BODY-SPACE DRAINAGE-TUBE DEBRIS REMOVAL

Abstract

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a debris removal system is provided for a body-space drainage system having one or more body tubes with a body tube lumen disposed therein. The debris-removal system comprises an elongated cleaning member and a cleaning head adapted to be advanced distally at least a portion of a length of the body tube lumen to dislodge debris therein. A collapsible sheath can be used to maintain a sterile field in the body tube lumen while the cleaning member is being used by enclosing at least a portion of the cleaning member that is not contained within the body tube lumen, and permitting external digital manipulation of the cleaning member through the sheath to advance and/or retract the cleaning member, and cleaning head, in the body tube lumen.

Claims

1. A debris-removal system comprising: a. a body tube having a first body tube lumen; b. a cleaning member extending distally from a proximal opening of the body tube and adapted for manipulation within the body tube lumen; c. the cleaning member comprising a flexible filament adapted to traverse a curvature of the body tube lumen when advanced through the body tube lumen by manipulation from a proximal end of the cleaning member.

2. The debris-removal system of claim 1, wherein the flexible filament is selected from the group consisting of semi-rigid wire, plastic rod, and tubing.

3. The debris-removal system of claim 1, further comprising a cleaning head disposed at or adjacent a distal end of the flexible filament.

4. The debris-removal system of claim 3, the cleaning head being configured such that it permits free flow of material past the cleaning head through said lumen regardless whether the cleaning head is at rest within the lumen or is being actuated therein to dislodge debris.

5. The debris-removal system of claim 1, the cleaning member being configured such that a distal end of the flexible filament cannot exit a distal end of the body tube upon actuation of the cleaning member.

6. The debris-removal system of claim 1, further comprising an irrigation port adapted to expel a fluid within the body tube lumen effective to assist in dislodgment and/or break-up of debris therein.

7. The debris-removal system of claim 6, the fluid being expelled under pressure in the form of a fluid jet adapted to mechanically dislodge and/or break up said debris.

8. The debris-removal system of claim 1, further comprising a collapsible sheath in communication with the body tube lumen and adapted to contain at least a portion of the cleaning member that is not contained within the body tube lumen.

9. The debris-removal system of claim 8, the collapsible sheath comprising a rotatable coupling to couple the proximal end of the cleaning member to a manipulation device.

10. The debris-removal system of claim 1, the flexible filament further comprising a flexible filament lumen defining a suction path for collection and removal of debris.

11. The debris-removal system of claim 1, the first body tube lumen branching into a plurality of second body tube lumens.

12. The debris-removal system of claim 3, wherein actuation of the cleaning member causes a corresponding actuation of the cleaning head to dislodge debris within the body tube lumen without compromising a sterile field within the body tube.

13. The debris-removal system of claim 1, the body tube lumen being under a vacuum drawn from a proximal end of the body tube during actuation of the cleaning member.

14. The debris-removal system of claim 1, further comprising a manipulation device coupled to the cleaning member.

15. The debris-removal system of claim 14, the manipulation device being effective impart vibratory motion to the cleaning member.

Description

DRAWINGS

[0050] FIG. 1 is a side view of a common body-space drainage-tube system;

[0051] FIG. 2 is a front view of a debris-removal system coupled with a body-space drainage-tube system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a debris-removal system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] FIGS. 4 and 5 are partial side views of a flexible filament debris-removal system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] FIG. 6A is a side view of a cleaning member distal end comprising a cleaning head in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] FIG. 6B is a side view of a cleaning member distal end comprising cleaning member distal tip in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

[0056] FIG. 7 is a side view of a debris-removal system further comprising a filament manipulation device in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

[0057] FIG. 8 is a side view of a debris-removal system further comprising another embodiment of a filament manipulation device in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

[0058] FIG. 9 is a partial side view of a tubular filament debris-removal system, wherein the cleaning member is a tubular filament, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

[0059] FIG. 10 is a partial side view of a tubular filament distal end comprising an angular tip, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0060] FIG. 11 is a partial side view of a tubular filament debris-removal system adapted for expelling fluid from the tubular filament distal end, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0061] FIG. 12A is a partial side view of an expandable debris-removal system, wherein the cleaning member is a tubular filament comprising a tubular filament distal end having an expandable portion, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0062] FIG. 12B is a partial side view of an expandable debris-removal system, wherein the cleaning member is a tubular filament comprising a tubular filament distal end having an expandable portion, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0063] FIG. 13 is a side view of an arrowhead expandable distal tip having an arrowhead-shaped profile, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0064] FIG. 14 is a side view of an expanding wall cleaning member comprising an expandable portion along a portion of the length of the distal end in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0065] FIG. 15A is a side view of the distal end comprising an expandable portion not integral with the tubular filament, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0066] FIG. 15B is a side view of the distal end comprising a plurality of expandable portions not integral with the tubular filament, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0067] FIG. 16A is a side view of a distal end comprising an expandable portion, further comprising an elastic cord in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0068] FIG. 16B is a side view of a distal end comprising an expandable portion, further comprising an elastic cord in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0069] FIG. 17 is a side view of a distal end of an umbrella cleaning member comprising an umbrella-like expandable portion in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0070] FIG. 18 is a side view of a distal end of a cleaning member of FIG. 17;

[0071] FIG. 19 is a side view of a distal end of a cleaning member of FIG. 17;

[0072] FIG. 20 is a side view of a distal end of a cleaning member comprising a plurality of umbrella-like expandable portions, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0073] FIG. 21 is a side view of a distal end of a body tube that is bifurcated into a plurality of body tube distal ends in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] FIG. 22 is a side view of a distal end of a body tube that is bifurcated into a plurality of body tube distal ends, wherein each body tube distal end is associated with a cleaning member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION

[0075] Referring again to FIG. 1, a common body-space drainage system 2 comprises one or more body tubes 10, corresponding coupler 12, a canister tube 14, a drainage canister 16, and a vacuum source 18. A body tube 10 is a long, semi-stiff, clear plastic tube having a body-tube distal end 11 and a body-tube proximal end 13 with a body tube lumen 15 disposed therein The body-tube distal end 11 is adapted to be inserted into the chest or other body space (or body cavity) and the body-tube proximal end 13 is adapted to extend outside of the body for coupling with the canister tube 14. Various embodiments in accordance with the present invention are used to clear the body tube lumen 15 of foreign material, such as, but not limited to, blood clot, that can impair the function of the body tube 10. Various embodiments of the present invention are also used to irrigate the body tube 10.

[0076] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a debris-removal system 20 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The debris-removal system 20 comprises a cleaning member 24, a collapsible sheath 22, and a coupler 23. The debris-removal system 20 is shown as assembled onto a body-space drainage system 2.

[0077] The cleaning member 24 is an elongated member comprises a cleaning member distal end 26 and a cleaning member proximal end 28. The cleaning member distal end 26 is adapted to enter the body tube lumen 15 at or near the body-tube proximal end 13 and be advanced distally at least a portion of the length of the body tube lumen 15. The collapsible sheath 22 is adapted to contain at least a portion of the cleaning member 24 that is not contained within the body tube lumen 15. The collapsible sheath 22 is adapted to be flexible so as to allow external digital manipulation of the cleaning member proximal end 28 within of the collapsible sheath 22. For example, the collapsible sheath 22 allows for grasping a portion of the cleaning member 24 within the collapsible sheath 22 for advancing, retracting and manipulating the cleaning member 24 within the body tube lumen 15.

[0078] The collapsible sheath 22 comprises a suitable material for the particular purpose. In embodiments in accordance with the present invention, the collapsible sheath 22 comprises a flexible film comprising synthetic resinous material, such as, but not limited to, medical grade polyethylene film. The collapsible sheath 22 is manually collapsed, such as between the thumb and index finger of the practitioner, and the like, in order to manipulate the cleaning member 24 contained therein. The collapsible sheath 22 is adapted to retain and maintain a sterile environment, and, were applicable, the vacuum, of the body-space drainage system 2.

[0079] In embodiments in accordance with the present invention, the collapsible sheath 22 is adapted to contain a fully retracted cleaning member 24 so as to provide an unobstructed flow path through the body tube lumen 15 to the canister tube 14.

[0080] The collapsible sheath 22 is adapted to couple at or near the proximal end 13 of the body tube 10 so as to provide a fluid tight and sterile seal with the body tube lumen 15. The cleaning member 24 can therefore be advanced and retracted within the body tube lumen 15 without the need to break the sterile seal or to interrupt the vacuum of a closed vacuum system.

[0081] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the debris-removal system 20, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The coupler 23 comprises a body tube port 25, a canister tube port 28, and the collapsible sheath port 29. The body tube port 25 and the canister tube port 28 are adapted to couple with the body tube 10 and canister tube 14, respectively. The collapsible sheath port 29 is adapted to couple the collapsible sheath 22. The coupler 23 is adapted to provide a fluid path between the body tube 10 and the canister tube 14, and a path to insert the cleaning member 24.

[0082] In an embodiment in accordance with the present invention, the coupler 23 is adapted to provide a removable coupling between the collapsible sheath 22 and the drainage system 2. The collapsible sheath 22 is coupled to the coupler 23 at the coupling end 25 of the collapsible sheath 22. The collapsible sheath 22 permits the operator to manipulate the cleaning member 24 and insert the cleaning member distal end 26 into the body tube 10 via the collapsible sheath port 29 of the coupler 23 while maintaining sterility and vacuum. The proximal end 28 of the cleaning member 24 remains outside the coupler 23 so that the operator can manipulate the cleaning member 24 with isolation maintained by the collapsible sheath 22.

[0083] Embodiments of the present invention provide a coupler 23 to provide use of the debris-removal system 20 without disconnection of the canister tube 14. It is understood that other embodiments are anticipated providing the debris-removal system 20 to couple with a straight coupler 12, as shown in FIG. 1, but requiring the disconnection of the canister tube 14.

[0084] Various embodiments of the cleaning member 24 are anticipated, some of which are presented below.

[0085] FIGS. 4 and 5 are partial side views of a flexible filament debris-removal system 30, wherein the cleaning member 24 is a flexible filament 24a, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The flexible filament 24a is fabricated from material suitable for the particular purpose, including, but not limited to, polymers, such as, but not limited to polyvinyl chloride, in the form of such as, but not limited to, wire, plastic rod, and tubular members.

[0086] The flexible filament is adapted to mechanically clean the body tube lumen 15 using mechanical dislodgment of the foreign material 19. The flexible filament 24a is sufficiently flexible to traverse the curvature of the body tube lumen 15, but is sufficiently rigid so as to prevent buckling when advanced through the body tube lumen 15 by pushing from about the cleaning member proximal end 28 and to dislodge and/or break up foreign material 19 within the body tube lumen 15 as it makes contact with the foreign matter. The foreign material 19 is dislodged from the body tube lumen 15 and carried to the canister (not shown) via the vacuum system (not shown).

[0087] FIG. 6A is a side view of a cleaning member distal end 26 comprising a cleaning head 31 that is at an oblique angle relative to the cleaning member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The cleaning head 31 is adapted to provide additional surface area and/or means for dislodging and/or break up of foreign material 19 within the body tube lumen 15.

[0088] FIG. 6B is a side view of a cleaning member 24a in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The cleaning member 24a comprises a cleaning member distal end 26 comprising a cleaning member distal tip 46 adapted to provide an enhanced surface, such as, but not limited to, an abrasive or sharp surface, so as to assist in dislodging foreign material 19 within the body tube lumen 15.

[0089] FIG. 7 is a side view of a debris-removal system 20 further comprising a filament manipulation device 52, the coupler not shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The filament manipulation device 52 is adapted to couple with the cleaning member proximal end 28 and impart vibratory excitation thereto.

[0090] The collapsible sheath 22 comprises a collapsible sheath proximal end 33 that is coupled with the cleaning member proximal end 28. The filament manipulation device 52 is adapted to couple with the collapsible sheath proximal end 33 and therefore couple with the cleaning member proximal end 28. In one embodiment, the filament manipulation device 52 imparts a vibratory motion to the cleaning member 24 which provides relative motion to the cleaning member distal tip 26. This relative motion of the cleaning member distal tip 26 assists in the dislodgment and/or breakup of the foreign material 19 when placed in contact therewith.

[0091] In another embodiment in accordance with the present invention, the filament manipulation device 53 comprises an ultrasonic transducer that couples sonic energy to, and therefore vibratory motion, the cleaning member 24. A vibratory motion is adapted to induce sonic motion to the cleaning member distal tip 26 as well as any surrounding fluid, further assisting in the breakup and/or dislodgment of the foreign material 19.

[0092] FIG. 8 is a side view of a debris-removal system 20 further comprising another embodiment of a filament manipulation device 53, in accordance with the present invention. The collapsible sheath 22 comprises a collapsible sheath proximal end 33 that is coupled with the cleaning member proximal end 28. The filament manipulation device 53 is adapted to couple with the collapsible sheath proximal end 33 and therefore couple with the cleaning member proximal end 28. In an embodiment, the filament manipulation device 53 imparts a rotary motion to the cleaning member which provides rotary motion, or whipping motion, to the cleaning member distal tip 26. This rotary motion of the cleaning member distal tip 26 assists in the dislodgment and/or breakup of the foreign material 19.

[0093] In an embodiment in accordance with the present invention, the collapsible sheath proximal end 33 comprises a rotatable coupling 35. The rotatable coupling 35 is adapted to couple the cleaning member proximal end 33 with the manipulation device 53. The rotatable coupling 35 is adapted to provide a fluid and sterile seal while allowing the manipulation device 53 to rotate the cleaning member 24a.

[0094] It is anticipated that the manipulation device 53 can be adapted to provide various motions to the cleaning member 24a to assist in the breakup and/or removal of the foreign material 19. These motions include, but are not limited to, vibration, rotation, oscillatory rotation, and combinations there of.

[0095] FIG. 9 is a partial side view of a tubular filament debris-removal system 40, coupler not shown, wherein the cleaning member 24 is a tubular filament 24b, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The tubular filament 24b comprises a tubular filament proximal end 38, tubular filament distal end 36, and a filament lumen 37 there through. As with the filament member 24a described above, the tubular filament 24b is adapted to mechanically clean the body tube lumen 15 by mechanical breakup and/or dislodgment of the foreign material 19.

[0096] In another embodiment in accordance with the present invention, the filament lumen 37 provides a flow path to and/or from the tubular filament distal end 36 and the tubular filament proximal end 38. The tubular filament 24b is sufficiently flexible to traverse curvature of the body tube lumen 15, but is sufficiently rigid so as to advance through the body tube lumen 15 without buckling by pushing from the tubular filament proximal end 38 and to dislodge and/or break up foreign material 19 within the body tube lumen 15.

[0097] In one embodiment as shown in FIG. 9, the filament lumen 37 is adapted to provide a suction or vacuum path for the collection and removal of the dislodged foreign material 19. The tubular filament proximal end 38 is coupled with a vacuum source 39 adapted to extract the foreign material 19. By way of example, wherein the debris-removal system 40 is coupled to a chest tube in a closed-suction tube system to drain blood and fluid and air from the chest, this embodiment of the present invention provides a second closed-suction tube system to clear the body tube lumen 15, in essence, providing a double closed-suction system.

[0098] A tubular filament 24b suitable for the particular purpose includes, but is not limited to, a suction catheter adapted to vacuum-remove loosened foreign material 19. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a debris-removal system comprises a closed tracheal suction system used for the drainage of endotracheal tubes and a coupler 23, suitable to provide access to the closed tracheal suction system and the endotracheal tubes.

[0099] FIG. 10 is a partial side view of a tubular filament 24b including a tubular filament distal end 36a comprising an obliquely angular tip 34, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The angular tip 34 provides an aggressive structure to assist in the dislodgment of the foreign material.

[0100] It is anticipated that the tubular filament embodiments can be augmented with embodiments of the manipulation device 52 as presented previously.

[0101] FIG. 11 is a partial side view of the tubular filament debris-removal system 42, wherein the cleaning member 24 is a tubular filament 24b with a filament lumen 37 adapted for expelling fluid from the tubular filament distal end 36, in accordance with the present invention. A tubular filament 24b suitable for the particular purpose includes, but is not limited to, a catheter with a distal irrigation port adapted to expel fluid.

[0102] In one embodiment in accordance with the present invention, the fluid is expelled from the tubular filament distal end 36 at a predetermined pressure so as to assist in the dislodgment and/or break up of the foreign material 19. A fluid jet 42 is produced so as to provide an aggressive cleaning action. The fluid jet 42 is adapted to mechanically dislodge and/or break up the foreign material. The fluid jet 42 can be continuous or pulsed.

[0103] In another embodiment in accordance with the present invention, the fluid jet 42 is provided with sonic energy to provide vibratory action to the fluid to further assist in the cleaning action.

[0104] In an embodiment in accordance with the present invention, a fluid supply system 43 is coupled to the collapsible sheath proximal end 33 of the collapsible sheath 22 in fluid communication with the tubular filament distal end 38.

[0105] In another embodiment in accordance with the present invention, the fluid expelled from the tubular filament distal end 38 is a solution provided to assist in the dislodgment, dissolution and/or breakup of the foreign matter. Fluids suitable for the particular purpose include, but are not limited to, anti-thrombolytic agents, Alkalol, among others.

[0106] In another embodiment in accordance with the present invention, the fluid expelled from the tubular filament distal end 38 is a therapeutic agent added to provide integrity of the drainage system 2. Fluids suitable for the particular purpose include, but are not limited to, antibiotic agents and anti-neoplastic agents.

[0107] Once dislodged and/or broken up, the foreign material flows through the body tube lumen 15 to the canister tube 14 and drainage canister 16, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0108] In other embodiments in accordance with the present invention, the filament lumen 37 of the tubular filament 24b is adapted so as to permit the introduction of a sensor, such as, but not limited to, an ultrasound or other sensor device for diagnostic imaging within the body-space tube 10.

[0109] In other embodiments in accordance with the present invention, the filament lumen 37 of the tubular filament 24b is adapted to introduce cameras, or other devices into the body tube lumen 15 while maintaining a sterile environment with respect to body tube 10.

[0110] FIG. 12A is a partial side view of an expandable debris-removal system 50, wherein the cleaning member 24 is a tubular filament 24c comprising a tubular filament distal end 36b having an expandable portion 44 in fluid communication with a filament lumen 37, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The expandable portion 44 is adapted to facilitate mechanical manipulation of the foreign material 19 to assist in the removal from the body tube lumen 15. The expandable portion 44 is adapted to have a relaxed state in which the tubular filament distal end 36 has a minimal profile X and an expanded state wherein the tubular filament distal end 36 has an enlarged profile Y. The expandable portion 44 is expanded by the advancement of inflation fluid from an inflation fluid delivery system 45, through the filament lumen 37 to the expandable portion 44. The inflation fluid is controlled at the tubular member proximal end 38b.

[0111] The expandable portion 44 is adapted to facilitate mechanical manipulation of the foreign material 19 to assist in the removal from the body tube lumen 15. The expandable portion 44 is advanced distal to (or beyond) the foreign material 19 while in a relaxed state. The expandable portion 44 is enlarged to take on a profile to at least partially occlude the body tube lumen 15. Withdrawal of the cleaning member 24 from the body tube lumen 15 causes the expanded portion 44 to abut and dislodge the foreign material 19, carrying the foreign material 19 distally to the canister tube 14.

[0112] In one embodiment in accordance with the present invention, the expandable portion 44 is adapted to fully occlude the body tube lumen 15, wherein the expandable portion 44 provides a squeegee action to clean the body tube lumen 15 of the foreign material 19.

[0113] In embodiments in accordance with the present invention, the fluid pressure of the inflation fluid is delivered to the expandable portion 44 by an external fluid source 45a comprising a reservoir 46 coupled to the filament lumen 37 at the tubular filament proximal end 38b of the cleaning member 24. In one embodiment in accordance with the present invention, a fluid pressure source 45a, such as, but not limited to, an elastic bulb or fluid-filled syringe, is provided exterior to the collapsible sheath 22 and coupled to the cleaning member 24 through a coupling. Sterility of the filament lumen 37 is not essential as the fluid is not in communication with the sterile drainage system 20.

[0114] Embodiments of the reservoir 46 comprise, among others, a compliant bulb, balloon, syringe, or other fluid supply means. In one embodiment wherein the reservoir is a compliant bulb, the bulb is compressed displacing the fluid from the reservoir 46 expanding the expandable portion 44. The compression of the bulb is subsequently relaxed to allow the fluid to return to the reservoir 46 and the expandable portion 44 to collapse to the original state.

[0115] FIG. 12B illustrates yet another embodiment in accordance with the present invention, wherein the fluid source 45b, such as, but not limited to, an elastic bulb, is provided within the collapsible sheath 22. In this embodiment, the inflation fluid remains sterile in the event of rupture of the expandable portion 44.

[0116] In the embodiment of FIG. 12A, the expandable portion 44 is a bulb 45 at the tubular filament distal end 36b which is adapted to expand under fluid pressure and recoil back to substantially the original position upon withdrawal of the-fluid pressure. The tubular filament distal end 36b is adapted to expand in a substantially spherical confirmation. Such a configuration can be fabricated in a number of ways, including, but not limited to, preferential material thickness at the tubular filament distal end 36b such that the expandable portion 44 expands and the remaining portion of the tubular filament distal end 36b remains substantially unexpanded. In another embodiment, an expandable portion 44, such as a balloon, is coupled to the tubular filament distal end 36b.

[0117] FIG. 13 is a side view of another embodiment of the tubular filament 24c in accordance with the present invention, comprising an expandable distal tip 47 having an arrowhead-shaped or umbrella profile. Such a configuration presents an aggressive structure for dislodging and/or breaking up foreign material 19 when pulled out of the body-space lumen 15. Other configurations are anticipated.

[0118] FIG. 14 shows an embodiment of the present invention wherein the expanding portion 44 comprises an expanding wall portion 48 along a portion of the length of the tubular filament distal end 36b, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The expandable wall portion 48 is in fluid communication with the filament lumen 37 and adapted so as to expand to an enlarged state Y from a relaxed state X upon presented with fluid pressure. The expandable wall portion 48 is adapted to expand or contract by the fluid therein. The fluid source is substantially the same as previously described and shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, is adapted to pressurize the filament lumen 37 which in turn expands the expandable portion 44 to a larger diameter than the relaxed state. The tubular filament distal end 36d is advanced such that the expandable portion 44 extends beyond the foreign material 19 to be cleared from the body tube lumen 15. The fluid source is used to inflate the expandable wall portion 48 to a diameter sufficient so as to permit the advancement of the foreign material 19 down the body lumen 15 when the tubular filament 24c is pulled in a proximal direction.

[0119] In an embodiment in accordance with the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 12A, 13, and 14, the expandable portion 44 is integral with the tubular filament 24c.

[0120] FIG. 15A is a side view of the tubular filament distal end 36d comprising an expandable portion 44 not integral with, but coupled to, the tubular filament 24c, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The expandable portion 44 is coupled to the tubular filament distal end 36d in manufacturing techniques employed, such as, but not limited to, in the production of angioplasty catheters. In one embodiment, the expandable portion 45 is a substantially non-resilient film material that is adapted to unfold and expand under internal fluid pressure and collapse and refold to a low profile upon the removal of internal fluid pressure.

[0121] In another embodiment, the expandable portion 44 comprises an elastic material adapted to substantially relax to the original state upon removal of the internal fluid pressure.

[0122] FIG. 15B is a side view of the tubular filament distal end 36d comprising a plurality of expandable portions 44, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The plurality of expandable portions 44 are spaced a predetermined distance apart along the length of the tubular filament 24c. Multiple expandable portions 44 provide additional cleaning surface for abutting, dislodging and moving of foreign material 19.

[0123] FIG. 16A is a side view of a tubular filament distal end 36d comprising an expandable portion 44, further comprising an elastic cord 56, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The elastic cord 56 is adapted to provide a restoring force to reposition the cleaning member 24 adjacent the body tube distal end 11. The elastic cord 56 is coupled to the body tube distal end 11 and the cleaning member distal end 26. As the cleaning member 24 is withdrawn from the body tube 10, the elastic cord 56 presents a return force to bring the cleaning member distal end 26 back to the body tube distal end 11.

[0124] The elastic cord 56 comprises an elastic property and undergoes tension as the cleaning member 24 is retracted into the collapsible sheath 22, and, upon release of the cleaning member proximal end 28 of the cleaning member 24, the cleaning member distal end 26 is drawn towards the body tube distal end 11.

[0125] In the embodiment in accordance with FIG. 16A, the cleaning member 24 further comprises a cross-bar support 55 adapted to couple the cleaning member 24 to the body tube distal end 11. The cleaning member 24 is advanced to adjacent the body tube distal end 11, wherein the cross-bar support 55 is slidingly received in the body tube lumen 15 at an acute angle with the axis of the body tube lumen 15. The cleaning member 24 is advanced such that the cross-bar support 55 exits the body tube lumen 15. The cross-bar support 55 turns substantially perpendicular to the body tube 10 and acts as an anchor for the elastic cord 56 at the body tube distal end 11.

[0126] FIG. 17 is a side view of a distal end of an umbrella cleaning member 60 comprising an umbrella-lice expandable portion 58 comprising of a plurality of struts 57 and webs 59, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The cleaning member 24 comprises a flexible filament having an umbrella-like expandable portion 58 coupled to the filament distal end 36e. The umbrella cleaning member 60 is adapted to collapse to a narrow profile X when advancing beyond the foreign material 19, and expand to substantially occlude the body tube lumen 15 when withdrawn, abutting and pushing the foreign material 19 towards the body tube proximal end 13.

[0127] FIG. 18 is a side view of a distal end of a cleaning member comprising an umbrella-like expandable portion 58 comprising of a plurality of struts 57 and webs 59 lifting and moving the foreign material 19 distally from the body tube lumen 15. In the expanded state, the webs 59, carried by the struts 57, open to at least substantially occlude the body tube lumen 15 and form an apex 61 pointing distally. The struts 57 and the webs 59 provide a structure that is adapted to breakup and/or remove foreign material 19 from the body tube lumen 15 as the cleaning member 24 is advanced proximally.

[0128] In another embodiment in accordance with the present invention, referring again to the embodiment of FIG. 17, the umbrella cleaning member 60 is coupled to the body tube distal end 11 with a cord 56 substantially as described above.

[0129] FIG. 19 is a side view of a distal end of a cleaning member 24 comprising an umbrella-like expandable portion 58 comprising of a plurality of struts 57 and webs 59 returning (moving distally) to the body tube distal end 11. The struts 57 and webs 59 fold down to a low profile X and substantially parallel with the body tube lumen 15 when returning to the body tube distal end 11 and when the cord 56 is in the relaxed state. The undeployed position allows the cleaning member 24 to transit past any remaining foreign material 19 that was not removed subsequently, as well as allow the continuous flow of drainage fluid.

[0130] The umbrella-like expandable portion 58 is adapted to mechanically clean the body tube lumen 15 by mechanical dislodgment of the foreign material 19. The cleaning member 24c is sufficiently flexible to traverse the curvature of the body tube lumen 15, but is sufficiently rigid so as to not buckle when advanced through the body tube lumen 15 by pushing from the proximal end and to advance past the foreign material 19. Further, the umbrella-lice expandable portion 58 is sufficiently stiff when expanded so as to dislodge the foreign material 19 within the body tube lumen 15 as it makes contact therewith.

[0131] FIG. 20 is a side view of a cleaning member distal end 36e of a cleaning member 24 comprises a plurality of umbrella-like expandable portions 58 comprising of a plurality of struts 57 and webs 59, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The plurality of umbrella-like expandable portions 58 are coupled to either adjacent umbrella-like expandable portions 58 or to the body tube distal end 11 with an elastic cord 56. Having more than one umbrella-like expandable portion 58 reduces the extent in which each umbrella-like expandable portion 58 needs to traverse within the body tube lumen 15. In addition, each cord 56 may elongate independently from each other. It is anticipated that if the umbrella-like expandable portions 58 exhibit significant friction against the body tube lumen 15, multiple elastic cords 56 my stretch disproportionate to other elastic cords 56 in a multiple elastic cord system.

[0132] The umbrella-like expandable portions 58 are adapted to present a folded/compressed/closed state and an unfolded/extended/open state. The umbrella-like expandable portions 58 adapted to open when the cleaning member proximal end 38 is pulled causing the umbrella-like expandable portions 58 to advance towards the body tube proximal end 13, and to close when the cleaning member proximal end 38 is released causing the umbrella-like expandable portions 58 to be drawn towards the body tube distal end 11.

[0133] FIG. 21 is a side view of a distal end 11 of a body tube that bifurcates into a plurality of body tube distal ends 11a, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The body tube cleaning member 24 of the debris-removal system is adapted to be able to traverse any one of the multiple body tube distal ends 11a.

[0134] In another embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of body-space drainage tubes are received within the body that are interconnected internal to the body forming a single drainage tube exiting out of one puncture site, such as, but not limited to, bifurcated or trifurcated tube, permitting the tubes to be kept clear from one proximal location, the cleaning member having a plurality of distal cleaning members corresponding to the plurality of drainage tubes.

[0135] Other embodiments of the present invention include a small diameter body tube that enters the patient's chest via a small hole. Once inside the chest, the tube divides into two or more ends, herein called phalanges. Within each phalange is a tube clearing device, as described above. In one application, by way of example, one phalange is positioned over the surface of the heart, one is positioned along the inferior surface of the heart, and one is positioned in the left chest. AU drain to a single tube that exits the body. In this embodiment, all the critical areas of the chest are drained through a single tube that exits the chest wall and skin.

[0136] Likewise, after lung or pleural surgery, one phalange is positioned along the medial surface of the lung, one along the base along the diaphragm, and one along the posterior gutter going to the apex. In this way, all the critical areas of the chest are drained after lung surgery with a single tube exiting the skin and chest wall. Efficacy is maintained, or even increased, and invasiveness, pain, and ultimately cosmesis, are all positively addressed. Multiple double-lumen tubes are bonded together using thin, polymeric severable membranes with a single common connector being attached to one end of the tubes.

[0137] After the multi-lumen tubes are inserted into the chest cavity through a single entry in the chest wall, they can be severed to form individual multi-lumen tubes which can be positioned to drain various sites inside the chest cavity. The reduction of insertion sites lessens the possibility of potential chest-tube-site infections. Various embodiments of the present invention provide a cleaning member that advances in and out of the body tube lumen. Embodiments of the present invention provides that body tubes can be miniaturized Clinicians can choose smaller diameter/lumen body tubes or catheters for drainage if the fear of clotting and clogging is reduced or eliminated. For example, if, for fear of clogging, one routinely uses a 36 F catheter after heart surgery, with embodiments of the present invention, one could use an 8 or 10 F tube, which would hurt less while in place, hurt less when removed, and leave a smaller scar. Furthermore, since smaller tubes could be more readily used, they could be more readily inserted by a wider base of practitioners, due to the reduced need for expertise to insert and clinically manage the tube. Smaller holes mean less pain, less risk of infection, and less risk that the patient will have a complication from air sucking back into the chest through the hole left in the chest wall while it is healing. Larger holes require a stitch to close, and stitches need to be removed, which is time-consuming for the clinician and painful and inconvenient for the patient. A 10 F hole could be easily closed with a bandage, rather than requiring a stitch.