Patent ID: 6470888
Filing Date: 2002-10-29
Classification: A61L,A61M,Y10S

Abstract:
A breathing tube system comprising:a) a breathing tube having a proximal end, a distal end, and an inner surface defining a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends, said breathing tube being operative to define at least a portion of a respiratory circuit for a patient having a breathing cycle; b) a respirator in fluid communication with the breathing tube and being capable of monitoring the breathing cycle of the patient; c) one or more ultraviolet light sources in optical communication with at least a portion of the inner surface of the breathing tube, said one or more light sources emitting ultraviolet radiation for sterilizing an irradiated portion of the inner surface while connected to a patient; and d) a synchronization mechanism in communication with the respirator and capable of controlling the one or more ultraviolet light sources, said synchronization mechanism being operative to intermittently activate the ultraviolet light sources relative to the breathing cycle.