CPC A61M 1/74 (2021.05) [A61B 5/00 (2013.01); A61L 29/08 (2013.01); A61M 1/69 (2021.05); A61M 1/73 (2021.05); A61M 1/75 (2021.05); A61M 1/84 (2021.05); A61M 25/0045 (2013.01); A61M 25/10 (2013.01); A61M 25/1002 (2013.01); A61M 27/00 (2013.01); A61B 90/39 (2016.02); A61L 2420/00 (2013.01); A61M 2025/105 (2013.01); A61M 2025/1075 (2013.01); A61M 2025/1079 (2013.01); A61M 2202/0492 (2013.01); A61M 2209/082 (2013.01); A61M 2210/101 (2013.01)] | 9 Claims |
1. A method for clearing a fluid pathway of a chest drainage system, the fluid pathway having a proximal portion configured to extend proximally toward the patient and a distal portion configured to extend distally from the patient, the method including the steps of:
(1) detecting a difference in pressure having a predetermined magnitude between the proximal and distal portions of the fluid pathway;
(2) opening a valve configured to release pressure in the proximal portion of the fluid pathway;
(3) introducing sub-atmospheric pressure to the distal portion of the fluid pathway from an accumulator of a pressure source, the accumulator having been charged with negative pressure;
(4) closing the valve; and
(5) ceasing the introduction of sub-atmospheric pressure to the distal portion of the fluid pathway.
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