Abstract: An aspirating/ventilating or aspirating apparatus comprising multi-lumen catheter tubes, for evacuation of lung secretions and for other functions as well. Two and three lumen catheter tubes which comprise three unique distal catheter end structures are disclosed. Material comprising oxygen-containing gas is introduced into the lungs under positive pressure through a first lumen of the catheter tube at a predetermined rate while secretions (and gas) are simultaneously aspirated from the lung into a second lumen by force of negative pressure. Oxygen gas inflow is controlled to equal gas outflow to maintain the partial pressure of oxygen into the lung at a high respiratory level. In a first distal catheter end structure, an oxygen-containing gas is introduced through the first lumen as a circumscribing jet around the second lumen to provide fluid flow turbulence external to a second lumen to improve homogenization of localized secretions resulting in more efficient aspiration.

Abstract: An aspirating device for a patient ventilation apparatus comprising a catheter cartridge, including an elongated catheter tube housed in an enclosing, protective housing, and a vacuum coupling mechanism is disclosed. A wheel, affixed to the proximal (vacuum) end of the catheter tube is housed in the vacuum coupling mechanism in a manner which allows access to the wheel. The protective housing includes a flexible envelope and sealing coupling elements. The flexible envelope allows the distal (patient) end of the catheter tube to be inserted into and withdrawn from the trachea of a patient. The wheel allows the catheter tube to be rotated during withdrawal. A port formed in the distal end element allows the outer surface of the catheter tube to be irrigated by a suitable cleansing solution during withdrawal of the catheter tube from the trachea. Further, a medication port, located in the vacuum coupling mechanism, in combination with a valve, allows medication to be inserted into the catheter tube.