Respiratory circuit with in vivo sterilization
OwnerJean-Paul Matterinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A respirator circuit comprises a breathing tube, such as an endotracheal tube, having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends. The lumen defines at least a portion of the respirator circuit. A ventilator tube is in fluid communication with the proximal end of the breathing tube end and defines a portion of the respirator circuit. One or more light sources capable of emitting ultraviolet radiation irradiates at least a portion of the respirator circuit, thereby sterilizing the respiratory circuit.
Claims35
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.
A respiratory apparatus, comprising:
- a) an endotracheal tube adapted for insertion into the trachea of a patient, said tube having a proximal end, a distal end and a tube wall, said tube wall having an inner surface and an outer surface;
- and
- b) an ultraviolet light source in optical communication with at least a portion of the inner surface of the tube wall while the endotracheal tube is inserted in a patient, wherein the inner surface is sterilized by the ultraviolet light.
A respiratory apparatus, comprising:
- a) a breathing tube adapted for insertion into the trachea of a patient, said breathing tube having an inner surface, an outer surface, and a lumen through which a patient can breathe;
- and
- b) a means for irradiating at least a portion of the inner surface of the tube with ultraviolet radiation to sterilize the inner surface while the breathing tube is inserted in the trachea of a patient.
A method for in vivo sterilization of a breathing tube, comprising the steps of:
- a) inserting the breathing tube in the trachea of a patient, said breathing tube having an inner surface defining a lumen through which a patient can breathe;
- and
- b) irradiating at least a portion of the inner surface of the tube with ultraviolet radiation to sterilize the inner surface while the breathing tube is inserted in the trachea of a patient.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.