Bronchoscope Adapter and Methods for Using the Same

Abstract

Bronchoscope adapters and methods of using the same are provided. Aspects of the adaptors include a body having a passageway, a mechanical ventilator access port, a bronchoscope access port configured to receive a bronchoscope into the passageway, and an exit port. The bronchoscope access port comprises a reversibly adjustable inner diameter component that provides locking of the bronchoscope at desired position. The adaptors find use in a variety of different applications.

1 - 23 . (canceled) 
     
     
         24 . A system comprising:
 (a) an adaptor comprising:
 a body having a passageway; 
 a mechanical ventilator access port configured to operatively couple a mechanical ventilator to the passageway; 
 a bronchoscope access port configured to receive a bronchoscope into the passageway, wherein the bronchoscope access port comprises a reversibly adjustable inner diameter component; and 
 an exit port configured to operatively connect the passageway to an endo tracheal tube; and 
   (b) a bronchoscope present in the passageway.   
     
     
         25 . The system according to  claim 24 , wherein the bronchoscope access port comprises an actuator configured to provide for mechanical adjustment of the reversibly adjustable inner diameter component. 
     
     
         26 . The system according to  claim 25 , wherein the actuator comprises a rotatable member. 
     
     
         27 . The system according to  claim 26 , wherein the rotatable member is configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the bronchoscope access port. 
     
     
         28 . The system according to  claim 24 , wherein the reversibly adjustable inner diameter component comprises a compressible member. 
     
     
         29 . The system according to  claim 28 , wherein the compressible member is a compressible tube. 
     
     
         30 . The system according to  claim 29 , wherein the compressible member comprises a polymeric material. 
     
     
         31 . The system according to  claim 30 , wherein the polymeric material comprises a silicone or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). 
     
     
         32 . The system according to  claim 24 , wherein the reversibly adjustable inner diameter component is configured to provide a magnitude of diameter change ranging from 1 to 3.5 mm. 
     
     
         33 . The system according to  claim 32 , wherein the reversibly adjustable inner diameter has an adjustable diameter that ranges from 3.5 to 7 mm. 
     
     
         34 . The system according to  claim 24 , wherein the passageway ranges in length from 40 to 50 mm. 
     
     
         35 . The system according to  claim 24 , wherein the bronchoscope access port and exit port are coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the passageway. 
     
     
         36 . The system according to  claim 35 , wherein the mechanical ventilator port has a longitudinal access that is orthogonal to the longitudinal access of the passageway. 
     
     
         37 . The adaptor according to  claim 24 , wherein the adaptor is configured to be operatively employed with a mammal. 
     
     
         38 . The adaptor according to  claim 37 , wherein the mammal is a human.