Portable Medical Venting System

Abstract

The present embodiment provides a container for the collection and aspiration of air from a bodily area. Present embodiment comprises an air inlet passage that permits air to flow from a body to a collection chamber in the container and an outlet path for evacuation of air therefrom. Present embodiment is portable, manually operated, and fluid less.

Claims

1. An air venting container comprising: a. a container as claimed in claim 1 wherein the container body comprises a substantially closed bag defining an interior space, and b. a container as claimed in claim 1 wherein an air inlet passage comprises a tubular member, having a first end and a second end, an outer surface and an inner surface, and c. a container as claimed in claim 1 wherein an air outlet passage of the container comprises at least one aperture extending from the outer surface to the inner surface of the container, and d. a container as claimed in claim 1 wherein the container comprises a mounting portion, and e. a container as claimed in claim 1 whereby present embodiment provides a container for the collection and aspiration of air from a body, and f. a container as claimed in claim 1 substantially as here-before described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

2. An air venting container in accordance with claim 1 and further comprising: a. a container as claimed in claim 2 wherein the container comprises a valve which allows a forward flow and prevents backflow of air, and b. a container as claimed in claim 2 wherein the container body is comprises a substantially closed bag defining an interior space, and c. a container as claimed in claim 2 wherein an air inlet passage comprises a tubular member, having a first end and a second end, an outer surface and an inner surface, and d. a container as claimed in claim 2 wherein an air outlet passage of the container comprises at least one aperture extending from the outer surface to the inner surface of the container, and e. a container as claimed in claim 2 wherein the container comprises a mounting portion, and f. a container as claimed in claim 2 whereby present embodiment provides a container for the collection and aspiration of air from a body, and g. a container as claimed in claim 2 substantially as here-before described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0022] FIG. 1: diagrammatic view showing approximate placement of the venting bag (106) in relationship to the body and wound (88) with view showing venting bag (106) mounted approximately on patient's thigh.

[0023] FIG. 2: [0024] a. diagrammatic view showing an adapted outlet nozzle (28) at the unidirectional valve distal end (26) and air inlet passage proximal end (32) communication in disconnect mode. [0025] b. exploded diagrammatic view showing the adapted outlet nozzle (28) at the unidirectional valve distal end (26) and air passage proximal end (32) communication in disconnect mode. [0026] c. diagrammatic view showing the air inlet passage (34) cut to size at the air inlet passage proximal end (32).

[0027] FIG. 3: [0028] a. diagrammatic view showing the unidirectional valve distal end (26) and air inlet passage proximal end (32) in connected mode with securing grip.sup.7 (30). [0029] b. exploded view showing securing grip (30) in the connected mode imbricating the unidirectional valve distal end (26) and air inlet passage proximal end (32).

[0030] FIG. 4: In an alternate embodiment a channel valve (108) is configured into the container and being embedded, welded, fused, glued, adhered, bonded, sealed, or otherwise attached.

[0031] FIG. 5: diagrammatic view of the venting bag (106).

[0032] FIG. 6: [0033] a. diagrammatic view of the vent assembly base (86) in deployment exposing deflation slit (92). [0034] b. diagrammatic view showing evacuation of captured PAL air (84) from the venting bag (106). [0035] c. cross sectional view of the vent assembly base (86).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0036] FIG. 1: diagrammatic view with approximate placement of venting bag (106) in relationship to the body and wound (88). The optimal location of chest tube (20) is dependent upon clinical need at completion of pulmonary resection, open cardiac procedures, disease, thoracic trauma and other thoracic procedures.sup.8. Diagrammatic view, shows the wound (88), an established in practice unidirectional valve (82), an established in practice unidirectional valve-air inlet passage proximal end connection (110) and the venting bag (106) mounted approximately on patient thigh. The mounting member comprises a right top strap aperture (104), a left top strap aperture (56), a right bottom strap aperture (70), a left bottom strap aperture (62), a top mounting strap (76) and a bottom mounting strap (72). The top mounting strap (76) and bottom mounting strap (72) may be detachable and adjustable leg-encircling suspension straps, comprising a releasable fastening means, such as, but not limited to, an adhesive, a clip, a hook and eye, a button, a zip, Velcro, a combination thereof or the like thereby providing reliable attachment, good mobility and convenience of use.

[0037] FIG. 2: [0038] a. diagrammatic view showing an adapted outlet nozzle (28) at the unidirectional valve distal end (26) and air inlet passage proximal end (32) communication in disconnect mode. [0039] b. exploded diagrammatic view showing the adapted outlet nozzle (28) at the unidirectional valve distal end (26) and air inlet passage proximal end (32) communication in disconnect mode. [0040] c. diagrammatic view showing the air inlet passage (34) wherein the overall length may be comprised such as but not limited to the length required to sufficiently accommodate motion or patient movements and anatomical variations. View shows adjusting the length at the air inlet passage proximal end (32) with scissors (102).

[0041] FIG. 3: [0042] a. diagrammatic view showing unidirectional valve distal end (26) and air inlet passage proximal end (32) in connected mode with securing grip (30). [0043] b. exploded view showing securing grip (30) in connected mode imbricating the unidirectional valve distal end (26) and air inlet passage proximal end (32) connection. This connection should be adequately strong, reliable and tight for securing the preferred embodiment when in use to prevent preferred embodiment from becoming disturbed, damage or entangled with other equipment. Further, the connection should preferably be releasable, making it possible both to disconnect and connect. Still further, the connection operation should preferably be simple, quick and reliable.

[0044] FIG. 4: diagrammatic view of an alternate embodiment channel valve (108) configured into the container (106). Channel valve (108) may be embedded, welded, fused, glued, adhered, bonded, sealed, or otherwise attached.

[0045] FIG. 5: a diagrammatic view of the venting bag (106). The body of the container may be a venting bag (106) comprising a pair of opposed walls, front side (64) and back side (60) and may be comprised of an upper delimiting edge (54), a lower delimiting edge (68), a right lateral delimiting edge (74) and a left lateral delimiting edge (58). The venting bag (106) materials may be welded, fused, glued, adhered, bonded, sealed, embedded or otherwise attached together along at least a substantial portion of their peripheral edge delimiting a closed interior space, the collection chamber (66). The container may be of a size and weight that allows ease of mobility. The upper delimiting edge (54) of the venting bag (106) may comprise a reinforcing material formed from semi-rigid or rigid material, fused, glued, adhered, bonded, embedded or otherwise attached to the venting bag (106) material to reinforce and provide strength to an inlet path support member (78). The upper delimiting edge (54) may comprise a centered stoma (80) configured to receive the air inlet passage distal end (36). The stoma (80) may comprise at least an outer surface and an inner surface, and a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the stoma (80) may receive and enclose, without oblation, the air inlet passage distal end (36). The overall length of the air inlet passage distal end (36) may be comprised such as but not limited to approximately the length required to sufficiently extend from the outer surface of the upper delimiting edge (54) to a collection chamber (66) of the venting bag (106). The length of the stoma (80) between the proximal end and distal end preferably is not greater than the length of the air inlet passage distal end (36) such that a terminus air inlet passage (114) protrudes through the stoma (80), into the venting bag (106) collection chamber (66). The air inlet passage terminus (114) comprises a stoma valve opening (48) through which the captured PAL air (84) is vented into the collection chamber (66). The front side (64) of the venting bag (106) comprises a vent assembly base (86) comprising a reinforcing semi-rigid or rigid material. This connection is fused, glued, adhered, bonded, embedded or otherwise attached. The vent assembly base (86) comprises at least one deflation slit (92) aperture extending from approximately the outer surface to inner surface of the venting bag (106)-vent assembly base (86) communication. The vent assembly base (86) may be comprised of one or a plurality of deflation slit (92) apertures. The deflation slit (92) apertures preferably descend in size from one end to an opposite end of the vent assembly base (86). For example; the vent assembly base (86) may be comprised of varying deflation slit (92) apertures being, but not limited to, slit interstitial 0.5 cm (96), slit interstitial 1.5 cm (98), slit interstitial 2.0 cm (100) respectively. One or more deflation slits (92), may be exposed during expulsion of air. The mounting member may comprise an attachment means comprising a right top strap aperture (104), a left top strap aperture (56), a right bottom strap aperture (70), a left bottom strap aperture (62), a top mounting strap (76) and a bottom mounting strap (72). The top mounting strap (76) and bottom mounting strap (72) may be detachable, adjustable leg-encircling suspension straps, comprising a flexible material, releasable fastening means, such as, but not limited to, an adhesive, a clip, a hook and eye, a button, a zip, Velcro, a combination thereof or the like thereby providing reliable attachment, good mobility and convenience of use. These mounting straps may be secured to the patient's thigh or other bodily area and adjusted for proper fit and comfort.

[0046] FIG. 6: [0047] a. diagrammatic view showing the vent base assembly (86). The vent base assembly (86) comprises a hold-out area (94) formed in a peel off adhesive vent cover (90). The hold-out area (94) may be arranged to permit at least a portion of the vent cover (90) to be grasped by a user. The view shows deployment by exposing a deflation slit (92) by grasping and pulling the hold-out area (94) thereby substantially removing the peel off adhesive vent cover (90). [0048] b. diagrammatic view comprising the vent cover (90) mounted externally, wherein the vent cover (90) and the vent base assemble (86) are substantially the same size with the vent cover (90) substantially superimposed over the vent base assemble (86). The inner side of the vent cover (90) may be secured to the outer side of the vent base assemble (86). [0049] c. diagrammatic view showing manual activation by compression, aspirating the venting bag (106) for selectively controlling and evacuating of captured PAL air (84).

FIGURE NUMBERS

[0050] 20. Chest tube

[0051] 26. Unidirectional valve distal end

[0052] 28. Adapted outlet nozzle

[0053] 30. Securing grip

[0054] 32. Air inlet passage proximal end

[0055] 34. Air inlet passage

[0056] 36. Air inlet passage distal end

[0057] 38. Mesial air inlet passage

[0058] 48. Stoma valve opening

[0059] 52. Suspension apertures

[0060] 54. Upper delimiting edge

[0061] 56. Left top strap aperture

[0062] 58. Left lateral delimiting edge

[0063] 60. Back side

[0064] 62. Left bottom strap aperture

[0065] 64. Front side

[0066] 66. Collection chamber

[0067] 68. Lower delimiting edge

[0068] 70. Right bottom strap aperture

[0069] 72. Bottom mounting straps

[0070] 74. Right lateral delimiting edge

[0071] 76. Top mounting straps

[0072] 78. Inlet path support member

[0073] 80. Stoma

[0074] 82. Established in practice unidirectional valve

[0075] 84. Captured PAL air

[0076] 86. Vent assembly base

[0077] 88. Wound

[0078] 90. Vent cover

[0079] 92. Deflation slit

[0080] 94. Hold out area

[0081] 96. Slit Interstitial 0.5 cm

[0082] 98. Slit Interstitial 1.5 cm

[0083] 100. Slit Interstitial 2.0 cm

[0084] 102. Scissors

[0085] 104. Right top strap aperture

[0086] 106. Venting Bag

[0087] 108. Channel valve

[0088] 110. Established in practice unidirectional valve-Air inlet passage proximal end connection

[0089] 114. Air inlet passage terminus

[0090] 116. Channel valve distal end

[0091] 118. Channel valve proximal end

SUMMARY

[0092] According to present embodiment there is provided a container suitable for connection to an established in practice unidirectional valve for the collection and evacuation of air from, for example, a thoracic cavity. Present embodiment container may comprise an air inlet passage, a venting bag, a vent base assembly, and an adjustable leg-encircling mounting member. The container may be a medical/surgical container or bag. The present embodiment container may be sized and shaped to allow use as an ambulatory container or bag.

[0093] At completion of pulmonary resection, open cardiac procedures, thoracic trauma and other thoracic procedures, a flexible, plastic, chest tube may be placed percutaneous, and said chest tube passed out through the incision. The location of the chest tube is dependent on the clinical need at completion of pulmonary resection, open cardiac procedures, disease, thoracic trauma and other thoracic procedures. The chest tube distal end extends from the thoracic space typically attaching to the proximal end of an established in practice unidirectional valve. The unidirectional valve allows forward flow and prevents backflow of air. The present embodiment may attach to the established in practice unidirectional valve distal end. To engage the present embodiment the air inlet passage proximal end is preferably adjusted to size to an overall length such as but not limited to the length required to sufficiently accommodate motion, patient movement, anatomical variation, and such. An easy connection may then be made between the established in practice unidirectional valve and the present embodiment air inlet passage proximal end. The established in practice unidirectional valve may comprise a distal end with an adapted outlet nozzle configured to receive the air inlet passage proximal end. This established in practice unidirectional valve-air inlet passage proximal end connection may comprise at least one removable attachment such as a securing grip by which the members are held together. Said connection should be adequately strong, reliable and tight for securing present embodiment when in use to prevent present embodiment from becoming disturbed, damaged or entangled with the patient, other equipment, and such. Further, the connection should preferably be releasable, making it possible both to disconnect and reconnect. Still further, the connection operation should preferably be simple, quick and reliable.

[0094] The air inlet passage may be comprised of a hollow body simple in structure, commonly made from flexible and resilient material, such as but not limited to plastic or polymer. The air inlet passage may provide an overall air path from the unidirectional valve to the venting bag.

[0095] The venting bag comprises a pair of opposed walls, front side and back side and may be comprised of an upper delimiting edge, a lower delimiting edge, a right lateral delimiting edge and left lateral delimiting edge with said edges delimiting a space, an interior collection chamber. The venting bag materials may be welded, fused, glued, adhered, bonded, sealed, embedded or otherwise attached together along at least a substantial portion of their peripheral edge. The venting bag is preferably comprised of a soft, resilient, flexible membrane such as but not limited to plastic or polymer; however other materials may be utilized in the construction. Such materials may increase comfort during treatment when the venting bag membrane may be placed next to the patient's skin. Such materials may be convenient to wear as the bag membrane may reduce potential interference with clothing. The size, shape and weight of the container may be such that ambulatory use, easy mounting, reliable attachment, good mobility and convenience of use are feasible.

[0096] The mounting member may comprise an attachment means of a flexible material comprising a right top strap aperture, a left top strap aperture, a right bottom strap aperture, a left bottom strap aperture, a top mounting strap and a bottom mounting strap. The top mounting strap and bottom mounting strap may comprise a releasable fastening means, such as, but not limited to, an adhesive, a clip, a hook and eye, a button, a zip, Velcro, a combination thereof or the like. These suspension straps may be secured in a fixed relationship and arranged to be mounted on a patient to sufficiently accommodate motion, patient movement, anatomical variation, comfort and such.

[0097] The upper delimiting edge of the venting bag may comprise at least one reinforcing member, the inlet support member, comprising reinforcing material formed from semi-rigid or rigid material, fused, glued, adhered, bonded, embedded or otherwise attached to the venting bag material to reinforce and provide strength to the inlet path support member. The upper delimiting edge of the venting bag may comprise a centered stoma configured to receive the air inlet passage distal end. Said stoma comprises at least an outer surface and an inner surface, and a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the stoma may receive and enclose, without oblation, the air inlet passage distal end.

[0098] The overall length of the air inlet passage distal end may be comprised such as but not limited to the length required to sufficiently extend from approximately the outer surface of the upper delimiting edge of the venting bag to the interior collection chamber of the venting bag. The length of the stoma between the proximal end and distal end preferably is not greater than the length of the air inlet passage distal end such that, in use, the of the air inlet passage terminus protrudes through the stoma, into the venting bag collection chamber. The air inlet passage terminus comprises a stoma valve opening through which the captured PAL air is vented into a collection chamber.

[0099] A means is provided for venting the bag, under controlled circumstances, to exhaust captured PAL air into the atmosphere. In present embodiment the venting bag may comprise at least one vent assembly base arranged communally with the venting bag comprising a reinforcing material formed from semi-rigid or rigid material such that bending or folding is inhibited. Such reinforcing material, may be fused, glued, adhered, bonded, embedded or otherwise attached. A peel off adhesive vent cover may be substantially superimposed over the vent base assembly. The vent base assembly and the vent cover preferably are substantially the same size. An adhesive-free hold-out area may be formed in the vent cover. The hold-out area may be arranged to permit at least a portion of the peel off adhesive vent cover to be grasped by a user. A configuration to permit repeated unsealing and resealing of the vent cover may be provided.

[0100] The vent assembly base may comprise of one or more deflation slit apertures extending preferably from the outer surface to inner surface of the venting bag-vent assembly base for control of and expulsion of air from the container. The deflation slits may be located in the most suitable configuration for the particular application. For example, the deflation slit apertures may preferably descend in size from one end to an opposite end of the vent assembly base. The vent assembly base may be comprised of one or a plurality of deflation slit apertures, for example, but not limited to, slit interstitial 0.5 cm, slit interstitial 1.5 cm, slit interstitial 2.0 cm respectively. The peel off adhesive vent cover may be configured so as to allow the exposure of one or more deflation slits during the expulsion of air from the container.

[0101] The captured PAL air, having entered the bag, may be maintained in the collection chamber until manually aspirated. A medical clinician may select one or more deflation slit apertures according to patient's needs. The selected deflation slit aperture-peel off adhesive vent cover may be skived back. The user may then gently cup hands around the venting bag and preferably, with relatively small reaction force, squeeze the venting bag aspirating captured PAL air to atmosphere.

[0102] Thus, when in use, preferred embodiment provides an easy mechanism through which air moves from a thoracic cavity, through the air inlet passage, and into the venting bag collection chamber whereby it may be expelled to atmosphere.

[0103] It is recognized that various alterations and modifications may be required due to patient needs, hospital supplies, clinician preferences and such. To provide for these and other unforeseen needs, the embodiment may have additional advantages. For example, in the event a unidirectional valve is not established in practice, an alternate embodiment may comprise a one-way valve which may be configured, embedded, welded, fused, glued, adhered, bonded, sealed, or otherwise attached to the container. A one-way valve may allow a forward flow and prevents backflow of air.

CONCLUSION

[0104] The present embodiment may provide a substantially and significantly unique embodiment for the collection and aspiration of air from a bodily cavity. Present embodiment comprises an air inlet passage that permits air to flow from a body cavity to a collection chamber in the container and an outlet path for evacuation of air therefrom. The present embodiment offers new and unexpected advantages. A number of these important and significant advantages may have become evident: [0105] 1. Present embodiment is fluid less, being selectively designed for air and not liquid. [0106] 2. Present embodiment, being selectively designed for air, does not have bodily fluids to manage and no liquid waste to dispose. [0107] 3. Present embodiment being simple in structure allows convenience of usage, handling and deployment. Present embodiment may be substantially more efficient than conventional concepts as present embodiment may be manual, not mechanical. [0108] 4. Present embodiment requires little in the way of training or precision as present embodiment may provide a near instant assembly for the clinician. [0109] 5. Present embodiment may allow the medically stable patient, with active draining air from sites proximate to surgical procedures to easily deploy present embodiment allowing ambulation in a hospital or home. [0110] 6. Present embodiment may dramatically shorten hospital stays in turn providing a cost savings to hospitals and patients. Shorter hospital stays reduce the incidence of an event, such as, infection, fall, inaccurate or unreliable indications of fluid drainage units and other hazards may be reduced. [0111] 7. Present embodiment may allow earlier ambulation which may restore normal pulmonary function, create a more positive patient mood through increased independence, enhance circulation, and the like. [0112] 8. Present embodiment may be completely disposable, and may be discarded after use eliminating the need for cleaning and sanitizing of equipment involved.

Ramifications, Description and Operation of Alternative Embodiments

[0113] Although the embodiment of the invention has been described using specific terms, such description should not be construed as a limitation on the invention and it is to be understood that changes and variations may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

[0114] Other ramifications and variations are possible within the teachings of the embodiments. It is recognized that various alterations, dimensions, alternate usages, material, shape, size, method of operation, embodiment, modification, and such may be required due to patient need, hospital supplies, environments, clinician preference and such. It is also recognized that elements may be eliminated or duplicated, inter connected, connected or associated with adjacent elements in a different manner, made integrally or separately, or be given a different mode or function of operation. To provide for these and other unforeseen need the embodiment may have, but is not limited to, additional advantages. For example; [0115] 1. In an event where a unidirectional valve is not established in practice, alternate embodiment may comprise a channel valve which may be configured, embedded, welded, fused, glued, adhered, bonded, sealed, or otherwise attached to the container. A channel valve may allow a forward flow and prevents backflow of air. Further, a connection should preferably be made releasable, making it possible both to disconnect and reconnect. Still further, the connection operation should preferably be simple, quick and reliable. The valve may be configured, embedded, welded, fused, glued, adhered, bonded, sealed, or otherwise attached to the container. [0116] 2. Present embodiment may be suspended at bedside. Two suspension apertures (52, FIG. 5) are provided at the upper delimiting edge (54, FIG. 5) of the container for such purpose. Further present embodiment may be carried, attached to wheelchair, patient's clothing or such. [0117] 3. Present embodiment may comprise a reduction coupler.sup.6 to engage instruments of variant sizes and dimensions. A reduction coupler comprising a coupling body having a hollow passage with an enlarged entrance which reduces to a smaller entrance at opposite ends thereof. The reduction coupler may be employed, for example, when materials of variant size are employed. [0118] 4. Present embodiment relates generally to the technical field of medical instruments. Additions and alterations may be introduced into the construction and arrangement of the embodiment without departing from the scope of the present invention. I.e. the present embodiment may be adapted for any market, such as but not limited to, veterinary medicine.

Glossary

[0119] air: generally air in or around the thorax, air is also known as gas, pneumothorax and the like
air inlet passage: a hallow tube used as a conduit to drain air from a body cavity
ambulation: walking about or able to walk about; one who is not confined to bed or hospital
aspiration: removal of air from i.e.: a body cavity such as a thoracic cavity or venting bag
aperture: an opening, as a hole
channel valve: a unidirectional valve embedded or otherwise attached to the container
chest tube: tube inserted through the rib space of the thorax into the pleural space to remove air and/or fluid, a drainage path from the body
chest drain: a device that suctions fluid, air and pus from a thoracic cavity
chyle: a turbid white or pale yellow fluid
collection chamber: the interior air bladder or sack of the venting bag
coupler: a small, hallow plastic device that links things together
deflation slit: a narrow, lengthwise, straight incision
distal: farthest from the center point, in present embodiments it is the farthest from the chest tube
embedded: to set firmly in the container
empyema: the accumulation of pus in a body cavity
established in practice: a medical device settled in a position while performing a procedure
hold out area: a small flap, strap, loop, or similar appendage, used for pulling
in situ: in position, not extending beyond the focus or level of origin
incision: a cut or surgical wound usually made with a knife
intercostal space: between the ribs
intrathoracic: within the cavity of the chest
indicia: a notice of information
outlet nozzle: the distal end of a unidirectional valve
lung resection: the surgical removal of all or part of the lung
manometer: an instrument for indicating the pressure of any fluid or the difference in pressure between two fluids
mid-clavicular line: vertical line passing through the midpoint of the bone connecting the breastbone with the shoulder blade
mounting straps: a flexible material for holding up or securing the container
open cardiac procedures: any type of surgery where the chest is cut open and surgery is performed on the muscles, valves, or arteries of the heart
PAL: prolonged air leak
patient: any mammal
percutaneous: denoting the passage made through unbroken skin and tissue by needle puncture
pleural: The serous membrane enveloping the lungs and lining the walls of the thoracic cavities
pleural effusion: increased fluid in the pleural space
pneumothorax: presence of free air in the pleural or thoracic cavity
Prolonged Air Leak: continued bubbling of air around a chest tube after being in situ for 48 hours
proximal: nearest the point of origin, in present and particular embodiments it is nearest to the chest tube
pulmonary: relating to the lungs
pulmonary resection: a procedure performed to remove part of the lung
pus: a yellowish white liquid matter produced in certain infections
reduction coupler: a device that narrows the gauge
securing grip: a device for fastening things together that will not likely fail or give way
slit interstitial: the size of a narrow, lengthwise, straight incision
stoma: a mouth like opening
thorax: the cavity containing the heart, lungs, etc., in the chest
thoracic: in or near the thorax
thoracic trauma: injury, wound, or shock to the thorax
thoracic procedures: a particular course of action, such as surgery, and the like to the thorax
unidirectional: moving in only one direction
Velcro: a trademark name for a nylon material with tiny hooks and a complimentary surface that can be pressed together or pulled apart for easy fastening and unfastening venting bag: the body of the container

Notations

[0120] .sup.1 Prolonged Air Leak also known as Persistent Air Leak, Post-operative Air Leak, PAL and the like, will be referred to as Prolonged Air Leak.

[0121] .sup.2 Air in or around the thorax, also known as gas, pneumothorax and the like, may be referred to as air.

[0122] .sup.3 Journal of Thoracic Disease. March 2014. The anticipation and management of air leaks and residual spaces post lung resection. Michael Rolf Mueller and Beatrice A. Marzluf

[0123] .sup.4Estimating hospital costs attributable to prolonged air leak in pulmonary lobectomy. Marcelo F. Jimen ez, Nuria Novoa and Jose L. Aranda European Journal of Cardio-thoracic surgery vol 2 27 issue 2.

[0124] .sup.5 Agency for Healthcare Research and QualityAppendix B: Excess Cost and Length of Stay Associated with Voluntary Event Reports in Hospitals Cost of Poor Quality or Waste in Integrated Delivery System Settings. Publication # 08-0096-EF. Andrew R. Paradis, MBA, Valerie T. Stewart, Ph.D., K. Bruce Bayley, Ph.D., Allen Brown, Andrew J. Bennett

[0125] .sup.6 The coupler is mentioned for description. It is a conventional or typical feature that is considered non-essential to the understanding of the invention thus embodiment is not limited to said coupler; other connection devices may be employed.

[0126] .sup.7 The securing grip (30) is for example purposes, said securing implement may be used, however another conventional fastener or a plurality of fasteners such as clips, tapes, locking or clamping elements, and such, may be employed. In some environments a luer may be employed. Additionally the securing grip does not have to be a snap fit design. This item is not considered essential to the invention thus embodiment is not limited to said fastener, any other securing method or no securing method may be employed.

[0127] .sup.8 The optimal location for placement of present embodiment is dependent upon clinical need. Examples of some conditions that may require venting are pulmonary resection, open cardiac procedures, disease, thoracic trauma and other thoracic procedures, disease, thoracic trauma and other thoracic procedures. However, conditions are for illustration purposes and present embodiment is not limited to such procedures.

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