Patent ID: 8382908
Filing Date: 2013-02-26
Classification: A61B,A61M,B08B

Abstract:
1. A method for removing biofilm from an interior wall of an endotracheal tube, comprising: providing a non-inflatable, mechanically-actuated cleaning device configured to remove biofilm from an interior wall of an endotracheal tube, wherein the endotracheal tube is inserted into a native airway of a patient and coupled to an external ventilator; inserting the distal end of the cleaning device into the endotracheal tube while the mesh scaffold is in a collapsed position; mechanically actuating the mesh scaffold using said actuation assembly to expand said mesh scaffold from the collapsed position to an expanded position, thereby expanding the removal member to contact the biofilm; wherein the removal member comprises a rounded or curvate shape when in the expanded position; withdrawing the cleaning device from said endotracheal tube while maintaining contact between the removal member and the biofilm to dislodge said biofilm; and removing said cleaning device from the patient.