Coupling arrangement

Abstract

The present invention relates to a coupling arrangement for a system for endotracheal ventilation of a patient, which system comprises an endotracheal tube and a manifold ( 100 ) configured for allowing ventilation of the patient via said endotracheal tube, which manifold ( 100 ) has a first coupling means ( 300 ) with an axial extent ( 400 ) and with engagement means ( 330 ); and which endotracheal tube has a second coupling means ( 400 ) with an axial extent and with engagement means ( 420 ); wherein the coupling arrangement is configured to produce, when the first ( 300 ) and the second ( 400 ) coupling means are moved together in the axial direction, a locking engagement between die engagement means ( 33, 420 ). The invention is characterised in that the first coupling means ( 300 ), in the axial direction, comprises an exterior screw thread ( 320 ); and that the second coupling means ( 400 ) comprises an exterior abutment face ( 430 ); that the coupling arrangement also comprises a disengagement means ( 350 ) configured for cooperating with said screw thread ( 320 ); and that the disengagement means ( 350 ) and the screw thread ( 320 ) are configured for allowing an axial movement of the disengagement means ( 350 ) from a first position, in which said engagement means ( 330, 420 ) are in locking engagement, to a second position in which the disengagement means ( 350 ) can influence the abutment face ( 430 ) by an axial force for releasing the locking engagement.

1 - 5 . (Canceled).  
   
   
       6 . An adaptor for connecting a closed suction catheter system to an artificial airway tube, said adaptor comprising a housing defining an internal chamber and having a distal end configured to detachably engage a proximal end of said artificial airway tube, and a proximal end configured for communication with a distal end of said closed suction catheter system; 
 said housing further comprising radially inwardly directed internal structure defining an air access between said housing and the artificial airway tube for air to be inhaled and exhaled by a patient breathing through an artificial airway having said adaptor attached thereto.    
   
   
       7 . The adaptor according to  claim 6 , wherein said housing further comprises an oxygen port.  
   
   
       8 . The adaptor according to  claim 6 , wherein said housing further comprises a ventilation port.  
   
   
       9 . The adaptor according to  claim 6 , further comprising a release assembly configured with said housing, upon actuation thereof said release assembly separating said housing from said artificial airway tube.  
   
   
       10 . The adaptor according to  claim 6 , further comprising a disengagement member configured with said housing, upon actuation thereof said disengagement member separating said housing from said artificial airway tube.  
   
   
       11 . The adaptor according to  claim 6 , wherein said proximal end of said housing is engageable with said closed suction catheter system.  
   
   
       12 . The adaptor according to  claim 6 , wherein said proximal end of said housing is detachably engageable with said closed suction catheter system.  
   
   
       13 . The adaptor according to  claim 6 , wherein said proximal end of said housing is non-removably fixed to said closed suction catheter system.  
   
   
       14 . An adaptor for connecting a closed suction catheter system to an artificial airway tube, said adaptor comprising a housing defining an internal chamber and having a distal end configured to detachably engage a proximal end of said artificial airway tube, and a proximal end configured for communication with a distal end of said closed suction catheter system; said housing further comprising internal structure defining an air access for air to be inhaled and exhaled by a patient breathing through an artificial airway having said adaptor attached thereto; 
 said adaptor further comprising a release assembly configured with said housing, upon actuation thereof said release assembly separating said housing from said artificial airway tube; and    wherein the release assembly comprises a release member disposed at said distal end of said adaptor, said release member movable distally upon actuation of said release assembly to disengage said housing from said artificial airway tube.    
   
   
       15 . An adaptor for connecting a closed suction catheter system to an artificial airway, said adaptor comprising: 
 a housing defining an internal chamber and having a distal end configured to detachably engage a proximal end of said artificial airway tube, and a proximal end configured for communication with a distal end of said closed suction catheter assembly; and    a release assembly configured on said housing to separate said housing from the artificial airway upon actuation of said release assembly.    
   
   
       16 . An adaptor for connecting a closed suction catheter system to an artificial airway, said adaptor comprising: 
 a housing defining an internal chamber and having a distal end configured to detachably engage a proximal end of said artificial airway tube, and a proximal end configured for communication with a distal end of said closed suction catheter assembly;    a release assembly configured on said housing to separate said housing from the artificial airway upon actuation of said release assembly; and    wherein said release assembly comprises a release member disposed at said distal end of said adaptor, said release member movable distally upon actuation of said release assembly to disengage said housing from said artificial airway tube.    
   
   
       17 . The adaptor according to  claim 16 , wherein said release assembly consists of a release member disposed at the distal end of the adaptor and which may be extended distally to disengage the housing from the artificial airway tube.  
   
   
       18 . An adaptor for connecting a closed suction catheter system to an artificial airway, said adaptor comprising: 
 a housing defining an internal chamber and having a distal end configured to detachably engage a proximal end of said artificial airway tube, and a proximal end configured for communication with a distal end of said closed suction catheter assembly;    a release assembly configured on said housing to separate said housing from the artificial airway upon actuation of said release assembly; and    wherein said adaptor housing includes a manifold having a first barrel, a second barrel, and a third barrel, said first and second barrels being substantially in alignment and said third barrel extending perpendicularly thereto.    
   
   
       19 . The adaptor according to  claim 18 , wherein said manifold further contains a fourth barrel.  
   
   
       20 . An adaptor for connecting a closed suction catheter system to an artificial airway, said adaptor comprising: 
 a housing defining an internal chamber and having a distal end configured to detachably engage a proximal end of said artificial airway tube, and a proximal end configured for communication with a distal end of said closed suction catheter assembly;    a release assembly configured on said housing to separate said housing from the artificial airway upon actuation of said release assembly; and    wherein said adaptor housing includes a manifold having a first cylinder, a second cylinder, and a third cylinder, said first and second cylinders being substantially in alignment and said third cylinder extending perpendicularly thereto.    
   
   
       21 . The adaptor according to  claim 20 , wherein said manifold further contains a fourth cylinder.  
   
   
       22 . A catheter system comprising: 
 a closed suction catheter assembly;    an adaptor for connecting said closed suction catheter system to an artificial airway tube, said adaptor comprising a housing defining an internal chamber and having a distal end configured to detachably engage a proximal end of said artificial airway tube, and a proximal end in communication with a distal end of said closed suction catheter assembly; said housing further comprising radially inwardly directed internal structure defining an air access between said housing and the artificial airway tube for air to be inhaled and exhaled by a patient breathing through an artificial airway having said adaptor attached thereto.    
   
   
       23 . A catheter system comprising: 
 a closed suction catheter assembly;    an adaptor for connecting said closed suction catheter assembly to an artificial airway, said adaptor comprising:    a housing defining an internal chamber and having a distal end configured to detachably engage a proximal end of an artificial airway tube, and a proximal end configured in communication with a distal end of said closed suction catheter assembly; and    a release assembly configured on said housing to separate said housing from the artificial airway upon actuation of said release assembly.    
   
   
       24 . An apparatus for suctioning secretions from a patient intubated with a tracheostomy tube comprising: 
 a closed suction catheter assembly having a catheter tube, an envelope and a coupling for holding an end of the envelope; and    an adaptor disposed at the distal end of the closed suction catheter assembly and having a housing configured for attachment to an tracheostomy tube and a release assembly disposed adjacent the housing, the release assembly being configured for detaching the housing from the tracheostomy tube responsive to a compressive force to the release assembly.    
   
   
       25 . An apparatus for suctioning secretions from a patient intubated with a tracheostomy tube comprising: 
 a closed suction catheter assembly having a catheter tube, an envelope and a coupling for holding an end of the envelope; and    an adaptor disposed at the distal end of the closed suction catheter assembly and having a housing configured for attachment to an tracheostomy tube and a release assembly disposed adjacent the housing, the release assembly being configured for detaching the housing from the tracheostomy tube responsive to a force to the release assembly.