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Respiratory circuit with in vivo sterilization

  • US 5,855,203 A
  • Filed: 12/19/1997
  • Issued: 01/05/1999
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/19/1997
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for in vivo sterilization of a respirator circuit, comprising:

  • a) a breathing tube having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends, said breathing tube defining at least a portion of a respiratory circuit having an inner surface;

    b) a ventilator tube in fluid communication with the proximal end of the breathing tube, said ventilator tube defining at least a portion of the respiratory circuit and having a inhalation portion and an exhalation portion; and

    c) one or more ultraviolet light sources in optical communication with at least a portion of the inner surface of the respiratory circuit, said one or more light sources emitting ultraviolet radiation for sterilizing the irradiated portion of the respiratory circuit while connected to a patient.

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