SURFACE ENERGY ASSISTED FLUID TRANSPORT SYSTEM

• US 20080035154A1
• Filed: 10/08/2007
• Published: 02/14/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 12/21/2001
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Eidon, LLC
• Original Assignee: Eidon, LLC
• Inventors: Johnson, Roger
• Application Number:
  US11/868,600
• Publication Number:
  US 20080035154A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 128/207.14
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0009 with sub-atmospheric pressure, e.g. during expiration
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/04 Tracheal tubes catheters in general A61M25/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0404 with means for selective or partial lung respiration
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0434 Cuffs
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0459 one cuff behind another
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0463 combined with suction tubes, catheters or the like; Outside connections
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0479 above the cuff, e.g. giving access to the upper trachea
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0486 Multi-lumen tracheal tubes

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. 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.

Claims

1. A method comprising:

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.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the obstructing airflow comprises inflating a cuff.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising storing the wicked fluid drawn out of the subject in a holding receptacle external to the subject.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising directing mucus toward at least one wicking fluid pickup port.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising limiting a pressure buildup, at a wicking fluid pickup port occluded by tissue.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the drawing the wicked fluid out of the subject comprises using a pump to provide a pressure for drawing the wicked fluid out of the subject.

7. A method comprising:

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 or distal to the first location; and

drawing the wicked fluid out of the subject.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the obstructing airflow comprises inflating a cuff.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the drawing the wicked fluid out of the subject includes drawing a substantially contiguous liquid column through a lumen.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein the drawing the wicked fluid out of the subject comprises using a peristalsis pump to provide a pressure for drawing the wicked fluid out of the subject.

11. The method of claim 7, further comprising storing the wicked fluid drawn out of the subject in a holding receptacle external to the subject.

12. The method of claim 7, further comprising directing mucus toward at least one wicking fluid pickup port.

13. The method of claim 7, further comprising limiting a pressure buildup, at a wicking fluid pickup port occluded by tissue.

14. The method of claim 7, further comprising obstructing airflow at a second location inside one of the subject'"'"'s bronchial tubes.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising wicking fluid at a third location that is proximal or distal to the second location, and drawing out of the subject the fluid wicked at the third location.

16. The method of claim 7, further comprising collecting fluid at a fourth location that is proximal or distal to the first location, and drawing out of the subject the fluid collected at the fourth location.

17. A method comprising:

inserting an outer cannula of a two-piece inflatable cuff tracheal tube into a subject'"'"'s trachea;

inflating the cuff to obstruct airflow between the outer cannula and the trachea;

inserting an inner cannula of the two-piece inflatable cuff tracheal tube into the outer cannula;

ventilating at least one of the subject'"'"'s lungs through the inner cannula;

wicking fluid, using a wicking fluid pickup portal carried by the inner cannula, at a location that is proximal or distal to the cuff; and

drawing the wicked fluid out of the subject.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the drawing the wicked fluid out of the subject comprises drawing a substantially contiguous liquid column through a lumen using a peristalsis pump, and further comprising storing the wicked fluid drawn out of the subject in a holding receptacle external to the subject.