Automated provision of information related to air evacuation from a chest cavity

#The present invention is generally directed to a device, system, and method providing an automated air evacuation indicator for use in draining air and fluid from a chest cavity. The present invention is more particularly directed to automatically providing visual, auditory, and digital information related to air being evacuated from a patient's chest cavity.

#The primary function of the lungs is breathing and gas exchange. Air is primarily taken into the lungs during inhalation by contraction of the diaphragm, and also by upward and outward movement of the ribs, and outward movement of the sternum. The size of the chest cavity increases, allowing the lungs to expand. When inhalation is complete, the central nervous system signals the respiratory center in the brain that enough air has entered the lungs and exhalation occurs. During exhalation, the diaphragm relaxes and the ribs move down and in, lessening the size of the chest cavity. As the lungs are “squeezed,” volume is reduced. The diaphragm returns to its original position. Negative pressure is always present within the pleural or chest space and creates a vacuum or suction called intrapleural pressure. This vacuum keeps the lungs against the chest wall, preventing lung collapse even during forced exhalation. Intrapleural pressure is always slightly negative compared to atmospheric pressure. When this intrapleural pressure is lost or disrupted, the lung collapses.

#Lung tissue is a very delicate organ and structure. Any penetration of the pleura or the lung parenchyma typically results in air leakage (pneumothorax) and bleeding (hemothorax). When the lung is damaged and leaks air, the lung collapses because of the loss of vacuum in the chest cavity, and because accumulation of air in the thorax cavity mechanically compresses the lung. If there is only a minimal amount of air accumulated, it can be reabsorbed. This is commonly the case with small blunt trauma, in which the lung ruptures and then heals itself quickly. When more than a minimal amount of air has accumulated, or when a persistent or continuous leakage of air either out of the lungs or into the chest cavity from an external opening exists, the pneumothorax is generally resolved by the placement of chest tubes connected to a vacuum drain system or a valve. When a severe penetrating thoracic trauma occurs and severe pneumothorax and hemothorax are observed, surgical tissue repair may be indicated. Unresolved and untreated large pneumothorax could be fatal

#The features of the present invention which are believed to be novel are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by making reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in the several figures of which like referenced numerals identify identical elements, and wherein:

#FIG. 1 illustrates an automated chest air evacuation detector for an underwater chest drain system, according to an embodiment of the invention;

#FIG. 2 illustrates additional elements of self-contained underwater chest drain system and indicator panel, according to an embodiment of the invention;

#In the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof. The detailed description and the drawings illustrate specific exemplary embodiments by which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is understood that other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims.

#Additionally, throughout the specification, claims, and drawings, the term “air evacuation” means withdrawing air from a plural space (pneumothorax), where the pneumothorax is from any source. The pneumothorax may be of any type, including closed, open, and traumatic.

#Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms take the meanings explicitly associated herein unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term “circuit” means one or more passive and/or active components that are arranged to cooperate with one another to provide a desired function. The term “signal” means at least one current signal, voltage signal or data signal. The meaning of “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references. The meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on.” Referring to the drawings, like numbers indicated like parts throughout the views. Additionally, a reference to the singular includes a reference to the plural unless otherwise stated or inconsistent with the disclosure herein.