Aspiration cannula for the upper aerodigestive tract

Abstract

An upper aerodigestive tract aspiration cannula is disclosed which allows for aspirating large volumes while simultaneously inserting an intubation stylet and where the cannula can be used for various types of patients and medical procedures.

Description

[0001] ASPIRATION CANNULA FOR THE UPPER AERODIGESTIVE TRACT

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] The present disclosure is directed to an aspiration cannula for the upper aerodigestive tract (UAT). In particular, the present disclosure refers to a cannula for aspiration of the UAT and simultaneous insertion of an intubation stylet.

[0004] Background

[0005] As is well-known in the state of the art, aspiration cannulas are medical devices used to extract liquids, secretions, or foreign material from the airways, usually during medical or surgical procedures. These cannulas are designed as a tube that is inserted into the patient’s nose or mouth, connected to a suction system for aspirating unwanted material. They are commonly used in environments such as hospitals, clinics and ambulances to keep the airways clear and ensure adequate breathing in patients who are unable to clear secretions on their own.

[0006] In the head and neck areas, cannulas are used both for examination and for performing procedures on the upper aerodigestive tract (UAT) involving, for example, the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, and proximal esophagus. For procedures performed on the upper airways of patients, specifically for tracheal intubation, a Yankauer aspiration cannula - a surgical cannula designed for aspirating fluids- in particular saliva or blood, has been traditionally used in the tonsillectomy procedure, and it is becoming more widespread for other procedures and in other anatomical regions.

[0007] Some aspiration cannulas of the state of the art comprise a curved tube with a small opening at one end for the aspiration of liquids. Cannulas are made of different materials and different sizes depending on the manufacturer. However, in the practice, some cannulas do not perform well when aspirating large volumes of contaminants and semi-solids such as, for example, in the case of vomit.

[0008] In view of the foregoing, Dr. DuCanto developed the “SALAD” (“Suction Assisted Laryngoscopy and Airway Decontamination”) technique for tracheal intubation into contaminated airways. For this purpose, DuCanto designed a rigid cannula or catheter for aspirating large volumes of fluids and semi-solids. The DuCanto catheter also allows for the advance of Eschmann-style intubation introducers (also known as “Gum Elastic Bougie") therethrough, having previously removed the tube connecting it to the aspirator, thus suspending this function and where the practitioner typically requires assistance of an additional practitioner to perform the series of procedures involved in tracheal intubation using introducers or stylets. Eschmann’s "bougies" are medical devices used to facilitate tracheal intubation during medical procedures, such as anesthesia or mechanical ventilation. A bougie or stylet is a thin and flexible guide wire used for guiding the endotracheal tube during intubation.

[0009] To solve these sequential operative difficulties of tracheal intubation with stylets into contaminated airways, alternatives have been developed in the prior art, such as that disclosed in Document US 11517694 B1. However, this kind of device does not allow for simultaneous aspiration, i.e., for advancing, the stylet, and the aspiration cannula must be removed in order to advance the endotracheal tube.

[0010] In addition to the above, in the practice of intubation of non — contaminated airways, there is usually a difficulty related to the insertion of conventional stylets which must be manually bent in order to advance them in patients with little or no cervical mobility.

[0011] Furthermore, in the practice there is an additional need for a faster and simpler sequence of actions involved in the orotracheal intubation procedure using stylets, both for adult and pediatric patients. In turn, current aspirators do not have a practical way of adapting to different sizes of stylets depending on each type of patient.

[0012] In view of the current state of the art, there is a need for an aspiration cannula which may facilitate and simplify the procedures of the UAT, especially the simultaneous aspiration of secretions and tracheal intubation with intubation introducers, as well as the ability to be used in different types of patients, either adults or pediatric, and also with different types of stylets of various sizes, preferably with an optimized design that may improve laryngeal exposition in tracheal intubation.

[0013] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] One aspect of the present invention provides an aspiration cannula for aspirating the upper aerodigestive tract and the simultaneous insertion of an intubation stylet comprising a main aspiration conduit; a proximal cannula portion comprising a proximal cannula suction port that can be coupled to an aspiration system and a distal cannula portion comprising a distal cannula suction port that can be introduced into the upper aerogastric tract; a gripping portion, wherein said gripping portion comprises a semi-open mounting guide channel configured to at least partially receive an intubation stylet; wherein said distal cannula portion comprises a semi-open distal guide channel configured to at least partially receive the intubation stylet, wherein said semi-open mounting guide channel and said semi-open distal guide channel are located outside the main aspiration conduit of the cannula.

[0015] In one embodiment, the aspiration cannula comprises a gripping portion of the aspiration cannula comprising a handle comprising a semi-open mounting guide channel.

[0016] In yet another embodiment, the aspiration cannula comprises a gripping portion comprising an open section allowing the user’s hand to contact the stylet, such that the user may apply manual friction on the stylet to introduce or retract said stylet with the same hand that is holding the cannula.

[0017] The aspiration cannula according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a gripping portion comprising a linear actuation mechanism for advancing or retracting the intubation stylet. In one embodiment, the linear actuation mechanism comprises a wheel that contacts said stylet such that, when actuated, the wheel applies friction on the stylet causing it to advance or retract. However, any other type of actuation mechanism, either manual or powered, useful for the intended function of causing the stylet to advance or retract, may be used for the same purpose.

[0018] In yet another embodiment, the aspiration cannula comprises a vent opening in the main aspiration conduit of the cannula. In a particular embodiment, the aspiration cannula further comprises a suction valve, wherein the vent opening can be in an open or occluded position in the aspiration conduit of the cannula.

[0019] In one embodiment, the aspiration cannula comprises a semi-open distal guide channel which is made of a material having a flexibility that allows its bore to increase upon entry of a stylet having a diameter greater than the bore of the semiopen distal guide channel in resting position.

[0020] In one embodiment, the cannula of the disclosure is semi-rigid and has a curved shape at its distal region.

[0021] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 shows an exploded view of an aspiration cannula according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figures 2A and 2B show perspective views of an aspiration cannula according to two embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 3 shows a lateral view of an aspiration cannula according to one embodiment of the disclosure;

[0024] Figure 4 shows a frontal view of an aspiration cannula according to one embodiment of the disclosure;

[0025] Figure 5 shows a rear view of an aspiration cannula according to one embodiment of the disclosure;

[0026] Figure 6 shows a lateral view of a cannula according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 7 shows a partial cutaway lateral view of an aspiration cannula according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figures 8 and 9 show a top view of a section of an aspiration cannula according to one embodiment of the disclosure, wherein insertion and coupling of an intubation stylet may be observed;

[0029] Figure 10 shows a top view of a section of an aspiration cannula according to one embodiment of the disclosure, wherein the assembly of a larger intubation stylet may be observed;

[0030] Figures 11 to 16 schematically show different steps of the assembly and coupling of various accessories using an aspiration cannula according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figures 17 and 18 show schematic views of the actuation of a linear actuation mechanism for advancing an intubation stylet according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figures 19 and 20 show a view of the distal end of an aspiration cannula according to one embodiment of the disclosure, wherein the arrangement of the intubation stylet may be observed; Figure 21 shows a view of the distal end of an aspiration cannula according to one embodiment of the disclosure, wherein the arrangement of a larger intubation stylet may be observed;

[0033] Figures 22 to 24 show different steps for disassembling an endotracheal tube from an aspiration cannula according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, after partial advancement of the stylet; and

[0034] Figures 25 and 26 show a portion of an aspiration cannula according to one embodiment of the disclosure, in particular wherein a suction valve according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be observed.

[0035] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] The present disclosure describes a new aspiration cannula for the aspiration of fluids and semi-solids from the upper aerodigestive tract, which is readily adaptable to the patient’s anatomy. In a preferred embodiment, the cannula of the present disclosure allows for high volume aspiration of fluids and semi-solids. The aspiration cannula according to another embodiment of the present disclosure facilitates insertion of stylets for intubation. In yet another embodiment, the cannula of the present disclosure is configured to allow for a simultaneous insertion of stylets for intubation, i.e. , without interrupting the aspiration process.

[0037] An aspiration cannula according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be used in a wide range of patients. For example, the range of patients may comprise pediatric patients, including neonates, adult patients, including for example obese adults with difficult access to airways or manipulation thereof.

[0038] An aspiration cannula according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is provided with a guide channel for inserting the stylet rapidly, effectively and simultaneously with the aspiration, i.e., with no need to discontinue aspiration when performing the intubation maneuvers.

[0039] Furthermore, one embodiment of the high-volume aspiration cannula described herein allows for both continuous and intermittent suction.

[0040] In one embodiment, the aspiration cannula for aspiration of the UAT and simultaneous insertion of an intubation stylet described in the present disclosure allows the user to perform both aspiration and intubation procedures simultaneously and without resorting to the assistance of a second practitioner for the performance of the aforementioned maneuvers.

[0041] In one embodiment, the simultaneous aspiration and insertion functions of the intubation stylets facilitates and reduces mounting and disassembling times of said intubation stylets, either when performing a diagnostic procedure or during surgical procedures. In addition, the aspiration cannula according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be adapted to accommodate different sizes of intubation stylets, thus allowing for progression in a much more practical, faster and easier manner.

[0042] The aspiration cannula according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a proximal cannula portion, and a distal cannula portion which defines a distal cannula end.

[0043] In one embodiment, the proximal portion of the cannula has a straight configuration. In turn, in another embodiment of the present disclosure, the distal end of the cannula has a curved configuration, which, e.g., may maintain a morphology adaptable to the anatomy of the UAT thus facilitating the use and manipulation of this aspiration cannula. In yet another embodiment, said proximal and distal portions of the cannula may be separate or continuous portions. In a particular embodiment, the proximal and distal portions are separate portions interconnected, for example, by means of a cannula coupling. In one embodiment, said coupling may be slidably adjustable between the upper portion of the distal cannula portion and lower portion of the proximal cannula portion.

[0044] In yet another embodiment, said proximal cannula portion has a proximal cannula end which, for example, may have a conical shape that facilitates engaging and disengaging of an aspiration system.

[0045] By way of example, the aspiration system may comprise a connecting hose attached to a vacuum / aspiration pump through which fluids and / or semi-solids from the UAT are suctioned.

[0046] In one embodiment, said proximal cannula portion comprises a clamp in its upper portion. In yet another embodiment, the proximal cannula portion comprises a pair of cannula perimeter stoppers with said clamp press-fit mounted therebetween; the clamp has a clamp-fitting opening that slides around the proximal cannula portion, thereby being pressure-held between said cannula perimeter stoppers. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, said clamp further comprises a plurality of coupling sections having different sizes, with a corresponding endotracheal tube fixed by press-fit coupling therebetween.

[0047] Said distal cannula portion, comprises a semi-open distal guide channel through which said intubation stylet passes so as to advance in a guided manner. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the semi-open distal guide channel may have a resting bore which allows it to be used with different stylet diameters, for example, the bore of the resting channel may range from 2 mm to 6 mm. For example, the bore of the semi-open distal guide channel may be 4 mm. Said semi-open distal guide channel is compatible with different intubation stylet diameters due to its wall thickness and the flexibility provided by the components of its material.

[0048] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the material of which one or more portions of the aspiration cannula are made is a plastic material. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the semi-open distal guide channel is made of a high density polyethylene that can be deflected by enlarging the bore of the channel, in order to easily accommodate stylets of different sizes as it advances. By way of example, the semi-open distal guide channel may accommodate a stylet with a diameter ranging from 2 mm (6 F) to 5 mm (15 F). However, other embodiments may comprise a semi-open distal guide channel with larger or smaller diameters depending on the stylets intended to be used.

[0049] In one embodiment, the semi-open distal guide channel is formed by a flange that runs along a section of the distal cannula portion so as to form an internal non-enclosed region, to accommodate intubation stylets as they pass through. Also, in one embodiment, the wall thickness of the flange of the semi-open distal guide channel has a wall thickness which provides said flexibility and at the same time adjusts to the stylet during use. In one embodiment, the wall thickness of the flange of the semi-open distal guide channel is 0.6 millimeters.

[0050] According to one embodiment, an endotracheal tube of variable diameter is fixedly mounted to the upper portion by means of the clamp, thus greatly facilitating manipulation of the intubation stylet.

[0051] In another embodiment of the aspiration cannula of the present disclosure, both said proximal cannula portion and the clamp may be made of a variety of different materials, for example, an injection-molded plastic or Nylon, although other suitable materials may also be used.

[0052] Furthermore, in another embodiment, the distal cannula portion can be made of a variety of materials, for example, a plastic material such as, for example, an injection-molded plastic or any other suitable material. A particular embodiment comprises high density polyethylene as constituent material of the distal cannula portion, which confers some elasticity.

[0053] Moreover, the cannula of one embodiment of the present disclosure is provided with a gripping portion that allows for manipulating the cannula. In a particular embodiment, the gripping portion may comprise a handle.

[0054] In one embodiment, said handle may be formed by a pair of handle shells that are configured to be coupled to each other and around a portion of said aspiration cannula. Also, in one embodiment, said handle shells comprise a plurality of locking pins and receptacles between them which allow for their fitting or press-fit assembly. To further facilitate assembly of the handle shells, both the proximal and distal cannula portion may each comprise a cannula fixation plate into which part of the locking pins and receptacles are fitted. Assembly of the handle shells can also be made, for example, by chemical welding, ultrasonic welding, or the like. In one embodiment, each handle shell can be made of a thermoplastic material, preferably injection-molded with ABS.

[0055] In one embodiment, the gripping portion of the aspiration cannula has a semi-open mounting guide channel adapted to receive an intubation stylet. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the semi-open mounting guide channel receives the intubation stylet, at least partially or fully. In another embodiment, the gripping portion comprises an open section that allows the contact of the user’s hand with the stylet, so that the user can apply manual friction on the stylet for advancing or retracting the stylet with the same hand with which the cannula is held.

[0056] In another alternative embodiment, the gripping portion comprises a mechanism which allows for advancing or retracting the intubation stylet, for example, a linear actuation mechanism. In one embodiment, the linear actuation mechanism may comprise, for example, a wheel system which comprises a wheel that makes contact with said stylet so that actuation of the wheel applies friction on the stylet, thereby causing it to advance or retract. For example, the linear actuation mechanism according to one embodiment may comprise at least an actuation mechanism arranged to enable the user to actuate the linear actuation mechanism manually. In one embodiment, the mechanism comprises at least one stylet actuation wheel that makes contact with said intubation stylet so that actuation of the wheel applies friction on the stylet causing it to advance or retract.

[0057] In one embodiment, the actuation mechanism arranged for the user to actuate the linear actuation mechanism comprises a wheel which is exposed so as to be manually actuated by the user. In another particular embodiment, the wheel system comprises a single stylet actuation wheel which is exposed so as to be actuated manually by the user and which is in contact with said intubation stylet so that actuation of the wheel applies friction on the stylet causing it to advance or retract.

[0058] For example, in one embodiment, the linear actuation mechanism is in the gripping portion or the handle, for example, in a handle opening. In one embodiment, the stylet actuation wheel may be mounted on the gripping portion of the aspiration cannula by means of a spring clip base having a spring clip arm and a spring clip bushing in which the shaft of said stylet actuation wheel is to be mounted. Also, the stylet actuation wheel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise a wheel guide channel having a shape that is complementary to the intubation stylet. For example, the wheel guide channel of the stylet actuation wheel may have a semicircular or U-shaped indentation shape. Said wheel guide channel according to one embodiment is in operative contact with said intubation stylet mounted in said semi-open mounting guide channel. In this way, when actuating the wheel system or the stylet actuation wheel it causes the intubation stylet to advance or retract until the desired position is reached.

[0059] In one exemplary embodiment, said stylet actuation wheel cam be made of a plastic material or any other suitable material, for example, the wheel may be injection-molded with ABS. In addition, said stylet actuation wheel may have a covering band over its perimeter U-shaped wheel guide channel, which can, for example, be made of thermoplastic elastomers such as, for example, Santoprene, rubber or silicone so as to provide a satisfactory surface adhesion to the intubation stylet, in its advance and mobilization through the semi-open mounting guide channel.

[0060] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the intubation stylet is mounted (for example, press-fit mounted) and travels in a guided manner through the semi-open mounting guide channel and semi-open distal guide channel, so as it is mounted on a safe location both upper, intermediate and lower, makes its insertion and positioning much more practical, faster and easier, and in turn the aspiration cannula is easily adapted to any intubation stylet size, thus providing significant operation and manipulation advantages.

[0061] In addition, the aspiration cannula according to one embodiment of the present disclosure allows for intermittent suction. Therefore, in one embodiment it has at least one vent opening on the main aspiration conduit. In one embodiment, the aspiration cannula also has a suction valve mounted on a portion of said aspiration cannula, where said portion of the aspiration cannula comprises a vent opening on the main aspiration conduit operably communicated with the valve vent opening in said suction valve. In one embodiment, said suction valve is mounted, for example, rotatably mounted, between these cannula perimeter guides and is arranged in communication with said upper valve opening.

[0062] In order to actuate the suction valve, in one embodiment the valve is provided with a valve actuating lever. Thus, by rotating the suction valve in one direction or the other, it may be in an open or closed position of said vent opening in the main aspiration conduit. By way of example, in one embodiment, the suction valve is made of a plastic material or any other suitable material. For example, the valve cam be made of an injection-molded plastic material, for example, Nylon.

[0063] Furthermore, in one embodiment, each of the two handle shells that form the gripping portion is provided with an upper handle cutout aligned with each other, thereby forming an upper valve opening.

[0064] In one embodiment, the semi-open distal guide channel is separated from the main aspiration conduit of the aspiration cannula which has a cannula aspiration port.

[0065] One embodiment of the present disclosure also allows for an axial rotational movement of the suction valve over the axial shaft of the cannula, in order to achieve a closed valve position for a continuous suction and an open valve position for an intermittent suction.

[0066] In one embodiment, to perform intermittent suctions, the practitioner conveniently occludes the vent opening in the main aspiration conduit. In one embodiment, to perform intermittent suctions the suction valve must be positioned in an open valve position. In this way, the practitioner conveniently occludes the vent openings of the main aspiration conduit to perform intermittent suctions.

[0067] With respect to the mounting or assembly of the aspiration cannula according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the proximal cannula aspiration port must be connected to the aspiration system, for example, a vacuum / aspiration pump. Then, the intubation stylet is positioned in the semi-open mounting guide channel. Then, an endotracheal tube is mounted in an operative position on the intubation stylet. After that, the endotracheal tube is mounted in the operative position on the clamp, thus being retained to facilitate the subsequent operation tasks. The cannula according to one embodiment of the present disclosure allows for using an endotracheal tube of larger or smaller diameter, which in turn allows for the adaptability of the device to various diameter sizes, either of endotracheal tubes or intubation stylets. In one embodiment, to disassemble the endotracheal tube from the cannula once the stylet has advanced, first the endotracheal tube is disassembled primarily from the cannula clamp. Subsequently, the endotracheal tube is advanced through the intubation stylet and disengaged from the semi-open mounting stylet channel by applying pressure, using the tube’s beveled distal tip. It is concluded that with the advance of the endotracheal tube along the semi-open distal guide channel and disengagement from the intubation stylet of the semi-open distal guide channel of the cannula in the direction of its suction end, by applying pressure with a beveled distal tip.

[0068] Referring now to Figures 1 to 26, the aspiration cannula according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is identified by general reference (1) and which comprises a proximal cannula portion (2), and a distal cannula portion (3) comprising a distal cannula end (4).

[0069] In one embodiment, said proximal (2) and distal (3) portions of the cannula may be interconnected with each other, for example, by means of a cannula coupling (5). In another embodiment, said proximal cannula portion (2) has a proximal cannula end (6) comprising a proximal cannula suction port which may be coupled to an aspiration system (7), for example, by means of a connecting hose or directly. In one embodiment, the aspiration system (7) may comprise a vacuum / aspiration pump.

[0070] In one embodiment, said proximal cannula portion (2) comprises a clamp (9) in its upper portion. In yet another embodiment, the proximal cannula portion comprises a pair of cannula perimeter stoppers (8) between which said clamp (9) is press-fit mounted; the clamp has a clamp-fitting opening (10) that slides around the proximal cannula portion (2), thereby being held under pressure between said cannula perimeter stoppers (8). In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, said clamp (9) further comprises a plurality of coupling sections (11) of different sizes between which the corresponding endotracheal tube (33) is retained by press-fit coupling.

[0071] In one embodiment said distal cannula portion (3) comprises a semi-open distal guide channel (13) along which an intubation stylet (12) can advance. In one embodiment, the semi-open distal guide channel (13) is formed by a flange (35) that runs along a section of the distal cannula portion (3) so as to form an internal nonenclosed region, to accommodate an intubation stylet (12) as it passes through.

[0072] Moreover, the cannula according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is provided with a gripping portion (14) that allows for manipulating the cannula. In a particular embodiment, the gripping portion may comprise a handle (15). In one embodiment, said handle (15) may be formed by a pair of handle shells that are configured to be coupled to each other and around a portion of said aspiration cannula. Also, in one embodiment, said handle shells comprise a plurality of locking pins and receptacles (17) between them. In one embodiment, both the proximal (2) and distal (3) cannula portions may each comprise a cannula fixation plate (18) into which portions of the locking pins and receptacles (17) engage. Furthermore, in one embodiment, each of the two handle shells that form the gripping portion is provided with an upper handle cutout (19) aligned with each other, to form an upper valve opening (20).

[0073] In one embodiment, the gripping portion (14) of the aspiration cannula has a semi-open mounting guide channel (16) adapted to receive an intubation stylet (12).

[0074] The aspiration cannula according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise, in the gripping portion (14), an open section that allows contact of the user's hand, for example, the thumb, with the intubation stylet, so that the user can actuate, by friction, said stylet to advance or retract it.

[0075] In another embodiment, the aspiration cannula may comprise, in its gripping portion, a mechanism for advancing or retracting the intubation stylet, for example, a linear actuation mechanism. For example, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the linear actuation mechanism may comprise at least one stylet actuation wheel (22) that makes contact with said intubation stylet (12) such that actuation of the wheel (22) applies friction on the stylet causing the same to advance or retract. In one embodiment, the stylet actuation wheel (22) may be mounted in the gripping portion (14) of the aspiration cannula, for example, by means of a spring clip base (23) having spring clip arm (24) and a spring clip bushing (25) in which the shaft (26) of said stylet actuation wheel (22) is to be mounted. For example, in embodiments of the present disclosure, the linear actuation mechanism or the wheel (22) may be arranged in the gripping portion or in the handle, for example, in a handle opening (21). Also, the stylet actuation wheel (22) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise a wheel guide channel (27) having a shape that is complementary to the intubation stylet (12). Said wheel guide channel (27) according to one embodiment is in operative contact with said intubation stylet (12) mounted in said semi-open mounting guide channel (16). In this way, when actuating the wheel system or the stylet actuation wheel (22) it causes the intubation stylet (12) to advance or retract until the desired position is reached.

[0076] Moreover, a cannula according to one embodiment of the present disclosure has at least one vent opening (29) of the main aspiration conduit. In one embodiment, the aspiration cannula further has a suction valve (28) mounted on a portion of said aspiration cannula, where said portion of the aspiration cannula comprises a vent opening (29) on the main aspiration conduit operably communicated with the valve vent opening (30) of said suction valve (28). In one embodiment, said suction valve (28) is mounted between these cannula perimeter guides (31) and is arranged in communication with said upper valve opening (20). In yet another embodiment, the valve (28) is provided with a valve actuation lever (32).

[0077] It may be noted that, in one embodiment, the semi-open distal guide channel (13) is separated from the main aspiration conduit of the aspiration cannula which is provided with a cannula aspiration port (34) such as is better illustrated in Figures 19 to 21, wherein arrangement of corresponding intubation stylets of different sizes is further illustrated. Also, and according to Figures 25 and 26, the axial rotational movement of the suction valve (28) on the cannula axial shaft is illustrated, where Figure 26 shows a closed valve position for a continuous suction and Figure 25 shows an open valve position for an intermittent suction. To perform intermittent suctions, the practitioner conveniently occludes the vent opening (29) of the main aspiration conduit. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 25 and 26, to perform intermittent suctions the suction valve (28) must be positioned according to Figure 25. In this way, the practitioner conveniently occludes the vent openings of the main aspiration conduit (29) and valve (30) to perform intermittent suctions.

[0078] As may be seen in Figure 13, an endotracheal tube (33) may be mounted on a cannula according to one embodiment of the present disclosure in an operative position on the intubation stylet (12). Also, in Figures 14 and 15, an embodiment of the cannula of the present disclosure is illustrated, in particular showing the mounting of an endotracheal tube (33) in an operative position on a clamp (9), being retained in order to facilitate the subsequent operative tasks. Figure 16 shows a view of a cannula according to one embodiment of the present disclosure with an endotracheal tube (33) of a larger diameter than that illustrated in Figures 13 to 15.

[0079] Furthermore, Figures 22 to 24 show particular embodiments of the present disclosure which illustrate different steps for dismounting the endotracheal tube (33) from the cannula once the stylet (12) has advanced, where in Figure 22 illustrates disengagement of the endotracheal tube primarily from the cannula clamp. Figure 23 illustrates the advance of the endotracheal tube (33) through the intubation stylet (12) and its disengagement by pressure, using a beveled tube tip (33), of stylet (12) from the semi-open mounting channel (16). Finally, Figure 24 illustrates the advance of the endotracheal tube through the semi-open distal guide channel (13) and the pressurebased disengagement, using a beveled tube tip, from the intubation stylet (12) from the semi-open distal guide channel (13) of the cannula toward its suction end. In this manner, different embodiments of an aspiration cannula according to the present disclosure are described. In a preferred embodiment, the cannula allows for a high volume suction of the UAT. Also, in one embodiment, the cannula may be compatible with various intubation stylet sizes, which makes it versatile for use with different types of patients, from neonate to adult patients, regardless their physical condition. In turn, in one embodiment, the cannula according to one embodiment of the present disclosure allows for inserting and positioning of intubation stylets at the desired location simultaneously with the suction, being this an advantage of the aspiration cannula according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0080] It is emphasized that the aspiration cannula according to one embodiment of the present disclosure allows for mounting endotracheal tubes having various diameters on the intubation stylet previously mounted in a practical and detachable manner.

[0081] In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a aspiration device for the UAT comprising a high volume aspiration tube, which allows for the suction of large fluid volumes such as, for example, in the case of a massive esophageal hemorrhage, and large volumes of semi-solids such as, for example, in the case of vomiting of gastroenteric contents, simultaneously with the advance of an intubation stylet without interrupting suction during said process.

[0082] A cannula according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is semirigid and has a curved shape at its distal region, being compatible with the anatomy of the UATs.

[0083] These features make it useful in situations where it is indicated to apply the

[0084] SALAD intubation technique described by Dr. DuCanto, wherein a laryngoscopy is performed together with a simultaneous suction of the UATs in cases of marked contamination, regardless if it is a videolaryngoscopy or a direct laryngoscopy.

[0085] The cannula according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be used in a wide range of patients including from pediatric patients, such as neonates, to adults, for example, obese adults with difficult access or manipulation of the airways. This ability to adapt to a wide range of patients makes it a universal aspiration cannula, thus being particularly useful both for mobile emergency units as well as for hospital emergency rooms.

[0086] It is also be noted that, for practical and hygienic purposes, the cannula of the present disclosure can, for example, be designed as disposable, i.e., for a single use, or it can be manufactured with materials capable of being sterilized and reused.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An aspiration cannula for suctioning the upper aerodigestive tract and simultaneously inserting an intubation stylet, characterized by comprising: a main aspiration conduit; a proximal cannula portion comprising a proximal cannula suction port which may be coupled to an aspiration system and a distal cannula portion comprising a distal cannula suction port which may be inserted in the upper aerogastric tract; a gripping portion, wherein said gripping portion comprises a semi-open mounting guide channel adapted to receive an intubation stylet; wherein said distal cannula portion comprises a semi-open distal guide channel adapted to receive the intubation stylet, wherein said semi-open mounting guide channel and said semi-open distal guide channel are located outside the main aspiration conduit of the cannula.

2. The aspiration cannula according to claim 1 , characterized in that said gripping portion comprises a handle comprising said semi-open mounting guide channel.

3. The aspiration cannula according to claim 1, characterized in that the gripping portion comprises an open section which enables contact of the user’s hand with the stylet, such that the user may apply manual friction on the stylet for advancing or retracting the stylet with the same hand with which the cannula is held.

4. The aspiration cannula according to claim 1 , characterized in that said gripping portion comprises a linear actuation mechanism for advancing or retracting the intubation stylet.

5. The aspiration cannula according to claim 4, characterized in that said linear actuation mechanism comprises a wheel which contacts said stylet such that actuation of the wheel applies friction on the stylet causing it to advance or retract.

6. The aspiration cannula according to claim 1, characterized by comprising a vent opening in the main aspiration conduit of the cannula.

7. The aspiration cannula according to claim 6, characterized by further comprising a suction valve which may be in an open or closed position of said vent opening in the cannula aspiration conduit.

8. The aspiration cannula according to claim 1 , characterized in that said semi-open distal guide channel is made of a material having a flexibility that allows for increasing its bore upon entry of a stylet with a diameter greater than the bore of the resting semi-open distal guide channel.

9. The aspiration cannula according to claim 1 , characterized in that said cannula is semi-rigid and has a curved shape in its distal region.

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