Patent ID: 6227200
Filing Date: 2001-05-08
Classification: A61M,Y10S

Abstract:
An endotracheal suction catheter apparatus comprising:a catheter configured for removing fluids from a respiratory tract of a patient by applying negative pressure to a lumen of the catheter;a manifold defining a ventilation circuit disposed in communication with the catheter so as to allow the catheter to be advanced through the ventilation circuit of the manifold and into the respiratory tract of the patient;a valve disposed in the manifold so as to pivot with respect to a ring, the valve being a flap hingedly attached to an annular ring and configured to selectively limit the withdrawal of air from the ventilation circuit, the valve being actuated by suction through the catheter, the valve has an open position and a closed position and wherein the valve comprises means for frictionally maintaining the valve in a closed position; andwherein the means for frictionally maintaining the valve in a closed position comprises a catch disposed to hold the flap and maintain the valve in a closed position.