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Mechanically-actuated endotracheal tube cleaning device

  • US 8,468,637 B2
  • Filed: 08/03/2010
  • Issued: 06/25/2013
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/06/2009
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A non-inflatable, mechanically-actuated cleaning device for removing biofilm from an interior wall of an endotracheal tube, comprising:

  • an elongate body having a distal end, a proximal end and a longitudinal axis,wherein the distal end comprises a distal tip;

    a cleaning member positioned at the distal end of the elongate body, said cleaning member comprising an expansion member and an elastomeric sleeve extending along at least a portion of the exterior surface of the expansion member,wherein said cleaning member is selectively movable between a radially-collapsed position and a radially-expanded position,wherein a central portion of the elastomeric sleeve forms a removal member configured to engage an interior surface of an endotracheal tube when the cleaning member is in the radially-expanded position,wherein said removal member is configured to remove biofilm collected on the interior surface of an endotracheal tube when said removal member is moved along the longitudinal axis of the elongate body; and

    a non-inflatable actuation assembly coupled to the proximal end of the elongate body,wherein said cleaning member is movable between said radially-collapsed position and said radially-expanded position by manipulation of the actuation assembly, andwherein the expansion and collapse of the cleaning member occurs mechanically.

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