Patent ID: 6805125
Filing Date: 2004-10-19
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, the manifold having a port with a longitudinal axis; a valve disposed in the manifold, the valve comprising a single flap hingedly attached to an annular ring, the single flap pivotable with respect to the annular ring and the valve configured to selectively limit the withdrawal of air from the ventilation circuit, the single flap being actuated by suction through the catheter, the single flap being movable between a first, open distal position and a second, proximal position in which the single flap is positioned substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the port of the manifold; and a biasing hinge biasing the single flap of the valve to the first distal position, the biasing hinge attached to the annular ring and the single flap.