Surface energy assisted fluid transport system
First Claim
1. A system comprising:
- an elongated member, sized and shaped to be inserted within a subject'"'"'s trachea, the elongated member including proximal and distal ends;
a seal, extending around the elongated member at or near the distal end of the elongated member;
at least one wicking fluid pickup port, positioned at or near the distal end of the elongated member, the at least one wicking fluid pickup port located more distal than at least a portion of the seal; and
at least one lumen, coupled in fluid communication with the at least one wicking fluid pickup port and extending toward the proximal end of the elongated member.
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Accused Products
Abstract
This document discusses, among other things, systems, devices, and methods for using surface energy to assist in fluid transport or separation. One example includes removing mucus from a subject'"'"'s lungs during mechanical ventilation of the subject using a tracheal tube. At least one wicking fluid pickup port is located more distal than a sealing device between the tracheal tube and the trachea. Surface energy assists in introducing mucus into the port. A peristalsis or other pump is used to remove from the subject a substantially contiguous column of the wicked-in liquid. Ventilation of the subject is not impaired by the mucus removal. Safety venting reduces or avoids damage to tissue occluding the port. Other structures may assist in directing the mucus toward the port. Various illustrative examples include single lumen tracheal tubes, double lumen tracheal tubes, two-piece tracheal tubes (having outer and inner cannulas) and bronchial blockers. This document also discusses several other exemplary applications, such as oil/water separation, transportation of a lubricant to a drill bit tip, waste separation and/or solidification.
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Citations
64 Claims
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1. A system comprising:
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an elongated member, sized and shaped to be inserted within a subject'"'"'s trachea, the elongated member including proximal and distal ends;
a seal, extending around the elongated member at or near the distal end of the elongated member;
at least one wicking fluid pickup port, positioned at or near the distal end of the elongated member, the at least one wicking fluid pickup port located more distal than at least a portion of the seal; and
at least one lumen, coupled in fluid communication with the at least one wicking fluid pickup port and extending toward the proximal end of the elongated member.
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2-58. -58. (canceled)
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59. A method comprising:
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inserting a tube into a subject'"'"'s trachea;
obstructing airflow at a first location outside of the tube and inside the trachea;
ventilating at least one of the subject'"'"'s lungs through the tube;
wicking fluid, at a location that is proximal to the first location; and
drawing the wicked fluid out of the subject. - View Dependent Claims (60, 61, 62, 63, 64)
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Specification