Manifold

Abstract

The invention relates to a manifold ( 100 ) for a closed system ( 1 ) for endotracheal ventilation and aspiration of a patient, having a first section ( 115 ) and a second section ( 145 ), an opening ( 112 ) configured for allowing influx of a flushing medium to the first section ( 115 ), and a passage ( 118 ) configured for allowing advancement of the catheter from the first section ( 115 ) and into the second section ( 145 ). The invention is characterized by a valve body ( 132 ) arranged interiorly of the first section ( 115 ) and configured for optionally allowing blocking of the passage ( 118 ) in a first position and of the opening ( 112 ) in a second position.

1 - 14 . (canceled)  
   
   
       15 . An apparatus for suctioning secretions from a patient intubated with a tracheostomy tube, said apparatus comprising: 
 a closed suction catheter assembly having a catheter tube and an envelope surrounding said catheter tube;    an adaptor disposed at the distal end of said closed suction catheter assembly, said adaptor engageable with a proximal end of the tracheostomy tube, said catheter tube advanceable through said adaptor and into the tracheostomy tube; and    a cover attached to a distal end of said adaptor, said cover slideably engageable with said adaptor to selectively isolate said adaptor and said closed suction catheter from the atmosphere upon detachment of said adaptor from the tracheostomy tube.    
   
   
       16 . An apparatus for suctioning secretions from a patient intubated with a tracheostomy tube, said apparatus comprising: 
 a closed suction catheter assembly having a catheter tube and an envelope surrounding said catheter tube;    an adaptor disposed at the distal end of said closed suction catheter assembly, said adaptor engageable with a proximal end of the tracheostomy tube, said catheter tube advanceable through said adaptor and into the tracheostomy tube; and    a cover attached to a distal end of said adaptor, said cover rotatably engageable with said adaptor to selectively isolate said adaptor and said closed suction catheter from the atmosphere upon detachment of said adaptor from the tracheostomy tube.    
   
   
       17 . An apparatus for suctioning secretions from a patient intubated with a tracheostomy tube, said apparatus comprising: 
 a closed suction catheter assembly having a catheter tube and an envelope surrounding said catheter tube;    an adaptor disposed at the distal end of said closed suction catheter assembly, said adaptor engageable with a proximal end of the tracheostomy tube, said catheter tube advanceable through said adaptor and into the tracheostomy tube;    a cover attached to a distal end of said adaptor, said cover engageable with said adaptor to selectively isolate said adaptor and said closed suction catheter from the atmosphere upon detachment of said adaptor from the tracheostomy tube; and    wherein said cover comprises an end wall that permits air to be drawn into said catheter assembly upon suction being applied to said cathether tube during cleaning of said catheter tube.