Patent attributes
An endotracheal tube cleaning apparatus 10 which can be periodically inserted into the inside of an endotracheal tube 30 to shave away mucus deposits. In a preferred embodiment, this cleaning apparatus 10 comprises a flexible central tube 12 with an inflatable balloon 40 at its distal end. Affixed to the inflatable balloon are one or more shaving rings 70, each having a squared leading edge 72, to shave away mucus accumulations 60. In operation, the uninflated cleaning apparatus 10 is inserted into the endotracheal tube. The balloon 40 is then inflated by a suitable inflation device, such as a syringe 14, until the balloon's shaving rings are pressed against the inside surface of the endotracheal tube. The cleaning apparatus is then pulled out of the endotracheal tube to shave off mucus deposits.