Emergency airway device

Abstract

A method includes everting a tubular membrane comprising a thermoplastic material such that (i) a closed end of the tubular membrane, (ii) a first distal end of a central air line, and (iii) a second distal end of a side air line move into a pharynx of a patient. The first distal end extends distally through the closed end and a first proximal end of the central air line extends proximally through an open end of the tubular membrane and a mouth of the patient. The side air line is disposed on an exterior surface of the tubular membrane, the second distal end is proximal to the first distal end and to the closed end, and a second proximal end of the side air line extends proximally through the mouth. The method also includes inflating a distal sealing cuff against an esophagus, a larynx or a trachea of the patient.

Description

Emergency Airway DeviceCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 653,821, filed on May 30, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] This invention was made with government support under Grant No. 2036255, awarded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The government has certain rights in the invention.BACKGROUND

[0003] Airway management affects the probability of patient survival in cases of cardiac arrest, drug overdose, and trauma. In such situations, a bystander will often administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), but in many of these cases resuscitation is unsuccessful due to airway obstructions. Current methods of establishing airways in response to cardiac arrest require a high level of expertise, and improper use can result in serious side-effects and death.SUMMARY

[0004] A first example is a method for establishing an airway for a patient, the method comprising: everting a tubular membrane comprising a thermoplastic material such that (i) a closed end of the tubular membrane, (ii) a first distal end of a central air line, and (iii) a second distal end of a side air line move into a pharynx of a patient, wherein the first distal end of the central air line extends distally through the closed end of the tubular membrane and a first proximal end of the central air line extends proximally through an open end of the tubular membrane and a mouth of the patient, wherein the side air line is disposed on an exterior surface of the tubular membrane, the second distal end of the side air line is proximal to the first distal end of the central air line and to the closed end of the tubular membrane, and a second proximal end of the side air line extends proximally through the mouth; and inflating a distal sealing cuff against an esophagus or a trachea of the patient

[0005] A second example is a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a computing system of a device for establishing an airway for a patient, cause the system to perform the method of the first example.

[0006] A third example is a device for establishing an airway for a patient, the device comprising: a tubular membrane comprising a thermoplastic material and having an open end and a closed end; a central air line having a first distal end that is configured to extend distally from the closed end of the tubular membrane and a first proximal end configured to extend proximally from the open end of the tubular membrane when the tubular membrane is everted; a side air line that is disposed on an exterior surface of the tubular membrane, the side air line having a second distal end and a second proximal end that is adjacent to the open end of the tubular membrane; a distal sealing cuff that is distal to the second distal end of the side air line when the tubular membrane is everted, the distal sealing cuff being configured to form a first seal between an esophagus of the patient and the tubular membrane or a trachea of the patient and the tubular membrane; a proximal sealing cuff that is proximal to the second distal end of the side air line when the tubular membrane is everted, the proximal sealing cuff being configured to form a second seal between a pharynx of the patient and the tubular membrane; and a pressurized gas source configured to flow a gas into the open end of the tubular membrane to evert the tubular membrane.

[0007] A fourth example is a method of manufacturing a tubular membrane, the method comprising: unfurling a material stack onto a moving platform, wherein the material stack comprises a first sheet of a thermoplastic material and a second sheet of the thermoplastic material; and operating a bonding instrument along a path on the material stack during the unfurling or while the unfurling is paused, thereby bonding the first sheet to the second sheet along the path.

[0008] When the term “substantially” or “about” is used herein, it is meant that the recited characteristic, parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly, but that deviations or variations, including, for example, tolerances, measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations, and other factors known to those of skill in the art may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effect the characteristic was intended to provide. In some examples disclosed herein, “substantially” or “about” means within + / - 0-5% of the recited value.

[0009] The following publication is hereby incorporated by reference herein: Design Evolution of an Everting Emergency Airway Device, Andrew Lewis, Joel Hwee, Grace O’Connor, Alex Gong, Daniel M. Burke, Randall A. Bly, Kris S. Moe, Waleed M. Abuzeid, Eric Seibel, Blake Hannaford; Journal of Medical Robotics Research 2025, available at https: / / doi.org / 10.1142 / S2424905X25400033.

[0010] These, as well as other aspects, advantages, and alternatives will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by reading the following detailed description, with referencewhere appropriate to the accompanying drawings. Further, it should be understood that this summary and other descriptions and figures provided herein are intended to illustrate by way of example only and, as such, that numerous variations are possible.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a device, according to an example.

[0012] Figure 2 shows a thermoplastic sheet forming a lap seal, according to an example.

[0013] Figure 3 shows a thermoplastic sheet forming a fin seal, according to an example.

[0014] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a closed end of a tubular membrane everted into a patient’s trachea, according to an example.

[0015] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a tubular membrane everted into a patient’s esophagus, according to an example.

[0016] Figure 6 shows a stage of a process of everting a tubular membrane into a trachea, according to an example.

[0017] Figure 7 shows a stage of a process of everting a tubular membrane into a trachea, according to an example.

[0018] Figure 8 shows a stage of a process of everting a tubular membrane into a trachea, according to an example.

[0019] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a system for manufacturing a tubular membrane from a material stack, according to an example.

[0020] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of an example tubular membrane, according to an example.

[0021] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of another example tubular membrane, according to an example.

[0022] Figure 12 is a block diagram of a method, according to an example.

[0023] Figure 13 is a block diagram of a method, according to an example.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] This disclosure includes improved methods and devices for establishing an airway for a patient. A device includes a tubular membrane formed of or comprising a thermoplastic material. The tubular membrane has an open end, and a closed end configured for entry into the patient’s mouth and eversion into the patient’s pharynx.

[0025] The device also includes a central air line (e.g., flexible tubing) having a first distal end that is configured to extend distally from the closed end of the tubular membrane when the tubular membrane is everted into the patient’s pharynx. The central air line has a first proximal end configured to extend proximally from the open end of the tubular membrane(e.g., extend from the patient’s mouth). The central air line is configured to provide a pathway for airflow into the patient’s lungs if the closed end of the tubular membrane enters the trachea during eversion.

[0026] The device also includes a side air line (e.g., flexible tubing) that is disposed on (e.g., attached to) an exterior surface of the tubular membrane. The side air line has a second distal end, and a second proximal end that is adjacent to the open end of the tubular membrane (e.g., adjacent to the patient’s mouth). The side air line is configured to provide a pathway for airflow into the patient’s lungs if the closed end of the tubular membrane enters the esophagus instead of the trachea or the larynx during eversion.

[0027] The device also includes a distal sealing cuff that is distal to the second distal end of the side air line when the tubular membrane is everted. The distal sealing cuff is configured to form a first seal between the esophagus and the tubular membrane, the larynx and the tubular membrane, or the trachea and the tubular membrane.

[0028] The device also includes a proximal sealing cuff that is proximal to the second distal end of the side air line when the tubular membrane is everted. The proximal sealing cuff is configured to form a second seal between the pharynx and the tubular membrane if the closed end of the tubular membrane enters the esophagus during eversion. The device also includes a pressurized gas source configured to flow a gas (e.g., air) into the open end of the tubular membrane to evert the tubular membrane.

[0029] The thermoplastic material of the tubular membrane can provide several potential benefits. A thermoplastic material such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is elastic, flexible, resistant to abrasion caused by contact with teeth, resistant to degradation by stomach acid, and can make tight seals against the esophagus or the trachea. Also, forming the tubular membrane from thermoplastic sheets having different thicknesses can promote curved eversion of the tubular membrane that conforms with the pharynx, reducing stress on the tubular membrane. Generally, the tubular membrane will curve away from the thinner sheet during eversion.

[0030] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a device 10. The device 10 includes a computing system 100, a tubular membrane 202, a central air line 206A, a side air line 206B, a distal sealing cuff 214A, a proximal sealing cuff 214B, a pressurized gas source(s) 224, a proximal sealing cuff air line 206C, a distal sealing cuff air line 206D, a reel 228, a motor 230, a rotational position sensor 232, and a brake 234.

[0031] The computing system 100 includes one or more processors 102, a non-transitory computer readable medium 104, a communication interface 106, and a user interface 108.Components of the computing system 100 are linked together by a system bus, network, or other connection mechanism 112.

[0032] The one or more processors 102 may be any type of processor(s), such as a microprocessor, a field programmable gate array, a digital signal processor, a multicore processor, etc., coupled to the non-transitory computer readable medium 104.

[0033] The non-transitory computer readable medium 104 may be any type of memory, such as volatile memory like random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), or non-volatile memory like readonly memory (ROM), flash memory, magnetic or optical disks, or compact-disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), among other devices used to store data or programs on a temporary or permanent basis.

[0034] Additionally, the non-transitory computer readable medium 104 may store instructions 111. The instructions 111 are executable by the one or more processors 102 to cause the computing system 100 to perform any of the functions or methods described herein.

[0035] The communication interface 106 may include hardware to enable communication within the computing system 100 and / or between the computing system 100 and one or more other devices. The hardware can include any type of input and / or output interfaces, a universal serial bus (USB), PCI Express, transmitters, receivers, and antennas, for example.

[0036] The communication interface 106 may be configured to facilitate communication with one or more other devices, in accordance with one or more wired or wireless communication protocols. For example, the communication interface 106 may be configured to facilitate wireless data communication for the computing system 100 according to one or more wireless communication standards, such as one or more Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 801.11 standards, ZigBee standards, Bluetooth standards, etc. As another example, the communication interface 106 can be configured to facilitate wired data communication with one or more other devices. The communication interface 106 may also include analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) or digital-to-analog converters (DACs) that the computing system 100 can use to control various components of the computing system 100 or external devices.

[0037] The user interface 108 may include any type of display component configured to display data. As one example, the user interface 108 can include a touchscreen display. As another example, the user interface 108 can include a flat-panel display, such as a liquidcrystal display (LCD) or a light-emitting diode (LED) display. The user interface 108 can include one or more pieces of hardware used to provide data and control signals to thecomputing system 100. For instance, the user interface 108 can include a mouse or a pointing device, a keyboard or a keypad, a microphone, a touchpad, or a touchscreen, among other possible types of user input devices. Generally, the user interface 108 can enable an operator to interact with a graphical user interface (GUI) provided by the computing system 100 (e.g., displayed by the user interface 108).

[0038] The tubular membrane 202 is formed of or comprises a thermoplastic material such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyethylene, low density polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyvinyl chloride. In some examples, the tubular membrane 202 comprises a fabric such as nylon coated in the thermoplastic material. The tubular membrane 202 has an open end and a closed end. The tubular membrane 202 can be formed of a sheet of the thermoplastic material that is lap sealed or fin sealed to itself. In other examples, the tubular membrane 202 includes a first sheet of the thermoplastic material and a second sheet of the thermoplastic material that are bonded together.

[0039] The central air line 206A and the side air line 206B can be formed of plastic flexible tubing, for example.

[0040] The distal sealing cuff 214A can be formed of or comprise the thermoplastic material, for example. The distal sealing cuff 214A can be lap sealed or fin sealed to the tubular membrane 202 or to itself.

[0041] The proximal sealing cuff 214B can be formed of or comprise the thermoplastic material, for example. The proximal sealing cuff 214B can be lap sealed or fin sealed to the tubular membrane 202 or to itself.

[0042] The pressurized gas sources 224 can take the form of a pressurized gas canister, a chemical gas generator, a bag valve mask ventilator, a medical ventilator device, a manually operated pump, a battery powered pump, a thermal gas generator, or an inflation bulb. The pressurized gas sources 224 can be used to inflate or provide airflow to the tubular membrane 202, the central air line 206A, the side air line 206B, the distal sealing cuff 214A, the proximal sealing cuff 214B, the proximal sealing cuff air line 206C, and the distal sealing cuff air line 206D.

[0043] The proximal sealing cuff air line 206C can extend from the open end of the tubular membrane 202 for inflation of the proximal sealing cuff 214B.

[0044] The distal sealing cuff air line 206D can extend from the open end of the tubular membrane 202 for inflation of the distal sealing cuff 214A.

[0045] The reel 228 stores the tubular membrane 202 as a spool before the device 10 is used. The reel 228 turns to unfurl or retract the tubular membrane 202.

[0046] The motor 230 is configured to turn the reel 228 in either direction to unfurl or retract the tubular membrane 202.

[0047] The rotational position sensor 232 (e.g., a Hall sensor) is configured to detect the rotational position of the reel 228 such the computing system 100 can infer the eversion or retraction progress of the tubular membrane 202.

[0048] The brake 234 can be used to slow the turning of the reel 228.

[0049] Figure 2 shows a thermoplastic sheet forming a lap seal.

[0050] Figure 3 shows a thermoplastic sheet forming a fin seal.

[0051] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the closed end 204B of the tubular membrane 202 everted into the patient’s trachea 220. The closed end 204B generally refers to the most distal portion of the tubular membrane 202, regardless of how far the tubular membrane 202 has been everted into the patient. During various stages of eversion of the tubular membrane 202 into the patient, the closed end 204B can refer to different material sections of the tubular membrane 202, and not necessarily only to a sealed end of a fully everted tubular membrane 202.

[0052] The central air line 206A has a distal end 208A that is configured to extend distally from the closed end 204B of the tubular membrane 202. The central air line 206A also has a proximal end 208B configured to extend proximally from the open end 204A of the tubular membrane 202 when the tubular membrane 202 is everted.

[0053] The side air line 206B is disposed on an exterior surface 210 of the tubular membrane 202. The side air line 206B has a distal end 212A and a proximal end 212B that is adjacent to the open end 204A of the tubular membrane 202.

[0054] The distal sealing cuff 214A is distal to the distal end 212A of the side air line 206B when the tubular membrane 202 is everted. The distal sealing cuff 214A is configured to form a seal between the esophagus and the tubular membrane 202 (shown in Figure 5). The distal sealing cuff 214A is also configured to form a seal between the trachea 220 and the tubular membrane 202 or the larynx 221 and the tubular membrane 202. Inflating the distal sealing cuff 214A can allow the central air line 206A to provide airflow to the trachea 220.

[0055] In some examples, the distal sealing cuff 214A is in fluid communication with an interior region 219 of the tubular membrane 202. In this context, the pressurized gas source 224 can be configured to inflate the distal sealing cuff 214A while everting the tubular membrane 202 because the distal sealing cuff 214A and the tubular membrane 202 form a common chamber. That is, inflation of the tubular membrane 202 can simultaneously cause inflation of the distal sealing cuff 214A and the tubular membrane 202.

[0056] In some examples, a user or the computing system 100 can inflate the distal sealing cuff 214A in response to determining that the closed end 204B of the tubular membrane 202 and the distal end 208 A of the central air line 206A moved into the esophagus 231, the larynx 221, or the trachea 220. Inflating the distal sealing cuff 214A can allow the central air line 206A to provide airflow to the trachea 220.

[0057] In other examples, the distal sealing cuff 214A surrounds the tubular membrane 202 and is not in fluid communication with the interior region 219 surrounded by the tubular membrane 202. In such an example, the distal sealing cuff 214A can be inflated with a pressurized gas source 224 and the distal sealing cuff air line 206D (shown in Figure 1). In some examples, the distal sealing cuff 214A takes the form of a torus-shaped chamber that, when inflated, is configured to form the seal between the tubular membrane 202 and the trachea 220 or the esophagus.

[0058] The proximal sealing cuff 214B is proximal to the distal end 212A of the side air line 206B when the tubular membrane 202 is everted. The proximal sealing cuff 214B is configured to form a seal between the pharynx 222 and the tubular membrane 202 (shown in Figure 5).

[0059] In some examples, the proximal sealing cuff 214B is in fluid communication with the interior region 219 of the tubular membrane 202. In this context, the pressurized gas source 224 can be configured to inflate the proximal sealing cuff 214B while everting the tubular membrane 202 because the proximal sealing cuff 214B and the tubular membrane 202 form a common chamber. That is, inflation of the tubular membrane 202 can simultaneously cause inflation of the proximal sealing cuff 214B and the tubular membrane 202.

[0060] In other examples, the proximal sealing cuff 214B surrounds the tubular membrane 202 and is not in fluid communication with the interior region 219 surrounded by the tubular membrane 202. In such an example, the proximal sealing cuff 214B can be inflated with a pressurized gas source 224 and the proximal sealing cuff air line 206C. In some examples, the proximal sealing cuff 214B takes the form of a torus-shaped chamber that, when inflated, is configured to form the seal between the tubular membrane 202 and the pharynx 222.

[0061] The pressurized gas source 224 is configured to flow a gas (e.g., air) into the open end 204A of the tubular membrane 202 to evert the tubular membrane 202.

[0062] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the tubular membrane 202 everted into the patient’ s esophagus 231. In some examples, a user or the computing system 100 can inflate the proximal sealing cuff 214B in response to determining that the closed end 204B of thetubular membrane 202 and the distal end 208A of the central air line 206A moved into the esophagus 231. Inflating the proximal sealing cuff 214B can allow the side air line 206B to provide airflow to the trachea 220.

[0063] In some examples, a user or the computing system 100 can determine that the closed end 204B of the tubular membrane 202 and the distal end 208A of the central air line 206A moved into the esophagus 231 by determining that less than a threshold volume of air moved through the central air line 206A in response to applying a predetermined air pressure to the proximal end 208B of the central air line 206A.

[0064] Figure 6, Figure 7, and Figure 8 show different stages of a process of everting the tubular membrane 202 into the trachea 220.

[0065] Referring to Figure 6, the distal end 212A of the side air line 206B is distal to the distal end 208A of the central air line 206A and surrounded by the tubular membrane 202 prior to everting the tubular membrane 202. As shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7, the distal end 212A of the side air 206B line passes through the proximal sealing cuff 214B while everting the tubular membrane 202.

[0066] Prior to the tubular membrane 202 being everted, the distal end 208A of the central air line 206A is surrounded by the tubular membrane 202 and is proximal to the distal sealing cuff 214A, the proximal sealing cuff 214B, and the distal end 212A of the side air line 206B.

[0067] Prior to the tubular membrane 202 being everted, a first portion of the side air line 206B is surrounded by the tubular membrane 202 and extends through the proximal sealing cuff 214B and a second portion of the side air line 206B is positioned on an exterior surface 210 of the tubular membrane 202.

[0068] The device 10 includes the reel 228, the motor 230 (shown in Figure 1), and the rotational position sensor 232 (shown in Figure 1). The tubular membrane 202 and the central air line 206A are wound upon the reel. The motor 230 is configured to turn the reel 228 such that the tubular membrane 202 is everted or retracted. The rotational position sensor 232 is configured to detect a length of the tubular membrane 202 that is everted and a speed at which the tubular membrane 202 is being everted or retracted. The device 10 also includes the brake 234 that is configured to slow rotation of the reel 228.

[0069] Everting the tubular membrane 202 involves unfurling the tubular membrane 202 such that portions of the tubular membrane 202 emerge at the closed end 204B of the tubular membrane 202 along a central axis of the tubular membrane and turn over to form an outer circumference of the tubular membrane.

[0070] Everting the tubular membrane 202 involves the distal end 208A of the central air line 206A passing through the proximal sealing cuff 214B and the distal sealing cuff 214A.

[0071] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a system 20 for manufacturing the tubular membrane 202 from a material stack 302. The system 20 includes a platform 304, a bonding instrument 306, one or more processors 102, and a non-transitory computer readable medium 104 storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors 102, cause the system 20 to perform a method for manufacturing the tubular membrane 202.

[0072] The platform 304 can take the form of a conveyor belt that is moved horizontally by motors turning one or more of the rotor 307A, the rotor 307B, or the rotor 307C. The platform 304 moving to the left causes unfurling of the material stack 302 from a supply reel 310 onto the platform 304. The material stack 302 includes a first sheet of a thermoplastic material and a second sheet of the thermoplastic material in a layered structure. The bonding instrument 306 can take the form of a heated tip or an adhesive dispenser.

[0073] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of an example tubular membrane 202. The bonding instrument 306 is moved along a path 308 on the material stack 302 during the unfurling of the material stack 302 or while the unfurling is paused, thereby bonding the first sheet to the second sheet along the path 308. In this example, the tubular membrane 202 is formed with the open end 204 A and the closed end 204B.

[0074] The bonding instrument 306 can function in a number of ways. For example, the bonding instrument 306 can heat the material stack 302 along the path 308 to bond the first sheet and the second sheet along the path 308. In some examples, the bonding instrument 306 deposits a bonding material (e.g., a heated adhesive) along the path 308 to bond the first sheet and the second sheet along the path 308. In other examples, the bonding instrument 306 uses a laser beam, an ion beam, or an electron beam to bond the first sheet and the second sheet along the path 308.

[0075] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of another example tubular membrane 202. The bonding instrument 306 is moved along a path 308A and along a path 308B on the material stack 302 during the unfurling of the material stack 302 or while the unfurling is paused, thereby bonding the first sheet to the second sheet along the path 308 A and the path 308B.

[0076] Figure 12 and Figure 13 are block diagrams of a method 400 and a method 500. As shown in Figure 12 and Figure 13, the method 400 and the method 500 include one or more operations, functions, or actions as illustrated by blocks 402, 404, 502, and 504. Although the blocks are illustrated in a sequential order, these blocks may also be performed in parallel, and / or in a different order than those described herein. Also, the various blocks may becombined into fewer blocks, divided into additional blocks, and / or removed based upon the desired implementation.

[0077] At block 402, the method 400 includes everting the tubular membrane 202 formed of the thermoplastic material such that (i) the closed end 204B of the tubular membrane 202, (ii) the distal end 208A of the central air line 206A, and (iii) the distal end 212A of the side air line 206B move into the pharynx 222 of the patient. The distal end 208A of the central air line 206A extends distally through the closed end 204B of the tubular membrane 202 and a proximal end 208B of the central air line 206A extends proximally through an open end 204A of the tubular membrane 202 and a mouth of the patient. The side air line 206B is disposed on the exterior surface 210 of the tubular membrane 202, the distal end 212A of the side air line 206B is proximal to the distal end 208A of the central air line 206A and to the closed end 204B of the tubular membrane 202, and the proximal end 212B of the side air line 206B extends proximally through the mouth. Functionality related to block 402 is detailed above with reference to Figures 4-8.

[0078] At block 404, the method 400 includes inflating the distal sealing cuff 214A against the esophagus 321 or the trachea 220 of the patient. Functionality related to block 404 is detailed above with reference to Figures 4-8.

[0079] At block 502, the method 500 includes unfurling the material stack 302 onto the moving platform 304. The material stack 302 includes a first sheet of a thermoplastic material and a second sheet of the thermoplastic material. Functionality related to block 502 is detailed above with reference to Figures 9-11.

[0080] At block 504, the method 500 includes operating the bonding instrument 306 along the path 308 on the material stack 302 during the unfurling or while the unfurling is paused, thereby bonding the first sheet to the second sheet along the path 308. Functionality related to block 504 is detailed above with reference to Figures 9-11.

[0081] ENUMERATED EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS (EEEs)

[0082] EEE l is a method for establishing an airway for a patient, the method comprising: everting a tubular membrane comprising a thermoplastic material such that (i) a closed end of the tubular membrane, (ii) a first distal end of a central air line, and (iii) a second distal end of a side air line move into a pharynx of a patient, wherein the first distal end of the central air line extends distally through the closed end of the tubular membrane and a first proximal end of the central air line extends proximally through an open end of the tubular membrane and a mouth of the patient, wherein the side air line is disposed on an exterior surface of the tubular membrane, the second distal end of the side air line is proximal to the first distal end of thecentral air line and to the closed end of the tubular membrane, and a second proximal end of the side air line extends proximally through the mouth; and inflating a distal sealing cuff against an esophagus, a larynx, or a trachea of the patient.

[0083] EEE 2 is the method of EEE 1, wherein inflating the distal sealing cuff forms a seal between the tubular membrane and the esophagus, a larynx, or the trachea.

[0084] EEE 3 is the method of any one of EEEs 1-2, wherein inflating the distal sealing cuff comprises inflating the distal sealing cuff in response to determining that the closed end of the tubular membrane and the first distal end of the central air line moved into the esophagus, the larynx, or the trachea.

[0085] EEE 4 is the method of any one of EEEs 1-3, wherein the tubular membrane comprises a first sheet of the thermoplastic material and a second sheet of the thermoplastic material that are bonded together and have different thicknesses or different shapes that facilitate curved eversion of the tubular membrane against the pharynx.

[0086] EEE 5 is the method of any one of EEEs 1-4, further comprising inflating a proximal sealing cuff against the pharynx of the patient.

[0087] EEE 6 is the method of EEE 5, wherein inflating the proximal sealing cuff forms a seal between the tubular membrane and the pharynx.

[0088] EEE 7 is the method of any one of EEEs 5-6, wherein inflating the proximal sealing cuff comprises inflating the proximal sealing cuff in response to determining that the closed end of the tubular membrane and the first distal end of the central air line moved into the esophagus.

[0089] EEE 8 is the method of any one of EEEs 5-7, wherein the proximal sealing cuff is in fluid communication with an interior region of the tubular membrane, and wherein inflating the proximal sealing cuff comprises inflating the proximal sealing cuff with a pressurized air source that also everts the tubular membrane.

[0090] EEE 9 is the method of any one of EEEs 5-8, wherein the proximal sealing cuff is formed of or comprises the thermoplastic material.

[0091] EEE 10 is the method of any one of EEEs 5-9, wherein the proximal sealing cuff is lap sealed or fin sealed to the tubular membrane.

[0092] EEE 11 is the method of any one of EEEs 5-10, wherein the proximal sealing cuff surrounds the tubular membrane and is not in fluid communication with an interior region surrounded by the tubular membrane.

[0093] EEE 12 is the method of any one of EEEs 5-11, wherein the second distal end of the side air line passes through the proximal sealing cuff during the everting the tubular membrane.

[0094] EEE 13 is the method of any one of EEEs 5-12, wherein the first distal end of the central air line passes through the proximal sealing cuff and the distal sealing cuff during the everting of the tubular membrane.

[0095] EEE 14 is the method of any one of EEEs 5-13, wherein inflating the proximal sealing cuff comprises inflating the proximal sealing cuff using an additional source of pressurized gas.

[0096] EEE 15 is the method of any one of EEEs 5-14, wherein inflating the proximal sealing cuff comprises inflating the proximal sealing cuff via a proximal sealing cuff air line that is configured to extend through the mouth of the patient.

[0097] EEE 16 is the method of any one of EEEs 5-15, further comprising applying an air pressure to the first proximal end of the central air line, wherein determining that the closed end of the tubular membrane and the first distal end of the central air line moved into the esophagus comprises determining that less than a threshold volume of air moved through the central air line in response to the applying the air pressure to the first proximal end of the central air line.

[0098] EEE 17 is the method of any one of EEEs 1-16, wherein inflating the distal sealing cuff comprises inflating the distal sealing cuff using an additional source of pressurized gas.

[0099] EEE 18 is the method of any one of EEEs 1-17, wherein the distal sealing cuff is in fluid communication with an interior region of the tubular membrane, and wherein inflating the distal sealing cuff comprises inflating the distal sealing cuff with a pressurized air source that also everts the tubular membrane.[000100] EEE 19 is the method of any one of EEEs 1-18, wherein the distal sealing cuff is formed of or comprises the thermoplastic material.[000101JEEE 20 is the method of any one of EEEs 1-19, wherein the distal sealing cuff is lap sealed or fin sealed to the tubular membrane.[000102] EEE 21 is the method of any one of EEEs 1-20, wherein the distal sealing cuff surrounds the tubular membrane and is not in fluid communication with an interior region surrounded by the tubular membrane.[000103] EEE 22 is the method of any one of EEEs 1-21, wherein the everting the tubular membrane comprises everting the tubular membrane using a pressurized gas canister, achemical gas generator, a bag valve mask ventilator, a medical ventilator device, a manually operated pump, a battery powered pump, a thermal gas generator, or an inflation bulb.[000104] EEE 23 is the method of any one of EEEs 1-22, wherein the everting the tubular membrane comprises unfurling the tubular membrane such that portions of the tubular membrane emerge at the closed end along a central axis of the tubular membrane and turn over to form an outer circumference of the tubular membrane.[000105] EEE 24 is the method of any one of EEEs 1-23, wherein the second distal end of the side air line is distal to the first distal end of the central air line and surrounded by the tubular membrane prior to everting the tubular membrane.[000106] EEE 25 is the method of any one of EEEs 1-24, wherein the thermoplastic material comprises thermoplastic polyurethane, polyethylene, low density polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyvinyl chloride.[000107] EEE 26 is the method of any one of EEEs 1-25, wherein the tubular membrane comprises a fabric coated in the thermoplastic material.[000108] EEE 27 is the method of any one of EEEs 1-26, wherein the tubular membrane comprises a first sheet of the thermoplastic material and a second sheet of the thermoplastic material that are bonded together.[000109] EEE 28 is the method of EEE 27, wherein the first sheet and the second sheet have different thicknesses or different shapes that facilitate curved eversion of the tubular membrane.[000110] EEE 29 is the method of any one of EEEs 1-28, wherein the tubular membrane comprises a sheet of the thermoplastic material that is lap sealed or fin sealed to itself. [000111JEEE 30 is the method of any one of EEEs 1-29, wherein inflating the distal sealing cuff comprises inflating the distal sealing cuff via a distal sealing cuff air line that is configured to extend through the mouth of the patient.[000112] EEE 31 is a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a computing system of a device for establishing an airway for a patient, cause the system to perform the method of any one of EEEs 1-30.[000113] EEE 32 is a device for establishing an airway for a patient, the device comprising: a tubular membrane comprising a thermoplastic material and having an open end and a closed end; a central air line having a first distal end that is configured to extend distally from the closed end of the tubular membrane and a first proximal end configured to extend proximally from the open end of the tubular membrane when the tubular membrane is everted; a side air line that is disposed on an exterior surface of the tubular membrane, the side air line having asecond distal end and a second proximal end that is adjacent to the open end of the tubular membrane; a distal sealing cuff that is distal to the second distal end of the side air line when the tubular membrane is everted, the distal sealing cuff being configured to form a first seal between an esophagus of the patient and the tubular membrane, a larynx of the patient and the tubular membrane, or a trachea of the patient and the tubular membrane; a proximal sealing cuff that is proximal to the second distal end of the side air line when the tubular membrane is everted, the proximal sealing cuff being configured to form a second seal between a pharynx of the patient and the tubular membrane; and a pressurized gas source configured to flow a gas into the open end of the tubular membrane to evert the tubular membrane.[000114JEEE 33 is the device of EEE 32, wherein the device is configured to perform the method of any one of EEEs 1-30.[000115] EEE 34 is the device of EEE 32, further comprising: one or more processors; and a computer readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the device to perform the method of any one of EEEs 1-30.[000116] EEE 35 is the device of any one of EEEs 32-34, wherein the distal sealing cuff is in fluid communication with an interior region of the tubular membrane, and wherein the pressurized gas source is configured to inflate the distal sealing cuff while everting the tubular membrane.[000117] EEE 36 is the device of any one of EEEs 32-35, wherein the distal sealing cuff is formed of or comprises the thermoplastic material.[000118JEEE 37 is the device of any one of EEEs 32-36, wherein the distal sealing cuff is lap sealed or fin sealed to the tubular membrane.[000119JEEE 38 is the device of any one of EEEs 32-37, wherein the distal sealing cuff surrounds the tubular membrane and is not in fluid communication with an interior region surrounded by the tubular membrane.[000120JEEE 39 is the device of any one of EEEs 32-38, wherein the proximal sealing cuff is in fluid communication with an interior region of the tubular membrane, and wherein the pressurized gas source is configured to inflate the proximal sealing cuff while everting the tubular membrane.[000121JEEE 40 is the device of any one of EEEs 32-39, wherein the proximal sealing cuff is formed of or comprises the thermoplastic material.[000122JEEE 41 is the device of any one of EEEs 32-40, wherein the proximal sealing cuff is lap sealed or fin sealed to the tubular membrane.[000123] EEE 42 is the device of any one of EEEs 32-41, wherein the proximal sealing cuff surrounds the tubular membrane and is not in fluid communication with an interior region surrounded by the tubular membrane.[000124] EEE 43 is the device of any one of EEEs 32-42, wherein the pressurized gas source comprises a pressurized gas canister, a chemical gas generator, a bag valve mask ventilator, a medical ventilator device, a manually operated pump, a battery powered pump, a thermal gas generator, or an inflation bulb.[000125] EEE 44 is the device of any one of EEEs 32-43, wherein the second distal end of the side air line is distal to the first distal end of the central air line and surrounded by the tubular membrane prior to everting the tubular membrane.[000126] EEE 45 is the device of any one of EEEs 32-44, wherein the second distal end of the side air line passes through the proximal sealing cuff while everting the tubular membrane.[000127] EEE 46 is the device of any one of EEEs 32-45, wherein the first distal end of the central air line passes through the proximal sealing cuff and the distal sealing cuff while everting the tubular membrane.[000128] EEE 47 is the device of any one of EEEs 32-46, further comprising an additional source of pressurized gas configured for inflating the distal sealing cuff.[000129] EEE 48 is the device of any one of EEEs 32-47, further comprising an additional source of pressurized gas configured for inflating the proximal sealing cuff.[000130] EEE 49 is the device of any one of EEEs 32-48, wherein the thermoplastic material comprises thermoplastic polyurethane, polyethylene, low density polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyvinyl chloride.[000131] EEE 50 is the device of any one of EEEs 32-49, wherein the tubular membrane comprises a fabric coated in the thermoplastic material.[000132] EEE 51 is the device of any one of EEEs 32-49, wherein the tubular membrane comprises a first sheet of the thermoplastic material and a second sheet of the thermoplastic material that are bonded together.[000133] EEE 52 is the device of EEE 50, wherein the first sheet and the second sheet have different thicknesses that facilitate curved eversion of the tubular membrane against the pharynx.[000134] EEE 53 is the device of any one of EEEs 32-52, wherein the tubular membrane comprises a sheet of the thermoplastic material that is lap sealed or fin sealed to itself.[000135] EEE 54 is the device of any one of EEEs 32-53, further comprising a proximal sealing cuff air line that is configured to extend through a mouth of the patient and inflate the proximal sealing cuff.[000136] EEE 55 is the device of any one of EEEs 32-54, further comprising a distal sealing cuff air line that is configured to extend through a mouth of the patient and inflate the distal sealing cuff.[000137] EEE 56 is the device of any one of EEEs 32-55, wherein the first distal end of the central air line is surrounded by the tubular membrane and is proximal to the distal sealing cuff, the proximal sealing cuff, and the second distal end of the side air line prior to the tubular membrane being everted.[000138] EEE 57 is the device of any one of EEEs 32-56, wherein a first portion of the side air line is surrounded by the tubular membrane and extends through the proximal sealing cuff prior to the tubular membrane being everted and a second portion of the side air line is positioned on an exterior surface of the tubular membrane prior to the tubular membrane being everted.[000139JEEE 58 is the device of any one of EEEs 32-57, wherein the distal sealing cuff takes the form of a torus-shaped chamber that when inflated is configured to form the first seal. [000140JEEE 59 is the device of any one of EEEs 32-58, wherein the proximal sealing cuff takes the form of a torus-shaped chamber that when inflated is configured to form the second seal.[000141] EEE 60 is the device of any one of EEEs 32-59, further comprising: a reel upon which the tubular membrane and the central air line is wound; a motor configured to turn the reel such that the tubular membrane is everted or retracted; and a rotational position sensor configured to detect a length of the tubular membrane that is everted and a speed at which the tubular membrane is being everted or retracted.[000142] EEE 61 is the device of any one of EEEs 32-60, further comprising: a reel upon which the tubular membrane and the central air line is wound; a brake configured to slow rotation of the reel; a rotational position sensor configured to detect a length of the tubular membrane that is everted and a speed at which the tubular membrane is being everted or retracted.[000143] EEE 62 is a method of manufacturing a tubular membrane, the method comprising: unfurling a material stack onto a moving platform, wherein the material stack comprises a first sheet of a thermoplastic material and a second sheet of the thermoplastic material; and operating a bonding instrument along a path on the material stack during the unfurling orwhile the unfurling is paused, thereby bonding the first sheet to the second sheet along the path.[000144] EEE 63 is the method of EEE 62, wherein unfurling the material stack comprises unfurling the material stack from a supply reel.[000145] EEE 64 is the method of any one of EEEs 62-63, wherein unfurling the material stack onto the moving platform comprises unfurling the material stack onto a conveyor belt. [000146] EEE 65 is the method of any one of EEEs 62-64, wherein operating the bonding instrument comprises heating the material stack along the path using the bonding instrument. [000147] EEE 66 is the method of any one of EEEs 62-65, wherein operating the bonding instrument comprises depositing a bonding material along the path using the bonding instrument.[000148] EEE 67 is the method of any one of EEEs 62-66, wherein operating the bonding instrument comprises heating the material stack along the path with a laser beam.[000149] EEE 68 is the method of any one of EEEs 62-67, wherein operating the bonding instrument comprises bonding the material stack with an ion beam or an electron beam. [000150] EEE 69 is a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a computing system of a system for manufacturing a tubular membrane, cause the system to perform the method of any one of EEEs 62-68.[000151] EEE 68 is a system for manufacturing a tubular membrane, the system comprising: a platform; a bonding instrument; one or more processors; and a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the system to perform the method of any one of EEEs 62-68.[000152] While various example aspects and example embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various example aspects and example embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A method for establishing an airway for a patient, the method comprising: everting a tubular membrane comprising a thermoplastic material such that (i) a closed end of the tubular membrane, (ii) a first distal end of a central air line, and (iii) a second distal end of a side air line move into a pharynx of a patient, wherein the first distal end of the central air line extends distally through the closed end of the tubular membrane and a first proximal end of the central air line extends proximally through an open end of the tubular membrane and a mouth of the patient, wherein the side air line is disposed on an exterior surface of the tubular membrane, the second distal end of the side air line is proximal to the first distal end of the central air line and to the closed end of the tubular membrane, and a second proximal end of the side air line extends proximally through the mouth; and inflating a distal sealing cuff against an esophagus, a larynx, or a trachea of the patient.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein inflating the distal sealing cuff forms a seal between the tubular membrane and the esophagus, the larynx or the trachea.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein inflating the distal sealing cuff comprises inflating the distal sealing cuff in response to determining that the closed end of the tubular membrane and the first distal end of the central air line moved into the esophagus, the larynx or the trachea.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the tubular membrane comprises a first sheet of the thermoplastic material and a second sheet of the thermoplastic material that are bonded together and have different thicknesses or different shapes that facilitate curved eversion of the tubular membrane against the pharynx.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising inflating a proximal sealing cuff against the pharynx of the patient.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein inflating the proximal sealing cuff forms a seal between the tubular membrane and the pharynx.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein inflating the proximal sealing cuff comprises inflating the proximal sealing cuff in response to determining that the closed end of the tubular membrane and the first distal end of the central air line moved into the esophagus.

8. The method of claim 5, wherein the proximal sealing cuff is in fluid communication with an interior region of the tubular membrane, and wherein inflating the proximal sealing cuff comprises inflating the proximal sealing cuff with a pressurized air source that also everts the tubular membrane.

9. The method of claim 5, wherein the proximal sealing cuff is formed of or comprises the thermoplastic material.

10. The method of claim 5, wherein the proximal sealing cuff is lap sealed or fin sealed to the tubular membrane.

11. The method of claim 5, wherein the proximal sealing cuff surrounds the tubular membrane and is not in fluid communication with an interior region surrounded by the tubular membrane.

12. The method of claim 5, wherein the second distal end of the side air line passes through the proximal sealing cuff during the everting the tubular membrane.

13. The method of claim 5, wherein the first distal end of the central air line passes through the proximal sealing cuff and the distal sealing cuff during the everting of the tubular membrane.

14. The method of claim 5, wherein inflating the proximal sealing cuff comprises inflating the proximal sealing cuff using an additional source of pressurized gas.

15. The method of claim 5, wherein inflating the proximal sealing cuff comprises inflating the proximal sealing cuff via a proximal sealing cuff air line that is configured to extend through the mouth of the patient.

16. The method of claim 5, further comprising applying an air pressure to the first proximal end of the central air line, wherein determining that the closed end of the tubular membrane and the first distal end of the central air line moved into the esophagus comprises determining that less than a threshold volume of air moved through the central air line in response to the applying the air pressure to the first proximal end of the central air line.

17. The method of claim 1, wherein inflating the distal sealing cuff comprises inflating the distal sealing cuff using an additional source of pressurized gas.

18. The method of claim 1, wherein the distal sealing cuff is in fluid communication with an interior region of the tubular membrane, and wherein inflating the distal sealing cuff comprises inflating the distal sealing cuff with a pressurized air source that also everts the tubular membrane.

19. The method of claim 1, wherein the distal sealing cuff is formed of or comprises the thermoplastic material.

20. The method of claim 1, wherein the distal sealing cuff is lap sealed or fin sealed to the tubular membrane.

21. The method of claim 1, wherein the distal sealing cuff surrounds the tubular membrane and is not in fluid communication with an interior region surrounded by the tubular membrane.

22. The method of claim 1, wherein the everting the tubular membrane comprises everting the tubular membrane using a pressurized gas canister, a chemical gas generator, a bag valve mask ventilator, a medical ventilator device, a manually operated pump, a battery powered pump, a thermal gas generator, or an inflation bulb.

23. The method of claim 1, wherein the everting the tubular membrane comprises unfurling the tubular membrane such that portions of the tubular membrane emerge at the closed end along a central axis of the tubular membrane and turn over to form an outer circumference of the tubular membrane.

24. The method of claim 1, wherein the second distal end of the side air line is distal to the first distal end of the central air line and surrounded by the tubular membrane prior to everting the tubular membrane.

25. The method of claim 1, wherein the thermoplastic material comprises thermoplastic polyurethane, polyethylene, low density polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyvinyl chloride.

26. The method of claim 1, wherein the tubular membrane comprises a fabric coated in the thermoplastic material.

27. The method of claim 1, wherein the tubular membrane comprises a first sheet of the thermoplastic material and a second sheet of the thermoplastic material that are bonded together.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the first sheet and the second sheet have different thicknesses or different shapes that facilitate curved eversion of the tubular membrane.

29. The method of claim 1, wherein the tubular membrane comprises a sheet of the thermoplastic material that is lap sealed or fin sealed to itself.

30. The method of claim 1, wherein inflating the distal sealing cuff comprises inflating the distal sealing cuff via a distal sealing cuff air line that is configured to extend through the mouth of the patient.

31. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a computing system of a device for establishing an airway for a patient, cause the system to perform the method of claim 1.

32. A device for establishing an airway for a patient, the device comprising: a tubular membrane comprising a thermoplastic material and having an open end and a closed end; a central air line having a first distal end that is configured to extend distally from theclosed end of the tubular membrane and a first proximal end configured to extend proximally from the open end of the tubular membrane when the tubular membrane is everted; a side air line that is disposed on an exterior surface of the tubular membrane, the side air line having a second distal end and a second proximal end that is adjacent to the open end of the tubular membrane; a distal sealing cuff that is distal to the second distal end of the side air line when the tubular membrane is everted, the distal sealing cuff being configured to form a first seal between an esophagus of the patient and the tubular membrane, a larynx of the patient and the tubular membrane, or a trachea of the patient and the tubular membrane; a proximal sealing cuff that is proximal to the second distal end of the side air line when the tubular membrane is everted, the proximal sealing cuff being configured to form a second seal between a pharynx of the patient and the tubular membrane; and a pressurized gas source configured to flow a gas into the open end of the tubular membrane to evert the tubular membrane.

33. The device of claim 32, wherein the device is configured to perform the method of claim 1.

34. The device of claim 32, further comprising: one or more processors; and a computer readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the device to perform the method of claim 1.

35. The device of claim 32, wherein the distal sealing cuff is in fluid communication with an interior region of the tubular membrane, and wherein the pressurized gas source is configured to inflate the distal sealing cuff while everting the tubular membrane.

36. The device of claim 32, wherein the distal sealing cuff is formed of or comprises the thermoplastic material.

37. The device of claim 32, wherein the distal sealing cuff is lap sealed or fin sealed to the tubular membrane.

38. The device of claim 32, wherein the distal sealing cuff surrounds the tubular membrane and is not in fluid communication with an interior region surrounded by the tubular membrane.

39. The device of claim 32, wherein the proximal sealing cuff is in fluid communication with an interior region of the tubular membrane, and wherein the pressurized gas source is configured to inflate the proximal sealing cuff while everting the tubular membrane.

40. The device of claim 32, wherein the proximal sealing cuff is formed of or comprises the thermoplastic material.

41. The device of claim 32, wherein the proximal sealing cuff is lap sealed or fin sealed to the tubular membrane.

42. The device of claim 32, wherein the proximal sealing cuff surrounds the tubular membrane and is not in fluid communication with an interior region surrounded by the tubular membrane.

43. The device of claim 32, wherein the pressurized gas source comprises a pressurized gas canister, a chemical gas generator, a bag valve mask ventilator, a medical ventilator device, a manually operated pump, a battery powered pump, a thermal gas generator, or an inflation bulb.

44. The device of claim 32, wherein the second distal end of the side air line is distal to the first distal end of the central air line and surrounded by the tubular membrane prior to everting the tubular membrane.

45. The device of claim 32, wherein the second distal end of the side air line passes through the proximal sealing cuff while everting the tubular membrane.

46. The device of claim 32, wherein the first distal end of the central air line passes through the proximal sealing cuff and the distal sealing cuff while everting the tubular membrane.

47. The device of claim 32, further comprising an additional source of pressurized gas configured for inflating the distal sealing cuff.

48. The device of claim 32, further comprising an additional source of pressurized gas configured for inflating the proximal sealing cuff.

49. The device of claim 32, wherein the thermoplastic material comprises thermoplastic polyurethane, polyethylene, low density polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyvinyl chloride.

50. The device of claim 32, wherein the tubular membrane comprises a fabric coated in the thermoplastic material.

51. The device of claim 32, wherein the tubular membrane comprises a first sheet of the thermoplastic material and a second sheet of the thermoplastic material that are bonded together.

52. The device of claim 51, wherein the first sheet and the second sheet have different thicknesses that facilitate curved eversion of the tubular membrane against the pharynx.

53. The device of claim 32, wherein the tubular membrane comprises a sheet of the thermoplastic material that is lap sealed or fin sealed to itself.

54. The device of claim 32, further comprising a proximal sealing cuff air line that is configured to extend through a mouth of the patient and inflate the proximal sealing cuff.

55. The device of claim 32, further comprising a distal sealing cuff air line that is configured to extend through a mouth of the patient and inflate the distal sealing cuff.

56. The device of claim 32, wherein the first distal end of the central air line is surrounded by the tubular membrane and is proximal to the distal sealing cuff, the proximal sealing cuff, and the second distal end of the side air line prior to the tubular membrane beingeverted.

57. The device of claim 32, wherein a first portion of the side air line is surrounded by the tubular membrane and extends through the proximal sealing cuff prior to the tubular membrane being everted and a second portion of the side air line is positioned on an exterior surface of the tubular membrane prior to the tubular membrane being everted.

58. The device of claim 32, wherein the distal sealing cuff takes the form of a torus-shaped chamber that when inflated is configured to form the first seal.

59. The device of claim 32, wherein the proximal sealing cuff takes the form of a torus-shaped chamber that when inflated is configured to form the second seal.

60. The device of claim 32, further comprising: a reel upon which the tubular membrane and the central air line is wound; a motor configured to turn the reel such that the tubular membrane is everted or retracted; and a rotational position sensor configured to detect a length of the tubular membrane that is everted and a speed at which the tubular membrane is being everted or retracted.

61. The device of claim 32, further comprising: a reel upon which the tubular membrane and the central air line is wound; a brake configured to slow rotation of the reel; and a rotational position sensor configured to detect a length of the tubular membrane that is everted and a speed at which the tubular membrane is being everted or retracted.

62. A method of manufacturing a tubular membrane, the method comprising: unfurling a material stack onto a moving platform, wherein the material stack comprises a first sheet of a thermoplastic material and a second sheet of the thermoplastic material; and operating a bonding instrument along a path on the material stack during the unfurling or while the unfurling is paused, thereby bonding the first sheet to the second sheet along the path.

63. The method of claim 62, wherein unfurling the material stack comprises unfurling the material stack from a supply reel.

64. The method of claim 62, wherein unfurling the material stack onto the moving platform comprises unfurling the material stack onto a conveyor belt.

65. The method of claim 62, wherein operating the bonding instrument comprises heating the material stack along the path using the bonding instrument.

66. The method of claim 62, wherein operating the bonding instrument comprises depositing a bonding material along the path using the bonding instrument.

67. The method of claim 62, wherein operating the bonding instrument comprises heating the material stack along the path with a laser beam.

68. The method of claim 62, wherein operating the bonding instrument comprises bonding the material stack with an ion beam or an electron beam.

69. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a computing system of a system for manufacturing a tubular membrane, cause the system to perform the method of claim 62.

70. A system for manufacturing a tubular membrane, the system comprising: a platform; a bonding instrument; one or more processors; and a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the system to perform the method of claim 62.

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