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US 2017/0360290 A1Published application
Tube thoracostomy using an optical trocar
AssigneeMayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
InventorsJohnathon M. Aho, Henry J. Schiller, Raaj K. Ruparel, Beth A. Ballinger
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Systems and methods that can improve the safety and efficacy of chest tube thoracostomy are described. For example, this document provides systems and methods that facilitate direct visual confirmation of the proper placement of a chest tube within the thoracic space.
Claims20
A chest tube thoracostomy system comprising:
- a chest tube, the chest tube defining a lumen therein;
- an optic probe comprising a shaft and a tip end, the optic probe configured for releasable engagement with the chest tube;
- and
- a viewing device configured for displaying images captured by the optic probe.
1 more element
A method of installing a chest tube in a thoracic space of a patient, the method comprising:
- incising and dissecting a thorax of the patient to create an insertion pathway into the thoracic space;
- inserting a portion of the chest tube into the insertion pathway, wherein the chest tube is releasably engaged with an optic probe having a shaft and a tip end, and wherein the optic probe is coupled with a viewing device configured for displaying images captured at the tip end of the optic probe;
- advancing the chest tube and optic probe further into the thoracic space while viewing images, using the viewing device, of a thoracic region captured by the optic probe;
- and
- removing the optic probe from engagement with the chest tube while leaving the chest tube at least partially disposed within the thoracic region.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.