Endotracheal tube pressure monitoring system and method of using same

Abstract

An endotracheal tube pressure monitoring system for an endotracheal tube having at least one pressure line in fluid communication with a major lumen of the endotracheal tube, a purging subsystem in fluid communication with at least one of the pressure lines, and a pressure monitoring subsystem in operative communication with each respective pressure line to monitor the pressure of fluid within each respective pressure line. Each pressure line that is in fluid communication with the purging subsystem being selectively purged by the purging subsystem when pressure monitoring subsystem determines the respective pressure line has become obstructed. Purging the pressure line maintains the patency of the pressure line so that accurate pressure measurements within the endotracheal tube can be obtained for calculation of parameters in lung mechanics. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b).

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . (Amended) An endotracheal tube pressure monitoring system comprising: 
 a. an endotracheal tube having an open distal end, an opposing open proximal end, and a major lumen extending within the tube from the proximal end to the distal end, the distal end of the tube in fluid communication with a trachea of a patient;    b. at least one pressure line in fluid communication with the major lumen of the endotracheal tube;    c. a purging subsystem in fluid communication with at least one pressure line; and    d. a pressure monitoring subsystem in operative communication with each respective pressure line, the pressure monitoring subsystem having means to monitor the pressure of fluid within each respective pressure line,    wherein, for each pressure line in fluid communication with the purging subsystem, the pressure monitoring subsystem generates a response signal after a first predetermined time period in which pressure within the pressure line with which the purging subsystem is in fluid communication remains substantially constant, and wherein the purging subsystem is responsive to the response signal of the pressure monitoring subsystem to supply a pressurized fluid to the pressure line with which the purging subsystem is in fluid communication for a second predetermined time period after generation of the response signal.