Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 17
Claim 1
Independent Claim
109 words
A catheter, comprising: a first tube defining a first lumen; a proximal end; a distal end; a first wall of a distensible material attached in a sealed fashion to said first tube within said first lumen between said proximal and distal ends and defining a second lumen having an inlet and an outlet, said outlet being near said distal end; means for introducing liquid through said inlet into said second lumen while said catheter is positioned within a patient; and means adjacent to said proximal end for providing pressurized fluid to said first lumen for compressing said second lumen for forcing said liquid towards and out of said outlet.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
109 words
A catheter, comprising: a first tube defining a first lumen; a proximal end; a distal end; a first wall of a distensible material attached in a sealed fashion to said first tube within said first lumen between said proximal and distal ends and defining a second lumen having an inlet and an outlet, said outlet being near said distal end; means for introducing liquid through said inlet into said second lumen while said catheter is positioned within a patient; and means adjacent to said proximal end for providing pressurized fluid to said first lumen for compressing said second lumen for forcing said liquid towards and out of said outlet.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The catheter of claim 1, wherein said first wall is configured for lying flat against said first tube when no liquid is present within said second lumen.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
The catheter of claim 1, wherein said first wall is formed from an elastic material which lies substantially flat against said first tube when no liquid is present within said second lumen.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
The catheter of claim 1, wherein said outlet includes means for atomizing said liquid upon exit of said liquid from said second lumen.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
The catheter of claim 4, wherein said atomizing means includes a portion of said outlet having a diameter larger than a diameter of said second lumen, for causing said liquid to disperse upon said exit.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
The catheter of claim 4, wherein said atomizing means includes a plurality of attachment points of said first wall to said first tube at said outlet.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
131 words
An endotracheal tube, comprising: a proximal end; a distal end; a central body having a first wall defining a first lumen; and a second wall attached to said first wall within said first lumen, forming a second lumen between said first and second walls, said second wall being formed from a distensible, elastic material; wherein said first wall includes an opening connected to said second lumen for introduction of medications therethrough into said second lumen, and wherein said second wall has a first side forming at least a portion of said first lumen and a second side forming at least a portion of said second lumen, such that pressure within said first lumen is transmitted through said second wall to said second lumen for propelling said medication towards said distal end.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
131 words
An endotracheal tube, comprising: a proximal end; a distal end; a central body having a first wall defining a first lumen; and a second wall attached to said first wall within said first lumen, forming a second lumen between said first and second walls, said second wall being formed from a distensible, elastic material; wherein said first wall includes an opening connected to said second lumen for introduction of medications therethrough into said second lumen, and wherein said second wall has a first side forming at least a portion of said first lumen and a second side forming at least a portion of said second lumen, such that pressure within said first lumen is transmitted through said second wall to said second lumen for propelling said medication towards said distal end.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
37 words
The tube of claim 7, further comprising: a third lumen within said wall; a balloon carried at said distal end and connected to said third lumen; and means, connected to said third lumen, for inflating said balloon.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
61 words
The tube of claim 7, further comprising a y-shaped port connected to said opening and having a first tip and a second tip, said first tip being adapted to receive a conventional syringe and said second tip being enclosed by a soft material for puncturing by a needle, said port for receiving said medications therethrough for introduction into said second lumen.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
36 words
The catheter of claim 7, wherein said second wall is configured for lying flat against said first wall when no medication is present within said second lumen and when fluid is present within said first lumen.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
28 words
The catheter of claim 7, wherein said second wall is configured to lie substantially flat against said first wall when no medication is present within said second lumen.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
23 words
The catheter of claim 7, wherein said outlet includes means for atomizing said medication upon exit of said medication from said second lumen.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
33 words
The catheter of claim 12, wherein said atomizing means includes a portion of said outlet having a diameter larger than a diameter of said second lumen, for dispersing said medication upon said exit.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
26 words
The catheter of claim 12, wherein said atomizing means includes a plurality of attachment points of said second wall to said first wall at said outlet.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
43 words
The catheter of claim 3, wherein the elasticity of said first wall is selected such that liquid within said second lumen causes said first wall to distend, and such that said elasticity tends to contract said first wall, thereby forcing said liquid distally.