotracheal tube, and a cleaning assembly comprising: a material bladder coupled to said elongate tubular member and structured to be inflated to a diameter substantially equivalent to at least approximately a diameter of the interior wall surface of the endotracheal tube, an inflation channel coupled in fluid flow communication with said material bladder and structured to direct an inflation fluid into said material bladder, an exterior abrasive surface disposed at least partially on said material bladder and structured to affirmatively engage the interior wall surface of the endotracheal tube, under an outward, inflated pressure of said material bladder, and apply cleaning pressure to the interior wall surface of the endotracheal tube upon axial reciprocating movement of the elongate tubular member within the endotracheal tube, said exterior cleaning surface including medication thereon and structured to administer said medication at least partially through the endotracheal tube, and said material bladder including an at least partially ribbed exterior surface, said partially ribbed exterior surface including a plurality of closely spaced, transverse ribs structured to intersect a path of said reciprocating movement of the elongate tubular member within the endotracheal tube and thereby define said exterior cleaning surface.