Bronchoalveolar lavage catheter

Abstract

Abstract An outer catheter (72) so sized and configured so as to extend from a point below the first bifurcation of the trachea through the upper respiratory system of the patient is disposed about an inner catheter (62) having a tip (75) secured in the opening at the distal end (74) thereof with an outer lateral periphery larger indiameter than the outer surface of the inner catheter. A passageway (76) is formed between said outer catheter (72) and said inner catheter (62). A connector hub assembly (77), connected to the proximal end (73) of the outer catheter (72) and couplable to a supply of oxygen, allows for oxygen insufflation to take place during the bronchoalveolar lavage procedure. The proximal surface of the tip (75) between the outer lateral periphery and the outer surface of the inner catheter (62) is capable of sealingly engaging the distal end (74) of the outer catheter (72). In this condition the pair of catheters can be advanced through the upper respiratory system of the patient without contaminating the outer surface of the inner catheter (62). Thereafter the inner catheter (62) is advanced relative to the outer catheter (72) into a wedging position in a bronchiole of the patient. In one embodiment, the inner catheter is provided with a selectively inflatable cuff by which to engage the walls of a bronchiole of the patient.

Inventors

• 👤 Richard D. Strickland

Bibliographic Details