Tracheostomy inner cannula cleaning assembly and handheld cleaning tool

By combining a hydraulic flushing structure with a soft cleaning brush, the problem of inconvenient cleaning of the internal tubing of the tracheostomy is solved, achieving efficient, comprehensive and non-damaging cleaning results and simplifying the operation process.

CN224359077UActive Publication Date: 2026-06-16THE 958TH ARMY HOSPITAL OF THE CHINESE PEOPLES LIBERATION ARMY

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
THE 958TH ARMY HOSPITAL OF THE CHINESE PEOPLES LIBERATION ARMY
Filing Date
2025-06-03
Publication Date
2026-06-16

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Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of air cut inner catheter cleaning assembly and hand-held cleaning tool, including two flush liquid interfaces of coaxial configuration, and they are connected by liquid-driven flushing structure between. The utility model aims at providing a kind of air cut inner catheter cleaning assembly and hand-held cleaning tool, to solve the problems, such as air cut inner catheter cleaning inconvenience, inefficiency and difficult to ensure the thoroughness of cleaning in prior art. By ingeniously using liquid-driven flushing structure, when flush liquid flows through the structure, it can promote its rotation. This rotating action not only enables liquid-driven flushing structure to spray flush liquid to the pipe wall of inner catheter, but also can efficiently brush the pipe wall of inner catheter. In addition, hand-held cleaning tool adopts ergonomic design, which facilitates medical staff operation and ensures that flush liquid can uniformly and stably flow through liquid-driven flushing structure, thereby improving cleaning effect.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of tracheostomy tube cleaning tools, specifically to a tracheostomy tube cleaning assembly and a handheld cleaning tool. Background Technology

[0002] A tracheostomy cannula, also known as a tracheostomy tube, is a medical device used in emergency situations to ensure the airway remains open for patients with hypoxemia. By performing a tracheotomy in the patient's neck and inserting a tracheostomy tube, breathing difficulties caused by obstruction of airways or secretions can be effectively relieved. This cannula is primarily used in emergency situations where oxygen deficiency is caused by airway obstruction, severe trauma, or allergic reactions. It is also suitable for patients requiring long-term mechanical ventilation or those unable to maintain an open airway independently. Tracheostomy cannulas are typically made of polyurethane or other medical materials and consist of an outer cannula and an inner tube. The outer cannula is inserted into the tracheal incision site after the tracheotomy, while the inner tube is used to connect to a ventilator or for manual respiration. The cannula material has a certain degree of elasticity and air conduction properties, allowing it to adapt to different tracheal shapes and sizes.

[0003] The replacement frequency of a tracheostomy tube depends on the type of tube. Plastic tubes are prone to sputum blockage and should be replaced every 15 days. Metal tubes have a smoother surface and are less prone to sputum blockage, but they still require regular cleaning and are typically replaced every 30 days. In clinical practice, to prevent the tube from being blocked by sputum crusts or other secretions and to ensure its cleanliness and sterility, it must be cleaned and soaked for disinfection daily.

[0004] However, the cleaning and disinfection process of internal catheters requires extreme care and caution. Healthcare professionals typically use specialized cleaning brushes and disinfectants to meticulously clean the catheters. This process is tedious, inefficient, and it's difficult to ensure thorough cleaning. In some cases, to improve the efficiency and safety of internal catheter cleaning, medical institutions may choose to use automated cleaning and disinfection equipment. These devices can achieve more uniform and thorough cleaning while reducing the workload of healthcare professionals. Nevertheless, introducing automated equipment requires additional financial investment and operator training, and necessitates regular maintenance and calibration, making it difficult to meet the application needs of different scenarios. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention aims to provide a tracheostomy catheter cleaning assembly and a handheld cleaning tool to solve the problems of inconvenience, low efficiency, and difficulty in ensuring thorough cleaning of tracheostomy catheters in the prior art. By cleverly utilizing a hydraulic flushing structure, the flushing fluid is induced to rotate as it flows through. This rotation not only allows the hydraulic flushing structure to spray flushing fluid onto the catheter wall but also to efficiently scrub the catheter wall. Furthermore, the handheld cleaning tool is ergonomically designed for easy operation by medical personnel, ensuring that the flushing fluid flows evenly and stably through the hydraulic flushing structure, thereby improving the cleaning effect.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention first discloses the following technical solution:

[0007] A cleaning assembly for an internal tracheostomy catheter is characterized by comprising two coaxially arranged flushing fluid inlets connected to each other via a hydraulic flushing structure. When the flushing fluid flows through the hydraulic flushing structure, it can cause the structure to rotate, enabling the hydraulic flushing structure to not only spray flushing fluid onto the wall of the internal catheter but also to scrub the wall of the internal catheter.

[0008] Furthermore, the hydraulic flushing structure includes a flushing fluid flow pipeline, with two flushing fluid inlets connected to the two ends of the flushing fluid flow pipeline via rotary seals. Several tangential spray pipes connected to the flushing fluid flow pipeline are evenly distributed around its circumference, and a cleaning brush can be detachably installed between two adjacent tangential spray pipes.

[0009] Furthermore, the rotary seal includes a bearing for rotatable connection, the bearing being restricted to a predetermined installation position in the flushing fluid flow line by a bearing retainer, and a shaft seal for sealing connection is also provided on the bearing.

[0010] Furthermore, the flushing fluid interface is designed as a threaded connection, with a limiting ring on its outer circumference that matches the inner ring of the bearing, and a fluid-blocking ring that adapts to the outer ring of the bearing.

[0011] Based on the foregoing description, this utility model also discloses a handheld cleaning tool, the key feature of which is: it includes a handheld structure, wherein the handheld structure is provided with an adjustable flushing fluid channel, and the flushing fluid channel is connected in series with n air-cutting internal catheter cleaning assemblies through a metal bellows, and the flushing fluid interface at the end of the nth air-cutting internal catheter cleaning assembly is sealed by an end cap, wherein: n≥1.

[0012] Furthermore, the handheld structure includes a gun-shaped handle, and the flushing fluid channel is provided with a horizontal section and an inclined section adapted to the shape of the handle. A piston valve is provided at the communication position between the horizontal section and the inclined section, and the piston rod of the piston valve extends horizontally out of the handle and is used to receive push and pull power.

[0013] Furthermore, the piston rod has a guide groove at its end, and a roller is guided and connected in the guide groove. The roller is connected to the end of a handle, which is hinged to the handle. When the handle is pressed, the piston valve can be driven to move horizontally to adjust the opening of the flushing fluid channel.

[0014] Furthermore, an elastic element for resetting is provided between the grip and the handle.

[0015] Furthermore, a quick-connect inlet is provided at the bottom of the handle corresponding to the flushing fluid channel.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the significant advantages of this utility model are:

[0017] (1) Through the design of the hydraulic flushing structure, the flushing liquid can drive the structure to rotate when it flows through. This rotation not only promotes the uniform spraying of the flushing liquid on the inner tube wall, but also performs efficient physical scrubbing of the inner tube wall through the installed cleaning soft brush, effectively removing secretions such as phlegm crusts, and greatly improving the cleaning efficiency and cleanliness.

[0018] (2) The hydraulic flushing structure enhances the cleaning force of the flushing fluid on the pipe wall through centrifugal force, thereby improving the cleaning effect. On the other hand, the centrifugal force causes the flexible bristles of the cleaning brush to expand outward to adapt to the cleaning needs of air-cutting inner tubes of different diameters. At the same time, since the tangential spray pipe and the cleaning brush are staggered on the same circumference, the flushing is combined, avoiding wear on the pipe wall while cleaning thoroughly.

[0019] (3) The design of the rotating seal ensures the sealing and smooth flow of the flushing fluid when the hydraulic flushing structure rotates. The use of bearings not only provides stable rotational support, but also prevents flushing fluid leakage through precise positioning via bearing retaining rings. At the same time, the shaft seal further enhances the sealing performance, effectively preventing flushing fluid from seeping out from the rotating connection, ensuring the continuity and effectiveness of the cleaning process. In addition, the threaded flushing fluid interface design not only facilitates assembly and disassembly, but also ensures a stable connection and sealing between the rotating seal and the flushing fluid interface through the setting of limit rings and liquid-retaining rings, improving the reliability and durability of the entire cleaning assembly;

[0020] (4) The handheld cleaning tool is designed with ergonomic principles in mind, ensuring easy operation for medical staff. By adjusting the opening of the irrigation fluid channel, the flow rate of the irrigation fluid can be flexibly controlled, making the cleaning process both stable and efficient. The piston valve design in the handheld structure allows medical staff to adjust the flow rate of the irrigation fluid by simply pressing the handle to switch to a push-pull motion, making operation simple and quick. In addition, the handheld cleaning tool can connect multiple tracheostomy catheter cleaning components in series to meet the cleaning needs of tracheostomy catheters of different lengths and complexities, further enhancing the flexibility and applicability of the cleaning process. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. In the accompanying drawings:

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the tracheostomy catheter cleaning assembly in Example 1 (I);

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram (II) of the overall structure of the tracheostomy catheter cleaning assembly in Example 1;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the tracheostomy catheter cleaning assembly in Embodiment 1;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the tracheostomy catheter cleaning assembly in Example 1 (I).

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram (II) of the assembly structure of the tracheostomy catheter cleaning assembly in Example 1.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the handheld cleaning tool in Example 1;

[0028] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the handheld cleaning tool in Example 2 (I);

[0029] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the handheld cleaning tool in Example 2 (II);

[0030] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the handheld structure in Embodiment 2 (I);

[0031] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the handheld structure in Embodiment 2 (II);

[0032] The diagram is labeled as follows: 1-Flush fluid inlet, 2-Hydraulic flushing structure, 201-Flush fluid flow pipe, 202-Rotary seal, 203-Tangential spray pipe, 204-Cleaning soft brush, 2021-Bearing, 2022-Bearing retaining ring, 2023-Shaft seal, 101-Limiting ring, 102-Liquid retaining ring, 3-Handheld structure, 4-Metal bellows, 5-End cap, 301-Flush fluid flow channel, 3011-Horizontal section, 3012-Inclined section, 302-Handle, 303-Piston valve, 3031-Piston rod, 304-Guide groove, 305-Roller, 306-Grip, 307-Elastic element, 308-Quick inlet interface. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To make the technical problems, technical solutions and advantages of this utility model clearer, a detailed description will be given below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that the specific embodiments described herein are merely for explaining this utility model and are not intended to limit this utility model.

[0034] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "length," "width," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, in the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0035] Figure 1 The first embodiment of the present invention is shown: a tracheostomy catheter cleaning assembly, including two coaxially arranged flushing fluid inlets 1, which are connected by a hydraulic flushing structure 2; when the flushing fluid flows through the hydraulic flushing structure 2, it can cause the structure to rotate, so that the hydraulic flushing structure 2 can not only spray flushing fluid onto the wall of the catheter, but also brush the wall of the catheter.

[0036] like Figure 2As shown, in a specific implementation, the hydraulic flushing structure 2 includes a flushing fluid flow pipe 201. The two ends of the flushing fluid flow pipe 201 are connected to two flushing fluid interfaces 1 via rotary seals 202. Several tangential spray pipes 203 are evenly distributed around the circumference of the flushing fluid flow pipe 201 and communicate with it. A cleaning brush 204 can be detachably installed between adjacent tangential spray pipes 203. Preferably, the cleaning brush 204 has a silicone base and high-density polyethylene bristles, combining excellent wear resistance and softness. This design not only efficiently removes dirt from the tube wall but also ensures no damage to the tube wall. Furthermore, because the cleaning brush 204 is detachably installed, medical personnel can adjust the bristle length and density according to actual needs to adapt to the cleaning requirements of tracheostomy catheters of different sizes and materials.

[0037] Please see Figures 3 to 5 In this embodiment, the rotary seal 202 includes a bearing 2021 for rotatable connection. The bearing 2021 is constrained to a predetermined installation position in the flushing fluid flow channel 201 by a bearing retainer ring 2022, and a shaft seal 2023 for sealing connection is also provided on the bearing 2021. The shaft seal 2023 effectively prevents the flushing fluid from leaking from the bearing 2021 during rotation, ensuring that the flushing fluid can fully act on the hydraulic flushing structure 2, thereby achieving comprehensive cleaning of the tracheostomy catheter wall. At the same time, the design of the bearing retainer ring 2022 ensures the stability and reliability of the bearing 2021 during installation, avoiding problems such as poor cleaning effect or equipment damage caused by loose bearing 2021. In addition, the rotary seal 202 has a simple structure, is easy to install and maintain, reduces the operation difficulty for medical personnel, and improves the overall practicality and convenience of the cleaning assembly.

[0038] from Figure 4 and Figure 5As can be seen, in specific application scenarios, the flushing fluid interface 1 is designed with a threaded connection. Its outer circumferential surface is provided with a limiting ring 101 that matches the inner ring of the bearing 2021, and a liquid-retaining ring 102 that adapts to the outer ring of the bearing 2021. The setting of the limiting ring 101 and the liquid-retaining ring 102 not only ensures a stable connection between the flushing fluid interface 1 and the rotary seal 202, but also effectively prevents flushing fluid leakage at the connection point, further improving the sealing performance and cleaning effect of the cleaning assembly. Through the threaded connection design, medical personnel can easily and quickly connect the cleaning assembly to other related structures, improving work efficiency and flexibility. At the same time, this connection method also facilitates disassembly and replacement, providing convenience for the maintenance and upkeep of the cleaning assembly. Specifically, the size of the limiting ring 101 is comparable to the size of the inner ring of the bearing 2021, and after assembly, it can be accommodated within the bearing retainer ring 2022 to prevent the flushing fluid interface 1 from loosening after long-term use and to prevent the flushing fluid interface 1 from falling out of the inner ring of the bearing 2021. The size of the liquid-retaining ring 102 is slightly smaller than that of the outer ring of the bearing 2021. While avoiding contact and friction with the flushing fluid flow pipe and the bearing retaining ring 2022, it can shield the rolling parts of the bearing 2021 to achieve a certain sealing effect.

[0039] like Figure 6 As shown, based on the content described above, Embodiment 1 also discloses a handheld cleaning tool, including a handheld structure 3. The handheld structure 3 is provided with an adjustable flushing fluid channel 301. The flushing fluid channel 301 is connected to a tracheostomy internal catheter cleaning assembly through a metal bellows 4, and the flushing fluid interface 1 at the end of the tracheostomy internal catheter cleaning assembly is sealed by an end cap 5.

[0040] In practice, the tracheostomy catheter cleaning assembly is inserted into the catheter to be cleaned. The flushing fluid channel 301 is adjusted to a certain opening, and the flushing fluid flows sequentially through the flushing fluid channel 301, the metal bellows 4, and the hydraulic flushing structure 2. As the flushing fluid flows, the hydraulic flushing structure 2 begins to rotate, while the tangential spray pipe 203 sprays the flushing fluid tangentially onto the catheter wall, and the cleaning brush 204 physically scrubs the tube wall. Under the combined action of rotational flushing and physical scrubbing, the dirt on the tube wall is effectively removed. The entire cleaning process is both efficient and convenient, greatly reducing the workload of medical staff. The metal bellows 4 has the advantages of being resistant to high temperatures and corrosion, being able to be bent and shaped freely without easily springing back, and can adapt to the cleaning needs of tracheostomy catheters with different curvatures. Through the connection of the metal bellows 4, the relative positions between the components can be flexibly adjusted, making the cleaning operation more convenient and efficient.

[0041] Figure 7 and Figure 8The second embodiment of the present invention is shown. Compared with the first embodiment, the flushing fluid channel 301 is connected in series with multiple air-cutting internal catheter cleaning components through a metal bellows 4, and the flushing fluid interface 1 at the end of the air-cutting internal catheter cleaning component through which the flushing fluid finally flows is sealed by an end cap 5.

[0042] Please see Figure 9 and Figure 10 In this embodiment, the handheld structure 3 includes a gun-shaped handle 302. The flushing fluid channel 301 is provided with a horizontal section 3011 and an inclined section 3012 adapted to the shape of the handle 302. A piston valve 303 is provided at the communication position between the horizontal section 3011 and the inclined section 3012. The piston rod 3031 of the piston valve 303 extends horizontally out of the handle 302 and is used to receive push and pull power.

[0043] from Figure 9 and Figure 10 As can be seen, in specific implementation, the piston rod 3031 has a guide groove 304 at its end, and a roller 305 is guided and connected in the guide groove 304. The roller 305 is connected to the end of a handle 306, which is hinged to the handle 302. When the handle 306 is pressed, the piston valve 303 can be driven to move horizontally to adjust the opening of the flushing fluid channel 301. An elastic element 307 for resetting is also provided between the handle 306 and the handle 302. A quick-connect inlet 308 is provided at the bottom of the handle 302 corresponding to the flushing fluid channel 301.

[0044] During use, medical staff can adjust the opening of the irrigation fluid channel 301 by pressing or pulling the handle 306 on the handle 302 according to cleaning needs, thereby controlling the flow rate of the irrigation fluid. The pressing or pulling action of the handle 306 is transmitted to the piston rod 3031 through the roller 305 and guide groove 304, which in turn drives the piston valve 303 to move horizontally within the irrigation fluid channel 301, achieving precise flow rate adjustment. When the handle 306 is released, the elastic element 307 returns the handle 306 to its initial position, and the piston also returns to its original position, restoring the irrigation fluid channel 301 to a closed state. This design allows medical staff to operate the handheld cleaning tool with one hand, which is convenient and quick, greatly improving cleaning efficiency. At the same time, the quick-connect fluid inlet 308 makes the replacement and replenishment of the irrigation fluid simpler, further enhancing the convenience of the cleaning work.

[0045] In summary, this invention, through the design of the hydraulic flushing structure 2, enables the flushing fluid to drive the structure to rotate as it flows. This rotation not only promotes the uniform spraying of the flushing fluid onto the inner conduit wall but also provides efficient physical scrubbing of the inner conduit wall through the installed cleaning soft brush 204, effectively removing secretions such as phlegm crusts and significantly improving cleaning efficiency and cleanliness. The hydraulic flushing structure 2 utilizes centrifugal force, which on the one hand enhances the cleaning force of the flushing fluid on the conduit wall, thereby improving the cleaning effect; on the other hand, centrifugal force causes the flexible bristles of the cleaning soft brush 204 to expand outward to adapt to the cleaning needs of air-cutting inner conduits of different diameters. Simultaneously, because the tangential spray pipe 203 and the cleaning soft brush 204 are staggered on the same circumference, flushing is combined, avoiding wear on the conduit wall while achieving comprehensive cleaning. The design of the rotating seal ensures the sealing and smooth flow of the flushing fluid during the rotation of the hydraulic flushing structure 2. The use of the bearing 2021 not only provides stable rotational support but also prevents flushing fluid leakage through precise positioning via the bearing retainer ring 2022. The shaft seal 2023 further enhances the sealing performance, effectively preventing the flushing fluid from leaking out of the rotary connection and ensuring the continuity and effectiveness of the cleaning process. Furthermore, the threaded flushing fluid interface 1 design not only facilitates assembly and disassembly but also, through the setting of the limiting ring 101 and the liquid-retaining ring 102, ensures a stable connection and sealing between the rotary seal 202 and the flushing fluid interface 1, improving the reliability and durability of the entire cleaning assembly. The handheld cleaning tool is designed with ergonomic principles in mind, ensuring easy operation for medical personnel. By adjusting the opening of the flushing fluid flow channel 301, the flushing fluid flow rate can be flexibly controlled, making the cleaning process both stable and efficient. The piston valve 303 design in the handheld structure 3 allows medical personnel to adjust the flushing fluid flow rate by simply pressing the handle 306 to convert it into a push-pull action, making operation simple and quick. In addition, the handheld cleaning tool can connect multiple tracheostomy catheter cleaning assemblies in series to meet the cleaning needs of tracheostomy catheters of different lengths and complexities, further enhancing the flexibility and applicability of the cleaning process.

[0046] Finally, it should be noted that the technical solutions disclosed above are only a preferred embodiment of this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this utility model. Those skilled in the art can understand that implementing all or part of the processes of the above embodiments and making equivalent changes in accordance with the claims of this utility model still fall within the scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A tracheostomy catheter cleaning assembly, characterized in that: The device includes two coaxially arranged flushing fluid inlets connected by a hydraulic flushing structure. When the flushing fluid flows through the hydraulic flushing structure, it rotates, allowing the structure to not only spray flushing fluid onto the inner conduit wall but also to scrub the inner conduit wall. The hydraulic flushing structure includes a flushing fluid flow pipe, with its two ends connected to the two flushing fluid inlets via rotary seals. Several tangential spray pipes are evenly distributed around the circumference of the flushing fluid flow pipe and communicate with it. A cleaning brush can be detachably installed between two adjacent tangential spray pipes.

2. The tracheostomy catheter cleaning assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rotary seal includes a bearing for rotatable connection, the bearing being restricted to a predetermined installation position in the flushing fluid flow line by a bearing retainer, and a shaft seal for sealing connection is also provided on the bearing.

3. The endotracheal tube cleaning assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The flushing fluid interface is designed as a threaded connection, and its outer circumferential surface is provided with a limiting ring that matches the inner ring of the bearing, and a fluid-blocking ring that adapts to the outer ring of the bearing.

4. A handheld cleaning tool, characterized in that: The device includes a handheld structure, wherein the handheld structure is provided with an adjustable flushing fluid channel, and the flushing fluid channel is connected in series with n tracheostomy internal catheter cleaning assemblies as described in any one of claims 1-3 via metal bellows, and the flushing fluid interface at the end of the nth tracheostomy internal catheter cleaning assembly is sealed by an end cap, wherein: n≥1.

5. The handheld cleaning tool according to claim 4, characterized in that: The handheld structure includes a gun-shaped handle. The flushing fluid channel is provided with a horizontal section and an inclined section to adapt to the shape of the handle. A piston valve is provided at the communication position between the horizontal section and the inclined section. The piston rod of the piston valve extends horizontally out of the handle and is used to receive push and pull power.

6. The handheld cleaning tool according to claim 5, characterized in that: The piston rod has a guide groove at its end, and a roller is guided and connected in the guide groove. The roller is connected to the end of a handle, which is hinged to the handle. When the handle is pressed, the piston valve can be driven to move horizontally to adjust the opening of the flushing fluid channel.

7. The handheld cleaning tool according to claim 6, characterized in that: An elastic element for resetting is also provided between the grip and the handle.

8. The handheld cleaning tool according to any one of claims 5-7, characterized in that: A quick inlet port is provided at the bottom of the handle corresponding to the flushing fluid channel.