Support Structures for Drainage Tubes

Abstract

Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to support structures for drainage tubes to relax dependent loops and mitigate fluid pooling. Embodiments include support structures configured to receive an elastic tube and impart rigid or malleable properties thereon. These properties allow a clinician to position the tube to provide a consistent negative incline. Embodiments of support structures include an interlocking segmented tube, a bi-stable or mono-stable support structure, a jacket support structure, or a magnet support structure. Embodiments further include a malleable wire disposed within a wall of an elastic tube, or portions of a tube displaying differing elastic, malleable, or rigid properties. Also disclosed are magnetic peristalsis devices configured to urge fluid through a tube lumen.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.