Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to medical masks and more particularly to a medical mask that allows endoscopic and broncoscopic instruments to be used without removing the mask.
Description of the Prior Art
Sterile, disposable oxygen masks are in common use in hospitals and other medical facilities. These masks typically cover the nose and mouth (See
EGD is a procedure usually performed by a gastroenterologist to diagnose structural or functional abnormalities of the esophagus, stomach or duodenum. A long, flexible lighted tube called an endoscope is inserted through the patient's mouth and throat and into the esophagus. Instruments can be inserted through the tube to perform procedures such as biopsies.
ERCP is a procedure that uses an endoscope in combination with radiography to diagnose diseases of the pancreatic and bile ducts. Again, the endoscope is inserted through the mouth and throat into the esophagus and into the duodenum to the pancreatic ducts and/or bile ducts.
Bronchoscopy is a procedure to view the airways and lungs using a lighted scope. The broncoscope tube (also spelled bronchoscope) is inserted through the patient's mouth or nose and into the trachea and on to the lungs. The tube is usually flexible, but may also be rigid in some cases.
All of these and other similar procedures require access to the mouth. This is not possible with a standard, disposable oxygen mask because typically the gas entry port and bag are located in a position that is in front of the mouth. Yet to forego oxygen during these procedures can put the patient in jeopardy. It would be extremely advantageous to have a flexible, disposable oxygen mask that allows access to the mouth by tube-like instruments such as endoscopes and broncocsopes.
The present invention relates to an improved flexible, disposable oxygen mask that has been adapted to allow insertion of an endoscope, broncoscope or other instrument into the patient's mouth without removing the mask. The present invention resembles the prior art flexible mask except that the lower part of the mask extends outwardly to almost the same extent as the nose part, and the oxygen supply portal is located below or to the side of the mouth, between the mouth and chin, instead of directly below the nose. Alternatively, one or more slits can be cut in the flexible mask material proximate to the location of the mouth, or a diaphragm can be placed over the mouth area. In an alternative embodiment, an insertion tube with a bite block is located in the mouth area of the mask. This tube can extend past the patient's teeth into the mouth, and can be extendable for correct fit. The slits, diaphragm or open end of the insertion tube can remain substantially closed when not being used allowing very little oxygen to leak out. In embodiments with a tube and bite block, holes in the tube allow breathing through the mouth as well as the nose.
When a tube or other instrument is inserted, the slit or diaphragm receives the tube and closes around it again without leaking much oxygen. The surgeon can thus manipulate the scope tube into the esophagus or trachea as desired while still providing oxygen to the patient. The mask includes small side-ports that contain one-way valves to act as non re-breathers for exhalation, and a port to receive items such as a CO2 monitor tube and the like. An embodiment of the mask has an adjustable bite block for the patient's teeth.
Attention is now directed to several figures that illustrate features of the present invention.
Several drawings and illustrations have been provided to aid in understanding the present invention. The scope of the present invention is not limited to what is shown in the figures.
The present invention is an improvement over prior art flexible oxygen masks used in hospitals and other medical facilities. The present invention allows insertion of an endoscope, broncoscope or other instrument into a patient's mouth without removing the mask. In some embodiments, an adjustable bite block accommodates the patient's teeth.
Embodiments of the mask of the present invention allow easy insertion of an endoscope, broncoscope or other medical instrument into the patient's mouth without removal of the mask or interruption of the flow of oxygen. The instrument can then be maneuvered into the esophagus or trachea as desired. Instruments or tubes up to around 4 cm may be inserted. Auxiliary tubes such as a CO2 monitor can be inserted into the auxiliary port 8.
It should be noted that while the preferred embodiment has a double slit in the shape of a cross (two slits at right angles), a single slit or multiple slits in any configuration, or a diaphragm is within the scope of the present invention. Also, while the preferred embodiment locates the gas entry portal near or below the chin of the patient, any location that does not obstruct the mouth is within the scope of the present invention. Finally, while the mask of the present invention is typically used with oxygen, any gas is within the scope of the present invention.
The tubes 40 and 43 and the rim 44 are typically made of substantially rigid material such as a rigid plastic. However, the bite block 43, can optionally be made from a softer, more spongy material such as a compressible soft plastic or a silicone rubber so that it will compress somewhat if the patient bites down hard.
In all of the embodiments described, the external orifice 41 of the tube 40 tube can initially be covered with a removable thin cover such as a thin piece of tape or gauze.
Several descriptions and illustrations have been presented that aid in understanding the present invention. One with skill in the art will realize that numerous changes and variations may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Each of these changes and variations is within the scope of the present invention.