Medical Tube Removal Device

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for actuating a clearing device to remove obstructive debris from medical tubes are disclosed. More specifically, a shuttle is disclosed, comprising a first main magnetic element capable of magnetically engaging and translating a magnetic guide within the tube. The first main magnetic element is aligned such that a first main magnetic field emanating from the first main magnetic element is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tube when viewed from the side of the shuttle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates generally to medical tubing assemblies and, more particularly, to devices for clearing obstructions from a medical tubing of a medical tubing assembly. Background Art

[0002] Medical tubes can be used for delivering fluids or devices to the patient and / or for discharging body fluids and secretions from body compartments and structures. For example, in conjunction with various treatments, medical tubes can be used for discharging fluids from the bladder, colon or other parts of the digestive tract, or from the lungs or other organs. As another example, medical tubes can be used for discharging blood and other fluids that are usually accumulated in the body cavity after trauma surgery. As another example, medical tubes can be used for delivering fluids to the patient's body to provide nutrition, or can be used to provide access to the vascular system to remove or deliver fluids or devices. Typically, the medical tube is inserted into the patient's body so that the distal end of the medical tube is arranged in or adjacent to the space where the material needs to be removed or delivered, and the proximal portion is left outside the patient's body, where the medical tube can be connected to, for example, a suction source.

[0003] Fluids flowing through medical tubes, especially fluids including blood or platelets, can form clots or other obstructions within the medical tubes, which can partially or completely block the suction path within the tubes. Blockages in medical tubes can affect the effectiveness of the medical tubes to remove or deliver fluids and other materials for the purpose for which they were placed, ultimately rendering the medical tubes partially or completely inoperative. In some cases, inoperative tubes can have serious or potentially life-threatening consequences. For example, if there is a blockage in a chest tube following heart or lung surgery, the resulting accumulation of fluid around the heart and lungs without adequate drainage can lead to serious adverse events such as pericardial tamponade and pneumothorax.

[0004] U.S. Patent 7,951,243, incorporated herein by reference, discloses a cleaning device for clearing obstructive clotted material from a medical tube (e.g., a chest tube). The device employs a shuttle mounted on a guide tube, and a cleaning member in the tube is actuated by a magnetic connection between the shuttle and a magnetic guide connected to a guide wire in the tube (and a corresponding cleaning member). Based on the arrangement of magnetic elements in the shuttle and the magnetic guide, the shuttle may be disengaged from the magnetic guide during use. For example, such a disengagement may occur when there is an obstruction such as a bend or significant clotted material in the medical tube so that the resistance on the guide wire in the tube is stronger than the magnetic connection force between the shuttle and the magnetic guide. The embodiments disclosed herein address such a disengagement and provide an improved magnetic connection between the shuttle and the magnetic guide. Summary of the invention

[0005] According to a first aspect, a device for clearing an obstruction from a medical tube is disclosed. The device includes a shuttle, the shuttle defining a tube channel, the tube channel being configured to receive a tube in the tube channel, and the shuttle being capable of translating along the length of the tube when the tube is received in the tube channel. The shuttle includes a first main magnetic element, the first main magnetic element being aligned such that a first main magnetic field axis of a first main magnetic field of the first main magnetic element is aligned substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the tube channel when viewed from the side of the shuttle.

[0006] According to a second aspect, a device for clearing an obstruction includes a shuttle capable of translating along the length of a tube. The shuttle includes a channel body, the channel body defining a tube channel having a longitudinal axis, the tube channel being configured to accommodate the tube in the tube channel. A first main magnet recess is disposed in the channel body outside the tube channel. A first main magnetic element is received in the first main magnet recess and has a first main magnetic field emitted along a first main field axis radially aligned relative to the longitudinal axis. A button is operable to slidably adjust the first main magnetic element within the first main magnet recess between a first position radially away from the tube channel and a second position radially close to the tube channel.

[0007] According to a third aspect, a method of clearing an obstruction from a medical tube is disclosed. The method includes translating a shuttle disposed outside the tube along the length of the tube to correspondingly translate an elongated guide member disposed at least partially within the tube and magnetically coupled to the shuttle via the tube wall. When viewed from the side of the tube, a magnetic field emanating from the shuttle is aligned substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the tube.

[0008] According to a fourth aspect, a device for clearing an obstruction includes a shuttle, the shuttle defining a tube channel, the tube channel being configured to receive a tube in the tube channel, and the shuttle being capable of translating along the length of the tube when the tube is received in the tube channel. A first main magnetic element of the shuttle is adjustable to adjust a coupling strength between the first main magnetic element and a magnetic guide disposed within the tube when the tube is received through the tube channel. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a clearing device coupled to a medical tube (eg, a chest tube) that has been placed in a patient to allow for clearing of an obstruction formed in the medical tube.

[0010] Figure 2 It is a partial cross-sectional view of the cleaning device.

[0011] Figure 3A and Figure 3B is a schematic diagram of the magnetic field between a magnetic element in a magnetic guide and a magnetic element in a shuttle of a clearing device for clearing an obstruction from a medical tube. Figure 3A A first arrangement of magnetic elements is shown, Figure 3BA second arrangement of magnetic elements according to embodiments disclosed herein is shown.

[0012] Figure 4 is a side view of a cleaning device with a shuttle according to an exemplary embodiment described below.

[0013] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A perspective view of a shuttle in a cleaning device.

[0014] Fig. 6A yes Figure 4 Partial exploded view of the cleaning device.

[0015] Figure 6B is Fig. 6A As shown in B Figure 4 An enlarged view of the magnetic guide of the cleaning device.

[0016] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 Exploded view of the shuttle.

[0017] Figure 8 yes Figure 5 Another partial exploded view of the center shuttle, with the entire shuttle housing removed.

[0018] Fig. 9 is an enlarged exploded view showing Figure 5 The secondary magnetic element and the secondary shielding arrangement of the shuttle are removed.

[0019] Fig.10 is an enlarged exploded view showing Figure 5 The shuttle's drive magnet, drive shield, spring and button arrangements, with other elements of the shuttle also removed.

[0020] Fig.11 is along Figure 5 A perspective side view of the shuttle taken along line AA.

[0021] Fig.12 is along Figure 5 Cross-sectional view of the shuttle taken along line BB.

[0022] Fig.13 It is shown Figure 5 A perspective side cutaway view of the shuttle's drive magnet in a first position, with the drive magnet opposed to the secondary magnetic element relative to the tube passage 40, with the remainder of the shuttle removed.

[0023] Fig.14 Yes Fig.13 A perspective cutaway view of the same, but with the drive magnet in a second position.

[0024] Fig.15is a perspective cross-sectional view of a shuttle according to an alternative embodiment.

[0025] Figures 16 to 18 is a perspective view of a clearing device coupled to a chest tube, schematically illustrating a shuttle and corresponding guidewire and clearing member at various stages of advancement for clearing an obstruction from a chest tube, Fig.16 The full advancement phase Fig.18 The complete withdrawal phase. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Certain terms are used herein only for convenience and should not be considered as limiting the present invention. The relevant language used herein will be best understood with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in the accompanying drawings, certain features may be shown in schematic form.

[0027] It is important to note that the terms "proximal" and "distal" used herein to describe two ends or portions of a feature refer to the relative positioning of the two ends or portions relative to the patient generally along a coaxial system, with the distal end or distal portion being closer to the patient (or further into the patient's body) than the proximal end or proximal portion. For example, in a coaxial system including a tube (through which fluid is extracted from a patient along a flow path), the distal end or distal portion of the tube would be closer to (possibly implanted in) the patient than the proximal end or proximal portion, which would be external to the patient along the fluid flow path.

[0028] Examples will be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments are shown. However, aspects may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0029] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a medical tube for draining accumulated fluid from a patient's body cavity is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 1 In the present invention, a medical tube is inserted into a patient's chest cavity and used to drain fluid from the patient's chest cavity, and can be, for example, a chest tube 10 described in the above-incorporated '243 patent. The remainder of the description will be provided with reference to the chest tube 10. However, other body tubes used in other applications can also be used with the embodiments described herein.

[0030] return Figure 1, the chest tube 10 passes through the chest (body) wall into the patient's body, so that the distal end of the chest tube is located in the position of the fluid to be discharged in the chest (body). The proximal end of the chest tube 10 remains outside the body. By a doctor, the chest tube 10 can be inserted into the patient's body in a conventional manner and positioned and fixed in place through the chest wall. The cleaning device 100 is assembled to the proximal end of the chest tube 10. The cleaning device 100 may include a shuttle guide tube 110 (described below), which is connected to the proximal end of the chest tube 10 and is in fluid communication with the chest tube. The cleaning device 100 also includes a cleaning member 124, which can be reversibly advanced into the chest tube 10 and passed through the chest tube to remove obstructive debris from the chest tube (also described below). The proximal end of the shuttle guide tube 110 (i.e., the end opposite to the connection point connected to the chest tube 10) is connected to the suction source 200, for example, via a vacuum tube 210. The suction source applies suction within the chest tube 10 via the shuttle guide tube 110 (if provided) and the vacuum tube 210 (if provided) to draw fluid out of the body cavity and maintain normal physiological negative pressure within the chest.

[0031] The exemplary cleaning device 100 will now be described more fully. Figure 2 As shown, the clearing device 100 may include the above-mentioned shuttle guide tube 110. The shuttle guide tube 110 has a proximal end 111 and a distal end 112. In use, the proximal end 111 of the shuttle guide tube 110 is suitable for connecting to a suction source, preferably via a suction connector 90 fixed to the proximal end of the shuttle guide tube; the distal end 112 is suitable for connecting to a medical tube, such as a chest tube 10, preferably via a chest tube connector 92 fixed to the distal end of the shuttle guide tube. The guide tube 110 has a wall having an outer circumference 118 and an inner diameter 114 that defines a guide tube passage 116. The shuttle 20 can be selectively mounted at the outer circumference 118 of the guide tube 110 and is suitable for translating along the length of the tube 110 to advance and withdraw the clearing member 124, which will be described in detail below. Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 15-17 In FIG. 2 , the shuttle 20 is schematically shown. Figure 4-Figure 14 An exemplary embodiment of a shuttle 20 (described in detail below) is shown.

[0032] The guidewire clearing assembly 120 is at least partially disposed within the guide tube passage 116. The guidewire clearing assembly 120 includes an elongated guide member 122 and a clearing member 124, which is disposed and fixed in a distal region of the guide member 122, preferably at the guide member distal end. In one embodiment, the guide member 122 can be in the form of a guidewire, and the clearing member 124 can be formed by the guidewire, for example, as a loop. A magnetic guide 130 (e.g., a permanent magnet) is fixed to the guide member 122, preferably in a proximal region of the guide member.

[0033] like Figure 2As shown, the shuttle 20 is magnetically coupled to the magnetic guide 130 by means of an external magnetic element 142 located within or associated with the shuttle 20. As will be described later, Figure 2 The magnetic element 142 shown in FIG. 1 may be a primary magnetic element 27 and a secondary magnetic element 28 (see FIG. Figure 7 When the north and south poles of the external magnetic element 142 are axially (substantially parallel) aligned with the corresponding (but generally oppositely oriented) poles of the magnet 132 of the magnetic guide 130, the cooperative magnetic field generated between the external magnetic element 142 and the magnetic guide 130 in the shuttle 20 is parallel, as shown in FIG. Figure 3A As shown schematically in FIG.

[0034] For a magnet of a given magnetic field strength, when the guide member 122 (or the clearing member 124 attached to the guide member) encounters a solid obstruction within the medical tube 10 (which creates a resistance that the guide member 122 must overcome to translate), as shown in FIG. Figure 3A The parallel magnetic field shown may sometimes not be strong enough to prevent the shuttle 20 from disengaging from the magnetic guide 130. When the cleaning member 124 encounters such an obstruction, it must be moved in the X direction ( Figure 2 ) to apply sufficient force to the clearing member 124 to overcome the resistance (resistance) provided by the obstruction. When the clearing member 124 engages debris within the chest tube 10, if the magnitude of the force required to move through the debris during shuttle translation exceeds the X-direction component of the magnetic coupling force between the magnetic guide 130 and the external magnetic element 142, then disengagement occurs between the shuttle 20 and the magnetic guide 130.

[0035] This loss of magnetic coupling between the shuttle 20 and the magnetic guide 130 may also occur if the bend of the chest tube 10 exerts sufficient resistance on the guide member 122 to overcome the X-direction magnetic coupling force, or due to any other reason. Although the magnetic coupling can be restored by returning the shuttle 20 to the vicinity of the magnetic guide 130, if the cause of their disconnection persists (such as in the case of an obstruction), disconnection may still occur.

[0036] Figure 4-Figure 14 A cleaning device with an example shuttle 20 is shown, which is strongly coupled to a magnetic guide 130 via, for example, the wall of the shuttle guide tube 110. Figure 4As shown, the clearing device 100 may include a shuttle guide tube 110 having a proximal end 111 and a distal end 112 as described above. In use, the proximal end 111 of the shuttle guide tube 110 is adapted to be connected to a suction source, preferably via a suction connector 90 fixed to the proximal end of the shuttle guide tube; the distal end 112 is adapted to be connected to a medical tube, such as a chest tube 10, preferably via a chest tube connector 92 fixed to the distal end of the shuttle guide tube. In an alternative embodiment not shown, the distal end 112 of the guide tube 110 can be connected to the medical tube via a branching connector (e.g., a T-shaped connector or a Y-shaped connector), wherein the guide tube 110 will constitute a lateral branch of the main suction circuit defined between the medical tube and the suction source (e.g., via the vacuum tube 210), communicating with the third port of the branching connector. In this way, the guide wire (discussed below) will be withdrawn laterally from the main suction circuit via the guide tube 110, and the secretions will be sucked from the medical tube via the main suction circuit. Regardless of the specific guide tube installation method (i.e., whether coaxial or as a branch of the main suction circuit), the shuttle 20 is disposed on the outer circumference 118 of the guide tube 110 (see Figure 2 ) on a wall of, preferably in contact with, and adapted to translate in the X direction along the length of tube 110 to advance and withdraw the guidewire removal assembly 120 as described below.

[0037] At the distal region of the guide tube, a shuttle stop 150 is secured to the outer circumference 118 of the guide tube 110, preferably just proximate the distal end of the guide tube 110. The shuttle 20 and the shuttle stop 150 may have complementary first and second surfaces that face each other. As the shuttle 20 translates distally along the length of the guide tube 110, the shuttle 20 approaches and eventually reaches a position where the respective first and second surfaces contact or are disposed adjacent to each other. This represents the most distal position of the shuttle 20, and therefore represents the maximum extent of distal advancement of the clearing member 124 within the medical tube 10. Preferably, the position of the shuttle stop 150 is selected corresponding to the length of the guide member 122 to ensure that the clearing member 124 does not emerge from the distal end of the medical tube 10 during use.

[0038] The guidewire clearing assembly 120 is configured to be at least partially disposed within the guide tube passage 116. Fig. 6A As shown, the guide wire removal assembly 120 includes an elongated guide member 122 and a removal member 124 disposed and fixed in the distal region of the guide member 122, preferably at the guide member distal end. In one example, the guide member 122 can be in the form of a guide wire, and the removal member 124 can be formed by the guide wire, which can be wound to form a loop. The rest of this specification is provided with reference to the guide wire as a preferred example of the guide member 122. However, other examples of the guide member 122 are also possible, which is also easy to understand for those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0039] Still reference Fig. 6A , the magnetic guide 130 is fixed to the guide wire 122, preferably to the proximal region of the guide wire. The magnetic guide 130 may include one or more internal magnetic elements 132. The magnetic elements 132 are considered to be "internal" magnetic elements because they are located within the guide tube 110. Optionally, the internal magnetic elements 132 may be permanent magnets. Alternatively, they may be metallic elements that are magnetic, not necessarily permanent magnets. As used herein, a metallic element is magnetic if it can be attracted to a permanent magnet by means of a magnetic force. The magnetic guide 130 may be fixed to the guide wire 122 in any suitable or conventional manner. Figure 6B An enlarged view of an exemplary magnetic guide 130 is shown (in Fig. 6A 1. In this example, a plurality of (four are shown) cylindrical internal magnetic elements 132 having axial through holes are coaxially aligned adjacent to each other. The internal magnetic elements 132 are oriented so that their respective north and south poles face in the same direction. This causes the internal magnetic elements 132 to attract each other at their adjacent faces. The guide wire 122 extending from the distal end passes through the axial hole of the internal magnetic element 132.

[0040] It should also be understood that in the case of using more than two such internal magnetic elements 132, it is not necessary that two or all are permanent magnets, or it is not necessary that two or all are not permanent magnets. The internal magnetic element 132 can optionally exist as one (or more) of the two permanent magnets and non-permanent magnets. However, in examples where the internal magnetic element can be kept positioned relative to the guide wire 122 by relying on the holding force between the internal magnetic elements, using permanent magnets as the internal magnetic element 132 will produce a stronger attraction between the internal magnetic elements, thereby keeping the internal magnetic element more firmly on the guide wire 122.

[0041] As mentioned above and Figure 4 As best shown in the drawings, the shuttle 20 is disposed on, preferably in contact with, the outer circumference 118 of the guide tube 110. The shuttle 20 has a tube passage 40, preferably in the form of a through hole having a diameter that generally corresponds to the outer circumference 118, so that the shuttle 20 can slidably and smoothly translate along the length of the guide tube 110 when the guide tube is received via the tube passage 40. The shuttle 20 includes a shuttle housing, which in the illustrated embodiment ( Figure 7 ) wherein the shuttle housing is formed of opposing first and second clamshell halves 21 and 22 which form the outer body of the shuttle 20. A depressible button 23 is accessible through the shuttle housing, e.g. protruding from the shuttle housing, and is used to actuate a drive magnet 27 as described below.

[0042] like Figure 7As shown, the shuttle 20 includes a channel body 24 that defines the above-mentioned tube channel 40 to accommodate the guide tube 110 (or the medical tube 10 in embodiments where the guide tube 110 is not used). Alternatively, the tube channel 40 can accommodate the vacuum tube 210; for example, if a separate guide tube 110 is not provided between the vacuum tube 210 and the medical tube 10. The tube channel 40 in the channel body 24 preferably has an inner surface that is complementary to and generally corresponds to the outer peripheral shape of the guide tube 110, or corresponds to the outer circumference 118 of the tube in the case of a cylindrical tube. One or more main magnet recesses 33 (two are shown) are formed in the exterior of the channel body 24, outside the tube channel 40, and distributed in a longitudinally aligned manner with the tube channel 40. The recesses 33 are preferably aligned so that the longitudinal (magnetic field) axis of each magnetic element to be received in the recess will be perpendicular to and intersect the longitudinal axis of the tube channel 40. One or more primary magnetic elements 27 (e.g., drive magnets) are received in corresponding recesses 33 of the channel body 24. In the example shown, the primary magnetic elements 27 are cylindrical. In other examples, the primary magnetic elements 27 can be any shape suitable for fitting in the primary magnet recesses 33 of the channel body 24. These recesses 33 can be any desired shape.

[0043] As with the internal magnetic elements 132 discussed above, the main magnetic elements 27 may be permanent magnets, or alternatively may be metal elements having magnetism, not necessarily permanent magnets. However, for reasons that will be apparent, at least one of the internal magnetic elements 132 or at least one of the main magnetic elements 27 will be a permanent magnet. In a preferred example, both the internal magnetic elements 132 and the main magnetic elements 27 are permanent magnets. In addition, the magnetic guide 130 and the main magnetic element 27 may have a residual flux density (Br) of, for example, 14-15 kGs, such as 14.3 to 14.8 kGs.

[0044] Figure 3B The arrangement of the inner magnetic element 132 (eg of the magnetic guide 130) and the main magnetic element 27 is schematically shown, when the latter is Figure 7 When arranged as in the shuttle embodiment shown. Figure 3B Also shown is a secondary magnetic element 28 which will be described further below. Figure 3B and Figure 7As shown, the primary magnetic elements 27 (housed in the shuttle 20) are preferably aligned radially relative to the tube passage 40 so that the north pole and south pole of each are aligned along a radius of the tube passage 40 (and the axis of the particular primary magnetic element 27 when cylindrical) that intersects the longitudinal axis of the tube passage. When two primary magnetic elements 27 are used as drive magnets, they are arranged so that their respective north poles and south poles face in opposite directions. In other words, the north pole of one primary magnetic element 27 faces the tube passage 40, while the south pole of the other primary magnetic element 27 faces the tube passage 40. This results in the two primary magnetic elements 27 producing a single north pole and a single south pole that face the guide tube 110 when received in the tube passage 40 along a portion of the tube passage defined by the longitudinal spacing of the primary magnetic elements 27. In this manner, and as will be described below with reference to Figure 3B As further explained, the magnetic field generated by the main magnetic elements 27 can propagate and align approximately perpendicularly to the magnetic field of the magnetic guide 130 rather than parallel to (and toward) the magnetic guide. Preferably, the spacing between the main magnetic elements 27 is set so that the longitudinal axes (or magnetic field axes) of the main magnetic elements are approximately aligned with, preferably intersecting, the corresponding north and south poles of the magnetic guide 130 along the longitudinal axis of the magnetic guide 130. Preferably, the south pole of the first main magnetic element 27 faces the north pole of the magnetic guide 130, and the north pole of the second main magnetic element 27 faces the south pole of the magnetic guide 130.

[0045] like Figure 7 and Fig. 9 As shown, the shuttle 20 also includes one or more secondary magnetic elements 28, which are radially opposite the main magnetic elements 27 relative to the tube channel 40 of the channel body 24. Preferably, the secondary magnetic elements 28 are received in corresponding secondary magnet recesses 34, which are formed in the exterior of the channel body 24, outside the tube channel 40, opposite each main magnet recess 33, and aligned with the main magnet recess along a common radial axis relative to the channel 40. In the example shown, the secondary magnetic elements 28 are cylindrical. In other examples, the secondary magnetic elements 28 can be any shape suitable for fitting in the secondary magnet recesses 34 of the channel body 24. The secondary magnetic elements 28 can also be permanent magnets, or alternatively can be metal elements with magnetic properties, which do not have to be permanent magnets. However, for reasons that will be clear, at least one of the internal magnetic elements 132 or at least one of the secondary magnetic elements 28 will be a permanent magnet. In a preferred example, both the internal magnetic elements 132 and the secondary magnetic elements 28 are permanent magnets. Furthermore, the magnetic guide 130 and the secondary magnetic element 28 may have a residual magnetic flux density (Br) of, for example, 14-15 kGs, such as 14.3 to 14.8 kGs.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the secondary magnetic elements 28 will be longitudinally spaced apart, similar to the opposing primary magnetic elements 27 (i.e., their axes are aligned and coaxial) but in opposite orientation. That is, the north / south pole orientation of each secondary magnetic element 28 will be opposite to the north / south pole orientation of the opposing primary magnetic element 27, such that the opposing poles of each opposing primary magnetic element 27 and secondary magnetic element 28 face each other on either side of the tube passage 40.

[0047] As with the primary magnetic elements 27, the secondary magnetic elements 28 are radially aligned relative to the tube passage 40 such that the north and south poles of each secondary magnetic element 28 are aligned along a radius of the tube passage 40 (and the axis of the particular secondary magnetic element 28 when cylindrical) that intersects the longitudinal axis of the tube passage. Thus, similarly to the above and as described below with respect to Figure 3B As further explained, the magnetic field generated by the secondary magnetic elements 28 will propagate and align substantially perpendicularly, rather than parallel to, the magnetic field of (and toward) the magnetic guide 130. Preferably, each secondary magnetic element 28 is also aligned with an opposing primary magnetic element 27 along a common radial axis (relative to the tube channel 40) such that their relative magnetic fields are aligned along their common radial axis and propagate toward each other via the channel body 24.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, only one set of opposing primary and secondary magnets 27, 28 is provided, aligned along a single radius of the tube passage 40, when viewed from the end (i.e., along the longitudinal axis of the tube passage 40). Alternatively, however, a plurality of sets of opposing primary and secondary magnets 27, 28 may be distributed circumferentially relative to the tube passage 40, aligned along circumferentially graduated respective radii of the tube passage 40, i.e., such that circumferentially adjacent ones of the respective radii will define an arcuate sector of the passage 40, when viewed from the end along the longitudinal axis of the tube passage. For example, two sets of opposing primary and secondary magnets 27, 28 may be provided, wherein each set is aligned along a respective radius of the tube passage 40, perpendicular to the radius along which the other set is aligned, such that the two radii define four equal quarter-circle arc segments of the tube passage 40, when viewed from the end along the longitudinal axis of the tube passage.

[0049] The relative primary magnetic elements 27 and secondary magnetic elements 28 provide a strong magnetic connection with a magnetic guide 130 attached to a guide member 122 within the guide tube 110 (or medical tube 10) to drive the guide member 122 within the tube by translation of the shuttle 20 outside the tube 110, which will be further explained. In order to reduce interference with surrounding electronic medical equipment or implanted medical devices, the shuttle 20 may include a magnetic shield (e.g., within the shuttle housing). For example, the primary magnetic shield 25 may be disposed on an exposed surface of the primary magnetic element 27, between the primary magnetic element and a button 23 for adjusting the primary magnetic element between a first position and a second position, which will be described later. Similarly, the secondary magnetic shield 29 may be disposed on an exposed surface of the secondary magnetic element 28 (e.g., by covering the secondary magnetic element within a secondary magnet recess 34). As shown in FIG. Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the shuttle 20 may also include a transverse shield 30 surrounding the primary magnetic element 27 and the secondary magnetic element 28 within the shuttle 20. As shown, the transverse shield 30 may be a U-shaped element extending from one side of the channel body 24 to the opposite side of the channel body 24 around the end of the channel body 24. The transverse shield 30 includes an aperture 31 sized to fit over protrusions 32 extending from opposite sides of the channel body 24 (e.g., from fins 35 formed in the channel body). By aligning the transverse shield 30 so that the protrusions 32 are fixed within the aperture 31, proper and reliable alignment of the shield 30 may be ensured.

[0050] The fins 35 extend laterally from the channel body 24 and are sized to properly seat the transverse shield 30 uniformly adjacent to the channel body 24 at a predetermined distance from the primary magnetic element 27 and the secondary magnetic element 28. This is beneficial when the shield 30 is made of a ferromagnetic material (e.g., mild steel) which, without such fins 35 for properly seating and maintaining the shape of the transverse shield, may be stretched and deformed by the magnetic fields of the primary magnet 27 and the secondary magnet 28. The fins 35 and associated protrusions also facilitate proper, repeatable alignment and securing of the transverse shield 30 on the channel body 24 to prevent misalignment. In addition, by securing the seating position and orientation of the transverse shield 30, the fins 35 ensure that the shield 30 remains uniformly spaced apart from and out of contact with the magnets 27, 28 or any magnetic field conducting structure in communication with the magnets that may produce magnetic field shunting. Rather, spaced as described, the transverse shields 30 will provide far field magnetic shielding to substantially confine the magnetic field within the shuttle and minimize magnetic field escape.

[0051] The primary and secondary magnetic shields 25, 29, and transverse shields 30 are preferably made of mild steel. In other examples, they may be made of any material with a high iron content, such as conventional Mu-Metal materials known in the art. As will be appreciated, the primary magnetic shield 25, the secondary magnetic shield 29, and the transverse shield 30 cooperate to magnetically shield the primary and secondary magnets 27, 28 within the shuttle 20, thereby inhibiting their magnetic fields from propagating outside the shuttle 20. While the combined shielding as described above cannot completely enclose the magnetic elements 27 and 28 (as they must interact magnetically with the magnetic guide 130 and contain the tube channel 40), it will help reduce the propagation and intensity of the magnetic field outside the shuttle 20. It is also noted that when the shuttle 20 is assembled on the tube and aligned with the magnetic guide 130 in the tube, the combined shielding as described above also shields the magnetic field emanating from the magnetic guide 130 (now within the shuttle 20), thereby effectively redirecting the combined magnetic field emanating from the complete magnetic circuit including the primary magnetic element 27 and the secondary magnetic element 28 interacting with the magnetic guide 130 inwardly. As a result, the magnetic coupling force with the magnetic guide 130 can be increased.

[0052] It has been found that adjusting the thickness of the primary magnetic shield 25 and the secondary magnetic shield 29 (e.g., made of mild steel) can affect the strength of the magnetic coupling with the magnetic guide 130. For example, an increased thickness of the primary magnetic shield 25 will result in a greater shunt of each magnetic field from one primary magnetic element 27 to another, effectively helping to drive the combined primary magnetic field radially inward toward the axis of the tube passage 40 (and the magnetic guide 130). This will tend to strengthen the coupling force between the primary magnetic element 27 and the magnetic guide 130 within the tube received through the tube passage 40. Similarly, an increased thickness of the secondary magnetic shield 29 will produce a greater shunt of each magnetic field between the respective secondary magnetic elements 28. This will strengthen the magnetic coupling between the secondary magnetic elements 28 and the magnetic guide 130. It is beneficial that the thickness of each primary magnetic shield 25 and the secondary magnetic shield 29 can be adjusted to optimize the coupling with the magnetic guide 130. That is, the increased coupling force between the primary magnetic element 27 and the magnetic guide 130 can produce a stronger available translational (axial) force on the guide member 122 (and the cleaning member 124) attached to the magnetic guide 130 that translates with the translation of the shuttle 20. However, this increased coupling force will also increase the lateral (radial) force between the magnetic guide 130 and the inner diameter of the pipe wall, resulting in increased friction. Increasing the coupling force between the secondary magnetic element 28 and the magnetic guide 130 can mitigate the above effects by pulling the magnetic guide 130 away from the pipe wall adjacent to the primary magnetic element 27. These conflicting effects (the relationship between the available translational force obtained by the coupling and the friction) can be optimized by adjusting the relative thickness between the primary magnetic shield 25 and the secondary magnetic shield 29. For mild steel, the shield thickness of both the primary magnetic shield 25 and the secondary magnetic shield 29 is preferably in the range of 0.01 to 0.25 inches, and more preferably in the range of 0.025 to 0.175 inches. At the same time, independently increasing the thickness of the lateral shields can help reduce the escape of magnetic fields emanating from within the shuttle to the external environment.

[0053] Figure 3BThe primary magnetic element 27 and the secondary magnetic element 28 are schematically shown oriented and aligned relative to the magnetic guide 130 (e.g., the internal magnetic element 132 of the magnetic guide) as disclosed, and the cooperative magnetic field they generate. As shown, the magnetic fields of the primary magnetic element 27 and the secondary magnetic element 28 propagate along an axis that is perpendicularly aligned with the axis of the magnetic field emitted from the magnetic guide 130 (e.g., from the element 132 of the magnetic guide). It has been found that with the magnetic fields aligned in this manner, the magnetic attraction between the shuttle 20 (by means of the primary magnetic element 27 / secondary magnetic element 28 of the shuttle) and the magnetic guide 130 can be quite strong, resulting in an enhanced coupling between the shuttle 20 and the magnetic guide 130 during use. Accordingly, a greater force can be applied to the clearing member 124 in the X direction without disengaging the shuttle 20 from the magnetic guide to overcome the resistance caused by the obstruction encountered by the clearing member 124 in the chest tube 10.

[0054] For example, a prior art shuttle 20 as described in the '243 patent, having a high field strength rare earth neodymium magnet configured as a ring, coupled to a similar composition neodymium magnet in the magnetic guide 130, typically delivers approximately 0.4 lbf of translational force to the clearing member 124 in the X direction before the shuttle 20 disengages from the magnetic guide 130. This amount of force can be used to overcome resistance caused by an obstruction in the medical tube 10. In contrast, by using the primary magnetic element 27 and the secondary magnetic element 28 to align their relative magnetic fields radially toward the magnetic guide 130 relative to a similarly configured magnetic guide 130 disclosed herein, the shuttle 20 herein has been demonstrated to deliver up to approximately 1.2 lbf of translational force to the clearing member 124 before disengagement from the magnetic guide 130; i.e., approximately three times the available translational force compared to prior art devices. The increased available translational force is a result of a stronger magnetic attraction between the magnetic elements in the shuttle 20 and the magnetic elements in the magnetic guide 130 during use, believed to be a result of the orientation of the primary magnetic elements 27 and the secondary magnetic elements 28 as disclosed herein. The result is a greater ability to overcome and clear strong obstructions in the medical tube 10, and a reduced incidence of shuttle disengagement.

[0055] In addition, it is believed that both the primary magnetic shield 25 and the secondary magnetic shield 29 help to strengthen the effective magnetic attraction between the primary magnetic element 27 and the secondary magnetic element 28, respectively, and the magnetic guide 130. Specifically, the primary magnetic shield 25 connects the opposite poles of each adjacent primary magnetic element 27, thereby strengthening their magnetic fields by completing the circuit between each primary magnetic element 27. The secondary magnetic shield 29 acts in a similar manner to strengthen the magnetic field of the secondary magnetic element by completing the circuit between each secondary magnetic element 28. This results in a greater ability to overcome and clear obstructions in the medical tube 10 and reduces the incidence of shuttle disengagement.

[0056] It will be appreciated that the maximum available magnitude of a strong magnetic coupling between the shuttle 20 and the magnetic guide 130 via the tube wall may not always be necessary to translate the clearing member 124. For example, in the absence of an obstruction or in the presence of a small or less obstruction, a minimum coupling force may be required to translate the clearing member 124. In such a case, a maximum coupling force between the shuttle 20 and the magnetic guide 130 may be undesirable because it would increase the frictional forces resisting the sliding of the shuttle 20 along the tube 110, thereby making regular use of the device 100 more strenuous. This would also increase the frictional forces between the internal magnetic guide 130 and the inner diameter of the tube 110. Therefore, the shuttle 20 includes a mechanism for operating with a reduced magnetic coupling strength and increasing the coupling strength magnitude to a maximum only when the operator wishes to clear or traverse a solid obstruction in the medical tube 10.

[0057] Specifically, if Figure 7 and Fig.10 As shown and described above, the shuttle 20 includes a depressible button 23, for example, disposed on a face of the primary magnetic shield 25 opposite the primary magnetic element 27. In one example, the button 23 includes a post 36 extending from an underside of the button through a central hole 37 in the primary magnetic shield 25 and through a spring 26 positioned between the primary magnetic elements 27. The spring 26 is seated and disposed against the channel body 24 opposite the primary magnetic shield 25, for example, within a radial channel or spring recess 38 defined between the primary magnet recesses 33. In this manner, the spring 26 biases the primary magnetic shield 25 and the button 23 at its opposite face in a position radially away from the channel body 24. Preferably, the primary magnetic element 27 is attached (e.g., by magnetic interaction) to a bottom surface of the magnetic shield so that the primary magnetic element 27 is similarly biased radially away from the tube channel 40, corresponding to a first position ( Fig.13 Conversely, depressing the button 23 radially inwards will drive the primary magnetic shield 25 and attached primary magnetic element 27 radially inwards against the spring bias, preferably until they are in the second position ( Fig.14 ) is seated on the bottom plate of each main magnet recess 33 (this is also described below).

[0058] For example Fig.11 and Fig.13As shown, the secondary magnetic element 28 is fixed within the secondary magnet recess 34 of the channel body 24. In contrast, the primary magnetic element 27 can be adjusted within a range of multiple radial positions relative to the tube channel 40 of the channel body 24, for example, between the first position and the second position described above. Because the radial position of the secondary magnetic element 28 is fixed, the field strength available from the secondary magnetic element 28 for translating the magnetic guide 130 (and thus translating the clearing member 124) is not manually adjustable. However, the field strength available from the primary magnetic element 27 for driving the magnetic guide 130 can be manually adjusted by operating the button 23 to adjust the primary magnetic element 27 between the first position and the second position, which will be explained further.

[0059] refer to Fig.13 , the primary magnetic element 27 is shown in a first (rest) position. With the magnetic guide 130 disposed within the tube passage 40 of the shuttle 20 (inside the tube 110 received through the tube passage), the primary magnetic element 27 and the secondary magnetic element 28 are magnetically attracted to the magnetic guide 130 from opposite radial directions. And, as the shuttle 20 translates along the guide tube 110, the magnetic attraction between the magnetic elements 27, 28 of the shuttle 20 and the magnetic guide 130 causes movement of the clearing member 124 within the chest tube 10, for example, to remove an obstruction in the chest tube 10. This translational movement with the primary magnetic element 27 in the first (rest) position away from the tube passage 40 is generally sufficient for routine clearing of the chest tube 10 at predetermined intervals.

[0060] However, if the clearing member 124 encounters a solid obstruction within the chest tube 10, additional force in the X direction may be required to traverse or remove the obstruction and continue to translate the clearing member 124 along its path through the chest tube 10. In this case, the button 23 can be pressed, causing the main magnetic element 27 to advance radially inward, approach or enter the second position, and be seated in each main magnet recess 33 adjacent to the tube passage 40. Fig.14 As shown, in this radially advanced (e.g., second) position, the main magnetic element 27 is more recessed into the recess 33, closer to the magnetic guide 130 received in the tube 110 in the tube channel 40 of the shuttle 20. When the main magnetic element 27 is closer to the magnetic guide 130, the magnetic attraction between the main magnetic element 27 and the magnetic guide 130 increases, which enables the shuttle 20 to apply a stronger translational force to the cleaning member 124 in the X direction before it disengages from the magnetic guide 130.

[0061] Although Fig.13 and Fig.14The main magnetic element 27 shown in the figure is in the first position and the second position, but it should be understood that these positions represent the boundaries of the adjustable range. The main magnetic element 27 can be adjusted to any point between these positions to produce a corresponding adjustment of the magnetic coupling strength between the main magnetic element 27 and the magnetic guide 130. For example, if it is desired to increase the available force slightly in the X direction, the button 23 can be only slightly pressed, for example, to reduce the radial distance between the main magnetic element 27 and the magnetic guide 130 by 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, or some other fraction less than 100%. If it is desired to apply additional force in the X direction, the button 23 can be further pressed, for example, to further reduce the above-mentioned radial distance, for example, by 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, or more. The user can press the button 23 and reduce the distance between the main magnetic element 27 and the magnetic guide 130 to any amount between the first position and the second position of the main magnetic element 27. The spring 26 biases the button 23 (and the main magnetic element 27) toward a fully radially withdrawn (i.e., "rest") position, and will therefore oppose any depression of the button 23. In this way, the user can adjust the degree of field strength increase by adjusting the degree to which the button 23 is depressed against the spring bias. Once the operation is completed, the spring 26 returns the button 23 (and the main magnetic element 27) to a fully radially withdrawn "rest" position.

[0062] In one example, the radial (relative to the tube passage 40) distance between the primary magnetic element 27 and the secondary magnetic element 28 (with the primary magnetic element 27 fully radially engaged and seated on the floor of each primary magnet recess) is 0.5 inches, 0.75 inches, 0.85 inches, 0.95 inches, or 1 inch; for example, depending on the diameter of the tube passage 40 suitable for accommodating a particular tube 110. By positioning the magnetic guide 130 between the primary magnetic element 27 and the secondary magnetic element 28, the magnetic guide 130 can theoretically be magnetically suspended radially in a generally central position within the tube 110 inside the tube passage 40. Although this theoretical possibility is not generally achieved in practice, the fact that the magnetic guide 130 is still pulled in opposite directions between the primary magnetic element 27 and the secondary magnetic element 28 as the shuttle 20 is operated to translate the clearing member 124 can reduce friction between the magnetic guide 130 and the guide tube passage. Thus, as shuttle 20 translates along tube 110, the amount of force available to translate clearing member 124 in the X-direction may be increased.

[0063] In order to maximize the field strength between one (or both) of the primary magnetic element 27 and the secondary magnetic element 28 and the magnetic guide 130 within the tube 110 received in the tube channel 40 (if necessary), the radial distance between them should be as small as possible. In one example, the radial distance between, for example, the primary magnetic element 27 and the magnetic guide 130 can be reduced by introducing a hole 41 in the bottom wall of each primary magnet recess 33, thereby effectively reducing the outer diameter of the tube channel 40 near each recess 33 so that the primary magnetic element 27 can be driven radially further inward. This is in Fig.12 . By removing a portion of the channel body 24 that forms the circumferential wall of the tube channel 40 near the recess 33, the primary magnetic element 27 can be seated more radially inwardly, closer to the inner diameter of the tube channel 40 (or even partially within the tube channel). Optionally, if desired, similar holes can be provided in the floor of each secondary magnet recess 34 to allow the secondary magnetic element 28 to be fixed radially inwardly to a greater extent. However, in practice, such holes in the floor of the secondary magnet recess 34 are less preferred because it is better to have a certain degree of spacing to reduce their coupling force (and the resulting friction against translation of the shuttle 20 or magnetic guide 130) when a stronger coupling is not required (by pressing the button 23) to overcome an obstruction in the tube.

[0064] In the described embodiment, the coupling strength of the magnetic field between the primary magnetic element 27 in the shuttle 20 and the magnetic guide 130 received in the tube in the tube passage 40 can be adjusted by adjusting the radial position of the primary magnetic element 27. The foregoing embodiment also discloses two primary magnetic elements 27 and two secondary magnetic elements 28. However, in an alternative embodiment, the shuttle 20 can have only one primary magnetic element 27, which is opposite to one secondary magnetic element 28 along a common radius relative to the tube passage 40, as already described. In addition, the primary magnetic element 27 does not need to be adjustable. Instead, the primary magnetic element can be in a fixed position.

[0065] Fig.15 A partial cross-sectional view of the shuttle 20 as described above is shown, but in which the primary magnetic element 27 is not adjustable. In this embodiment, the coupling strength between the primary magnetic element 27 and the magnetic guide 130 will not be adjustable. This embodiment is desirable from an ease of manufacturing perspective, but it will not have an adjustable coupling strength with the magnetic guide 130 as in the other disclosed embodiments.

[0066] Reference now Figure 16-Figure 18, the clearing device 100 as described herein is shown assembled to the chest tube 10 via the chest tube connector 92, which ensures a fluid-tight connection between the distal end of the shuttle guide tube 110 and the proximal end of the chest tube 10 while providing fluid communication between the chest tube passage and the guide tube passage 116. The chest tube 10 has a wall having an outer circumference and an inner diameter defining the chest tube passage.

[0067] With the clearing device 100 and chest tube 10 assembled together as described above, the guide member 122 and the clearing member 124 disposed at the distal end thereof can be advanced into and withdrawn from the chest tube 10 to assist in clearing debris from the chest tube, as described below. In use, when the shuttle 20 is assembled or properly positioned on the guide tube 110, the magnetic guide 130 and the primary magnetic element 27 and the secondary magnetic element 28 of the shuttle 20 are magnetically attracted and coupled to one another. This results in the magnetic guide 130 being coupled to the shuttle 20 by means of magnetic forces acting through the walls of the guide tube 110. Thus, sliding or translating the shuttle 20 longitudinally along the length of the shuttle guide tube 110 causes corresponding translational movement of the magnetic guide 130 magnetically coupled to the shuttle and the guide member 122 fixed to the magnetic guide 130. Fig.16 , the shuttle 20 (shown schematically) is shown in a first position in contact with the shuttle stop 150. The length of the guide member 122 between its distal end and the point where it is fixed to the magnetic guide 130 is preferably selected to be approximately equal to the length of the chest tube 10 plus a length corresponding to the distance between the engagement point of the shuttle stop 150 and the chest tube 10 engagement joint 92. In this embodiment, when the shuttle 20 is positioned against the shuttle stop 150 (the shuttle is parallel to the magnetic guide 130 along the length of the guide tube 110), the cleaning member 124 at the distal end of the guide member 122 is disposed within the chest tube 10 adjacent to the distal end of the chest tube and does not protrude from the chest tube 10 into the body cavity. In a preferred embodiment, this is the first position of the cleaning member 124, in which the cleaning member is typically at rest when the cleaning device 100 is not being used to actively remove debris from the chest tube 10.

[0068] In operation, with the chest tube 10 (its distal end) inserted into a patient's body cavity and the shuttle guide tube 110 connected at its proximal end to a suction source 200, fluid from the body cavity is drawn through the chest tube passageway and then through the guide tube passageway 116 to be collected or disposed of in any suitable or conventional manner, such as in a conventional collection canister (not shown). (Alternatively, as described above, the guide tube 110 may branch off from a main suction circuit defined between the medical tube 10 and the vacuum tube 210, in which case the fluid from the body cavity will be primarily suctioned via the main suction circuit rather than via the guide tube 110). In the illustrated embodiment, the cleaning member 124 is in the form of a coil that scrapes the inner diameter of the chest tube 10 as it translates along the length of the chest tube 10.

[0069] As described above, a clearing member 124 (e.g., a loop) is typically disposed within the chest tube passageway adjacent the distal end of the chest tube 10. To assist in clearing clots and other debris 400 that have accumulated in the chest tube 10, the shuttle 20 is disposed on the guide tube 110 such that the shuttle is magnetically coupled to the magnetic guide 130 within the tube 110. When so assembled, and once the shuttle is magnetically coupled to the magnetic guide 130 within the tube 110, the nurse, physician, or other operator then pulls the shuttle 20 proximally along the length of the guide tube 110 toward the proximal end of the tube 110. As the shuttle translates proximally, the magnetic attraction between the magnetic guide 130 and the primary magnetic elements 27 and secondary magnetic elements 28 of the shuttle maintains the magnetic guide 130 parallel to the shuttle 20. This then pulls the guide member 122 and the clearing member 124 proximally through the chest tube passageway, as shown in FIG. Fig.17 As the clearing member 124 is pulled proximally, the clearing member engages clotted material and other debris 400 in its path and forces such material and debris proximally ( Fig.17 , Fig.18 ) moves toward the proximal end of the chest tube passage and eventually leaves the chest tube passage and enters the guide tube passage 116 ( Fig.18 ). To perform this operation, preferably, the operator grasps the shuttle 20 with one hand and grasps the proximal end of the guide tube 110 with the other hand so that the pulling force applied to the shuttle 20 is applied against the reaction force applied to the tube 110 via the other hand, rather than against the sutures holding the chest tube 10 in the patient's body. Alternatively, the same purpose can be achieved by grasping a different portion of the guide tube 110 or the shuttle stop 150 with the other hand before sliding the shuttle 20. Optionally, the clearing member 124 can be alternately withdrawn from and advanced into the chest tube passage to help break up clotted material or other debris and to help aspirate such debris proximally. Once the clearing operation is concluded, the shuttle 20 can be used to return the magnetic guide 130, and therefore the clearing member 124, to the rest position.

[0070] If additional translational force is needed to traverse or dislodge a solid clot within the chest tube 10 , the user can press button 23 on shuttle 20 to advance primary magnetic element 27 radially toward tube channel 40 in the shuttle, thereby strengthening the field between shuttle 20 and magnetic guide 130 .

[0071] In the embodiment where such a button 23 is provided, it is described as actuating the two main magnetic elements 27 shown in the figure simultaneously. However, in an optional embodiment, one main magnetic element 27 can be fully advanced (or seated) radially close to or against the tube channel 40 of the channel body 24 under normal conditions (or full-time), wherein the actuation of the button 23 advances (or withdraws) the second (or more) main magnetic element 27 to adjust the coupling field strength. Alternatively, a plurality of buttons 23 as described above can be provided, one for each main magnetic element 27, so that these magnetic elements 27 can each be individually and selectively advanced radially to adjust the coupling strength with the magnetic guide 130 in the tube received through the tube channel 40. In addition, although the button 23 has been described as a depressible button 23, it can be replaced by a rocker switch or another switch to radially advance the main magnetic element 27. Optionally, for example, the button 23 (or other switch) can include a locking feature to lock the button in a fully radially advanced position (or a different degree of advancement, such as a user-selected degree of advancement) when desired.

[0072] It will be appreciated that if the shuttle 20 becomes decoupled from the magnetic guide 130 within the guide tube 110 while the shuttle 20 is being used to actuate the clearing member 124 within the medical tube 10, the shuttle 20 and the magnetic guide 130 may be magnetically recoupled by advancing the shuttle 20 forward (or backward) until the magnetic coupling is reestablished. Alternatively, as the shuttle 20 translates, the operator may pinch the chest tube 10 or guide tube 110 to manually engage the guide member 122 via the tube wall and hold the guide member in place, thereby magnetically reengaging the magnetic guide 130 via the wall of the guide tube 110. In addition to facilitating translation of the guide member 122 via the magnetic coupling between the shuttle 20 (magnetic elements thereof) and the magnetic guide 130, the disclosed embodiments also facilitate rotation of the guide member 122 within the chest tube / guide tube by rotating the shuttle 20 around the exterior of the chest tube 10 / guide tube 110. The transversely aligned magnetic fields from the respective opposing first and second magnetic elements 27, 28 within the shuttle 20 are magnetically coupled to the magnetic guide 130 in a fixed orientation. Thus, due to the fixed orientation, rotating the shuttle 20 about the tube correspondingly rotates the magnetic guide 130 (and the guide member 122 to which the magnetic guide is attached) within the tube. This can aid in clearing obstructive debris within the tube and navigating through obstructions or twists caused by curves or bends in the tube (e.g., due to bends in the tube).

[0073] Although the present invention has been described with respect to some preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed herein, which are illustrative rather than restrictive in nature, but include all variations and modifications that would occur to a person of ordinary skill in the art when reading this disclosure, which fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device for clearing obstructions, comprising: A shuttle, the shuttle defines a tube channel, the tube channel is configured to accommodate a tube in the tube channel, and the shuttle is capable of translating along the length of the tube when the tube is accommodated in the tube channel, the shuttle includes a first main magnetic element, the first main magnetic element is aligned so that when viewed from the side of the shuttle, a first main field axis of a first main magnetic field of the first main magnetic element is aligned approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tube channel, and the first main magnetic element is capable of adjusting between a first position away from the tube channel and a second position close to the tube channel.

2. The device of claim 1 , the shuttle further comprising a second main magnetic element aligned such that a second main field axis of a second main magnetic field of the second main magnetic element is aligned substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tube channel when viewed from the side of the shuttle.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, the north pole of the first main magnetic element facing the tube channel, and the south pole of the second main magnetic element facing the tube channel.

4. The device according to claim 3, further comprising the tube received in the tube channel and having a magnetic guide in the tube, wherein The first main field axis is substantially aligned with a south pole termination of the magnetic guide along the longitudinal axis, and the second main field axis is substantially aligned with a north pole termination of the magnetic guide along the longitudinal axis.

5. The device of claim 1, the shuttle further comprising a first magnetic element aligned such that a first field axis of a first magnetic field of the first magnetic element is aligned substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the tube channel when viewed from the side of the shuttle.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, the first main magnetic element and the first secondary magnetic element being opposed to each other relative to the tube passage such that the first main field axis and the first secondary field axis are radially aligned relative to a longitudinal axis of the tube passage.

7. The device of claim 6, further comprising the tube received in the tube channel and having a magnetic guide in the tube, wherein The first main field axis and the second subfield axis are substantially aligned with a south pole terminal end of the magnetic guide along the longitudinal axis.

8. The device of claim 5, the shuttle further comprising a secondary magnetic element aligned such that a secondary field axis of a secondary magnetic field of the secondary magnetic element is aligned substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the tube passage when viewed from the side of the shuttle.

9. The device of claim 5, wherein the first magnetic element is fixed within the shuttle.

10. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a secondary magnetic shield disposed adjacent to the exposed surface of the first magnetic element.

11. The device of claim 1 further comprising the tube received in the tube channel and having a magnetic guide in the tube, wherein: By adjusting the first main magnetic element between the first position and the second position, the strength of the magnetic coupling between the magnetic guide and the first main magnetic element is adjustable.

12. The device of claim 1, the shuttle further comprising a button, the button being spring biased radially away from the tube passage, wherein Depressing the button against the bias of the spring urges the first primary magnetic element from the first position toward the second position.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a primary magnetic shield disposed adjacent to the exposed surface of the first primary magnetic element.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, the shuttle further comprising a transverse magnetic shield extending from one transverse side of the tube passage to an opposite transverse side of the tube passage.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the shuttle further comprises a channel body defining the tube channel, the transverse magnetic shield comprising a ferromagnetic material and seated on fins extending laterally from the channel body, the fins being sized to maintain a shape of the transverse magnetic shield to resist deformation caused by the first main magnetic field.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, the fins comprising protrusions configured to fit within the apertures of the transverse magnetic shield.

17. The apparatus of claim 1, the shuttle further comprising a channel body defining the tube channel and comprising a primary recess configured to receive the first primary magnetic element.

18. A device for clearing an obstruction, the device comprising a shuttle capable of translating along the length of a tube, the shuttle comprising: a channel body defining a tube channel having a longitudinal axis and a first main magnet recess disposed outside the tube channel, the tube channel being configured to receive a tube therein; a first main magnetic element received in the first main magnet recess and having a first main magnetic field emanating along a first main field axis aligned radially relative to the longitudinal axis; as well as A button is operable to slidably adjust the first main magnetic element within the first main magnet recess between a first position radially away from the tube passage and a second position radially closer to the tube passage.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, the shuttle further comprising a first magnetic element having a first magnetic field emanating along a first field axis radially aligned with and opposite the first main field axis relative to the longitudinal axis.

20. The device of claim 19, the shuttle further comprising: a primary magnetic shield disposed adjacent to the exposed surface of the first primary magnetic element; a transverse magnetic shield extending from one lateral side of the channel body to an opposite lateral side of the channel body; and a secondary magnetic shield disposed adjacent to an exposed surface of the first primary magnetic element; the transverse magnetic shield comprising ferromagnetic material and seated on fins extending laterally from the channel body, the fins being sized to maintain a shape of the transverse magnetic shield to resist deformation caused by the first main magnetic field.

21. The apparatus of claim 19, the channel body further defining a second main magnet recess, the second main magnet recess disposed outside the tube channel and adjacent to and spaced apart from the first main magnet recess along the longitudinal axis; The shuttle also includes: a second main magnetic element received in the second main magnet recess and having a second main magnetic field emanating along a second main field axis parallel to the first main field axis and aligned radially relative to the longitudinal axis; and a second secondary magnetic element adjacent to and spaced from the first primary magnetic element along the longitudinal axis, the second secondary magnetic element having a second magnetic field emanating along a second secondary field axis, the second secondary field axis being radially aligned and opposed to the second primary field axis relative to the longitudinal axis; The button is operable to adjust both the first and second main magnetic elements within the first and second main magnet recesses, respectively, collectively between the first and second positions.

22. A device for clearing an obstruction, comprising: a shuttle defining a tube channel configured to receive a tube therein, and the shuttle being translatable along a length of the tube when the tube is received in the tube channel; as well as A first main magnetic element is adjustable between a first position distal from the tube and a second position proximate to the tube to adjust a coupling strength between the first main magnetic element and a magnetic guide disposed within the tube when the tube is received through the tube passage.

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