WO2011083381A1

WO2011083381A1 - Uv bacteria reduction via artificial airway

Info

Publication number: WO2011083381A1
Application number: PCT/IB2010/055691
Authority: WO
Inventors: Richard James Mckenzie, Jr.; Lance Ranard Busch; Jason Good; Jason Paul Eaton; William Justin Kittridge
Original assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics NV
Current assignee: Koninklijke Philips NV
Priority date: 2010-01-08
Filing date: 2010-12-09
Publication date: 2011-07-14
Anticipated expiration: 2012-07-08

Abstract

An ultraviolet light orally artificial airway is provided. That is, an artificial airway includes a body structured to be at least partially disposed in the mouth and extending into airway and an ultraviolet light source. The ultraviolet light source is structured to project ultraviolet light within the mouth and airway of a patient via the body.

Description

UV BACTERIA REDUCTION VIA ARTIFICIAL AIRWAY

[0001] The invention relates to a light therapy device and, more specifically, to an orally insertable device structured to project an ultraviolet light to a portion of anatomy through which an artificial airway passes.

[0002] Pneumonia accounts for about fifteen percent of all hospital associated infections and for about a quarter of all infections acquired in intensive care units and coronary care units. One significant factor in the development of hospital associated pneumonia is mechanical ventilation. Ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) is pneumonia that develops at, or later than, forty-eight hours after the patient has been placed on mechanical ventilation. The increased risk of pneumonia for patients on mechanical ventilation is due, in part, to microorganisms that may be on ventilation devices such as, but not limited to, endotracheal tubes. Further, bacteria can multiply on the surface of such mechanical ventilation devices and may form a protective shell, i.e. a glycocalyx, that protects the bacteria from antimicrobial agents and the patient's own defenses.

[0003] Ultraviolet light, especially UV-C (short wave ultraviolet light), has been proven to reduce bacteria and provide disinfection. UV-C has, for example, been used to sanitize air, water and surfaces. UV-C has also been used as a curing agent for dental epoxies. That is, UV-C has been approved for use within a human mouth.

[0004] The disclosed concept provides for an artificial airway structured to project an ultraviolet light. That is, an artificial airway includes an ultraviolet light source and is structured to project the ultraviolet light within the mouth and airway of a patient. Such ultraviolet light therapy may reduce the number of bacteria which contribute to VAP. As such, the instances of VAP may be reduced. It is noted that the ultraviolet light provided may be less intense than the ultraviolet light used with dental epoxies. Generally, the weaker the ultraviolet light, the longer the light must be applied to achieve the desired result.

[0005] The ultraviolet light may be produced within the artificial airway or be transmitted to the artificial airway. As used herein, an ultraviolet light device includes an "ultraviolet light source" and an "ultraviolet light emitter." As used herein, an "ultraviolet light source" creates an ultraviolet light. Further, as used herein, a "ultraviolet light emitter" is the surface of the ultraviolet light device from which the ultraviolet light emerges. By way of analogy, in a common light bulb the filament creates the light, and is a source, and the light emerges from the glass bulb, which is an emitter.

[0006] Preferably, the ultraviolet light artificial airway utilizes an ultraviolet light emitting diode (LED). In a typical ultraviolet LED, the light is created by passing electricity from an anode to a cathode. These elements are typically disposed under a lens or case. Thus, the emitter may be the LED lens. Alternately, the ultraviolet light source, LED or otherwise, may be coupled to one or more optic fibers, or a similar means of light transmission. The optic fibers transmit the ultraviolet light from the source to the distal ends of the fibers. That is, in this configuration, the optic fibers act as the emitter. Thus, the ultraviolet light artificial airway may either incorporate ultraviolet LEDs or have ultraviolet light transmitted into, or from, the artificial airway by optic fibers.

[0007] Thus, the artificial airway includes: a body structured to be partially disposed in an upper respiratory passage, an ultraviolet light assembly having at least one ultraviolet light source with at least one associated ultraviolet light emitter, the ultraviolet light source structured to create and project ultraviolet light, the ultraviolet light emitter in light communication with the ultraviolet light source and structured to allow ultraviolet light to pass from the ultraviolet light emitter, and wherein the ultraviolet light emitter is structured to project ultraviolet light from the body.

[0008] These and other features and characteristics of the present concept, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structure and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. As used in the specification and in the claims, the singular form of "a", "an", and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0009] A full understanding of the invention can be gained from the following description of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: [0010] Figure 1 is an isometric view of an ultraviolet light artificial airway.

[0011] Figure 2 an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of the ultraviolet light artificial airway.

[0012] Figure 3 an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of the ultraviolet light artificial airway.

[0013] Figure 4 an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of the ultraviolet light artificial airway.

[0014] Figure 5 an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of the ultraviolet light artificial airway.

[0015] Figure 6 an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of the ultraviolet light artificial airway.

[0016] Figure 7 an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of the ultraviolet light artificial airway. Figure 7A is a detail view of an abraded optical fiber.

[0017] As used herein, "upper respiratory" relates to any passage to the lungs including the oral cavity, the nasal cavity, or an artificial passage such as, but not limited to, a tracheotomy tube.

[0018] As used herein, an "ultraviolet light source" may be, but is not limited to, an LED, OLED, or incandescent bulb.

[0019] As used herein, an "optical fiber" may be a solid or tubular member, i.e. a light pipe.

[0020] As shown in Figure 1 , an ultraviolet light artificial airway 10 includes a body 12 and as well as an ultraviolet light assembly 40. The artificial airway 10 may perform one, or several, function(s) associated with the upper respiratory passage. For example, the artificial airway 10 may be, but is not limited to an endotracheal tube, an oropharyngeal tube, a nasopharyngeal tube or a tracheotomy tube. The body 12, is structured to be partially disposed in an upper respiratory passage and extend, at least partially, into the trachea or lower airway. The body 12 includes an external portion 14 and an upper respiratory assembly 16.

[0021] The external portion 14 is structured to assist a user in gripping the body 12. The external portion 14 is further structured to assist the user in guiding the upper respiratory assembly 16 into the upper respiratory passage and positioning the upper respiratory assembly 16 in the upper respiratory passage. The external portion 14 may include a collar 18 and may include a mouth shield 20. The collar 18 is adapted to serve a function related to the function of the artificial airway 10.

[0022] The upper respiratory assembly 16 has, typically, an elongated body 26 with a proximal portion 28 and a distal portion 30. The upper respiratory assembly body 26 may be solid or hollow. The collar 18 is coupled to the upper respiratory assembly body proximal portion 28.

[0023] The ultraviolet light assembly 40 has at least one ultraviolet light source 42 with at least one associated ultraviolet light emitter 44. The ultraviolet light source 42 is structured to create and project ultraviolet light. The ultraviolet light emitter 44 is in light communication with the ultraviolet light source 42 and is structured to allow ultraviolet light to pass from the ultraviolet light emitter 44. The ultraviolet light emitter 44 is further structured to project ultraviolet light from the upper respiratory assembly 16.

[0024] The ultraviolet light assembly 40 includes a source of power 48 structured to provide power to the ultraviolet light source 42. The source of power 48 may be a stored energy device, typically a battery, that may be disposed at a remote location and coupled to the ultraviolet light source 42 by a wire or other conductor. Alternatively, the source of power 48 may be a power grid (not shown) that is coupled to the ultraviolet light source 42 by a power cord. In another alternative, the source of power 48 transmits power wirelessly. That is, it is known to transmit power via a radio frequency which is converted into a current.

[0025] In one embodiment, shown in Figure 1 , the at least one ultraviolet light source 42 is at least one ultraviolet light emitting diode 50 which has a shell or lens 52 that acts as an ultraviolet light emitter 44. The at least one ultraviolet light emitting diode 50 may be disposed within the upper respiratory assembly 16. Alternately, as shown in Figure 4, the at least one ultraviolet light emitting diode 50 may be disposed within the collar 18 and structured to project ultraviolet light into the upper respiratory assembly 16, discussed below. The at least one ultraviolet light emitting diode 50, and more specifically the lens 52, may be structured to focus the ultraviolet light at a point or area. The at least one ultraviolet light emitting diode 50 may be disposed at any location within the upper respiratory assembly 16. There may be a plurality of ultraviolet light emitting diodes 50. The upper respiratory assembly 16 is preferably made from a material that is substantially transparent to ultraviolet light and/or structured to refract ultraviolet light. Thus, when a user utilizes the artificial airway, ultraviolet light is projected from the upper respiratory assembly 16 and into the mouth and airway.

[0026] The at least one ultraviolet light source 42 may be disposed at various locations within the upper respiratory assembly 16. As shown in Figure 1, the at least one ultraviolet light source 42 is disposed within the upper respiratory assembly body 26, preferably within the upper respiratory assembly body proximal portion 28. With this configuration of the at least one ultraviolet light source 42, the light transmission properties of the upper respiratory assembly body 26 may be adapted for specific purposes. For example, if it is desirable for the ultraviolet light to be projected throughout the oral cavity, the upper respiratory assembly body 26 is, preferably, made from a material that is substantially transparent to ultraviolet light and structured to refract a majority of the ultraviolet light. Thus, the upper respiratory assembly body 26 is structured to scatter the ultraviolet light along the length of the upper respiratory assembly 16. Alternatively, if it is desirable for the ultraviolet light to be concentrated at a specific location, e.g. at the back of the oral cavity, the upper respiratory assembly body 26 is, preferably, made from a material that is substantially transparent to ultraviolet light and structured to refract a minimal amount of the ultraviolet light. Thus, the upper respiratory assembly body 26 is structured to channel the ultraviolet light along the length of the upper respiratory assembly 16 and project the ultraviolet light from the upper respiratory assembly body distal portion 30. That is, the upper respiratory assembly body 26 is structured to act as a light pipe.

[0027] Alternately, as shown in Figure 2, the at least one ultraviolet light source 42 may be disposed within, or on the surface of, the upper respiratory assembly body 26. For example, the at least one ultraviolet light source 42 may be a plurality of ultraviolet light emitting diodes 50A disposed over the length of the upper respiratory assembly body 26 and structured to project ultraviolet light throughout the oral cavity.

[0028] Further, as shown in Figure 3, the at least one ultraviolet light source 42 may be disposed at a specific location on the upper respiratory assembly body 26, such as, but not limited to, the upper respiratory assembly body distal portion 30. Further, the at least one ultraviolet light source 42, i.e. the at least one ultraviolet light emitting diode 50, may be structured to focus the ultraviolet light at a selected point or area. Thus, for example, the upper respiratory assembly 16 may have a light emitting diode 50 at the tip projecting ultraviolet light which is focused, generally, in single direction. [0029] Alternately, as shown in Figure 4, the at least one ultraviolet light emitting diode 50 may be disposed adjacent the collar 18 and structured to project ultraviolet light into the upper respiratory assembly 16. There may be a plurality of ultraviolet light emitting diodes 50. As discussed above, the upper respiratory assembly body 26 may be made of a material having selected characteristics such as, but not limited to, being structured to scatter light or to channel/focus light as discussed above.

[0030] Generally, LEDs are several millimeters in diameter. The greatest diameter is typically associated with the shell/lens 52. It is, however, foreseeable that LEDs may be made without a shell/lens 52. In this configuration, the ultraviolet light emitting diode 50 may be embedded within the material that forms the upper respiratory assembly 16. Thus, the upper respiratory assembly 16 would become the ultraviolet light emitter 44.

[0031] Another embodiment, shown in Figure 5, provides for at least one elongated optical fiber 60, and more typically a plurality of optical fibers 60, that act as the ultraviolet light emitter 44. That is, each optical fiber 60 has an elongated body 61 with a first end 62 and a second end 64 and is structured to transmit light therethrough. Each optical fiber first end 62 is disposed in light communication with the at least one ultraviolet light source 42. Each optical fiber second end 64 is disposed in the upper respiratory assembly 16. Thus, ultraviolet light is transmitted from the at least one ultraviolet light source 42 from the upper respiratory assembly body 26 via the at least one optical fiber 60 and each optical fiber second end 64 acts as an ultraviolet light emitter 44. This allows for the ultraviolet light source 42 to be disposed in a location other than the upper respiratory assembly 16 whereby the upper respiratory assembly body 26 may be more flexible, softer, or smaller.

[0032] Because the optical fibers 60 are structured to transmit light, the ultraviolet light source 42 does not have to be disposed adjacent to the upper respiratory assembly 16. For example, the external portion 14 may include an ultraviolet light assembly housing 69 having a base unit 70 and a flexible neck 72. The base unit 70 has a housing 74 structured to enclose the ultraviolet light source 42 and which may enclose other elements typically associated with the operation of a portable light, such as, but not limited to, a power source 48, a control/switch and various conductors (non shown). The flexible neck 72 acts as a protective tube for the optical fibers 60. The flexible neck 72 further allows for the user to position the artificial airway as desired without having to move the base unit 70. The base unit 70 is typically larger than the artificial airway collar 18 and, as such, may

accommodate an ultraviolet light source 42 other than an LED. The ultraviolet light source 42 may, however, be one or more LEDs disposed in the base unit 70.

[0033] The optical fibers 60 may be configured in a variety of ways. For example, all the optical fiber second ends 64 may terminate within the upper respiratory assembly body proximal portion 28 (Fig. 6). In this configuration, the bundle of optical fibers second ends 64 appears, and functions, similar to an LED disposed in the upper respiratory assembly 16. Alternatively, the optical fibers second ends 64 may be disposed throughout the upper respiratory assembly body 26, preferably close to, but not extending beyond, the outer surface. In such an embodiment, the longitudinal axis of each optical fiber second end 64 is preferably oriented generally normal to the surface of the upper respiratory assembly body 26 (Fig. 5). This has the effect of generally distributing the ultraviolet light evenly. Alternatively, noting that light emitted from an optical fiber 60 tends to project along the longitudinal axis of each optical fiber second end 64, the optical fiber second ends 64 may be oriented so that the longitudinal axis of a group of optical fiber second ends 64 point in a similar direction, as shown in Figure 6. That is, at least one group 68 of optical fibers 60 may be associated and the longitudinal axis of each optical fiber second end 64 in the at least one group 68 is oriented generally parallel to the other optical fibers 60 in the at least one group 68. This has the effect of projecting the ultraviolet light to a selected location of the interior of the mouth. Thus, for example, the optical fiber second ends 64 may be positioned so as to project the ultraviolet light towards the back of the throat.

[0034] It is noted that, in a smooth optical fiber 60, light projected into a first end 62 is substantially emitted from a second end 64. That is, there is an insubstantial leakage of light over the length of the optical fiber body 61. In an abraded optical fiber 60A (Fig. 7A), i.e. wherein the outer surface of the optical fiber body 61 has deformations, light may escape the abraded optical fiber 60A at the deformations. Thus, in an abraded optical fiber 60A, the deformations are also ultraviolet light emitters 44. Accordingly, regardless of where the at least one ultraviolet light source 42 is disposed, and as shown in Figure 7, the upper respiratory assembly body 26 may have one or more abraded optical fiber 60A disposed within, or at the surface of, the upper respiratory assembly body 26. The abraded optical fiber 60A, preferably, extend longitudinally over the length of the upper respiratory assembly body 26. In this configuration, the abraded optical fibers 60A scatter the ultraviolet light throughout the oral cavity.

[0035] It is noted that, although the use of optical fibers 60 is shown in Figure 3, as being coupled to an ultraviolet light source 42 that is remote from the upper respiratory assembly 16, the optical fibers 60 may also be used with the embodiment shown in Figure 2. That is, the optical fibers 60, and abraded optical fibers 60A, may be used as, for example, a device to disperse the ultraviolet light within the upper respiratory assembly body 26. For example, the optical fibers may have one end disposed immediately adjacent to the at least one ultraviolet light emitting diode 50 disposed within the collar 18, and the other ends disposed in the upper respiratory assembly body 26.

[0036] While specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure.

Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of invention which is to be given the full breadth of the claims appended and any and all equivalents thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An artificial airway comprising:

a body structured to be partially disposed in an upper respiratory passage;

an ultraviolet light assembly having at least one ultraviolet light source with at least one associated ultraviolet light emitter;

said ultraviolet light source structured to create and project ultraviolet light;

said ultraviolet light emitter in light communication with said ultraviolet light source and structured to allow ultraviolet light to pass through said ultraviolet light emitter; and said ultraviolet light emitter structured to project ultraviolet light from said body.

2. The artificial airway of Claim 1 wherein:

said at least one ultraviolet light source is at least one ultraviolet light emitting diode; and

said at least one ultraviolet light emitting diode disposed within said body.

3. The artificial airway of Claim 2 wherein said at least one ultraviolet light emitting diode is a plurality of ultraviolet light emitting diodes disposed within said body.

4. The artificial airway of Claim 1 wherein:

said body includes an external portion and a upper respiratory assembly; and said upper respiratory assembly includes an elongated body.

5. The artificial airway of Claim 4 wherein said upper respiratory assembly body is made from a material structured to refract ultraviolet light.

6. The artificial airway of Claim 4 wherein said upper respiratory assembly body is made from a material substantially transparent to ultraviolet light.

7. The artificial airway of Claim 4 wherein said upper respiratory assembly body is made from a material substantially transparent to ultraviolet light and structured to refract ultraviolet light.

8. The artificial airway of Claim 4 wherein said at least one ultraviolet light emitting diode disposed within said upper respiratory assembly body.

9. The artificial airway of Claim 8 wherein:

said upper respiratory assembly body has a proximal portion and a distal portion; said upper respiratory assembly body proximal portion coupled to said collar; and said at least one ultraviolet light emitting diode disposed within the upper respiratory assembly body proximal portion.

10. The artificial airway of Claim 8 wherein said upper respiratory assembly body is made from a material structured to refract a majority of said ultraviolet light, whereby said upper respiratory assembly body is structured to scatter the ultraviolet light along the length of the upper respiratory assembly.

1 1. The artificial airway of Claim 8 wherein said upper respiratory assembly body is made from a material structured to refract a minimal amount of the ultraviolet light, whereby said upper respiratory assembly body is structured to channel the ultraviolet light along the length of the upper respiratory assembly and project the ultraviolet light from the upper respiratory assembly body distal portion.

12. The artificial airway of Claim 8 wherein:

said ultraviolet light emitter includes at least one elongated optical fiber;

said at least one optical fiber having a first end and a second end;

said at least one optical fiber first end in light communication with said at least one ultraviolet light source;

said at least one optical fiber second end disposed within said body; and

whereby ultraviolet light is transmitted from said at least one ultraviolet light source through said upper respiratory assembly body via said at least one optical fiber.

13. The artificial airway of Claim 12 wherein said at least one elongated optical fiber is a plurality of optical fibers.

14. The artificial airway of Claim 13 wherein the longitudinal axis of each optical fiber second end is oriented generally normal to the surface of said body.

15. The artificial airway of Claim 13 wherein:

within said plurality of optical fibers there is at least one group of associated optical fibers;

the longitudinal axis of each optical fiber second end in said at least one group is oriented generally parallel to the other optical fibers in said at least one group; and

whereby the ultraviolet light transmitted from said ultraviolet light source may be directed to a selected location.

16. The artificial airway of Claim 12 wherein said at least one elongated optical fiber is at least one abraded optical fiber.

17. The artificial airway of Claim 16 wherein:

said at least one abraded optical fiber includes a plurality of abraded optical fibers; each said extend abraded optical fiber extending longitudinally over the length of said upper respiratory assembly body.

18. The artificial airway of Claim 8 wherein:

said upper respiratory assembly body has a proximal portion and a distal portion; said upper respiratory assembly body proximal portion coupled to said collar; and said at least one ultraviolet light emitting diode disposed within the upper respiratory assembly body distal portion.

19. The artificial airway of Claim 18 wherein said at least one ultraviolet light source structured to focus the ultraviolet light at a selected area.

20. The artificial airway of Claim 19 wherein said at least one ultraviolet light source is a plurality of ultraviolet light emitting diodes.

21. The artificial airway of Claim 8 wherein said at least one ultraviolet light source is a plurality of ultraviolet light emitting diodes disposed over the length of said upper respiratory assembly body.

22. The artificial airway of Claim 4 wherein said at least one ultraviolet light emitting diode disposed within said external portion and structured to project ultraviolet light into said upper respiratory assembly.

23. The artificial airway of Claim 22 wherein said upper respiratory assembly body is made from a material structured to refract a majority of said ultraviolet light, whereby said upper respiratory assembly body is structured to scatter the ultraviolet light along the length of the upper respiratory assembly.

24. The artificial airway of Claim 22 wherein said upper respiratory assembly body is made from a material structured to refract a minimal amount of the ultraviolet light, whereby said upper respiratory assembly body is structured to channel the ultraviolet light along the length of the upper respiratory assembly and project the ultraviolet light from the upper respiratory assembly body distal portion.

25. The artificial airway of Claim 22 wherein:

said ultraviolet light emitter includes at least one elongated optical fiber;

said at least one optical fiber having a first end and a second end;

said at least one optical fiber second end disposed within said body; and

26. The artificial airway of Claim 25 wherein said at least one elongated optical fiber is a plurality of optical fibers.

27. The artificial airway of Claim 26 wherein the longitudinal axis of each optical fiber second end is oriented generally normal to the surface of said body.

28. The artificial airway of Claim 26 wherein:

29. The artificial airway of Claim 25 wherein said at least one elongated optical fiber is at least one abraded optical fiber.

30. The artificial airway of Claim 29 wherein:

31. The artificial airway of Claim 22 wherein:

said external portion includes a base unit and a flexible neck;

said neck coupled to said base unit;

said base unit having a housing structured to enclose said ultraviolet light source; said neck includes at least one elongated optical fiber;

said at least one optical fiber having a first end and a second end;

said at least one optical fiber second end disposed within said upper respiratory assembly body; and

whereby ultraviolet light is transmitted from said ultraviolet light source to said upper respiratory assembly body via said at least one optical fiber.

32. The artificial airway of Claim 31 wherein said at least one elongated optical fiber is a plurality of optical fibers.

33. The artificial airway of Claim 32 wherein the longitudinal axis of each optical fiber second end is oriented generally normal to the surface of said body.

34. The artificial airway of Claim 32 wherein:

35. The artificial airway of Claim 31 wherein said at least one elongated optical fiber is at least one abraded optical fiber.

36. The artificial airway of Claim 35 wherein: