APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR A LUNG ISOLATION TUBE ASSEMBLY WITH PORT

A lung isolation tube assembly comprising a control valve that is adapted to be moved between a left lumen position, a right lumen position, and a both lumens position, a connector that is in fluid communication with the control valve and having a port, and a tube that is in fluid communication with the connector. The tube comprises a left lumen that is in fluid communication with the connector and a right lumen that is in fluid communication with the connector. The assembly also comprises a first cuff that is disposed around a portion of the right lumen and the left lumen and a second cuff that is disposed around the left lumen. The assembly is adapted to convey airflow or oxygen to a human lung via at least one of the left lumen and the right lumen. A method for isolating a human lung.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to apparatuses and methods for isolating a human lung, and particularly to apparatuses and methods for a lung isolation tube (LIT) assembly.

BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

It is known to use apparatuses and methods to isolate a human lung using a lung isolation tube. Conventional apparatuses and methods, however, suffer from one or more disadvantages. For example, conventional lung isolation tubes and methods require a connector set with clamps in order to close airflow through a lumen. Conventional lung isolation tubes and methods also employ undesirably complex lumen control valves. Further, conventional lung isolation tubes and methods include complex lumen suction ports. Still further, conventional lung isolation tubes and methods are difficult to utilize in emergency situations in the field.

It would be desirable, therefore, if an apparatus and method for a lung isolation tube assembly could be provided that would not require a connector set with clamps in order to close airflow through a lumen. It would also be desirable if such an apparatus and method for a lung isolation tube assembly could be provided that would not require complex lumen control valves. It would be further desirable if such an apparatus and method for a lung isolation tube assembly could be provided that would not include complex lumen suction ports. It would be still further desirable if such an apparatus and method for a lung isolation tube assembly could be provided that would be easy to use in emergency situations in the field.

Advantages of the Preferred Embodiments of the Invention

Accordingly, it is an advantage of the preferred embodiments of the invention claimed herein to provide an apparatus and method for a lung isolation tube assembly that uses a control valve in order to close airflow through the lumens. It is also an advantage of the preferred embodiments of the invention claimed herein to provide an apparatus and method for a lung isolation tube assembly that does not require complex lumen control valves. It is another advantage of the preferred embodiments of the invention claimed herein to provide an apparatus and method for a lung isolation tube assembly that does not include a complex lumen suction port. It is yet another advantage of the preferred embodiments of the invention claimed herein to provide an apparatus and method for a lung isolation tube assembly that is easy to use in emergency situations in the field.

Additional advantages of the preferred embodiments of the invention will become apparent from an examination of the drawings and the ensuing description.

Explanation of the Technical Terms

The use of the terms “a,” “an,” “the,” and similar terms in the context of describing the invention are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. The terms “substantially,” “generally,” and other words of degree are relative modifiers intended to indicate permissible variation from the characteristic so modified. The use of such terms in describing a physical or functional characteristic of the invention is not intended to limit such characteristic to the absolute value which the term modifies, but rather to provide an approximation of the value of such physical or functional characteristic. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise specified herein or clearly indicated by context.

Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as “attached,” “connected,” and “interconnected,” refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both moveable and rigid attachments or relationships, unless specified herein or clearly indicated by context. The term “operatively connected” is such an attachment, coupling or connection that allows the pertinent structures to operate as intended by virtue of that relationship.

The use of any and all examples or exemplary language (e.g., “such as,” “preferred,” and “preferably”) herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and the preferred embodiments thereof, and not to place a limitation on the scope of the invention. Nothing in the specification should be construed as indicating any element as essential to the practice of the invention unless so stated with specificity. Several terms are specifically defined herein. These terms are to be given their broadest reasonable construction consistent with such definitions, as follows:

As used herein, the term “lumen” means a cavity or channel within a tubular structure.

As used herein, the term “tube” means a long (relative to its width), substantially hollow tubular structure having a substantially circular, round, or ovate cross-section.

As used herein, the term “port” means any device, mechanism, assembly, or combination thereof that permits the passage or conveyance of a fluid. The term “port” also includes, without limitation, an aperture in the surface of a cylinder, tube, pipe, or the like for the passage or conveyance of a fluid.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The apparatus of the invention comprises a lung isolation tube assembly. The preferred lung isolation tube assembly comprises a control valve that is adapted to be moved between a left lumen position, a right lumen position, and a both lumens position, a connector that is in fluid communication with the control valve and having a port, and a tube that is in fluid communication with the connector. The preferred tube comprises a left lumen that is in fluid communication with the connector and has a left lumen proximate end opening and a left lumen distal end opening and a right lumen that is in fluid communication with the connector and has a right lumen proximate end opening and a right lumen distal end opening. The preferred lung isolation tube assembly also comprises a first cuff that is disposed around a portion of the right lumen and a portion of the left lumen and a second cuff that is disposed around a portion of the left lumen. The preferred lung isolation tube assembly is adapted to convey airflow or oxygen to a human lung via at least one of the left lumen and the right lumen.

The method of the invention comprises a method for isolating a human lung. The preferred method comprises providing a lung isolation tube assembly. The preferred lung isolation tube assembly comprises a control valve that is adapted to be moved between a left lumen position, a right lumen position, and a both lumens position, a connector that is in fluid communication with the control valve and having a port, and a tube that is in fluid communication with the connector. The preferred tube comprises a left lumen that is in fluid communication with the connector and has a left lumen proximate end opening and a left lumen distal end opening and a right lumen that is in fluid communication with the connector and has a right lumen proximate end opening and a right lumen distal end opening. The preferred lung isolation tube assembly also comprises a first cuff that is disposed around a portion of the right lumen and a portion of the left lumen and a second cuff that is disposed around a portion of the left lumen. The preferred lung isolation tube assembly is adapted to convey airflow or oxygen to a human lung via at least one of the left lumen and the right lumen. The preferred method also comprises inserting the tube into a human and supplying airflow or oxygen to the lung isolation tube assembly.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, the preferred embodiment of the lung isolation tube assembly in accordance with the present invention is illustrated byFIGS.1through31. As shown inFIGS.1-31, the preferred lung isolation tube assembly is adapted to use a control valve in order to close airflow or oxygen flow through the lumens. The preferred embodiment of the lung isolation tube assembly does not require complex lumen control valves. The preferred embodiment of the lung isolation tube assembly does not include a complex lumen suction port. The preferred embodiment of the lung isolation tube assembly is easy to use in emergency situations in the field.

Referring now toFIG.1, a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the lung isolation tube assembly in accordance with the present invention shown inserted into an exemplary human in the left lumen position is illustrated. As shown inFIG.1, the preferred lung isolation tube assembly is designated generally by reference numeral30and exemplary human is designated generally by reference numeral40. Exemplary human40has left lung42and right lung44. Preferred lung isolation tube assembly30comprises a control valve such as switch valve50which is adapted to be moved between a left lumen position, a right lumen position, and a both lumens position. More particularly, in the left lumen position, preferred switch valve50directs airflow or oxygen to left lung42of exemplary human40. In the right lumen position, preferred switch valve50directs airflow or oxygen to right lung44of exemplary human40. In the both lumens position, preferred switch valve50directs airflow or oxygen to left lung42and right lung44of exemplary human40.

Still referring toFIG.1, preferred lung isolation tube assembly30also comprises connector60which is in fluid communication with preferred switch valve50. Preferred lung isolation tube assembly30further comprises tube70which is in fluid communication with preferred connector60. Preferred tube70comprises left lumen72(see alsoFIGS.5-10) which is in fluid communication with connector60and has left lumen proximate end opening74and left lumen distal end opening76. Preferred tube70also comprises right lumen78(see alsoFIGS.5-10) which is in fluid communication with connector60and has right lumen proximate end opening80and right lumen distal end opening82. Preferably, the left lumen distal end extends beyond the right lumen distal end and into a human left lung. Preferred right lumen distal end is adapted to extend to human right bronchus84.

Still referring toFIG.1, preferred lung isolation tube assembly30still further comprises first cuff90which is disposed around a portion of right lumen78and a portion of left lumen72.

Preferably, first cuff90is disposed on right lumen78and left lumen72such that it is positioned in a human trachea when the left lumen distal end is positioned in human left lung42and the right lumen distal end is positioned adjacent to human right bronchus84. Preferred lung isolation tube assembly30also comprises second cuff92which is disposed around a portion of left lumen72. Preferably, second cuff92is disposed around left lumen72such that it is positioned in a human left bronchus when the left lumen distal end is positioned in human left lung42and the right lumen distal end is positioned adjacent to human right bronchus84. Preferred lung isolation tube assembly30is adapted to convey airflow or oxygen to a human lung via at least one of the left lumen and the right lumen. In a preferred embodiment of lung isolation tube assembly30, an airflow or oxygen source is provided such that it is in fluid communication with control valve50.

Referring now toFIG.2, a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of lung isolation tube assembly30is illustrated in the right lumen position. In the right lumen position, lung isolation tube assembly30is adapted to convey airflow or oxygen to right lung44of exemplary human40.

Referring now toFIG.3, a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of lung isolation tube assembly30is illustrated in the both lumens position. In the both lumens position, the lung isolation tube assembly30is adapted to convey airflow or oxygen to both left lung42and right lung44of exemplary human40.

Referring now toFIG.4, an isolated perspective view of the preferred embodiment of lung isolation tube assembly30is illustrated in the left lumen position.

Referring now toFIG.5, an isolated perspective view of the preferred embodiment of lung isolation tube assembly30is illustrated in the left lumen position. As shown inFIG.5, left lumen72is partially surrounded by right lumen78.

Referring now toFIG.6, a top view of the preferred distal end of tube70is illustrated.

Referring now toFIG.7, a partial sectional top view of the preferred distal end of tube70is illustrated.

Referring now toFIG.8, a side view of the preferred distal end of tube70is illustrated.

Referring now toFIG.9, a partial sectional side view of the preferred distal end of tube70is illustrated in Figures.

Referring now toFIG.10, a cross-sectional view of preferred tube70is illustrated.

Referring now toFIG.11, a top perspective view of preferred valve50is illustrated. As shown inFIG.11, preferred valve50comprises airflow inlet100, left lumen outlet102, right lumen outlet104, barrel106, rotor108, and handle110.

Referring now toFIG.12, a bottom perspective view of preferred valve50is illustrated.

Referring now toFIG.13, a top view of preferred valve50is illustrated.

Referring now toFIG.14, a side view of preferred valve50is illustrated.

Referring now toFIG.15, an exploded top perspective view of preferred valve50is illustrated. As shown inFIG.15, preferred valve50further comprises O-ring112. In addition, preferred barrel106comprises stop114and détente116. Preferred rotor108also comprises blocker118.

Referring now toFIG.16, an exploded bottom perspective view of preferred valve50is illustrated. As shown inFIG.16, preferred rotor108also comprises rotor détente120.

Referring now toFIG.17, a sectional top view of preferred valve50is illustrated in the left lumen position.

Referring now toFIG.18, a sectional top view of preferred valve50is illustrated in the right lumen position.

Referring now toFIG.19, a sectional top view of preferred valve50is illustrated in the both lumens position.

Referring now toFIG.20, a top perspective view of preferred barrel106is illustrated.

Referring now toFIG.21, a bottom perspective view of preferred rotor108is illustrated.

Referring now toFIG.22, a partial sectional view of preferred connector60is illustrated with valve50in the left lumen position. As shown inFIG.22, preferred connector comprises a pair of channels130.

Referring now toFIG.23, a partial sectional view of preferred connector60is illustrated with valve50in the right lumen position.

Referring now toFIG.24, a front view of a first alternative embodiment of the lung isolation tube assembly in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. As shown inFIG.24, the first alternative embodiment of the lung isolation tube assembly is designated generally by reference numeral230. Preferred assembly230comprises control valve250and connector260. More particularly, preferred connector260comprises ports262and264having caps266and268, respectively. Preferred caps266and268are attached to ports262and264, respectively, via tethers270and272and tabs274and276, respectively. Preferred connector260is adapted to facilitate the use of suction catheters for deflating damaged lungs and removing fluid and/or mucus from lungs. More particularly, preferred assembly230is adapted to provide easier use of suction catheters. Comprising a standard Y-shaped connection designed from two lumen tubes, the adapter connects to the assembly's pair of channels. Each channel preferably connects to a separate adapter which are mirrored in design. The single lumen connects the assembly to the tip of a double lumen tube while the Y-shaped branch extends upwardly and away from the body of the assembly. Preferably, at the distal end of the Y-shaped branch is a cap configured to cover the aperture of the port and deter debris and infection from entering the assembly. Preferably, the cap is secured to the adapter by a tether which is connected to an anchoring structure on the adapter. WhileFIG.24illustrates the preferred configuration and arrangement of connector260, ports262and264, caps266and268, tethers270and272, and tabs274and276, it is contemplated within the scope of the invention that the connector, including the ports, caps, tethers, and tabs, may be of any suitable configuration and arrangement.

Referring now toFIG.25, an exploded front view of preferred lung isolation tube assembly230is illustrated. As shown inFIG.25, preferred lung isolation tube assembly230comprises control valve250, connector260, and ports262and264having caps266and268, respectively. Preferred caps266and268are attached to ports262and264, respectively, via tethers270and272and tabs274and276, respectively.

Referring now toFIG.27, an exploded perspective view of preferred lung isolation tube assembly230is illustrated. As shown inFIG.27, preferred lung isolation tube assembly230comprises control valve250, connector260, and ports262and264having caps266and268, respectively. Preferred caps266and268are attached to ports262and264, respectively, via tethers270and272and tabs274and276, respectively.

Referring now toFIG.28, a front view of the preferred cap assembly of lung isolation tube assembly230is illustrated. As shown inFIG.28, the preferred cap assembly comprises cap266which is attached to port262via tether270and tab274.

Referring now toFIG.29, a perspective view of the preferred cap assembly of lung isolation tube assembly230is illustrated. As shown inFIG.29, the preferred cap assembly comprises cap266which is attached to port262via tether270and tab274.

Referring now toFIG.30, a bottom view of the preferred cap assembly of lung isolation tube assembly230is illustrated. As shown inFIG.30, the preferred cap assembly comprises cap266which is attached to port262via tether270.

Referring now toFIG.31, a partial sectional view of the preferred cap assembly of lung isolation tube assembly230is illustrated. As shown inFIG.31, the preferred cap assembly comprises cap266which is attached to port262via tether270and tab274.

The invention also comprises a method for isolating a human lung. The preferred method comprises providing a lung isolation tube assembly. The preferred lung isolation tube assembly comprises a control valve that is adapted to be moved between a left lumen position, a right lumen position, and a both lumens position, a connector that is in fluid communication with the control valve and having a port, and a tube that is in fluid communication with the connector. The preferred tube comprises a left lumen that is in fluid communication with the connector and has a left lumen proximate end opening and a left lumen distal end opening and a right lumen that is in fluid communication with the connector and has a right lumen proximate end opening and a right lumen distal end opening. The preferred lung isolation tube assembly also comprises a first cuff that is disposed around a portion of the right lumen and a portion of the left lumen and a second cuff that is disposed around a portion of the left lumen. The preferred lung isolation tube assembly is adapted to convey airflow or oxygen to a human lung via at least one of the left lumen and the right lumen. The preferred method also comprises inserting the tube into a human and supplying airflow or oxygen to the lung isolation tube assembly.

In operation, several advantages of the preferred embodiments of the lung isolation tube assembly are achieved. For example, the preferred embodiments of the lung isolation tube assembly use a control valve in order to close airflow or oxygen flow through the lumens. The preferred embodiments of the lung isolation tube assembly do not require complex lumen control valves. The preferred embodiments of the lung isolation tube assembly do not include a complex lumen suction port. The preferred embodiments of the lung isolation tube assembly are easy to use in emergency situations in the field.

Although this description contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments thereof, as well as the best mode contemplated by the inventors of carrying out the invention. The invention, as described herein, is susceptible to various modifications and adaptations, and the same are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the appended claims.