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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. In a second distal catheter end structure, oxygen gas inflow is introduced into a common chamber at the distal end of the catheter, where effluent secretions are being aspirated, causing gas produced homogenization in the turbulence created by influent/effluent flow at the common distal catheter entry/exit port. In a third distal catheter end structure in a three lumen catheter, provision is made for independent introduction of medication and/or lavage solutions into the lungs via a third lumen into a common entry/exit port. Provision is made for monitoring pressures and flow rates through the catheter tube.

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First Claim