| abstract |
An outer catheter extending from a point below the first bifurcation of the trachea through the upper respiratory system of the patient is disposed about an inner catheter having a tip secured in the opening at the distal end thereof with an outer lateral periphery larger in diameter than the outer surface of the inner catheter. The proximal surface of the tip between the outer laterial periphery and the outer surface of the inner catheter is capable of sealingly engaging the distal end of the outer catheter. In this condition the pair of catheters can be advanced through the upper respiratory system of the patient without contaminating the outer surface of the inner catheter. Thereafter the inner catheter is advanced relative to the outer catheter into a wedging position in a bronchiole of the patient so as to allow alternative infusing and aspirating a fluid to the bronchiole. The outer catheter, which departs from the longitudinal axis thereof at a predetermined bend angle, possesses sufficient structural rigidity as to be capable, when disposed in the upper respiratory system of the patient of exhibiting at the distal end thereof a one-to-one rotation about the longitudinal axis thereof. Rotation of the proximal end of the outer catheter, accordingly, can direct the bend angle at the distal end toward a preselected branch of the trachea. |