Patent ID: 7695467
Filing Date: 2010-04-13
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. An apparatus adapted for drainage of fluid, air and contaminants from a thoracic cavity of a mammalian patient comprising: an axially elongate tube with a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the tube comprises a region of increased flexibility near the distal end of the tube; a drainage lumen within the tube, having a proximal end and a distal end, said drainage lumen extending substantially the length of said tube and surrounded by a tube wall; at least one opening in the drainage lumen of the tube, wherein the opening operably connects a distal portion of the drainage lumen of the tube to the thoracic cavity; a bidirectional valve, pre-attached to the proximal end of the tube, the valve further comprising a valve drainage lumen; a flexible trocar having a tapered, atraumatic distal tip, wherein the flexible trocar is positioned through the drainage lumen of the tube, through the drainage lumen of the valve, and extends beyond both the proximal and distal end of the tube; and a flexible control rod extending from the proximal end of the tube to a point distal to the region of increased flexibility, wherein axial movement of the control rod causes selective and controllable bending of the tube in the region of increased flexibility to cause steering of the tube; wherein the valve selectively controls an influx and an efflux of fluid, air or contaminants into the thoracic cavity through the drainage lumen of the tube following removal of a trocar; further wherein the valve is opened by the application of a vacuum to a valve enabling lumen, the valve enabling lumen being not operably connected to the valve drainage lumen; and wherein the valve comprises a valve enabling lumen separate from the drainage lumen of the tube, the valve enabling lumen being filled with foam such that the foam closes a central lumen of the valve when the vacuum supplied to the chamber separate from the drainage lumen of the tube is removed, and wherein the valve further comprises a balloon or other elastomeric element that operably separates the valve enabling lumen from the drainage lumen of the tube.