Device using connector tube to lock inner cannula inside outer cannula

• US 5,390,669 A
• Filed: 08/09/1993
• Issued: 02/21/1995
• Est. Priority Date: 08/09/1993
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Mallinckrodt Medical Inc. (Mallinckrodt plc)
• Inventors: Stuart, J. Michael, Frigger, David
• Primary Examiner(s): Asher, Kimberly L.
• Application Number:
  US08/105,822
• Time in Patent Office: 561 Days
• Field of Search: 128/200.26, 128/207.14-207.17, 128/911, 128/912, 128/DIG. 26
• US Class Current: 128/207.14
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0427 with removable and re-insertable liner tubes, e.g. for cleaning
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0465 Tracheostomy tubes; Devices for performing a tracheostomy; Accessories therefor, e.g. masks, filters
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0497 Tube stabilizer
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/08 Bellows; Connecting tubes having means for taking samples G01N1/22; Water traps; Patient circuits
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 128/26 Cannula supporters
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 128/911 Unilimb inhalation-exhalation breathing tubes
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 128/912 Connections and closures for tubes delivering fluids to or from the body

Abstract

A tracheostomy device having an inner cannula with a connector head and an outer cannula. The inner cannula is secured within the outer cannula by a locking device having spaced apart, elongated handles that are pivotally mounted on the inner cannula. The handles are spaced such that a connector may be mounted on the connector head, thereby preventing movement of the handles. A method of locking the inner cannula to the outer cannula is also described.

Claims

1. A tracheostomy tube assembly comprising:

an outer cannula and an inner cannula within the outer cannula;

a connector head integrally formed with the inner cannula and adapted to mate with a connector;

a readily detachable connector, having a longitudinal bore therethrough, attached to the connector head; and

a locking device associated with the connector head and the inner cannula that holds the inner cannula securely to the outer cannula, the locking device including an elongated handle portion spaced apart from the connector head and pivotally connected to the inner cannula, and a hook portion extending in a direction opposite from the handle portion and pivotally connected to the inner cannula, such that movement of the handle portion is permitted towards, and away from, the inner cannula, and such movement moves the hook portion in the opposite direction;

a space between the handle portion and the connector head which is sufficient for the connector to fit over the connector head so that when the connector is attached to the connector head the connector is between the handle portion and the connector head and the connector prevents movement of the handle portion;

wherein the distance between the handle portion and the connector head is essentially equal to the thickness of the connector, as measured from an outer wall of the connector head to the nearest point on an outside surface of the connector such that when the connector is positioned on the connector head, the handle portion abuts the connector.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the connector is a stop to prevent overextension of the handle portion.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein the connector head is tapered.

4. The device of claim 3 wherein the connector head and the connector meet ISO standards.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein the outer cannula has a hook engaging collar.

6. A tracheostomy tube assembly comprising:

an outer cannula and an inner cannula within the outer cannula;

a connector head integrally formed with the inner cannula and adapted to mate with a connector;

a readily detachable connector, having a longitudinal bore therethrough, attached to the connector head; and

a locking device associated with the connector head and the inner cannula that holds the inner cannula securely to the outer cannula, the locking device including an elongated handle portion spaced apart from the connector head and pivotally connected to the inner cannula, and a hook portion extending in a direction opposite from the handle portion and pivotally connected to the inner cannula, such that movement of the handle portion is permitted towards, and away from, the inner cannula, and such movement moves the hook portion in the opposite direction;

a space between the handle portion and the connector head which is sufficient for the connector to fit over the connector head so that when the connector is attached to the connector head the connector is between the handle portion and the connector head and the connector prevents movement of the handle portion;

wherein the distance between the handle portion and the connector head is sufficient to allow the connector to fit over the connector head but will not allow sufficient pivoting of the handle portion to allow inner cannula disconnection from the outer cannula when the connector is installed.

7. A method of assembling a tracheostomy tube assembly comprising:

providing a disposable cannula with a connector head integrally formed with the disposable cannula; and

with a locking device, the locking device having an elongated handle portion, pivotally connected to the disposable cannula; and

the handle portion being separated from the connector head by a predetermined space;

providing an outer cannula;

inserting the disposable cannula into the outer cannula until movement is prevented by the locking device;

compressing the handle portion of the locking device toward the connector head;

inserting the disposable cannula until movement is prevented by the structure of the connector head;

releasing pressure on the handle portion, thereby locking the disposable cannula to the outer cannula; and

providing a connector having a bore therethrough for connection to the connector head, the connector having a thickness, as measured from an outer wall of the connector head to an inner wall of the connector, essentially equal to the predetermined space;

inserting the connector on the connector head such that the handle portion abuts the connector and prevents further movement of the handle portion.