Intraoral device for avoiding use of the craniofacial complex as a support for intubation-related elements in surgical anaesthesia processes

Abstract

The invention relates to an intraoral device for avoiding use of the external craniofacial complex as a support for devices relating to the attachment of endotracheal tubes currently used for intubation in surgical anaesthesia processes or in intensive care units, emergency transport vehicles or any type of airway ventilation, which comprises a bite tube (1) that defines a region (6) for the endotracheal tubes to pass through; and a front plate (2) and a balloon (5) which are joined to the bite tube and which form means for preventing axial or lateral movement of the bite tube.

Description

[0001] INTRAORAL DEVICE TO PREVENT USE OF THE SET

[0002] CRANIO-FACIAL AS SUPPORT FOR ELEMENTS RELATED TO

[0003] INTUBATION IN SURGICAL ANESTHETIC PROCESSES

[0004] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The object of the present invention is an intraoral medical device that avoids the use of the craniofacial assembly as a support organ for devices related to the stability of intubation systems (endotracheal tubes or other devices related to the airway), also guaranteeing their immobility and freely allowing any medical, surgical, therapeutic or maintenance intervention that involves total or partial access to the external craniofacial surface, understood as the area above the base of the neck and comprising an anterior disc that serves as support for the upper dental system, a bite duct with a lateral opening through which ventilation ducts or systems can be entered and which houses a clamping system or clamp for adjusting endotracheal tubes or similar devices,and an inflatable balloon attached to the bite duct that holds the assembly against the inner surface of the upper dental system in order to prevent any axial or longitudinal movement of the device as it is also attached to the upper arch.

[0006] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0007] This invention is applicable in the hospital field, mobile care, emergencies and, in general, in medical or veterinary care.

[0008] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Currently, in intubation procedures complementary to general anesthesia during surgical procedures, the use of catheters and endotracheal tubes is common for various purposes, such as providing oxygen, various gases, or liquids to the body, or removing secretions produced within the body. Once the patient has been properly intubated, the endotracheal tube must be properly secured to prevent unwanted movement forward or backward.

[0010] Traditionally, the endotracheal tube is secured to the patient using straps or bandages that hug the tube outside the patient's mouth and are tied or secured behind the patient's head or neck. This type of securement, in addition to being cumbersome, slow, and insecure, is impractical as it prevents, or at least substantially hinders, other procedures such as cleaning the mouth or performing external dressings on the patient's mouth, and the tube's lack of protection against bites, which can cause damage to the tube. Another drawback is that the endotracheal tube, which passes through the patient's mouth, can be bitten under certain circumstances, causing obstruction and consequent loss of function.

[0011] However, the main drawback of this system and other fastening systems on the market is that the craniofacial system is always used as the fastening point for the system, relying on straps or fastening elements that surround the patient's head or neck, thus eliminating the possibility of any intervention on that part of the body and causing inappropriate pressure and erosion in the patient, which must be subject to complementary treatments.

[0012] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The device object of this invention is intended to replace the systems currently used for securing endotracheal tubes in order to prevent invasion of the craniofacial system by means of support elements of any type that totally or partially surround the craniofacial system or simply rest on it, but without losing the structure and properties necessary for the correct securing of the tubes.

[0014] However, throughout the design of the invention, the fixing systems have also been redesigned with respect to the systems currently used, improving their functionality and safety.

[0015] To achieve the proposed objectives, the device consists of two main elements: an upper plate or shield made of soft material arranged integrally on the upper part of a bite tube, both forming a rigid integral assembly, and a small inflatable toric balloon, in the shape of a horseshoe, equipped with an inflation valve.

[0016] Both the bite tube and shield, as well as the balloon, have a side opening through which the endotracheal tube fits into the device.

[0017] Inside the bite tube, and integral with it, is a clamp with a toothed system to which the tube must be attached to immobilize it once it has been inserted into the patient's trachea. This clamp can be of different dimensions depending on the diameter of the tube it must retain and can be replaced by any mechanism capable of clamping the tube to prevent lateral or axial movement.

[0018] In the operating position, the faceplate or shield fits snugly between the outside of the teeth and the inside of the patient's lips, exerting no pressure on the soft tissue. Once the faceplate is in this position, the inside of the teeth rests on the balloon, which, when properly pressed, presses the teeth against the device, immobilizing it with respect to the jaw structure, to which it will be attached, and therefore, with respect to the patient's skull.

[0019] Once this operation has been carried out, the endotracheal tube, through the lateral opening of the assembly, can be clipped onto the clamp located on the inside of the bite tube, thus becoming completely immobilized and preventing any lateral or axial movement of the tube.

[0020] Once these operations have been performed, the device will be fully inserted into the patient's oral cavity, the tube will be completely immobilized, and no type of external support (bandages, straps, adhesive tape, etc.) will be necessary to complement the device that would prevent free access to the external contour of the craniofacial system, allowing any surgical or maintenance work on it.

[0021] In the case of edentulous patients, the shield can be replaced with a balloon similar to the one described above, which will be placed on the outside of the lips. In this case, the pressure of the balloons used must be adjusted individually.

[0022] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0023] To complement the description being made and in order to facilitate the understanding of the characteristics of the invention, a set of drawings is attached to this specification in which, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the following has been represented:

[0024] Figure 1 shows a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the CF-NOIN device.

[0025] Figure 2 shows a rear elevation view of the device in the previous figure.

[0026] Figure 3 shows a front elevation view of the device in the previous figures.

[0027] Figure 4 shows a vertical sectional view of the device.

[0028] Figure 5 shows a horizontal section of the device.

[0029] Figure 6 shows a side elevation with the balloon deflated.

[0030] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] In the embodiment shown in the attached figures, the device comprises:

[0032] A bite tube (1) for supporting the patient's teeth; a circular shaped front plate or shield with a lateral opening (2) integral with the bite tube (1) at one end thereof and located in a plane perpendicular to the axis of said bite tube (1) designed to support the outer part of the patient's teeth; A pressure clamp (3) fixed to the inner surface of the bite tube (1) to fit and immobilize tubes of different calibers; a circular handle (4) integral with the front plate arranged in a plane perpendicular to that of the front plate (2) intended to facilitate the maneuver of placing the device; A toric-shaped balloon with a circular guideline (5) inflatable by means of an external valve and with a lateral opening to allow the entry of the orotracheal tubes into the bite tube (1).Said inflatable balloon (5) is intended to be positioned and inflated inside the patient's mouth, trapping the teeth which, in turn, are supported by their outer part on the plate or shield, preventing the device from moving axially or laterally towards the outside of the patient's mouth or towards the corner of the lips.

[0033] Once the nature of the invention has been sufficiently described, as well as a preferred embodiment example, it is stated for the appropriate purposes that the materials, shape, size and arrangement of the elements described may be modified as long as this does not imply an alteration of the essential characteristics of the invention claimed below.

Claims

CLAIMS 1.- Intraoral device to avoid the use of the external craniofacial assembly as a support for devices related to the fixation of endotracheal tubes currently used for intubation in anesthetic-surgical processes or in intensive care units, emergency transport or ventilation of any type of airways characterized by a bite tube (1) defining a passage area (6) for endotracheal tubes; a front plate (2) and a balloon (5) attached to the bite tube and forming means to prevent the movement of the bite tube in an axial or lateral direction. 2 - Device according to claim 1, further characterized in that the means for immobilizing the endotracheal tubes comprise a pressure clamp (3) fixed to the inner surface of the bite tube (1) and arranged parallel to the front plate and open towards the lateral opening presented by the bite tube, the front plate and the balloon. 3 - Device according to claim 2, further characterized in that the pressure clamp (3) comprises two independent branches integral with the inner surface of the bite tube, made of deformable but recoverable material and provided, on their inner part, with a toothed surface in order to ensure the stability of the tubes. 4 - Device according to claim 3, further characterized in that the front plate is made of two plastic materials of different hardness and resistance: soft zone in the areas where the teeth rest and resistant zone in the areas of the bite tube and in the area of ​​the clamping clamp.

Images