790 results about "Tracheal tube" patented technology

A separable double lumen endotracheal tube is disclosed having a first lumen and a second lumen and which are removably affixed together to allow the first lumen to be separated from the second lumen of the double lumen endotracheal tube and, if desired, to be subsequently affixed together again. Either lumen of the double lumen endotracheal tube can function alone for positive pressure ventilation, but normally the bronchial lumen will be removed from a patient and the tracheal lumen left in place to function alone to provide positive pressure ventilation as required by a patient. The double lumen endotracheal tube will, however, function to allow the bronchial lumen to remain in a patient subsequent to removal of the tracheal lumen as a matter of choice during a medical procedure.

A method for controlling breathing gas flow of a ventilator for assisted or controlled ventilation of a patient as a function of a tracheobronchial airway pressure of the patient. A ventilator tube, such as a tracheal tube or tracheostomy tube, can be introduced into a trachea of the patient and subjected to the breathing gas, and has an inflatable cuff and at least one lumen that is continuous from a distal end of the tube to a proximal end of the tube. An apparatus detects an airway pressure, in which the tracheobronchial airway pressure is ascertained by continuous or intermittent detection and evaluation of an intra-cuff pressure prevailing in the cuff of the tube inserted into the trachea. The breathing gas flow of the ventilator is controlled as a function of the intra-cuff pressure detected.

A multiple function laryngoscope to be used for the safe intubation of a patient's trachea during a respiratory emergency or as an elective procedure. A two section instrument. Proximally, a reusable handle that houses a rechargeable battery, electronic circuits that feed a distal digital image to variable position LCD screen or viewing port, switches and low battery indicator light. Distally, the handle electrically couples with a disposable curved scabbard. The scabbard features a dorsal endotracheal tube channel with a wavy opening which allows preloading and gentle extraction of different size endotracheal tubes once the patient's trachea has been intubated. The scabbard's distal end strategically houses a distal sweeper that engages the epiglottis and exposes the glottis, an opening for the exit of a preloaded endotracheal tube, a LED light, a suction / oxygenation port, and a lens coupled with a digital imaging system (CMOS) to digitize and transport a distant wide field of view. Safe LCD view of one or serial rapid intubations are possible by rapidly replacing for a clean disposable scabbard in case of multiple emergencies.

An image-type intubation-aiding device comprises a small-size image sensor and a light source module both placed into an endotracheal tube to help doctors with quick intubation. Light from light emission devices in the light source module passes through a transparent housing and is reflected by a target and then focused. The optical signal is converted into a digital or analog electric signal by the image sensor for displaying on a display device after processing. Doctors can thus be helped to quickly find the position of trachea, keep an appropriate distance from a patient for reducing the possibility of infection, and lower the medical treatment cost. Disposable products are available to avoid the problem of infection. The intubation-aiding device can be used as an electronic surgical image examination instrument for penetration into a body. Moreover, a light source with tunable wavelengths can be used to increase the spot ratio of nidus.

By interposing an adapter between the endotracheal or tracheal tube inserted to a patient and the ventilation and suction systems that are connected to the endotracheal tube, a catheter could be inserted via an input port built into the adapter so as to enable a medical personnel to provide localized treatments in the lungs of a patient without having to disconnect either one of the systems connected to the endotracheal tube. The adapter is configured to have a securing mechanism that allows the medical personnel to secure the medication catheter in place. A one way valve fitted to the apertured arm that forms the input port of the adapter prevents any back flow of fluid from the input port. The catheter is manufactured with calibration markings, most likely equally spaced, and a radiopaque line along its length to enhance the maneuvering and the positioning thereof in the patient so that the distal tip of the catheter could be accurately positioned to the desired location of the patient's tracheal / bronchial tree. As a result, the localized treatment such as the injection of a medicament is accurately provided to the appropriate location where the need is the greatest.

Apparatus for introducing an airway tube within a patient's trachea, and methods of use, are provided, in which the an elongated rigid bougie includes a light source and imaging system configured to be introduced into a patient's trachea using video images received from the imaging system. Once a distal end of the bougie is visually confirmed to be placed with the patient's trachea, an airway tube is advanced over the bougie. The apparatus also may include two separable components, thereby facilitating video-guided placement of one component in pediatric applications under guidance of video images provided by the second component.

The current invention provides an endotracheal tube fabricated with an array of electrodes disposed on an inflatable cuff on the tube. The array of electrodes includes multiple sense electrodes and a current electrode. The array of electrodes on the inflatable cuff is applied using a positive displacement dispensing system, such as a MicroPen®. A ground electrode is disposed on the tube approximately midway between the inflatable cuff and the midpoint of the endotracheal tube. The endotracheal tube is partially inserted into a mammalian subject's airway such that when the inflatable cuff is inflated, thereby fixing the tube in position, the array of electrodes is brought into close contact with the tracheal mucosa in relative proximity to the aorta. The endotracheal tube is useful in the measurement of cardiac parameters such as cardiac output.

An endotracheal tube cleaning apparatus 10 which can be periodically inserted into the inside of an endotracheal tube 30 to shave away mucus deposits. In a preferred embodiment, this cleaning apparatus 10 comprises a flexible central tube 12 with an inflatable balloon 40 at its distal end. Affixed to the inflatable balloon are one or more shaving rings 70, each having a squared leading edge 72 to shave away mucus accumulations 60. In operation, the uninflated cleaning apparatus 10 of the present invention is inserted into the endotracheal tube until its distal end is properly aligned with or slightly beyond the distal end of the endotracheal tube. After proper alignment, the balloon 40 is inflated by a suitable inflation device, such as a syringe 14, until the balloon's shaving rings are pressed against the inside surface of the endotracheal tube. The cleaning apparatus is then pulled out of the endotracheal tube and, in the process, the balloon's shaving rings shave off the mucus deposits from the inside of the endotracheal tube.

Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed for the cleaning of an endotracheal tube while a patient is being supported by a ventilator connected to the endotracheal tube. According to some embodiments, a mechanically-actuated non-inflatable cleaning device for scraping debris (e.g., biofilm) from an interior wall of an endotracheal tube is provided. In one embodiment, the cleaning device comprises an elongated member having a proximal end and a distal end and a mechanically-expandable scaffold positioned along the distal end of the elongated member. In one embodiment, the mechanically-expandable scaffold comprises one or more removal members configured to engage an interior surface of an endotracheal tube when the scaffold is in a radially-expanded position and to remove debris from the interior surface of the endotracheal tube when the device is withdrawn from the endotracheal tube.

An adjustable collar and retainer for a nasal or oral endotracheal tube are disclosed. The collar comprises a smooth first surface for contacting the skin of the patient, a support section attached to the first surface, and a band attached to the support section comprising flexible domes that compress against the tube and grip it when the collar is secured around the tube. The retainer comprises the adjustable collar and lateral extensions from the collar for securing the collar to the head of the patient. The retainer optionally further comprises at least one strap attached to the lateral extensions for securing the collar to the head of the patient.

The present invention is directed to a novel device and method for providing a disposable endotracheal intubation device for use with an auxiliary passageway serving as a guide for the placement of an orogastic or other enterally directed device in a patient. The present invention pertains to a combination intubation device comprising an endotracheal tube and a catheter proximate the endotracheal tube to guide the path of an enteral tube. In a preferred embodiment, the endotracheal tube is capable of defining an arcuate path in a first geometric plane between its proximal end and its distal end to facilitate introduction of the tube into the trachea of a patient. In a preferred embodiment, the catheter employs a fenestration to facilitate removal of the intubation device from the patient without removal of any enteral device previously directed therethrough into the patient.

Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed for the cleaning of an endotracheal tube while a patient is being supported by a ventilator connected to the endotracheal tube for the purpose of increasing the available space for airflow or to prevent the build up of materials that may constrict airflow or be a potential nidus for infection. In one embodiment, a mechanically-actuated endotracheal tube cleaning device is configured to removably receive a visualization member to provide cleaning of the endotracheal tube under direct visualization.

Described herein is an apparatus that includes an endotracheal tube or airway device having a proximal end and a distal end and an occlusion cuff. The occlusion cuff includes a sensor for helping determine proper endotracheal or airway device placement.

A method for endotracheal intubation allows resuscitation of the patient to continue during intubation. A curved guide having a mask and a ventilation port is inserted into the patient's mouth and upper airway. The patient is initially resuscitated by supplying a flow of air / oxygen through the mask and simultaneously applying cardiac chest compressions. An endotracheal tube is inserted over the distal end of a fiber optic probe. Resuscitation continues without interruption while the fiber optic probe and endotracheal tube are advanced along the guide into the patient's airway, thereby allowing the physician to carefully guide the fiber optic probe and endotracheal tube to a position past the larynx while resuscitation continues.

A supralaryngeal airway of the type used to facilitate lung ventilation and the insertion of endo-tracheal tubes or related medical instruments through a patient's glottis where the shield is constructed to include a protrusion which serves to direct instruments inserted through the airway away from the proximal base of the shield and into the glottis of the patient.

A cleaning apparatus to be used with an endotracheal tube and including an elongate tubular member that extends into the endotracheal tube. A cleaning assembly is provided at a distal end of the elongate tubular member and is radially expandable to engage the interior wall of the endotracheal tube for cleaning thereof by an irregular configuration on an exterior surface that achieves an effective cleaning engagement, as well as a fluid impervious bladder portion to provide an effective seal that prevents fluid seepage during cleaning withdrawl. A ventilator coupling is further provided and is connected to the endotracheal tube, a first inlet port of the ventilator coupling being coupled to a ventilator assembly to supply air to a patient, and a second inlet port of the ventilator coupling being structured to receive the elongate tubular member there through into the endotracheal tube. Also, a bypass coupling assembly is connected between the channel of the elongate tubular member and the ventilator assembly so as to automatically direct air from the ventilator assembly into the channel of the elongate tubular member, and out the distal end of the channel, upon occlusion of a flow of the air through the endotracheal tube at a point of the endotracheal tube upstream of the distal end of the channel.

A tracheal tube positioning apparatus is located relative to a patient's trachea by engaging the patient's Adam's apple. Indicia on relatively movable sections of the positioning apparatus provides an indication of the distance between the patient's mouth and the patient's larynx. A flexible guide rod is moved through a distance corresponding to the distance between the patient's mouth and larynx, as determined by the positioning apparatus. A magnet is utilized to attract a leading end portion of the guide rod. A plurality of emitters may be disposed in an array around the patient's Adam's apple. Outputs from the emitters are detected by a detector connected with the guide rod and by a detector connected with the tracheal tube. Alternatively, a plurality of detectors may be disposed in an array around the patient's Adam's apple to detect the output from an emitter connected with the guide rod and by an emitter connected with the tracheal tube. Expandable elements may be connected with the guide rod and / or tracheal tube to steer movement along an insertion path.

Determining the placement of an endotracheal tube in a patient. The invention evaluates discontinuities in the medium surrounding the endotracheal tube, such as the airway, as a function of distance past an end of the endotracheal tube. Using a loudspeaker to generate sound waves, the sound waves propagate through a coiled wavetube, a connecting adapter, and an endotracheal tube, into the area of interest. With a processing system, reflected sound waves which return from the cavity back to a microphone within the wavetube are analyzed and an area-distance curve of the area in interest is constructed.

A method of intubating a subject is disclosed. The method comprises inserting an endotracheal tube into the tracheal airway of the subject; inflating a cuff associated with the endotracheal tube within the airway below the vocal cords; measuring a level of at least one measure being indicative of leakage of secretion past the cuff to the lungs; comparing the level of the measure with an optimal level of the measure; and adjusting inflation of the cuff based on the comparison so as to generally minimize leakage of secretion from above the cuff to the lungs, while minimizing pressure associated damages to the airway. The measure(s) can be carbon dioxide concentration, a proxy measure from which such concentration can be inferred, or the level of one or more additives delivered to a subject during intubation.

An endotracheal tube for mechanically ventilating patients is disclosed. The endotracheal tube comprises a distal end for insertion into the patient's airway, past the vocal chords, through the subglottal region, and into the patient's lung; and a proximal end for connection to a mechanical ventilator. The endotracheal tube further comprises a cuff at the distal end of the endotracheal tube to be located in the subglottal region of the patient below the vocal chords, an inflating lumen for inflating the cuff, and a suction lumen having a suction inlet port leading from the outer surface of the endotracheal tube, and to be located in the subglottal region, for evacuating secretions and / or rinsing fluid from the subglottal region during the mechanical ventilation of the patient. The distal end of the endotracheal tube is formed with an outer surface configuration effective to prevent blockage of the suction inlet port by the cuff or by tracheal mucosal tissue of the patient during a negative pressure condition in the suction lumen.

A system for ultrasonically placing and monitoring an endotracheal tube within a patient. The system includes an endotracheal tube having a proximal and a distal end and a ventilation lumen disposed there through. A vibration mechanism is coupled to the endotracheal tube. One ultrasonic transducer is located outside the patient's body. An ultrasonic imaging apparatus is coupled to the ultrasonic transducer for digitalizing the endotracheal tube within the body.

An integrated tracheal tube / suction ventilation and co-committal secretion removal device having first and second coaxially arranged conduits where the first interior conduit forms a lumen to deliver gas, and a circumferentially arranged second conduit lumen is structurally adapted to serve as an integral suction lumen for removal of both expiratory gases and secretions. The distal end outlets of both lumens terminate between the device's fixing member and its distal end. The two lumen outlets are arranged such that relative to each other and the device the first interior pipe conduit forming lumen's outlet is located at the distal end and the second pipe conduit lumen's outlet is located at or near the distal side of the fixing member. This selection of relative positioning facilitates optimal deliver of breathing gas to a user in conjunction with removal of expiratory gases and secretions. The device is sized for location of the fixing member to its distal end from a patient's carina to a patient's larynx.

An endotracheal tube and suction catheter system having an inflatable cuff with a collection pocket formed in the cuff for collecting pooled secretions and a railing system for controllably guiding a suction catheter along the tube and into the pocket for aspirating pooled secretions. The cuff has an elongated parallelogram-like shape to counter the rocking phenomenon caused by a patient coughing or turning to keep the cuff in contact with the trachea wall so secretions do not leak past the cuff balloon. The railing system allows the suction catheter to be replaced without having to remove the endotracheal tube from the patient.

Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed for the cleaning of an endotracheal tube while a patient is being supported by a ventilator connected to the endotracheal tube for the purpose of increasing the available space for airflow or to prevent the build up of materials that may constrict airflow or be a potential nidus for infection. In one embodiment, a mechanically-actuated endotracheal tube cleaning device is configured to removably receive a visualization member to provide cleaning of the endotracheal tube under direct visualization.

A multilumen tracheal tube or catheter is disclosed. The tube has a plurality of ingress and egress lumens, each having a suction or discharge port as appropriate. At least one rotatable collar is provided. The collar overlaps each port and is capable of selecting various combinations of suction and discharge ports without increasing the likelihood of cross contaminating any others.