Drainage tube for medical use

Abstract

A drainage tube for drainage of bodily fluids is disclosed, including: an elongate non- fluid-permeable tube body having a first end to be received, in use, inside a body for drainage of bodily fluids, and an opposite second end to rest outside the body; wherein the tube body defines an open longitudinal bore extending between a first bore opening at the first end and a second bore opening at the second end to allow bodily fluid drainage through the second bore opening; and wherein a plurality of projections project radially outward along the tube body at spaced locations.

Description

“Drainage tube for medical use”Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to drainage tubes for medical use. The present disclosure specifically relates to drainage tubes for draining fluid from a cavity of a patient’s body. Some embodiments of the present disclosure particularly relate to drainage tubes for draining bodily fluids from abscesses.Background

[0002] Drainage tubes may be used to remove fluid that has accumulated in a patient’s body. An infection, such as an abscess, may require surgery wherein an incision is made to drain the fluid from the abscess, and a drainage tube may be used to facilitate fluid drainage in a hygienic manner. In some circumstances, the fluid to be drained may include fluid that is produced during wound recovery, such as serous fluid and blood. Some wounds may require continuous or repeated use of a drainage tube over an extended period.

[0003] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of each of the appended claims.

[0004] Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.Summary

[0005] Some embodiments relate to a drainage tube for drainage of bodily fluids, including: an elongate non-fluid-permeable tube body having a first end to be received, in use, inside a body for drainage of bodily fluids, and an opposite second end to rest outside the body; wherein the tube body defines an open longitudinal bore extending between a first bore opening at the first end and a second bore opening at the second end to allow bodily fluid drainage through the second bore opening; and wherein a plurality of projections project radially outward along the tube body at spaced locations.

[0006] The plurality of projections may include multiple pairs of projections, each pair of projections being spaced from another pair of projections along the tube body. Each pair of projections may include a first projection extending radially outward in a first direction and a second projection at a same position along a length of the tube body extending radially outward in a second direction that is different from the first direction. The first direction and the second direction may be opposite directions.

[0007] The pairs of projections may each be spaced a same longitudinal distance apart from an adjacent pair of projections. The pairs of projections may be positioned at a fixed longitudinal separation along the length of the tube body between the first end and the second end.

[0008] At each longitudinal position where a pair of projections is located, a further pair of projections may project radially outward from the tube body. The projections of each further pair of projections may extend in diametrically opposed directions. At each longitudinal position where a pair of projections is located, the pair of projections and the further pair of projections may be circumferentially separated from each other by about 90°. At each longitudinal position, each pair of projections may extend adifferent radial length from an outer circumferential surface of the tube body than a radial length of each further pair of projections.

[0009] A radial length of the projections may vary between the first end and the second end. The radial length of projections near the first end may be less than the radial length of projections near the second end.

[0010] The tube body may have an outer circumferential surface of circular crosssection other than where the plurality of projections project radially. The plurality of projections may project at an angle of around 90° from the outer circumferential surface. The plurality of projections may project at an angle toward the first end of less than 90° and greater than 70° from the outer circumferential surface.

[0011] Each projection may have a shaped tip end, wherein multiple ones of the plurality of projections have a rounded tip end. Multiple ones of the plurality of projections may have a squared tip end. Each of the projections may have a tapered profile that tapers inwardly on a direction away from the bore.

[0012] A circumferential separation of the projections in each pair of projections near the first end may be less than a circumferential separation of the projections in each pair of projections near the second end.

[0013] An outer diameter of the tube body may increase in a direction from the first end toward the second end. A diameter of the bore may increase in the direction from the first end toward the second end.

[0014] The tube body may be formed as a unitary body that includes the plurality of projections.

[0015] The tube body may be formed as a plurality of consecutive segments that collectively define the bore and the tube body, wherein each segment includes a pair of the projections. Each segment may include two pairs of the projections. Each segmentmay include a first circumferential notch around the tube body. The first circumferential notch of each segment may be adjacent the pair of projections of the respective segment. Each segment may include a second circumferential notch around the tube body. The second circumferential notch may be adjacent the pair of projections of the respective segment, wherein the second circumferential notch and the first circumferential notch are on opposite sides of the pair of projections.

[0016] A longitudinal width of the first circumferential notch may be different from a longitudinal width of the second circumferential notch. A radial depth of the first circumferential notch may be substantially the same as a radial depth of the second circumferential notch.

[0017] The tube body may be configured so that one or more of the segments can be separated from the rest of the tube body by a hand-operable cutting tool, such as scissors.

[0018] The tube body may be formed of, consist of, consist essentially of or comprise one of silicone, polyurethane, polysulfone, or a composite material that includes one or more of silicone, polyurethane or polysulfone.

[0019] Some embodiments relate to a drainage tube for drainage of bodily fluids, including: an elongate non-fluid-permeable tube having a first end to be received, in use, inside a body for drainage of bodily fluids, and an opposite second end to rest outside the body; wherein the tube body defines an open longitudinal bore extending between a first bore opening at the first end and a second bore opening at the second end to allow bodily fluid drainage through the second bore opening; and wherein an outer diameter of the tube body increases in a direction from the first end toward the second end.

[0020] A diameter of the bore may increase in the direction from the first end toward the second end.

[0021] The tube body may be formed as a unitary body.

[0022] The tube body may include a plurality of radial projections extending in a direction away from the bore.

[0023] The tube body may be formed as a plurality of consecutive segments that collectively define the bore and the tube body, wherein each segment includes a pair of the projections.

[0024] Some embodiments relate to a drainage tube for drainage of bodily fluids, including: an elongate non-fluid-permeable tube having a first end to be received, in use, inside a body for drainage of bodily fluids, and an opposite second end to rest outside the body; wherein the tube body defines an open longitudinal bore extending between a first bore opening at the first end and a second bore opening at the second end to allow bodily fluid drainage through the second bore opening; and wherein the tube body includes a plurality of first circumferential notches around the tube body at first spaced positions along the tube body.

[0025] A plurality of projections may project radially outward along the tube body at second spaced positions.

[0026] The first circumferential notches may be adjacent respective pairs of projections. The tube body may include a plurality of second circumferential notches around the tube body at third spaced positions along the tube body. The second circumferential notches may be adjacent respective pairs of projections. Each second circumferential notch and each first circumferential notch may be on opposite sides of a respective pair of projections.

[0027] A longitudinal width of the first circumferential notches may be different from a longitudinal width of the second circumferential notches. A radial depth of the first circumferential notches may be substantially the same as a radial depth of the second circumferential notches.

[0028] The tube body may be configured so that the first or second notches can be used as a tactile guide, so that a part of the tube body can be separated from the rest of the tube body by a hand-operable cutting tool, such as scissors.

[0029] A length of the tube may be between about 30 cm and about 15 cm.

[0030] An outer diameter of the tube body may be between 4mm and 15mm, and a diameter of the bore may be between 3 mm and 14mm.

[0031] Some embodiments relate to a method for fluid drainage from a body cavity, the method including: inserting a drainage tube into a tissue opening that is open to the body cavity, the drainage tube including an elongate tube body having a first end and an opposite second end, the tube body defining an open longitudinal bore extending between a first bore opening at the first end and a second bore opening at the second end to allow bodily fluid to drain out of the body cavity through the longitudinal bore to the second bore opening, wherein the tube body has a plurality of projections that project radially outward along the tube body at spaced locations; wherein the inserting includes positioning the first end in the tissue opening so that at least one of the plurality of the projections overlies tissue around an outside of the tissue opening and at least another one of the plurality of the projections is within the tissue opening or the body cavity, such that the one projection and the another one projection of the plurality of projections tend to retain the drainage tube in the tissue opening.

[0032] The positioning may include positioning the drainage tube so that the second bore opening opens outside of the tissue opening.

[0033] The method may further include partially withdrawing the drainage tube through the tissue opening so that at least the second one of the projections overlies the tissue around the outside of the tissue opening and at least a third one of the plurality of projections is within the tissue opening or the body cavity, such that at least the second and third ones of the plurality of projections tend to retain the drainage tube in the tissue opening.

[0034] The method may further include, after the partially withdrawing, trimming a part of the drainage tube that projects outwardly away from the tissue opening. The trimmed part of the drainage tube is between the first one of the plurality of projections and the second one of the plurality of projections.

[0035] The method may further include further partially withdrawing the drainage tube through the tissue opening so that at least the third one of the plurality of projections overlies the tissue around the outside of the tissue opening and at least a fourth one of the plurality of projections is within the tissue opening or the body cavity, such that at least the third and fourth ones of the plurality of projections tend to retain the drainage tube in the tissue opening. The method may further include, after the further partially withdrawing, trimming a further part of the drainage tube that projects outwardly away from the tissue opening. The further trimmed part of the drainage tube may be between the second one of the plurality of projections and the third one of the plurality of projections.

[0036] The tube body may define positioning formations at respective spaced locations between longitudinally adjacent pairs of the plurality of projections, and wherein the trimming includes positioning a cutting tool in relation to one of the positioning formations and then using the cutting tool to trim a length of the drainage tube.

[0037] The partially withdrawing or further partially withdrawing may be performed so that passage of ones of the projections through the tissue opening act to debride tissue in the cavity and / or in or about the tissue opening. The partially withdrawing orfurther partially withdrawing may include rotating the drainage tube before and / or during withdrawal of the drainage tube. This may provide increased debridement.

[0038] Some embodiments relate to a method for fluid drainage from a body cavity, the method including: inserting the drainage tube as described herein into a tissue opening that is open to the body cavity, wherein the tube body has a plurality of projections that project radially outward along the tube body at spaced locations; wherein the inserting includes positioning the first end in the tissue opening so that at least one of the plurality of projections overlies tissue around an outside of the tissue opening and at least another one of the plurality of projections is within the tissue opening or the body cavity, such that at least the one projection and the another one projection of the plurality of projections tend to retain the drainage tube in the tissue opening.Brief Description of Drawings

[0039] Fig. 1A is a side view of a drainage tube, according to some embodiments;

[0040] Fig. IB is a section view of the drainage tube of Fig. 1 A;

[0041] Fig. 1C is a detail view of a projection on the drainage tube of Fig. 1A;

[0042] Fig. ID is an end view of the drainage tube of Fig. 1 A;

[0043] Fig. IE is a perspective view of the drainage tube of Fig. 1 A;

[0044] Fig. 2A is a side view of a drainage tube, according to some embodiments;

[0045] Fig. 2B is a section view of the drainage tube of Fig. 2A;

[0046] Fig. 2C is a detail view of one projection on the drainage tube of Fig. 2A;

[0047] Fig. 2D is a detail view of another projection on the drainage tube of Fig. 2A;

[0048] Fig. 2E is an end view of the drainage tube of Fig. 2A;

[0049] Fig. 2F is a perspective view of the drainage tube of Fig. 2A;

[0050] Fig. 3 is a side view of a drainage tube, according to some embodiments;

[0051] Fig. 4A is a partial detail view of the drainage tube of Fig. 1 A;

[0052] Fig. 4B is a detail view of one groove on the drainage tube of Fig. 1A;

[0053] Fig. 4C is a detail view of another groove on the drainage tube of Fig. 1 A;

[0054] Fig. 5A is a partial detail view of the drainage tube of Fig. 2A;

[0055] Fig. 5B is a detail view of one groove on the drainage tube of Fig. 2A;

[0056] Fig. 5C is a detail view of another groove on the drainage tube of Fig. 2A; and

[0057] Fig. 6 is a schematic showing a method of using a drainage tube, such as the drainage tube of Fig. 2A, for draining fluid from a body cavity.Detailed Description

[0058] The present disclosure generally relates to drainage tubes for medical use. The present disclosure specifically relates to drainage tubes for draining fluid from a patient’s body. Some embodiments of the present disclosure particularly relate to drainage tubes for draining bodily fluids from body cavities, such as abscesses. As a non-limiting example, such abscesses may be near the perineum or anal passage.

[0059] Fig. 1 A is a side view of a drainage tube 100 for the drainage of bodily fluids, according to some embodiments. The drainage tube 100 may include a tube body 102.The tube body 102 may be elongate. The tube body 102 comprises a first end 104 and an opposite second end 106. In use, the first end 104 may be configured to be received inside a body for drainage of fluids, such as bodily fluids, from the body. Other fluids, such as saline to sterilise a wound, may be introduced into the body and drained therefrom using the drainage tube. In use, the opposite second end 106 is configured to rest outside the body. The first end 104 may be generally referred to as an inlet end for the drained fluid to enter the tube 100, and the second end 106 may be generally referred to as an outlet end for the drained fluid to escape the tube 100.

[0060] Fig. IB is a section view of the tube 100, along the line marked D-D in Fig. 1A. The tube body 102 comprises a tube wall 108 that connects the first end 104 and the second end 106. The tube wall 108 may be flexible. The tube wall 108 may comprise an internal surface 110. The tube body 102 may define a bore or lumen 112. The internal surface 110 may define the bore or lumen 112.

[0061] The bore 112 may extend between a first bore opening 114 at the first end 104 and a second bore opening 116 at the second end 106. The bore 112 may be an open bore 112 that is longitudinal about a longitudinal reference axis 118 that extends between the first end 104 and the second end 106. In some embodiments, the longitudinal reference axis 118 defines an axis of symmetry of the tube body 102. The internal surface 110 may be substantially smooth between the first bore opening 114 and the second bore opening 116. A smooth internal surface 110 may facilitate better drainage by reducing areas for drained fluid to build up and obstruct flow. A smooth internal surface 110 may simplify manufacture of the tube 100.

[0062] The bore 112 may be configured to allow fluids, such as bodily fluids, to drain through the second bore opening 116. Where the first end 104 is an inlet end and the second end 106 is an outlet end, the first bore opening 114 may be referred to as an inlet opening 114, while the second bore opening 116 may be referred to as an inlet opening 116. The bore 112 may connect the inlet opening 114 and the outlet opening 116 to allow fluid communication through the drainage tube 100 in a direction generally along the longitudinal reference axis 118.

[0063] The tube wall 108 may comprise an external surface 120 opposite the internal surface 110. The tube body 102 may be non-fluid-permeable, in that it permits fluid to pass only through designated apertures in the tube body 102. In some embodiments, the external surface 120 of the tube wall 108 features a hydrophobic coating. In some embodiments, the internal surface 110 of the tube wall 108 features a hydrophobic coating. In some embodiments, the internal surface 110 and the external surface 120 of the tube wall 108 feature a hydrophobic coating. The tube body 102 may be configured to prevent fluid passing through the tube wall 108. The tube wall 108 may be free of apertures as apertures may allow ingrowth of tissue into the tube 100. The only path for fluid to flow through the tube body 102 may be via the bore openings 114, 116 defined at each end 104, 106.

[0064] In some embodiments, the tube 100 further comprises a plurality of projecting portions or plurality of projections 122 on the external surface 120 of the tube wall 108. The tube body 102 may be formed as a unitary body that includes the plurality of projections 122 integrally formed with the tube wall 108. Fig. 1A shows the projections 122 on upper and lower sides of the tube 100, while Fig. IB shows the projections 122 on lateral sides of the tube 100. Reference to “upper”, “lower”, and “lateral” is purely for ease of reference and is not intended to imply a particular orientation for use of the tube 100, unless otherwise stated.

[0065] The projections 122 may comprise a ridge, tab, spur, flange, prong, or other gripping feature that extends from the external surface 120 of the tube wall 108. In some embodiments, each projection 122 comprises a ridge extending circumferentially around the external surface 120 of the tube wall 108. In some embodiments, each projection 122 comprises a first tab and a second tab, each tab extending partway along a circumference of the external surface 120 of the tube wall 108.

[0066] The projecting portions or projections 122 are configured to facilitate retention of the tube 100 in a tissue opening when in use. Specifically, when the first end 104 of the tube 100 is received in a tissue opening of a patient’s body for drainage of fluids from the body (such as shown in Fig. 6), at least one of the projecting portions orprojections 122 of the tube 100 may engage with the skin to retain the tube 100 in position in the tissue opening relative to the patient’s body. The projecting portions or projections 122 define a surface variation on the tube 100, so that when the tube 100 is in use, at least one of the projecting portions or projections 122 rests against the patient’s skin and provides surface for the patient’s skin to grip, engage or abut the tube 100. The projections 122 may engage with the internal subcutaneous tissue to assist with tube retention in the body cavity, such as is shown in Fig. 6.

[0067] Turning again to Fig. 1A, the projections 122 may extend from the external surface 120 of the tube wall 108 at an angle to the longitudinal reference axis 118. The projections 122 may extend at an angle approximately 45° to 90° from the longitudinal reference axis 118. The projections 122 may extend at an angle that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal reference axis 118, such as 70° or 80°. The projections 122 may extend in a generally radial direction of the tube 100, such as shown in Figs. 1A and IB.

[0068] In the embodiment of Figs. 1A and IB, all of the projections 122 extend from the tube wall 108 perpendicularly to the longitudinal reference axis 118, such as shown in Fig. 1C. Fig. 1C is a detail view of the projections 122 at the location marked on Fig. 1A. The plurality of projections 122 may extend perpendicularly in a radial direction that is generally aligned with a radius of the tube body 102.

[0069] Fig. ID is a simplified end view of the embodiment of the drainage tube 100 shown in Figs. 1A and IB, as viewed from the second end 106.

[0070] At each longitudinal position where a pair of projections is located, the pair of projections and the further pair of projections may be circumferentially separated from each other by about 90° along the external surface 120. For example, when the drainage tube 100 is viewed end-on as in Figs. ID and 2E, the first pair 128 of projections 124, 126 may extend generally in a North-South direction, while the second pair 138 of projections 134, 136 may extend generally in an East-West direction.

[0071] Figs. 2A and 2B are side and section views of a second embodiment 200 of a drainage tube. Fig. 2A shows the projections 122 on upper and lower sides of the tube 200, while Fig. 2B shows the projections 122 on lateral sides of the tube 200.Reference to “upper”, “lower”, and “lateral” is purely for ease of reference and is not intended to imply a particular orientation for use of the tube 200, unless otherwise stated. Except for the configuration of the projections 122, the embodiment of Figs. 2A and 2B is generally similar to the embodiment of Figs. 1A and IB, and so the same reference numbers used for tube 100 apply to tube 200 (unless otherwise stated).

[0072] In the embodiment of Figs. 2A and 2B, at least some of the projections 122 extend from the tube wall 108 at an angle to the longitudinal reference axis 118 that is less than 90°.

[0073] Fig. 2C is a detail view of the projections 122 at the location marked on Fig. 2A. The projections 122 on the upper and lower sides of the tube 100, as exemplified in Fig. 2C, extend at an angle less than 90° (acute angles) to the longitudinal reference axis 118.

[0074] Fig. 2D is a detail view of the projections 122 at the location marked on Fig. 2B. The projections 122 on the lateral sides of the tube 200, as exemplified in Fig. 2D, extend perpendicularly to the longitudinal reference axis 118.

[0075] Fig. 2E is a simplified end view of the embodiment of the drainage tube 200, as viewed from the second end 106.

[0076] The variation in angling of the projections 122 may assist with manufacture of the tube 100. In some embodiments, the tube 100 is moulded, and the combination of the projections 122 at perpendicular and acute angles may assist with the removal of the tube 100 from the mould. However, in some embodiments (not shown), all of the projections 122 extend at an angle less than 90° to the longitudinal reference axis 118. The projections 122 on the lateral sides of the tube 100 and the projections 122 on the upper and lower sides of the tube 100 may be at a different angle to each other.

[0077] With reference to Figs. 1A, IB, 2A, and 2B, in some embodiments, at least some of the plurality of projections 122 project radially outward along the tube body 102. The plurality of projections 122 may be disposed at spaced locations along the tube body 102. The plurality of projections 122 may be regularly or evenly disposed at spaced locations along the tube body 102. Each of the plurality of projections 122 may be integrally formed with the tube wall 108 and extend therefrom. Each of the plurality of projections 122 may be distributed or disposed along the external surface 120 of the tube wall 108 in a longitudinal direction defined by the longitudinal reference axis 118.

[0078] In some embodiments, the plurality of projections 122 comprises a first projection 124 and a second projection 126. The first projection 124 and the second projection 126 may be arranged as a first pair or paired arrangement 128. The plurality of projections 122 may include multiple pairs of projections. Each of the pairs 128 of the projections 124, 126 may be spaced from another pair of projections along the tube body. For example, the plurality of projections 122 may comprise a first one of the pair 128 and a second one of the pair 128, wherein the first and second ones of the pair 128 are spaced apart from each other.

[0079] In the pair or paired arrangement 128, the first and second projections 124, 126 may complement each other by extending in different directions to each other to provide different retention angles and surfaces for the patient’s skin to grip onto the drainage tube 100.

[0080] The first projection 124 and the second projection 126 may be disposed at a longitudinal position along a length of the tube body 102. For example, the first projection 124 and the second projection 126 may be disposed the same longitudinal distance from the first end 104 of the tube body 102. The first projection 124 may extend radially outward in a first direction or along a first axis 130. The second projection 126 may extend radially outward in a second direction or along a second axis 132. The second direction 132 may be different from the first direction 130. The first direction 130 and the second direction 132 may be substantially opposite directions to each other. For example, the first axis 130 and the second axis 132 maybe arranged at around 170° to each other. An angle between the first direction 130 and the second direction 132 may be an obtuse angle. The first axis 130 and the second axis 132 may be arranged at 180° to each other to extend in completely opposite directions. The angle between the first direction 130 and the second direction 132 may be equally split between the longitudinal reference axis 118; for example, a 170° angle would equate to 85.5° either side of the axis 118, such as shown in Fig. 2C.

[0081] In some embodiments, the pairs 128 of projections 124, 126 are each spaced a same longitudinal distance apart from an adjacent pair of projections. The pairs 128 of projections 124, 126 may be positioned at a fixed longitudinal separation along the length of the tube body 102 between the first end 104 and the second end 106. The pairs 128 of projections 124, 126 may be equally distributed along the external surface 120 of the tube wall 102 in the longitudinal direction defined by the longitudinal axis 118.

[0082] In some embodiments, the tube 100 comprises additional projections 122. At each longitudinal position where a pair of projections is located, a further pair of projections projects radially outward from the tube body. The further pair of projections may result in four projections 122 at each longitudinal position of the tube 100. In some embodiments, the tube 100 comprises three projections 122 at each longitudinal position. In some embodiments, the tube 100 comprises five projections 122 at each longitudinal position. In some embodiments, the tube 100 comprises six projections 122 at each longitudinal position, wherein the six projections consist of three pairs of the projections.

[0083] In some embodiments, the plurality of projections 122 comprises a third projection 134 and a fourth projection 136. The third projection 134 and the fourth projection 136 may be arranged as a second pair or paired arrangement 138. The plurality of projections 122 may include multiples pairs of projections. Each of the pairs 138 of the projections 134, 136 may be spaced from another pair of projections along the tube body. For example, the plurality of projections 122 may comprise a firstone of the pair 138 and a second one of the pair 138, wherein the first and second ones of the pair 138 are spaced apart from each other.

[0084] In the pair or paired arrangement 138, the third and fourth projections 134, 136 may complement each other by extending in different directions to each other to provide different retention angles and surfaces for the patient’s skin to grip onto the drainage tube 100.

[0085] The third projection 134 and the fourth projection 136 may be disposed at a same position along a length of the tube body 102. For example, the third projection 134 and the fourth projection 136 may be disposed the same distance from the first end 104 of the tube body 102. The third projection 134 may extend radially outward in a third direction or along a third axis 140. The fourth projection 136 may extend radially outward in a fourth direction or along a fourth axis 142. The fourth direction 142 may be different from the third direction 140. The third direction 140 and the fourth direction 142 may be substantially opposite directions to each other. For example, the third axis 140 and the fourth axis 142 may be arranged at around 170° to each other.An angle between the third direction 140 and the fourth direction 142 may be an obtuse angle. The third axis 140 and the fourth axis 142 may be arranged at 180° to each other to extend in completely opposite directions. The angle between the third direction 140 and the fourth direction 142 may be equally split between the longitudinal reference axis 118; for example, a 170° angle would equate to 85.5° either side of the axis 118.

[0086] In some embodiments, the pairs 138 of projections 134, 136 are each spaced a same longitudinal distance apart from an adjacent pair of projections. The pairs 138 of projections 134, 136 may be positioned at a fixed longitudinal separation along the length of the tube body 102 between the first end 104 and the second end 106. The pairs 138 of projections 134, 136 may be equally distributed along the external surface 120 of the tube wall 102 in the longitudinal direction defined by the longitudinal axis 118.

[0087] The projections of each further pair 138 of projections may extend in diametrically opposed directions to each other. The projections of the first pair 128 and the second pair 138 may extend in different directions to each other.

[0088] The external surface 120 of the tube body 102 may comprise a first outer circumferential surface 144. At each longitudinal position, each pair of projections 122 may extend a different radial length from the first outer circumferential surface 144 of the tube body 102 than a radial length of each further pair of projections. For example, such as shown in Figs. 2A and 2B, the first pair 128 of projections 122 may extend approximately 3.4mm - 4.5mm from the first outer circumferential surface 144, while the second pair 138 of projections 122 may extend approximately 2.3mm to 3mm from the first outer circumferential surface 144. In some embodiments, the first pair 128 of projections 122 extends approximately 2mm - 6mm from the first outer circumferential surface 144. In some embodiments, the second pair 138 of projections 122 extends approximately 2mm - 4mm from the first outer circumferential surface 144. The first pair 128 of projections may have different lengths to the second pair 138 of projections at each longitudinal position.

[0089] In some embodiments, each pair of projections 122 may extend an identical radial length from the first outer circumferential surface 144 at each longitudinal position. The first pair 128 of projections may have the same lengths as the second pair 138 of projections at each longitudinal position. The length of each projection 122 in the pairs 128, 138 may be in the range of 2mm to 5mm.

[0090] A radial length of the projections 122 may vary between the first end 104 and the second end 106. The radial length of the projections 122 near the first end 104 may be less than the radial length of the projections 122 near the second end 106. For example, at a first longitudinal position closer to the first end 104, the length of the projections 122 may be approximately 3mm, while at a second longitudinal position further from the first end 104, the length of the projections 122 may be approximately 4mm.

[0091] The plurality of projections 122 may project at an angle of around 90° from the first outer circumferential surface 144. The plurality of projections 122 may project at an angle toward the first end 104 of less than 90° and greater than 70° from the first outer circumferential surface 144.

[0092] Continuing to refer to Figs. 1C, 2C, and 2D, the projections 122 may have a tapered shape wherein the width of the projection at a tip portion 146 of the projection 122 is narrower than the width of the projection at a base portion 148 of the projection 122.

[0093] Each projection 122 may further comprise a trunk portion 150. The base portion 148 connects the trunk portion 150 to the tube wall 108. The tip portion 146 is disposed at an opposite end of the trunk portion 150 to the base portion 148.

[0094] Each of the projections 122 may have a tapered profile that tapers. The taper may be an inward taper, in a direction away from the bore 112, wherein the tip portion 146 is smaller or narrower than the base portion 148. The taper may be consistent, or gradual. The trunk portion 150 may taper. The trunk portion 150 may define a major trunk surface 152 and a minor trunk surface 154. In use, the major trunk surface 152 is configured to rest against the surface of the patient’s skin, while the minor trunk surface 154 defines the thickness of the projection 122 and its resistance to deflection.

[0095] In use, the projections 122 may rest on the surface of the patient’s skin to prevent the tube 100 unintentionally migrating into or out of the abscess cavity. The tip portion 146 of the projections 122 may be angled towards the first end 104 (which is inserted into the wound or abscess), so that they provide resistance towards movement of the first end 104 deeper into the cavity of the abscess. The space between adjacent projections 122 may receive a portion of the skin to lightly but securely “pinch” the skin and hold the tube 100 in position. The projections 122 may be flexible and slightly deformable (as opposed to a rigid or hard texture) to increase retention while improving patient comfort. The tube body 102 may be flexible and slightly deformable, as in use, the medical practitioner may flex the tube 100 during insertion orremoval to fit the tube 100 through an opening or incision in the patient’s skin, while minimising damage or discomfort to the patient while the tube 100 is being manipulated. The flexibility of the tube 100 may to allow it to conform to the shape of the abscess cavity and reduce tissue damage. While flexible, the tube 100 has sufficient rigidity to prevent occlusion of the bore 112 to maintain drainage through the tube 100. Thus, the tube 100 and the projections 122 are configured to be retained in a tissue opening that is generally no wider than an outer radial extent of the projections 122 by engagement of the projections 122 with tissue around the tissue opening. According to this configuration and the deformability of the projections 122, in use, a light manual pulling force is needed to move the tube 100 out of the tissue opening, while not requiring so much force that the projections 122 would cause non-trivial tissue damage during such movement.

[0096] The tip portion 146 comprises a tip end 156. In some embodiments, the tip end 156 is shaped to reduce irritation or tissue damage when the tube 100, 200 is inserted into, removed from, or implanted in the patient’s body. The projections 122 facilitate retention of the drainage tube, which may remove (or at least reduce) the need to secure the drainage tube by other means. For example, stitching can cause the patient discomfort or irritation to the skin surrounding the insertion site.

[0097] Each tip end 156 comprises a tip surface 158 and may further comprise rounded comers and / or edges 160 to smooth the transition between the tip surface 158 and the rest of the tip portion 148, such as major and minor trunk surfaces 152, 154.

[0098] Multiple ones of the plurality of projections 122 may comprise a shaped tip end 156 that has prominent curved edges 160 to form a rounded tip end, such as shown in Fig. ID. Multiple ones of the plurality of projections 122 may comprise a tip end 156 that has less prominent curved edges 160 to form a squared tip end, such as shown in Fig. 2C. The squared tip end may still comprise rounded edges and corners, but less prominently when compared to the rounded tip end. The squared tip end may not be completely square as pronounced edges and comers are likely to cause irritation. The rounded tip end may comprise a tip surface 158 that is smaller relative to tip surface158 of the squared tip end. The rounded tip end may comprise corners 160 that may have a larger radius relative to corners 160 of the squared tip end.

[0099] The projection 122 may have a mix of squared and rounded comers 160. For example, in one plane, the projection 122 may have a squared corner 160 such as shown in Fig. 2C, whereas in another plane, the projection 122 may have a rounded comer 160 such as shown in Fig. 2E.

[0100] Fig. IE is a perspective view of the embodiment of the tube 100. Fig. 2F is a perspective view of the embodiment of the tube 200. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a third embodiment 300 of a drainage tube.

[0101] The radial length of the projections 122 may vary in sections; that is, a first section 170 of the tube 100 may comprise a first set of projections 122 with one length or one set of lengths, while a second section 172 of the tube 100 may comprise a second set of projections 122 with another length or another set of lengths. For example, in the first section 170 the first set of projections 122 may have lengths in the range of 2mm to 3mm, while in the second section 172 the second set of projections 122 may have lengths in the range of 3mm to 4mm. Further sections may be possible, such as a third section (not shown) which has a third set of projections 122 with lengths in the range of 4mm to 5mm. The length of the projections 122 in each section may be generally proportional to a diameter of the tube 100 in that section. Each set of projections 122 may comprise the projections 122 at several longitudinal positions, for example, the first set may comprise the projections 122 located approximately 1mm, 10mm, and 20mm from the first end 104.

[0102] In some embodiments, such as shown in Fig. 3, at each longitudinal position, the tube 300 comprises either the first pair 128 or the second pair 138 of projections. For example, at a first longitudinal distance from the first end 104, the first pair 128 of projections is present, and the second pair 138 of projections is not present. At a second longitudinal distance from the first end 104, the first pair 128 of projections is not present, and the second pair 138 of projections is present. In this way, there are twoprojections 122 at each longitudinal position of the tube 300. The first pair 128 and the second pair 138 may extend in different directions to each other (for example, North- South vs East-West) so that the tube 300 comprises a plurality of projections 122 that project radially outward in different directions along the tube body 102.

[0103] The tube body 102, and more particularly its external surface 120, may taper along its length, so that a circumference at a first longitudinal distance closer to the first end 104 is smaller compared to a circumference at a second longitudinal distance further from the first end 104. In some embodiments, the tube body 102 tapers progressively along its length, progressively increasing in circumference as it moves from the first end 104 to the second end 106. The progressive taper may be at a consistent rate, wherein a gradient of the taper is consistent so that the circumference increases in consistent proportion relative to longitudinal axial distance. In some embodiments, the proportion of the circumference may not be consistent with longitudinal axial distance, wherein the gradient of the taper varies.

[0104] As the circumference increases with tapering of the tube 100, a circumferential separation of the projections 122 in each pair 128, 138 of projections near the first end 104 may be less than a circumferential separation of the projections 122 in each pair 128, 138 of projections near the second end 106.

[0105] An outer diameter of the tube body 102 may increase in a direction from the first end 104 toward the second end 106. A diameter of the bore 112 may increase in the direction from the first end 104 toward the second end 106. The diameter of the bore 112 may increase in proportion to the outer diameter of the tube body 102. The bore 112 may taper at the same rate as the external surface 120 so that the thickness of the tube wall 108 is generally consistent between the first end 104 and the second end 106. In some embodiments, the bore 112 tapers at a different rate to the external surface 120 so that the thickness of the tube wall 108 varies between the first end 104 and the second end 106.

[0106] Fig. 4A is a partial view of the tube 100 shown in Figs. 1A and IB. Fig. 5A is a partial view of the tube 200 shown in Figs. 2A and 2B. In some embodiments, the tube body 102 is formed as a plurality of consecutive segments that collectively define the bore 112 and the tube body 102, wherein each segment includes the projections 122. Each segment may include two pairs 128, 138 of the projections. By way of example, an embodiment of tube 100 comprising three segments 400, 402, 404 is shown in Fig. 4A. The segments 400, 402, 404 are integrally connected to form the tube 100. Reference to the segments is for notational purposes and is not intended to imply modular components that can be assembled and disassembled.

[0107] With reference to Figs. 4A and 5A, the tube body 102 may define a plurality of circumferential notches. Each segment 400, 402, 404 may include a first circumferential notch 410 around the tube body 102. The first circumferential notch 410 of each segment 400, 402, 404 may be adjacent the pair of projections 122 of the respective segment. Each segment 400, 402, 404 may include a second circumferential notch 420 around the tube body 102. The second circumferential notch 420 may be adjacent the pair of projections 122 of the respective segment, wherein the second circumferential notch 420 and the first circumferential notch 410 are on opposite sides of the pair of projections. The circumferential notches 410, 420 are disposed around the tube body at spaced positions along the tube body.

[0108] A longitudinal width (as measured along the longitudinal reference axis 118) of the first circumferential notch 410 may be different from (e.g. less than) a longitudinal width of the second circumferential notch 420. For example, the longitudinal width of the second circumferential notch 420 may be around 2 to 3 times greater than the longitudinal width of the first circumferential notch 410. For example, the longitudinal width of the first circumferential notch 410 may be around 0.4 to 0.7 mm and the longitudinal width of the second circumferential notch 420 may be around 1.0 to 1.5 mm. The first circumferential notch 410 and the second circumferential notch 420 may be disposed either side of a projection 122. The first circumferential notch 410 may be disposed on the tube 100 on the side of the projection 122 towards the firstend 104, while the second circumferential notch 420 may be disposed on the tube 100 on the side of the projection 122 towards the second end 106.

[0109] Turning to Figs. 4C and 5C, the first circumferential notch 410 may comprise a first recessed surface 412. The first recessed surface 412 may be recessed from the first outer circumferential surface 144. Turning to Figs. 4B and 5B, the second circumferential notch 420 may comprise a second recessed surface 422. The second recessed surface 422 may be recessed from the first outer circumferential surface 144. The first and second recessed surfaces 412, 422 may also be outer circumferential surfaces.

[0110] A radial depth of the first circumferential notch 410 may be substantially the same as a radial depth of the second circumferential notch 420. In some embodiments, the radial depth of the notches 410, 420 may be different to each other. The radial depth of the notches 410, 420 may be defined by the offset of the recessed surfaces 412, 422 relative to the first outer circumferential surface 144.

[0111] The tube body 102 is configured so that one or more of the segments 400, 402, 404 can be separated from the rest of the tube body 102 by a hand-operable cutting tool, such as scissors. The circumferential notches 410, 420 may define areas of structural weakness relative to the rest of the tube body 102 that facilitate separation of one or more of the segments 400, 402, 404 from the rest of the tube body 102.

[0112] Turning to Figs. 4C and 5C, the first circumferential notch 410 enables the tube 100 to end with a projection 122 that sits flush on the surface of the skin to assist with comfort and retention. Turning to Figs. 4B and 5B, the second circumferential notch 420 may be wider than the first circumferential notch 410, thereby providing a larger area to receive the cutting tool to allow the tube 100 to be trimmed to the desired length.

[0113] The tube body 102 may be formed of, consist of or consist essentially of one of silicone, polyurethane, polysulfone, or a composite material, for example. Thecomposite material may include or one more of silicone, polyurethane, polysulfone. The tube body 102 may be made from a material having a Shore hardness up to 100A. In some embodiments, the Shore hardness is in the range of 70 A to 90A. In some embodiments, the Shore hardness is around 80A. In some embodiments, the Shore hardness is in the range of 60oo to 10D.

[0114] The tube body 102 is configured so that the first or second notches 410, 420 can be used as a tactile guide, so that a part of the tube body 102 can be identified before being separated from the rest of the tube body 102 by a hand-operable cutting tool, such as scissors. For example, the medical practitioner may want to cut the tube 100 to a length - and a certain diameter due to the taper - that is appropriate to the patient’s specific abscess cavity. The medical practitioner may want to reduce the length and / or diameter of tubing protruding into the cavity or abscess so that it is not excessive, which may cause discomfort. Similarly, the medical practitioner may want to reduce the length and / or diameter of tubing extending out of the cavity or abscess so that it is not excessive, to reduce the likelihood of the exposed tube being unintentionally moved. The patient’s skin at and around the wound site may be sensitive and susceptible to irritation. As the wound heals, the diameter and the depth of the wound reduces. The tube 100 can be gradually retracted so that the appropriate tube length and diameter (through the taper) is matched to the wound opening.

[0115] In some embodiments, the length of the tube is between about 3 cm and about 45 cm. A length of the tube is between about 30 cm and about 15 cm.

[0116] The outer diameter of the tube body 102 may be between 4mm and 15mm. The outer diameter of the tube body 102 may be between 8.4mm and 13.4mm. The outer diameter of the tube body 102 may be between 8mm and 13mm. In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the tube body 102 at the first end 104 is around 7mm. The outer diameter of the tube body 102 at the first end 104 may be around 5.8mm. In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the tube body 102 at the second end 106 is around 12mm. The outer diameter of the tube body 102 at the second end 106 may be around 12.6mm.

[0117] The diameter of the bore 112 may be between 3mm and 14mm. The diameter of the bore 112 may be between 5mm and 12mm. In some embodiments, the diameter of the bore 112 at the first end 104 is around 3.2mm. In some embodiments, the diameter of the bore 112 at the second end 106 is around 12.6mm.

[0118] The thickness of the tube wall 108 may be between 1mm and 3mm. In some embodiments, the thickness of the tube wall 108 is around 1.3mm. In some embodiments, the diameter of the bore 112 at the second end 106 is around 2mm.

[0119] In some embodiments, the tube 100 comprises radiopaque markers. The radiopaque markers are configured to assist with locating the tube 100 using standard medical imaging techniques, for example to determine position and location within the wound. Radiopaque markers may also assist with locating the tube 100 in the unlikely event that the tube 100 migrates into the patient’s body. Radiopaque markers that are bio-safe may be mixed into the material for manufacturing the tube 100.

[0120] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a method 600 of fluid drainage from a body cavity 602, according to some embodiments. The method 600 comprises using a drainage tube according to one or more embodiments, such as are described in relation to drainage tubes 100, 200, 300, for example, to remove fluid from the cavity 602. The drainage tube may include an elongate tube body having a first end and an opposite second end, wherein the tube body defines an open longitudinal bore extending between a first bore opening at the first end and a second bore opening at the second end to allow bodily fluid to drain out of the body cavity 602 through the longitudinal bore to the second bore opening, wherein the tube body has a plurality of projections that project radially outward along the tube body at spaced locations. The drainage tube used in the method 600 may be the tube 100, 200, or 300 as described herein. The first end, the second end, and the projections may be the first end 104, the second end 106, and the projections 122 as described herein.

[0121] The method 600 may comprise a sizing operation 610 for sizing the drainage tube 100, 200, 300 to a tissue opening 612 that is open to the body cavity 602. Thebody cavity 602 may be an abscess in the body of a patient containing fluid to be drained. Other body cavities are envisaged; for example, the cavity 602 may be part of the abdominal cavity. The sizing operation 610 comprises trimming the initial length of the drainage tube 100, 200, 300 to correspond to an estimated depth of the cavity 602 or wound. In embodiments where the drainage tube 100, 200, 300 has an outer diameter that varies with its length, the length of the tube is trimmed so that the largest outer diameter of the trimmed tube substantially matches the diameter of the tissue opening 612 in the skin 614. The sizing operation 610 may comprise trimming both (opposite) ends of the drainage tube 100, 200, 300. The drainage tube 100, 200, 300 is preferably cut so that a set of projections is present at both ends of the trimmed drainage tube.

[0122] The length of the drainage tube 100, 200, 300 may be slightly shorter than the estimated depth of the cavity 602. This keeps the first bore opening of the drainage tube 100, 200, 300 clear so that fluid is free to enter the bore of the drainage tube 100, 200, 300 and drain from the cavity 602.

[0123] The method 600 may comprise an inserting operation 620. The inserting operation 620 comprises inserting, at 622, the drainage tube 100, 200, 300 into the tissue opening 612. The first end of the drainage tube 100, 200, 300, which may be the narrowest end, is inserted into the tissue opening 612 until a first set of the projections at the second end rest against the skin 614 surrounding the tissue opening 612. The second end of the drainage tube 100, 200, 300 may sit substantially flush or almost level with the skin 614. By minimising the distance that the drainage tube 100, 200, 300 extends from the skin 614, the risk of irritation is reduced as the tube is less likely to catch against clothing or be otherwise dislodged.

[0124] In some embodiments, the inserting operation 620 includes positioning, at 624, the second end of the drainage tube 100, 200, 300 in the tissue opening 612 so that at least a first one of the plurality of the projections overlies tissue around an outside 614 of the tissue opening 612 and at least a second one of the plurality of the projections is within the tissue opening 612 or the body cavity 602, while the second bore openingopens outside of the tissue opening, such that the plurality of projections tend to retain the drainage tube 100, 200, 300 in the tissue opening 612. This may remove (or at least reduce) the need to secure the drainage tube 100, 200, 300 by other means, such as stitching, which can cause discomfort or irritation to the skin. Positioning the drainage tube 100, 200, 300 in this way reduces the risk of accidental removal (or falling out), as well as accidental further insertion into the cavity 602.

[0125] The method 600 further comprises allowing time for a healing process 630, wherein the drainage tube is left in place for a time to drain fluid from the cavity 602. At least one side of the drainage tube wall may be spaced apart from the internal tissue defining the cavity 602, so that room is provided for shrinkage of the cavity 602 through the healing process 630.

[0126] During the healing process 630, the growth of new tissue typically causes the cavity 602 to reduce in size, as represented by arrows 632. The new tissue may contact the first end of the drainage tube 100, 200, 300, which may impede the further drainage of fluid from the cavity 602.

[0127] The method 600 further comprises an adjustment operation 640. The adjustment operation 640 comprises partially withdrawing, at 642, the drainage tube through the tissue opening 612 so that the first set of the projections at the second end is no longer in contact with the skin 614 surrounding the tissue opening 612.

[0128] The withdrawing 642 may involve continuing to withdraw the drainage tube 100, 200, 300 until the next set of the projections at the second end, which was previously engaging the internal tissue defining the cavity 602, exits the tissue opening 612. This next set of projections may then be positioned against the skin 614, where the first set of the projections was originally positioned.

[0129] In some embodiments, at least the second one of the projections overlies the tissue 614 around the outside of the tissue opening 612 and at least a third one of the plurality of projections is within the tissue opening 612 or the body cavity 602, suchthat at least the second and third ones of the plurality of projections tend to retain the drainage tube in the tissue opening 612.

[0130] The method 600 may further include a trimming operation 644. The trimming operation 644 comprises trimming a part of the drainage tube 100, 200, 300 that projects outwardly away from the tissue opening. The adjustment operation 640 may comprise the trimming operation 644, which may be performed after the drainage tube 100, 200, 300 has been partially withdrawn, at 642, so that the second end of the drainage tube 100, 200, 300 lies substantially flush with the skin 614 to reduce irritation. The trimmed part of the drainage tube 100, 200, 300 may be the section of the drainage tube between the first one of the plurality of projections and the second one of the plurality of projections.

[0131] The method 600 may further include repeating, at 650, the healing process 630 and the adjustment operation 640. As the cavity 602 progressively reduces in size, the withdrawing 642 may be repeated. Further withdrawal of the drainage tube 100, 200, 300 through the tissue opening may involve withdrawing the drainage tube 100, 200, 300 until the next set of projections contacts the skin 614. For example, at least the third one of the plurality of projections may overlie the tissue 614 around the outside of the tissue opening 612 and at least a fourth one of the plurality of projections is within the tissue opening 612 or the body cavity 602, such that at least the third and fourth ones of the plurality of projections tend to retain the drainage tube 100, 200, 300 in the tissue opening 612.

[0132] After the further partially withdrawing 642, the trimming operation 644 may be performed. This may involve trimming a further part of the drainage tube 100, 200, 300 that projects outwardly away from the tissue opening. The further trimmed part of the drainage tube 100, 200, 300 may be the section of drainage tube that is between the second one of the plurality of projections and the third one of the plurality of projections.

[0133] To assist with the trimming operation 644, the body of the drainage tube 100, 200, 300 may define positioning formations at respective spaced locations between longitudinally adjacent pairs of the plurality of projections. These positioning formations may be grooves or the notches 410, 420, for example, that are structured to readily allow a surgeon or other medical practitioner to accurately position a cutting tool (e.g. through tactile feedback when the tool registers in the groove or notch) on one side of the projections for accurate and consistent trimming of the tube body. The trimming operation 644 may include positioning a cutting tool in relation to one of the positioning formations (such as the notches 410, 420) and then using the cutting tool to trim a length of the drainage tube 100, 200, 300.

[0134] The repeating, at 650, of the healing process 630 and the adjustment operation 640 may continue until the last set of projections on the drainage tube 100, 200, 300 is adjacent to the tissue opening 612, which indicates that the cavity has mostly drained, and the internal tissue has grown to further shrink around the drainage tube, as at 652. This may be when the second to last set of projections on the drainage tube 100, 200, 300 is in contact with the skin 614.

[0135] The repeating 650 may result in debridement of the internal tissue. The partial withdrawing or further partial withdrawing 642 results in the debridement of tissue in or about the tissue opening as the projections pass through the tissue opening 612. This may also have the effect of debriding tissue or material inside the cavity. The debridement is useful as bodily secretions, including infectious material, may accumulate around the drainage tube 100, 200, 300 while it is inside the cavity. Granulation tissue may deposit along the inner wall of the cavity while the drainage tube is inside the cavity. The motion of moving the drainage tube outwards (withdrawal 642) may dislodge these secretions and the granulation tissue through corresponding movement of the projections. This withdrawal 642 assists with cleaning out the cavity wall and its contents to enable further fluid drainage and healing 630. As part of the action of withdrawing the drainage tube 100, 200, 300, it may be rotated, before and / or during the withdrawal. The rotation of the projections can have the effect of increasing debridement within the cavity and / or in or around the tissue opening.

[0136] Thus, the length of the drainage tube 100, 200, 300 is progressively decreased as it is progressively trimmed over time as the cavity shrinks and the tissue opening shrinks.

[0137] The method 600 may further comprise a removal operation 660. The removal operation 660 comprises carefully removing, at 662, the remaining length of the drainage tube 100, 200, 300 and the last set of projections on the drainage tube from the cavity 602. At this stage, substantially all the fluid should have drained from the cavity 602, and the cavity 602 should be small enough to heal fully, as shown by arrows 664.

[0138] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and / or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the broad general scope of the present disclosure. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A drainage tube for drainage of bodily fluids, including: an elongate non-fluid-permeable tube body having a first end to be received, in use, inside a body for drainage of bodily fluids, and an opposite second end to rest outside the body; wherein the tube body defines an open longitudinal bore extending between a first bore opening at the first end and a second bore opening at the second end to allow bodily fluid drainage through the second bore opening; and wherein a plurality of projections project radially outward along the tube body at spaced locations.

2. The drainage tube of claim 1, wherein the plurality of projections include multiple pairs of projections, each pair of projections being spaced from another pair of projections along the tube body.

3. The drainage tube of claim 2, wherein each pair of projections includes a first projection extending radially outward in a first direction and a second projection at a same position along a length of the tube body extending radially outward in a second direction that is different from the first direction.

4. The drainage tube of claim 3, wherein the first direction and the second direction are opposite directions.

5. The drainage tube of any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the pairs of projections are each spaced a same longitudinal distance apart from an adjacent pair of projections.

6. The drainage tube of claim 5, wherein the pairs of projections are positioned at a fixed longitudinal separation along the length of the tube body between the first end and the second end.

7. The drainage tube of any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein at each longitudinal position where a pair of projections is located, a further pair of projections projects radially outward from the tube body.

8. The drainage tube of claim 7, wherein the projections of each further pair of projections extend in diametrically opposed directions.

9. The drainage tube of claim 7 or claim 8, wherein at each longitudinal position where a pair of projections is located, the pair of projections and the further pair of projections are circumferentially separated from each other by about 90°.

10. The drainage tube of any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein at each longitudinal position, each pair of projections extends a different radial length from an outer circumferential surface of the tube body than a radial length of each further pair of projections.

11. The drainage tube of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein a radial length of the projections varies between the first end and the second end.

12. The drainage tube of claim 11, wherein the radial length of projections near the first end is less than the radial length of projections near the second end.

13. The drainage tube of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the tube body has an outer circumferential surface of circular cross-section other than where the plurality of projections project radially.

14. The drainage tube of claim 13, wherein the plurality of projections project at an angle of around 90° from the outer circumferential surface.

15. The drainage of claim 13, wherein the plurality of projections project at an angle toward the first end of less than 90° and greater than 70° from the outer circumferential surface.

16. The drainage tube of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein each projection has a shaped tip end, wherein multiple ones of the plurality of projections have a rounded tip end.

17. The drainage tube of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein multiple ones of the plurality of projections have a squared tip end.

18. The draining tube of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein each of the projections has a tapered profile that tapers inwardly on a direction away from the bore.

19. The drainage tube of claim 2 or any one of claims 3 to 18 when dependent on claim 2, wherein a circumferential separation of the projections in each pair of projections near the first end is less than a circumferential separation of the projections in each pair of projections near the second end.

20. The drainage tube of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein an outer diameter of the tube body increases in a direction from the first end toward the second end.

21. The drainage tube of claim 20, wherein a diameter of the bore increases in the direction from the first end toward the second end.

22. The drainage tube of any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the tube body is formed as a unitary body that includes the plurality of projections.

23. The drainage tube of any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the tube body is formed as a plurality of consecutive segments that collectively define the bore and the tube body, wherein each segment includes a pair of the projections.

24. The drainage tube of claim 23, wherein each segment includes two pairs of the projections.

25. The drainage tube of claim 23 or claim 24, wherein each segment includes a first circumferential notch around the tube body.

26. The drainage tube of claim 25, wherein the first circumferential notch of each segment is adjacent the pair of projections of the respective segment.

27. The drainage tube of claim 25 or claim 26, wherein each segment includes a second circumferential notch around the tube body.

28. The drainage tube of claim 27, wherein the second circumferential notch is adjacent the pair of projections of the respective segment, wherein the second circumferential notch and the first circumferential notch are on opposite sides of the pair of projections.

29. The drainage tube of claim 27 or claim 28, wherein a longitudinal width of the first circumferential notch is different from a longitudinal width of the second circumferential notch.

30. The drainage tube of any one of claims 27 to 29, wherein a radial depth of the first circumferential notch is substantially the same as a radial depth of the second circumferential notch.

31. The drainage tube of any one of claims 23 to 30, wherein the tube body is configured so that one or more of the segments can be separated from the rest of the tube body by a hand-operable cutting tool, such as scissors.

32. The drainage tube of any one of claims 1 to 31, wherein the tube body comprises one of silicone, polyurethane, polysulfone, or a composite material that comprises at least one of silicone, polyurethane or polysulfone.

33. A drainage tube for drainage of bodily fluids, including: an elongate non-fluid-permeable tube having a first end to be received, in use, inside a body for drainage of bodily fluids, and an opposite second end to rest outside the body;wherein the tube body defines an open longitudinal bore extending between a first bore opening at the first end and a second bore opening at the second end to allow bodily fluid drainage through the second bore opening; and wherein an outer diameter of the tube body increases in a direction from the first end toward the second end.

34. The drainage tube of claim 33, wherein a diameter of the bore increases in the direction from the first end toward the second end.

35. The drainage tube of claim 33 or claim 34, wherein the tube body is formed as a unitary body.

36. The drainage tube of any one of claims 33 to 35, wherein the tube body includes a plurality of radial projections extending in a direction away from the bore.

37. The drainage tube of claim 36, wherein the tube body is formed as a plurality of consecutive segments that collectively define the bore and the tube body, wherein each segment includes a pair of the projections.

38. A drainage tube for drainage of bodily fluids, including: an elongate non-fluid-permeable tube having a first end to be received, in use, inside a body for drainage of bodily fluids, and an opposite second end to rest outside the body; wherein the tube body defines an open longitudinal bore extending between a first bore opening at the first end and a second bore opening at the second end to allow bodily fluid drainage through the second bore opening; and wherein the tube body includes a plurality of first circumferential notches around the tube body at first spaced positions along the tube body.

39. The drainage tube of claim 38, wherein a plurality of projections project radially outward along the tube body at second spaced positions.

40. The drainage tube of claim 39, wherein the first circumferential notches are adjacent respective pairs of projections.

41. The drainage tube of any one of claims 38 to 40, wherein the tube body includes a plurality of second circumferential notches around the tube body at third spaced positions along the tube body.

42. The drainage tube of claim 41, wherein the second circumferential notches are adjacent respective pairs of projections.

43. The drainage tube of claim 42, wherein each second circumferential notch and each first circumferential notch are on opposite sides of a respective pair of projections.

44. The drainage tube of any one of claims 41 to 43, wherein a longitudinal width of the first circumferential notches is different from a longitudinal width of the second circumferential notches.

45. The drainage tube of any one of claims 41 to 44, wherein a radial depth of the first circumferential notches is substantially the same as a radial depth of the second circumferential notches.

46. The drainage tube of any one of claims 23 to 30, wherein the tube body is configured so that the first or second notches can be used as a tactile guide, so that a part of the tube body can be separated from the rest of the tube body by a hand- operable cutting tool, such as scissors.

47. The drainage tube of any one of claims 1 to 46, wherein a length of the tube is between about 30 cm and about 15 cm.

48. The drainage tube of any one of claims 1 to 47, wherein an outer diameter of the tube body is between 4mm and 15mm, and a diameter of the bore is between 3mm and 14mm.

49. A method for fluid drainage from a body cavity, the method including: inserting a drainage tube into a tissue opening that is open to the body cavity, the drainage tube including an elongate tube body having a first end and an opposite second end, the tube body defining an open longitudinal bore extending between a first bore opening at the first end and a second bore opening at the second end to allow bodily fluid to drain out of the body cavity through the longitudinal bore to the second bore opening, wherein the tube body has a plurality of projections that project radially outward along the tube body at spaced locations; wherein the inserting includes positioning the first end in the tissue opening so that at least one of the plurality of the projections overlies tissue around an outside of the tissue opening and at least another one of the plurality of the projections is within the tissue opening or the body cavity, such that the one projection and the another one projection of the plurality of projections tend to retain the drainage tube in the tissue opening.

50. The method of claim 49, wherein the positioning includes positioning the drainage tube so that the second bore opening opens outside of the tissue opening.

51. The method of claim 49 or claim 50, further including partially withdrawing the drainage tube through the tissue opening so that at least the second one of the projections overlies the tissue around the outside of the tissue opening and at least a third one of the plurality of projections is within the tissue opening or the body cavity, such that at least the second and third ones of the plurality of projections tend to retain the drainage tube in the tissue opening.

52. The method of claim 51, further including, after the partially withdrawing, trimming a part of the drainage tube that projects outwardly away from the tissue opening.

53. The method of claim 52, wherein the trimmed part of the drainage tube is between the first one of the plurality of projections and the second one of the plurality of projections.

54. The method of any one of claims 51 to 53, further including further partially withdrawing the drainage tube through the tissue opening so that at least the third one of the plurality of projections overlies the tissue around the outside of the tissue opening and at least a fourth one of the plurality of projections is within the tissue opening or the body cavity, such that at least the third and fourth ones of the plurality of projections tend to retain the drainage tube in the tissue opening.

55. The method of claim 54, further including, after the further partially withdrawing, trimming a further part of the drainage tube that projects outwardly away from the tissue opening.

56. The method of claim 55, wherein the further trimmed part of the drainage tube is between the second one of the plurality of projections and the third one of the plurality of projections.

57. The method of any one of claims 52, 53, 55 and 56, wherein the tube body defines positioning formations at respective spaced locations between longitudinally adjacent pairs of the plurality of projections, and wherein the trimming includes positioning a cutting tool in relation to one of the positioning formations and then using the cutting tool to trim a length of the drainage tube.

58. The method of any one of claims 51 to 57, wherein the partially withdrawing or further partially withdrawing is performed so that passage of ones of the projections through the tissue opening act to debride tissue in or about the tissue opening.

59. A method for fluid drainage from a body cavity, the method including: inserting the drainage tube of any one of claims 1 to 48 into a tissue opening that is open to the body cavity, wherein the tube body has a plurality of projections that project radially outward along the tube body at spaced locations; wherein the inserting includes positioning the first end in the tissue opening so that at least one of the plurality of projections overlies tissue around an outside of the tissue opening and at least another one of the plurality of projections is within the tissueopening or the body cavity, such that at least the one projection and the another one projection of the plurality of projections tend to retain the drainage tube in the tissue opening.

60. The steps, features, components, devices, elements and / or integers disclosed herein or indicated in the specification of this application individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of two or more of said steps, features, components, devices, elements and / or integers.

Images