Mechanical user control of fluid input module

1. Apparatus for use with a tracheal ventilation tube and a suction source, the apparatus comprising:

(a) a cleaning catheter, which is insertable into the ventilation tube, and which comprises:

(i) an elongate, flexible, tubular main body;

(ii) an inflatable element, which is mounted to the main body and is expandable into contact with an inner surface of the ventilation tube;

(iii) a distal suction orifice at a distal portion of the cleaning catheter;

(iv) a suction lumen arranged along the main body in fluid communication with the distal suction orifice; and

(v) a fluid-delivery lumen arranged along the main body in fluid communication with an interior of the inflatable element;

(b) a pressurized fluid source; and

(c) an input module, which is coupled to the cleaning catheter, and which comprises:

(i) a flow regulator, which is (A) shaped so as to define a suction port coupleable in fluid communication with the suction source, and a fluid port coupled in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid source, and (B) configured to assume at least a base activation state and an inflation/suction activation state; and

(ii) a mechanical user control element, which is configured to mechanically and non-electrically set the activation states of the flow regulator,

wherein the flow regulator is configured, when in the inflation/suction activation state, to (a) effect fluid communication between the suction port and the suction lumen, and (b) effect inflation of the inflatable element by fluid communication between the fluid port and the inflatable element via the fluid-delivery lumen, and

wherein the mechanical user control element comprises one or more user-interface elements, a single one of which is arranged to set the flow regulator in the inflation/suction activation state to activate both the suction and the inflation of the inflatable element.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the flow regulator is configured, when in the base activation state, not to effect fluid communication between the suction port and the suction lumen.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the flow regulator is configured, when in the base state, not to effect the inflation of the inflatable element.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1 ,

wherein the flow regulator is configured:

when in the base activation state, not to effect fluid communication between the suction port and the suction lumen, and

when in the base state, not to effect the inflation of the inflatable element.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the single one of the user-interface elements is a handle.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the single one of the user-interface elements is a button.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the flow regulator is configured to additionally assume a suction activation state, in which the flow regulator (a) effects the fluid communication between the suction port and the suction lumen, and (b) does not effect the inflation of the inflatable element.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1 ,

wherein the input module comprises (a) a fluids switch that regulates fluid delivery, and (b) a suction switch that regulates suction, and

wherein the single one of the user-interface elements is configured to simultaneously control both the fluids switch and the suction switch.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the input module further comprises an elastic return force element, which sets a resting, default state of the flow regulator to be the base activation state.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the pressurized fluid source comprises a syringe.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the suction port comprises a male conical interface.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the fluid port comprises a Luer-Lok interface.

13. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the pressurized fluid source provides a fluid that comprises a liquid.

14. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the pressurized fluid source provides a fluid that comprise a gas.

15. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the flow regulator is configured such that only the single one of the user-interface elements sets the activation states of the flow regulator.

16. Apparatus for use with a tracheal ventilation tube and a suction source, the apparatus comprising:

(a) a cleaning catheter, which is insertable into the ventilation tube, and which comprises:

(i) an elongate, flexible, tubular main body;

(ii) an inflatable element, which is mounted to the main body and is expandable into contact with an inner surface of the ventilation tube;

(iii) a distal suction orifice at a distal portion of the cleaning catheter;

(iv) a suction lumen arranged along the main body in fluid communication with the distal suction orifice; and

(v) a fluid-delivery lumen arranged along the main body in fluid communication with an interior of the inflatable element

(b) a pressurized fluid source; and

(c) an input module, which is coupled to the cleaning catheter, and which comprises:

(i) a flow regulator, which is (A) shaped so as to define a suction port coupleable in fluid communication with the suction source, and a fluid port coupled in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid source, and (B) configured to assume at least a base activation state and an inflation/suction activation state; and

(ii) a mechanical user control element, which is configured to mechanically and non-electrically set the activation states of the flow regulator,

wherein the flow regulator is configured:

when in the inflation/suction activation state, to (a) effect fluid communication between the suction port and the suction lumen, and (b) effect inflation of the inflatable element by fluid communication between the fluid port and the inflatable element via the fluid-delivery lumen,

when in the base activation state, to effect fluid communication between the suction port and the interior of the inflatable element, thereby deflating the inflatable element, and not to effect fluid communication between the suction port and the suction lumen, and

when in the base state, not to effect the inflation of the inflatable element and

wherein the mechanical user control element comprises one or more user-interface elements, a single one of which is arranged to set the flow regulator in the inflation/suction activation state to activate both the suction and the inflation of the inflatable element.

17. Apparatus for use with a tracheal ventilation tube and a suction source, the apparatus comprising:

(a) a cleaning catheter, which is insertable into the ventilation tube, and which comprises:

(i) an elongate, flexible, tubular main body;

(ii) an inflatable element, which is mounted to the main body and is expandable into contact with an inner surface of the ventilation tube;

(iii) a distal suction orifice at a distal portion of the cleaning catheter;

(iv) a suction lumen arranged along the main body in fluid communication with the distal suction orifice; and

(v) a fluid-delivery lumen arranged along the main body in fluid communication with an interior of the inflatable element;

(b) a pressurized fluid source; and

(c) an input module, which is coupled to the cleaning catheter, and which comprises:

(i) a flow regulator, which is (A) shaped so as to define a suction port coupleable in fluid communication with the suction source, and a fluid port coupled in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid source, and (B) configured to assume at least a base activation state and an inflation/suction activation state; and

(ii) a mechanical user control element, which is configured to mechanically and non-electrically set the activation states of the flow regulator,

wherein the flow regulator is configured, when in the inflation/suction activation state, to (a) effect fluid communication between the suction port and the suction lumen, and (b) effect inflation of the inflatable element by fluid communication between the fluid port and the inflatable element via the fluid-delivery lumen, and

wherein the mechanical user control element comprises one or more user-interface elements, a single one of which is arranged to set the flow regulator in the inflation/suction activation state to activate both the suction and the inflation of the inflatable element,

wherein the one or more user-interface elements comprise first and second buttons, wherein the single one of the user-interface elements is the first button, and wherein the mechanical user control element further comprises a button joining element, which is fixed to the first button, and arranged such that depression of the first button causes simultaneous depression of the second button.

18. The apparatus according to claim 17 , wherein the button joining element and the first button are arranged such that depression of the button joining element depresses the first button.

19. Apparatus for use with a tracheal ventilation tube and a suction source, the apparatus comprising:

(a) a cleaning catheter, which is insertable into the ventilation tube, and which comprises:

(i) an elongate, flexible, tubular main body;

(ii) an inflatable element, which is mounted to the main body and is expandable into contact with an inner surface of the ventilation tube;

(iii) a distal suction orifice at a distal portion of the cleaning catheter;

(iv) a suction lumen arranged along the main body in fluid communication with the distal suction orifice; and

(v) a fluid-delivery lumen arranged along the main body in fluid communication with an interior of the inflatable element;

(b) a pressurized fluid source; and

(c) an input module, which is coupled to the cleaning catheter, and which comprises:

(i) a flow regulator, which is (A) shaped so as to define a suction port coupleable in fluid communication with the suction source, and a fluid port coupled in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid source, and (B) configured to assume at least a base activation state and an inflation/suction activation state; and

(ii) a mechanical user control element, which is configured to mechanically and non-electrically set the activation states of the flow regulator,

wherein the flow regulator is configured, when in the inflation/suction activation state, to (a) effect fluid communication between the suction port and the suction lumen, and (b) effect inflation of the inflatable element by fluid communication between the fluid port and the inflatable element via the fluid-delivery lumen, and

wherein the flow regulator is configured to additionally assume a suction activation state, in which the flow regulator (a) effects the fluid communication between the suction port and the suction lumen, and (b) does not effect the inflation of the inflatable element, and

wherein the mechanical user control element comprises one or more user-interface elements, a single one of which is arranged to set the flow regulator in the inflation/suction activation state to activate both the suction and the inflation of the inflatable element,

wherein the single one of the user-interface elements is configured (a) to assume at least first, second, and third spatial positions, and (b) to transition between the first and the third spatial positions via the second spatial position, and

wherein the input module is configured such that:

when the single one of the user-interface elements is in the first spatial position, the flow regulator is in the base activation state,

when the single one of the user-interface elements is in the second spatial position, the flow regulator is in the suction activation state, and

when the single one of the user-interface elements is in the third spatial position, the flow regulator is in the inflation/suction activation state.

20. The apparatus according to claim 19 , wherein the flow regulator is configured, when in the base activation state, not to effect fluid communication between the suction port and the suction lumen.

21. The apparatus according to claim 19 ,

wherein the one or more user-interface elements comprise first and second buttons,

wherein the single one of the user-interface elements is the first button, and

wherein the mechanical user control element further comprises a button joining element, which is fixed to the first button, and arranged such that (a) depression of the first button from the first spatial to the second spatial position does not also depress the second button, and (b) further depression of the first button from the second spatial position to the third spatial position causes simultaneous depression of the second button.

22. The apparatus according to claim 21 , wherein the button joining element and the first button are arranged such that depression of the button joining element depresses the first button.

23. Apparatus for use with a tracheal ventilation tube and a suction source, the apparatus comprising:

(a) a cleaning catheter, which is insertable into the ventilation tube, and which comprises:

(i) an elongate, flexible, tubular main body;

(ii) an inflatable element, which is mounted to the main body and is expandable into contact with an inner surface of the ventilation tube;

(iii) a distal suction orifice at a distal portion of the cleaning catheter;

(iv) a suction lumen arranged along the main body in fluid communication with the distal suction orifice; and

(v) a fluid-delivery lumen arranged along the main body in fluid communication with an interior of the inflatable element;

(b) a pressurized fluid source; and

(c) an input module, which is coupled to the cleaning catheter, and which comprises:

(i) a flow regulator, which is (A) shaped so as to define a suction port coupleable in fluid communication with the suction source, and a fluid port coupled in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid source, and (B) configured to assume at least a base activation state and an inflation/suction activation state; and

(ii) a mechanical user control element, which is configured to mechanically and non-electrically set the activation states of the flow regulator,

wherein the flow regulator is configured, when in the inflation/suction activation state, to (a) effect fluid communication between the suction port and the suction lumen, and (b) effect inflation of the inflatable element by fluid communication between the fluid port and the inflatable element via the fluid-delivery lumen, and

wherein the mechanical user control element comprises one or more user-interface elements, a single one of which is arranged to set the flow regulator in the inflation/suction activation state to activate both the suction and the inflation of the inflatable element,

wherein the main body comprises a proximal-most input portion, which is inserted into and axially slidable with respect to the input module, and

wherein the input module is configured such that changes in a configuration of the mechanical user control element cause corresponding changes in axial position of the input portion of the main body with respect to the input module.

24. A method for use with a tracheal ventilation tube and a suction source, the method comprising:

coupling, in fluid communication with the suction source, a suction port of a flow regulator of an input module, wherein the flow regulator is (a) shaped so as to define a fluid port coupled in fluid communication with a pressurized fluid source, and (b) configured to assume at least a base activation state and an inflation/suction activation state;

inserting a cleaning catheter into the ventilation tube inserted in a trachea of a patient, wherein the cleaning catheter is coupled to the input module and includes

(a) an elongate, flexible, tubular main body,

(b) an inflatable element, which is mounted to the main body and is expandable into contact with an inner surface of the ventilation tube,

(c) distal suction orifice at a distal portion of the cleaning catheter,

(d) a suction lumen arranged along the main body in fluid communication with the distal suction orifice, and

(e) a fluid-delivery lumen arranged along the main body in fluid communication with an interior of the inflatable element,

wherein the flow regulator is configured, when in the inflation/suction activation state, to (a) effect fluid communication between the suction port and the suction lumen, and (b) effect inflation of the inflatable element by fluid communication between the fluid port and the inflatable element via the fluid-delivery lumen; and

activating a single one of one or more mechanical user-interface elements of a mechanical user control element to set the flow regulator in the inflation/suction activation state to activate both the suction and the inflation of the inflatable element, wherein the mechanical user control element is configured to mechanically and non-electrically set the activation states of the flow regulator.

25. The method according to claim 24 , wherein the flow regulator is configured, when in the base activation state, not to effect fluid communication between the suction port and the suction lumen.

26. The method according to claim 24 , wherein the flow regulator is configured, when in the base state, not to effect the inflation of the inflatable element.

27. The method according to claim 24 , wherein the single one of the user-interface elements is a handle.

28. The method according to claim 24 , wherein the single one of the user-interface elements is a button.

29. The method according to claim 24 ,

wherein the one or more user-interface elements comprise first and second buttons,

wherein the single one of the user-interface elements is the first button, and

wherein the mechanical user control element further comprises a button joining element, which is fixed to the first button, and arranged such that depression of the first button causes simultaneous depression of the second button.

30. The method according to claim 29 , wherein the button joining element and the first button are arranged such that depression of the button joining element depresses the first button.

31. The method according to claim 24 , wherein the flow regulator is configured to additionally assume a suction activation state, in which the flow regulator (a) effects the fluid communication between the suction port and the suction lumen, and (b) does not effect the inflation of the inflatable element.

32. The method according to claim 31 ,

wherein the single one of the user-interface elements is configured (a) to assume at least first, second, and third spatial positions, and (b) to transition between the first and the third spatial positions via the second spatial position, and

wherein the input module is configured such that:

when the single one of the user-interface elements is in the first spatial position, the flow regulator is in the base activation state,

when the single one of the user-interface elements is in the second spatial position, the flow regulator is in the suction activation state, and

when the single one of the user-interface elements is in the third spatial position, the flow regulator is in the inflation/suction activation state.

33. The method according to claim 32 ,

wherein the one or more user-interface elements comprise first and second buttons,

wherein the single one of the user-interface elements is the first button, and

wherein the mechanical user control element further comprises a button joining element, which is fixed to the first button, and arranged such that (a) depression of the first button from the first spatial to the second spatial position does not also depress the second button, and (b) further depression of the first button from the second spatial position to the third spatial position causes simultaneous depression of the second button.

34. The method according to claim 33 , wherein the button joining element and the first button are arranged such that depression of the button joining element depresses the first button.

35. The method according to claim 24 , wherein the pressurized fluid source includes a syringe.

36. The method according to claim 24 , wherein the flow regulator is configured such that only the single one of the user-interface elements sets the activation states of the flow regulator.