Self-expandable tube and method of use

Abstract

The invention relates to a self-expandable tube having a catheter body with a double lumen in which one lumen allows for suctioning or decompression and another lumen for a feeding tube. A self-expandable portion collects secretions above the expandable portion or in the anatomical lumen and a suction source coupled to the self-expandable tube removes the secretions as is disclosed herein.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A self-expandable tube comprising:
 an elongate catheter body with a proximal end and a distal end having an expandable section, the catheter body including at least two lumens that span a longitudinal length of the catheter body; and   an outer sheath surrounding the catheter body and constraining the expandable section, the outer sheath being movable to release constraint on the expandable section.   
     
     
         2 . The self-expandable tube of  claim 1 , wherein the outer sheath has one or more openings passing there through. 
     
     
         3 . The self-expandable tube of  claim 2 , wherein the one or more openings form a porosity on the outer sheath between 50% and 99%, between 60% and 89%, or between 70% and 79%. 
     
     
         4 . The self-expandable tube of  claim 1 , wherein the catheter body is configured to be bendable along a longitudinal axis without collapsing or obstructing the double lumen. 
     
     
         5 . The self-expandable tube of  claim 4 , wherein the catheter body is configured to be bendable along a bend angle between 0-45 degrees from the longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         6 . The self-expandable tube of  claim 4 , wherein the catheter body is configured to be bendable along a bend angle between 5-35 degrees from the longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         7 . The self-expandable tube of  claim 4 , wherein the catheter body is configured to be bendable along a bend angle between 10-25 degrees from the longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         8 . The self-expandable tube of  claim 1 , wherein the catheter body further comprises proximal ports and distal ports communicating with at least one of the at least two of a plurality of lumens. 
     
     
         9 . The self-expandable tube of  claim 1 , wherein the proximal ports further comprises a seal configured to prevent fluid backflow through the proximal ports. 
     
     
         10 . The self-expandable tube of  claim 1 , wherein the expandable section has a contracted state having a diameter between 2-3 mm and has an expanded state having a diameter between 12-14 mm. 
     
     
         11 . The self-expandable tube of  claim 1 , wherein the expandable section comprises a single biocompatible material and formed as a single monolithic or unitary element. 
     
     
         12 . The self-expandable tube of  claim 1 , wherein the expandable section comprises plural elements joined to each other. 
     
     
         13 . The self-expandable tube of  claim 1 , wherein the expandable section comprises plural biocompatible materials joined as a composite. 
     
     
         14 . The self-expandable tube of  claim 1 , wherein the expandable section further comprises at least one of a plurality of reinforcing members. 
     
     
         15 . The self-expandable tube of  claim 14 , wherein the at least one of a plurality of reinforcing members further comprise a plurality of reinforcing members circumferentially arrayed about the expandable section, each of the plurality of reinforcing members extending distally from a proximal region of the expandable section. 
     
     
         16 . The self-expandable tube of  claim 15 , wherein each of the plurality of reinforcing members further comprise an elastic, shape memory or superelastic member joined to the expandable section. 
     
     
         17 . The self-expandable tube of  claim 15 , wherein each of the plurality of reinforcing members further comprises a thickened region of the expandable section. 
     
     
         18 . A self-expandable tube comprising:
 an elongate catheter body with a proximal end and a distal end having an expandable section, the catheter body including at least two lumens that span a longitudinal length of the catheter body;   an outer sheath surrounding the catheter body and constraining the expandable section, the outer sheath being movable to release constraint on the expandable section; and   at least one of a plurality of reinforcing members associated with the expandable section circumferentially arrayed about the expandable section and extending distally from a proximal region of the expandable section.   
     
     
         19 . The self-expandable tube of  claim 18 , wherein each of the plurality of reinforcing members further comprise an elastic, shape memory or superelastic member joined to the expandable section. 
     
     
         20 . The self-expandable tube of  claim 18 , wherein each of the plurality of reinforcing members further comprises a thickened region of the expandable section.