Apparatus, system, and method for an endotracheal tube holder

Abstract

Provided herein is an apparatus and method for a head-mounted device to securely hold an endotracheal tube in position at a wearer's mouth without being adversely impacted by skin or head surface contaminants. A method described herein for supporting an endotracheal tube includes: forming a loop from a length of material; securing a first part of the length of material to a second part of the length of material to form the loop of the length of material, wherein the first part of the length of material and the second part of the length of material are adjustable relative to the fastener to alter a size of the loop of the length of material; and forming a knot in the length of material between the first part and the second part along the loop of the length of material, wherein the knot is configured to receive there through the endotracheal tube.

Description

APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR AN ENDOTRACHEAL TUBE HOLDERCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 612,413, filed on December 20, 2023, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a device for holding an endotracheal tube, and more particularly, to an apparatus, system, and method for a head-mounted device to securely hold an endotracheal tube in position at a wearer’s mouth or neck, or a nasal tube to a wearer’s nose without being adversely impacted by skin or head surface contaminants. The device can optionally be employed for holding a tube used for a cricothyroidotomy.BACKGROUND

[0003] An endotracheal tube is a medical device used to provide a clear airway for a patient by using a tube as a conduit from outside the mouth of the patient, to a location in the trachea past the vocal cords. The endotracheal tube is used to create an unobstructed pathway for air to reach the lungs to assist a patient with respiration. When a patient is intubated with an endotracheal tube, the patient is generally experiencing a medical emergency, or is otherwise unable to sufficiently breathe on their own. In such cases, a patient may not be conscious or aware of their environment. Positioning an endotracheal tube at the mouth of a patient can be challenging, particularly in an environment such as a stretcher in the field (i.e., outside of a medical office) or in an ambulance. The positioning of the patient may change or shift, which can pose a problem with an inserted endotracheal tube. It is important that an endotracheal tube is held relatively stationary relative to a patient’s mouth and head, as movement of the tube can cause damage within the trachea or misplacement of the endotracheal tube.SUMMARY

[0004] An objective of this present disclosure is to provide a device for holding an endotracheal tube, and more particularly, to an apparatus, system, and method for a head-mounted device to securely hold an endotracheal tube in position at a wearer’s mouth without being adversely impacted by skin or head surface contaminants. Embodiments provided herein include; a length of material; a fastener securing a first part of the length of material to a second part of the length of material forming a loop of the length of material, where the first part of the length of material and the second part of the length of material are adjustable relative to the fastener to alter a size of the loop of the length of material; a knot formed by the length of material between the first part and the second part along the loop of the length of material, where the knot is configured to receive there through the endotracheal tube.

[0005] According to some embodiments, the knot is at least one of a clove hitch knot, a half hitch knot, a rolling hitch knot, or a cleat hitch knot. The material of an example embodiment is a plastic material having a smooth surface. The device of some embodiments includes a sample line attached along at least a portion of the length of material, wherein a first end of the sample line includes a capnography device configured to be attached to an end of the endotracheal tube. According to some embodiments, a second end of the sample line is configured to attached to a carbon dioxide sensor. The sample line of some embodiments is attached along at least a portion of the length of material by two or more fasteners, where the two or more fasteners are adjustable along the length of material. According to some embodiments, the one or more fasteners include one or more of tape, clamps, adhesive, or zip ties.

[0006] Embodiments provided herein include a method for supporting an endotracheal tube including: forming a loop from a length of material; securing a first part of the length of material to a second part of the length of material to form the loop of the length of material, wherein the first part of the length of material and the second part of the length of material are adjustable relative to the fastener to alter a size of the loop of the length of material; and forming a knot in the length of material between the first part and the second part along the loop of the length of material, wherein the knot is configured to receive there through the endotracheal tube.

[0007] According to some embodiments, the knot is at least one of a clove hitch knot, a half hitch knot, a rolling hitch knot, or a cleat hitch knot. The material of an example embodiment is a plastic material having a smooth surface. The method of some embodiments includes attaching a sample line along at least a portion of the length of material, wherein a first end of the sample line includes a capnography device configured to be attached to an end of the endotracheal tube. According to some embodiments, a second end of the sample line is configured to attached to acarbon dioxide sensor. The sample line of some embodiments is attached along at least a portion of the length of material by two or more fasteners, where the two or more fasteners are adjustable along the length of material. According to some embodiments, the one or more fasteners include one or more of tape, clamps, adhesive, or zip ties.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Some embodiments of this present disclosure may be further understood by the detailed descriptions and corresponding figures.

[0009] Figure 1 illustrates a device for supporting an endotracheal tube according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0010] Figure 2 illustrates a device for supporting an endotracheal tube as secured to the head of a patient according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0011] Figure 3 illustrates a device for supporting an endotracheal tube and a capnography sample line as attached to the head of a patient according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] Some embodiments of the present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, various embodiments of the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements.

[0013] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a device for holding an endotracheal tube, and more particularly, to an apparatus, system, and method for a head-mounted device to securely hold an endotracheal tube in position at a wearer’s mouth without being adversely impacted by skin or head surface contaminants. Endotracheal tubes are critical in situations where a patient requires assistance in breathing and / or requires assistance to achieve a clear, unobstructed airway. In hospital or medical center settings with planned care, the insertion and positioning of endotracheal tubes is more consistent and reliable, as a patient can be positioned insuch a manner to minimize movement of the endotracheal tube. However, in emergency room settings and in the field, outside of medical care rooms, the use of endotracheal tubes is often an emergency issue that requires relatively quick insertion in a patient that may move. This is less than ideal as movement of a patient with an endotracheal tube inserted can be problematic. Movement can shift the position of an endotracheal tube to a point where it can damage a trachea or cease to properly function due to the position within the patient. Further complicating issues, patients in emergency conditions may have contaminants on their heads and faces, such as blood, sweat, vomit, etc. such that positioning of an endotracheal tube cannot be reliably achieved with adhesive means.

[0014] There exist some endotracheal tube holders that are configured to attach to a patient’s head without requiring adhesives. However, these tube holders are often expensive or cumbersome. Further, in emergency situations, endotracheal tube holders may not be readily available as they are bulky and may not be carried as conventional equipment on emergency vehicles such as ambulances or fire trucks. Embodiments described herein provide a headmounted device to securely hold an endotracheal tube in position at a wearer’s mouth. The devices described herein are stable to permit some degree of movement of the patient, while also being unaffected by surface contaminants of a patient’s head and face.

[0015] Figure 1 illustrates an example embodiment of the device described herein for positioning and securing an endotracheal tube to a patient. The device includes a length of material 100, which in the illustrated embodiment includes nasal cannula tubing as a readily available, biocompatible material. The material can be selected from a variety of options; however, certain properties of nasal cannula tubing are desirable for the device as described herein. Specifically, the nasal cannula tubing is somewhat elastic, soft, and not irritating when in contact with skin. Further, the material of the nasal cannula tubing maintains a frictional grip with skin in which it is in contact, whether the skin is wet, dirty, or otherwise contaminated. Other materials may be used for the length of material 100, such as a strip of material or ribbon of material having similar properties as the material of the nasal cannula tubing.

[0016] As shown in Figure 1, the length of material 100 is wrapped around an endotracheal tube 110. The length of material 100 is secured to the endotracheal tube 110 using a knot, such as a clove hitch or modified clove hitch 120 as shown in Figure 1. Other types of knots can be employed, such as a half hitch, a rolling hitch, a cleat hitch, or the like. The knot is of a type thatit can receive there through the endotracheal tube and be adjusted along the length of the endotracheal tube while providing a tight connection to the endotracheal tube. This attachment style enables the length of material 100 to be moved along a length of the endotracheal tube 110. However, the material properties of the length of material 100 ensure there is friction between the modified clove hitch 120 and the endotracheal tube 110, such that movement of the modified clove hitch along the endotracheal tube is possible, but with deliberate action by a user.

[0017] The length of material 100 has ends 102 that are clasped together by a fastener 130. The fastener 130 is configured to slide along the two ends 102 of the length of material 100, where each end may be pulled through the fastener individually or together. This fastener 130 allows quick sizing to adjust a size of the loop created by the length of material to fit about the head of a patient. When the loop formed by the length of material 100 is tightened around the head of a patient, the material resists movement relative to the skin of the patient, and the modified clove hitch 120 securely holds the endotracheal tube in a stationary position relative to the patient.

[0018] Figure 2 illustrates a profile view of a patient 200 with the endotracheal tube holder securely holding the endotracheal tube 110 in place. As shown, the length of material 100 loops around the head of the patient 200, with the ends 102 of the length of material secured through fastener 130. This fastener permits tightening of the loop formed by the length of material about the head of the patient 200. The modified clove hitch 120 or other suitable knot is used to hold the endotracheal tube 110 in place. The modified clove hitch 120 is forcibly moved along the endotracheal tube to be proximate the patient’s mouth, and preferably, proximate the patient’s teeth. As noted above, the material used for the length of material 100 employs frictional engagement with the endotracheal tube 110 such that accidental movement of the endotracheal tube within the modified clove hitch 120 does not occur. Further, the material of the length of material 100 frictionally engages the head of the patient 200 such that the loop formed by the length of material does not move relative to the head of the patient once the loop is appropriately sized to a patient’s head.

[0019] Embodiments of the device described herein provide a compact, inexpensive, and highly effective device for holding an endotracheal tube securely in place at a patient’s mouth without being adversely affected by skin or head surface contaminants. The device of example embodiments can be carried easily in medical care bags, on emergency vehicles, or in a pocket ofa user to provide a readily-available device that is highly effective at securing an endotracheal tube.

[0020] Embodiments described herein do not require bulky packaging, adhesive reliant on good contact with uncontaminated skin, or separate sizes for different size patients.Embodiments do not require intact facial structure such that they can be used on patients with facial trauma and enable access to the oral cavity for suction, bleeding control, oral care, and assessment. While embodiments described above reference holding and securing of an endotracheal tube, embodiments can be employed for alternative airways, nasogastric tubes, orogastric tubes, and intraosseous insertion and stabilization of penetrating objects to the extremities.

[0021] The use of endotracheal tubes or other objects that can be secured within the oral cavity of a patient requires the monitoring of carbon dioxide or capnography. If a patient is intubated, capnography can be used to identify correct tube placement, tube dislodgement, and to detect hemothorax where blood collects between the chest wall and the lungs. Capnography provides critical information concerning the health of a patient by providing instantaneous information regarding how effectively carbon dioxide is being produced by cellular metabolism, how effectively carbon dioxide is being transported through the vascular system, and how effectively carbon dioxide is being eliminated by the pulmonary system. This information provides a bellwether of issues that a patient may be experiencing, such that accurate capnography is of tremendous value when caring for a patient.

[0022] Embodiments described herein include a device for a head-mounted device to securely hold an endotracheal tube in position at a wearer’s mouth while also providing conveniently positioned and readily available capnography. Optionally, as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, embodiments can be employed for holding a tube used during a cricothyroidotomy procedure, and / or to secure a nasal tube proximate a wearer’s nose without deviating from the general configuration of the device described herein. Figure 3 illustrates such an embodiment where a capnography sample line 150 which is a tube that can be connected to a carbon dioxide monitoring sensor for capnography. The sample line 150 is secured along a portion of its length to the length of material 100, such as by fasteners 155 which may include tape, clamps, adhesive, zip ties, etc. According to some embodiments, the fasteners 155 may be moveable to slide along the length of material 100 and the sample line 150 to alter the length ofengagement between the length of material and the sample line. The sample line 150 leads to capnography device 160, which is configured to attach to an end of the endotracheal tube 110.

[0023] Integrating the capnography device 160 with the head-mounted device to secure an endotracheal tube to a patient provides a convenient and readily accessible capnography measurement mechanism that becomes second nature when securing the endotracheal tube with the device described herein. This can help ensure that capnography is monitored when a patient is intubated to be able to readily diagnose and understand any issues indicated by the capnography.

[0024] Any modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe example embodiments in the context of certain example combinations of elements and / or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and / or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and / or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

CLAIMSThat which is claimed:

1. A device for supporting an endotracheal tube comprising: a length of material; a fastener securing a first part of the length of material to a second part of the length of material forming a loop of the length of material, wherein the first part of the length of material and the second part of the length of material are adjustable relative to the fastener to alter a size of the loop of the length of material; and a knot formed by the length of material between the first part and the second part along the loop of the length of material, wherein the knot is configured to receive there through the endotracheal tube.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the knot is at least one of a clove hitch knot, a half hitch knot, a rolling hitch knot, or a cleat hitch knot.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the material is a plastic material having a smooth surface.

4. The device of claim 1, further comprising a sample line attached along at least a portion of the length of material, wherein a first end of the sample line comprises a capnography device configured to be attached to an end of the endotracheal tube.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein a second end of the sample line is configured to attach to a carbon dioxide sensor.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the sample line is attached along at least a portion of the length of material by two or more fasteners, wherein the two or more fasteners are adjustable along the length of material.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the two or more fasteners comprise one or more of tape, clamps, adhesive, or zip ties.

8. A method for supporting an endotracheal tube comprising: forming a loop from a length of material; securing a first part of the length of material to a second part of the length of material with a fastener to form the loop of the length of material, wherein the first part of the length of material and the second part of the length of material are adjustable relative to the fastener to alter a size of the loop of the length of material; and forming a knot in the length of material between the first part and the second part along the loop of the length of material, wherein the knot is configured to receive there through the endotracheal tube.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the knot is at least one of a clove hitch knot, a half hitch knot, a rolling hitch knot, or a cleat hitch knot.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the material is a plastic material having a smooth surface.

11. The method of claim 8, further comprising attaching a sample line along at least a portion of the length of material, wherein a first end of the sample line comprises a capnography device configured to be attached to an end of the endotracheal tube.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein a second end of the sample line is configured to attach to a carbon dioxide sensor.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the sample line is attached along at least a portion of the length of material by two or more fasteners, wherein the two or more fasteners are adjustable along the length of material.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the two or more fasteners comprise one or more of tape, clamps, adhesive, or zip ties.

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