Importance

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Abstract

A catheter adapted to be introduced into a body cavity, such as a bronchial tube or lung, and a method of using the catheter. The catheter consists of inner and outer concentric tubes having a reflected cylindrical membrane attached adjacent their distal ends. Pressurized fluid may be introduced through the perfusate passage running between the tubes and thus between the walls of the reflected membrane in order to provide relative rigidity for the membrane and to seal the reflected end of the membrane, thereby creating a closed pristine chamber, defined by the walls of the reflected membrane about the end of the inner tube. A cage composed of balls mounted on resilient pins may be disposed within the reflected membrane to aid the reflection of the membrane. A portion of the reflected membrane may be perforate. Following introduction of the catheter into a bronchial tube in the method of the invention, the inner tube is extended to open and pass through the reflection, thereby rolling the inner wall about the reflected portion and reversing the inner walls of the pristine chamber. Optionally, a topical antibiotic or local anesthetic may be introduced into the membrane and extruded through the perforations during the introduction or exit, or a lung brush or other sampling means may be inserted through the lumen of the inner tube during use. The catheter may also be used for endotracheal intubation.

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First Claim