University of California

The Pacific Heart, Lung, & Blood Institute

The United States Government As Represented by the Department of Veterans Affairs

Robert Cameron

Raymond Wong

Peyman Benharash

Allen Zhu

An air leak detection system for chest tube collection systems includes a light emitting element, such as an LED, and a photodetector that can detect reflected light emission generated by the light emitting element. The air leak detection system can include a securement component, such as a transparent clip or adhesive, so that the air leak detection system is compatible with any conventional chest tube collection system. In certain embodiments, the light emitting element is positioned closer to the bottom portion of the water seal tube than the photodetector. In certain embodiments, the photodetector is positioned closer to a bottom of the water seal chamber than the light emitting element. In certain embodiments, the air leak detection system is part of a chest tube drainage system. A method of detecting an air leak in a chest tube collection system is also disclosed.

Automated optical detection of air leaks in chest tube drainage system

Cancer is a complex group of diseases involving abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body. Described herein are compositions and methods for the treatment of cancer.

Compositions and methods for reducing tumor cell growth at a site of solid tumor excision

A chest tube placement apparatus is provided that has an elongate body with a rigid tip that is disposed within the interior of a flexible chest tube and an inflatable member mounted to the body is inflated and the apparatus is then inserted in a prepared location in the chest wall of a patient. The body of the apparatus has at least one axial material transfer channel with a tip port that permits the injection of anesthetic or the aspiration of gases or liquids at the tip. The body also has a light and video camera and display to allow the visualization of the internal structures of the patient during chest tube placement. Once placed and the fluids and gases aspirated, the inflatable member is deflated and the apparatus is removed from the interior of the placed chest tube.

Growing community of inventors

Los Angeles, CA, United States of America

Robert Cameron