Patent ID: 7191782
Filing Date: 2007-03-20
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. A respiratory suction catheter apparatus, comprising: a suction catheter having a tubular portion with a distal end and a lumen, the suction catheter adapted for removing fluids from a patient by insertion of the tubular portion into an artificial airway of the patient and the application of negative pressure to the lumen; a catheter attachment section comprising: a valve located entirely within the distal end of the catheter attachment section so as not to contact the artificial airway structure and to be removed with the catheter attachment section, the valve having a closed position in which the tubular portion of the suction catheter is at least substantially blocked from the artificial airway of the patient, the valve having an open position allowing the tubular portion of the suction catheter to be advanced through the catheter attachment section and into the artificial airway of the patient.