Surface energy assisted fluid transport system
A system, device or method uses surface energy to assist in fluid transport or separation. One example includes removing mucus from a subject's lungs during mechanical ventilation of the subject using a tracheal tube. At least one wicking fluid pickup port is located more distal or more proximal than a sealing device between the tracheal tube and the trachea. Surface energy assists in introducing mucus into the port. A peristalsis or other pump is used to remove from the subject the wicked-in liquid. Ventilation is not impaired by the mucus removal.
1. A method comprising:
inserting a tube into a subject's trachea;
obstructing airflow at a first location outside of the tube and inside the trachea;
ventilating at least one of the subject's lungs through the tube;
wicking fluid, at a location that is proximal to the first location; and
drawing the wicked fluid out of the subject,
wherein the drawing the wicked fluid out of the subject comprises matching a flow rate at which the wicked fluid is drawn out of the subject to a mucus generation rate of the subject.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the obstructing airflow comprises inflating a cuff.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the drawing the wicked fluid out of the subject comprises using a peristalsis pump to provide a pressure for drawing the wicked fluid out of the subject.
4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising storing the wicked fluid drawn out of the subject in a holding receptacle external to the subject.
5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising directing mucus toward at least one wicking fluid pickup port.
6. The method of claim 1 , further comprising limiting a pressure buildup, at a wicking fluid pickup port occluded by tissue.
7. A method comprising:
inserting an outer cannula of a two-piece inflatable cuff tracheal tube into a subject's trachea;
inflating the cuff to obstruct airflow between the outer cannula and the trachea;
inserting an inner cannula of the two-piece inflatable cuff tracheal tube into the outer cannula;
ventilating at least one of the subject's lungs through the inner cannula;
wicking fluid, using a wicking fluid pickup portal carried by the inner cannula, at a location that is proximal to the cuff; and
drawing the wicked fluid out of the subject,
wherein the drawing the wicked fluid out of the subject comprises matching a flow rate at which the wicked fluid is drawn out of the subject to a mucus generation rate of the subject.
8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the drawing the wicked fluid out of the subject comprises drawing a substantially contiguous liquid column through a lumen using a peristalsis pump, and further comprising storing the wicked fluid drawn out of the subject in a holding receptacle external to the subject.
9. A method comprising:
inserting a tube into a subject's trachea;
obstructing airflow at a first location outside of the tube and inside the trachea;
ventilating at least one of the subject's lungs through the tube;
wicking fluid, at a location that is distal to the first location; and
drawing the wicked fluid out of the subject,
wherein the drawing the wicked fluid out of the subject comprises matching a flow rate at which the wicked fluid is drawn out of the subject to a mucus generation rate of the subject.
10. The method of claim 9 , wherein the obstructing airflow comprises inflating a cuff.
11. The method of claim 9 , wherein the drawing the wicked fluid out of the subject comprises using a peristalsis pump to provide a pressure for drawing the wicked fluid out of the subject.
12. The method of claim 9 , further comprising storing the wicked fluid drawn out of the subject in a holding receptacle external to the subject.
13. The method of claim 9 , further comprising directing mucus toward at least one wicking fluid pickup port.
14. The method of claim 9 , further comprising limiting a pressure buildup, at a wicking fluid pickup port occluded by tissue.
15. A method comprising:
inserting an outer cannula of a two-piece inflatable cuff tracheal tube into a subject's trachea;
inflating the cuff to obstruct airflow between the outer cannula and the trachea;
inserting an inner cannula of the two-piece inflatable cuff tracheal tube into the outer cannula;
ventilating at least one of the subject's lungs through the inner cannula;
wicking fluid, using a wicking fluid pickup portal carried by the inner cannula, at a location that is distal to the cuff; and
drawing the wicked fluid out of the subject,
wherein the drawing the wicked fluid out of the subject comprises matching a flow rate at which the wicked fluid is drawn out of the subject to a mucus generation rate of the subject.
16. The method of claim 15 , wherein the drawing the wicked fluid out of the subject comprises drawing a substantially contiguous liquid column through a lumen using a peristalsis pump, and further comprising storing the wicked fluid drawn out of the subject in a holding receptacle external to the subject.