1. Field of the Invention.
The present invention relates generally to the field of respiratory devices and methods. More specifically, the present invention discloses a method and apparatus for guiding insertion of an endotracheal tube while the patient continues to receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the form of artificial ventilation and cardiac compressions.
2. Statement of the Problem.
In emergency situations involving cardiopulmonary patients or other patients with compromised or arrested breathing, an oral airway is first inserted into the patient's mouth. A face mask is then placed over the patient's mouth and nose. The face mask is connected to an inflatable bag to maintain at least minimal oxygen flow to the lungs in the short term. This particular process of artificial ventilation is sometimes referred to as “bagging” the patient. It is suitable for initially stabilizing the patient. In order to breathe more effectively for the patient during cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and to prevent aspiration of stomach contents, an endotracheal tube (or ET tube) is placed into the trachea. Longer-term care usually requires continued artificial ventilation and attaching the patient to a ventilator (e.g., by means of the endotracheal tube). The transition from face mask to breathing through the endotracheal tube can be dangerous if insertion of the endotracheal tube takes too long, because the mask and oral airway must be removed and the flow of air/oxygen is interrupted while the endotracheal tube is inserted through the patient's mouth.
The typical conventional approach to making this transition involves discontinuing resuscitation and completely removing the mask and oral airway to expose the mouth. The physician inserts a rigid laryngoscope blade into the patient's mouth and then attempts to insert the endotracheal tube through the patient's mouth and upper airway and into the trachea in the conventional manner. Cardiac chest compressions are also discontinued during endotracheal tube insertion. The rigid laryngoscope blade is inserted into the mouth and advanced through the upper airway with an appropriate amount of force to distort the naturally curved airway so that the glottis is in straight alignment for direct visualization by the operator. Cardiac chest compressions are interrupted during this time because energy transmission from the vigorous cardiac chest compressions can cause an uncontrolled bouncing movement of the head and neck. Any movement of the head and neck impairs controlled manipulation of the laryngoscope for visualization and tube placement. Uncontrolled movement of the laryngoscope blade during forceful manipulation of the upper airway tissues can result in severe or life-threatening injury. Endotracheal intubation with the rigid laryngoscope blade may require a significant amount of time, even if the patient is motionless. The procedure is more difficult if the patient is less than completely cooperative and relaxed, or if the patient's airway has suffered trauma, or the tongue has fallen back to close the airway. The patient may not be breathing during this time, or may not be breathing sufficiently to maintain adequate blood oxygen levels, particularly if cardiac arrest is present. If the transition process takes more than a few seconds, the physician must temporarily abandon the effort and return to resuscitation by reinserting the oral airway and replacing the face mask, and then resuming cardiac chest compressions. The transition process may have to be repeated several times before the endotracheal tube is successful installed. In addition, the speed with which the transition process must be completed increases the chances of a mistake being made or unnecessary injury to the patient during the intubation procedure. Irreversible damage to vital organs such as the brain and heart can occur after 30 seconds of interruption of artificial ventilation, and in an even shorter time in the absence of cardiac chest compressions.
Endotracheal tubes are also used in semi-emergency situations to ventilate patients with respiratory failure who may be conscious or semi-conscious. The conventional approach requires the patient to lie still while the physician inserts a rigid laryngoscope blade into the patient's mouth and trachea. Delivery of ventilation and/or oxygen is also interrupted during this period. The endotracheal tube is then inserted into place while the laryngoscope blade keeps the patient's airway open. Successful intubation depends on the patient being cooperative and completely relaxed, which unfortunately is often not the case. Even with a cooperative patient, intubation is very uncomfortable and can cause the patient to panic due to the difficulty in breathing during the procedure. This procedure can also result in a choking or gagging response that can cause the patient to regurgitate and aspirate contents from the stomach. One conventional response to these shortcomings has been to sedate the patient during intubation. Tranquilizers make the patient more cooperative and less likely to choke during intubation, but also tend to suppress the patient's breathing and blood pressure. These side effects may be unacceptable when dealing with a patient who already suffers from shallow or irregular breathing or depressed blood pressure. A need exists for improved devices and methods to guide insertion of an endotracheal tube and ensure that the patient's airway is open, and that also allows the patient to continue to receive air/oxygen and cardiac chest compressions during the insertion process.
3. Prior Art.
A wide variety of devices that combine face masks with tubes for ventilation (e.g., endotracheal tubes) have been used in the past, including the following:
Teves discloses a system for dispensing oxygen or anesthesia via an interchangeable face mask and nasal catheter.
Don Michael discloses a endotracheal-esophageal intubation device that includes a face mask (see,
Jeshuran shows an anesthesia mask that is initially placed over the patient's mouth and nose as shown in
Northway-Meyer discloses a device for pulmonary ventilation concurrent with fiber optic examination of the respiratory tract and tracheal intubation. In particular, Northway-Meyer discloses a face mask with a plurality of ports for ventilation and intubation of the patient, and curved guide for advancing an endotracheal tube.
Kondur discloses another example of an adapter that allows insertion of an endotracheal tube through the face mask and nose of the patient. Here again, no curved guide is provided.
Donmichael discloses an esophageal obturator for blocking aspiration of stomach fluids while the face mask is being used for ventilating the lungs.
Dryden discloses a two-tube resuscitation system. One tube is used to supply air to the trachea, while the other tube is used for aspiration or administering medication.
Buttaravoli discloses a resuscitator having a face mask with a curved tube for supplying air to the patient's airway.
Michael et al. disclose an apparatus for sealing a patient's esophagus and providing artificial respiration. The apparatus includes a mouth shield and a curved main tube.
In addition, the prior art includes several references involving intubating pharyngeal airways that have a curved central tubular member, including the following:
Parker discloses a curved guide for intubation of a patient's trachea or suctioning of the hypopharynx or esophagus.
Augustine discloses a-tracheal intubation guide with a curved forward end.
The Berman patents show an intubating pharyngeal airway having a side access for passage of a tube. The side opening can be expanded or closed by means of either a hinge on the opposite side wall of the tube or by a cap
Finally, the prior art in the field of laryngeal masks includes the following:
Holever discloses an adaptor to connect a ventilator to an endotracheal tube, while also permitting insertion of a suction tube.
Bodai discloses a system for simultaneous ventilation and endotracheal suctioning of a patient.
Grimes discloses a connector valve assembly for endotracheal tubes.
The Brain '514 patent discloses a laryngeal mask with a generally elliptical shape and a guide tube.
Brain '388 patent discloses a laryngeal mask with a soft flexible collar surrounding the lumen of the mask, and also having a drainage tube.
The Brain '956 patent discloses a laryngeal mask airway with concentric drainage for esophageal discharge.
The Brain '571 patent discloses a laryngeal clamp airway.
The Brain '464 patent discloses a combined laryngeal mask and reflectance oximeter.
The Brain '547 patent discloses a laryngeal mask with an inflatable cuff and a V-shaped posterior side.
The Brain '697 patent discloses a laryngeal mask with a rigid handle at the proximal end of the guide tube.
The Brain '743 and '248 patents disclose a molding process for producing laryngeal masks.
The Brain '879 patent discloses a laryngeal mask with inflatable ring and inflatable back cushion.
The Brain '290 patent discloses a laryngeal mask with electrodes.
The Brain '271 patent discloses a laryngeal mask with a gastric drainage feature.
The Brain '880 patent discloses a laryngeal mask with a removable stiffener that can be attached to the guide.
The Brain '293 patent discloses a forming tool for deflating a laryngeal mask, such as that shown in the Brain '547 patent, prior to insertion.
The Pagan '889 patent discloses a mask assembly having an inflatable ring and a diaphragm attached to a backing plate.
The '012 patent to Neame et al. discloses a laryngeal mask with an inflatable bag.
The Brain '745 patent discloses a gastro-laryngeal mask with an inflatable cuff and a back cushion to engage the back wall of the pharynx.
The '726 patent to Neame et al. discloses a laryngeal mask with a cuff formed by interlocking ribs.
Burden discloses a coupling device for placing a stethoscope and an endotracheal tube in gaseous communication.
The Brain '858 patent discloses a laryngeal mask with a hinged bar to elevate the epiglottis.
Cook discloses a laryngeal mask with an inflatable toroidal peripheral portion having a recessed front notch.
The '445 patent to Neame et al. discloses a method for manufacture of a laryngeal mask in which the edges of the cuff are heat-sealed.
The Pagan '897 patent discloses a laryngeal mask with cuffs attached on both sides of a plate. The plate also forms a leading tip.
The Pagan '452 patent discloses a laryngeal mask with an air line extending to a foam cuff. The cuff can be compressed for insertion by applying suction to the air line.
Greenfield discloses a laryngeal mask requiring an obdurator inserted into the tube.
The Brain '984 patent discloses an endotracheal tube having tapered, closed nose with a triangular cross-section and lateral openings.
The Brain '409 patent discloses a laryngeal mask having a specific geometry for the guide tube and mask.
The Pagan '243 patent discloses a laryngeal mask with a plate separating two separate semi-annular cuffs bonded to opposite sides of the plate.
4. Solution to the Problem.
None of the prior art references discussed above teach or suggest a system that enables the patient to continue to be resuscitated with continued artificial ventilation and cardiac chest compressions while being intubated. In particular, the present system allows the endotracheal tube to be inserted and connected to a ventilator without interrupting the flow of air/oxygen to the patient's lungs and without interrupting cardiac chest compressions.
This invention provides a method and apparatus for guiding insertion of an endotracheal tube into a patient's trachea during resuscitation. A guide having a mask and a ventilation port is inserted into the patient's mouth and hypopharynx. The patient is initially resuscitated by supplying a flow of air/oxygen through the ventilation port. A series of cardiac chest compressions are also applied to the patient. An endotracheal tube is inserted over the distal end of a fiber optic probe. Resuscitation continues without interruption of cardiac chest compressions or ventilation while the fiber optic probe and endotracheal tube are advanced along the guide into the patient's airway. The direction of the distal tip of the fiber optic probe can be controlled by the physician and allows the physician to carefully guide the fiber optic probe and endotracheal tube to a position past the larynx while resuscitation continues. The fiber optic probe is then removed from within the endotracheal tube while leaving the endotracheal tube in place within the trachea. The cuff on the endotracheal tube is inflated and a ventilator is connected to the proximal end of the endotracheal tube to ventilate the patient. Alternatively, the patient can be manually ventilated by connecting a resuscitation bag to the proximal end of the endotracheal tube.
A primary object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for guiding insertion of an endotracheal tube that does not require interruption of either cardiac chest compressions or artificial ventilation in the resuscitation process.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for improving insertion of an endotracheal tube by helping to keep the patient's airway open, and also allowing the physician to guide the insertion process via the fiber optic probe.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for instilling local anesthetic into the patient's airway and suctioning excess secretions prior to insertion of the endotracheal tube.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for guiding insertion of an endotracheal tube that lessens the risk of injury, particularly during cardiac chest compressions, and reduces patient discomfort.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a device that enables the physician to instill anesthetic and/or suction secretions from the patient's mouth and airway as the device is inserted.
These and other advantages, features, and objects of the present invention will be more readily understood in view of the following detailed description and the drawings.
The present invention can be more readily understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Face Mask Embodiment.
The face mask 20 includes a resealable port 23. In the preferred embodiment, the face mask port 23 consists of a flexible, elastic membrane having a stretchable opening 24 with dimensions large enough to allow a curved guide 25 to pass through the face mask port 23. For example, this elastic membrane can be made of rubber with slot or hole forming an opening 24, as shown in
As depicted in
In the preferred embodiment, the guide 25 is equipped with small tube 29 bonded to the exterior of the guide 25 that extends along the length of the guide 25 to its distal end. This tube 29 can be used to suction secretions from the patient's mouth and airway as the guide 25 is advanced. Alternatively a syringe 55 containing a local anesthetic (e.g., lidocaine or xylocaine) can be connected to the proximal end of the tube 29 to squirt anesthetic as the guide 25 is insert through the patient's mouth and into the hypopharynx 15, as illustrated in
The patient is initially resuscitated by supplying a flow of air/oxygen through the mask. For example, the flow of air can be supplied by a resuscitation bag 22 attached to the mask 20 that is manually squeezed periodically to simulate natural breathing. However, other conventional air/oxygen supplies for resuscitation could be substituted at the connector for the face mask 20. In the preferred embodiment, the flow of oxygen/air from the resuscitation bag 22 is directed around the exterior of the curved guide 25. This tends to inflate the patient's mouth and airway, which distends the collapsible tissues, and thereby makes visualization and insertion of the endotracheal tube 40 easier.
A series of cardiac chest compressions can be applied to the patient's chest, as shown in
After the patient's condition has been stabilized to some degree during initial resuscitation, an endotracheal tube 40 is inserted over a fiber optic probe 30. The fiber optic probe 30 and endotracheal tube 40 are then inserted through the guide port 27 and along the guide 25 to a position within the trachea 16 past the larynx 18 while resuscitation continues, as illustrated in
The fiber optic probe 30 allows the physician to view within the patient's mouth and trachea 16 during insertion. Unlike the rigid laryngoscope blade, the fiber optic probe is flexible and can easily navigate curvatures. The physician can also remotely manipulate the direction of the probe tip 32 to control the direction of the fiber optic probe 30. The ability to easily steer the fiber optic probe, and the advanced optics and light source allow for adequate visualization, even during motion form cardiac chest compressions. The flexible tip of the fiber optic scope is designed to be atraumatic. These features minimize patient discomfort and risk of injury to the patient. The small size of the fiber optic probe 30 also allows the physician to thread the fiber optic probe 30 through relatively constricted areas within the airway, such, as the larynx 18. Most importantly, the fiber optic probe 30 and endotracheal tube 40 do not interfere with ongoing resuscitation of the patient and continued cardiac chest compressions.
The distal end 46 of the endotracheal tube 40 can beveled as illustrated most clearly in
After the endotracheal tube 40 has been inserted, the fiber optic probe 30 is removed from within the endotracheal tube 40 through the proximal end of the endotracheal tube 40, as depicted in
Alternatively, the face mask 20 can be removed while leaving the guide 25 in place to serve as an oral airway and to protect the endotracheal tube 40 from being bitten by the patient's teeth. After the face mask 20 has been removed, the endotracheal tube is taped to the patient's face, or held in place by some other suitable means for attachment.
The cuff 44 at the distal end 46 of the endotracheal tube 40 is then inflated through the port valve 45 to block the trachea 16. An external ventilator 50 can be attached to the connector 42 at the proximal end of the endotracheal tube 40, as shown in
It should be understood that the guide 25 and mask 20 can have any number of possible embodiments. The embodiment shown in the
The guide 25 can consist of a J-shaped tubular member as shown in the drawings. The J-shaped tubular member is preferred as there are no edges to injure the airway. Alternatively, the distal portion of the guide 25 can have a U-shaped cross-section. The guide 25 can be molded from a suitable plastic material having a relatively low coefficient of friction to minimize irritation to the lining of mouth and trachea and to minimize resistance to insertion of the endotracheal tube 40 along the guide. Friction can be further reduced by applying a slippery coating to both the exterior and interior surfaces of the guide 25. A slippery coating can also be applied to the endotracheal tube to minimize friction between the endotracheal tube and the guide.
All of the components necessary to practice the present invention can be readily packaged as a kit for use in emergency rooms and intensive care units. The kit is sufficiently compact and inexpensive that it can be stocked on resuscitation carts widely used in hospitals, and carried in ambulances for use by emergency medical technicians in the field. The fiber optic probe can be operated using a battery-powered light source. The oxygen supply for the hospital or ambulance can be connected to the face mask 20 for resuscitation or to provide a flow of gas to the ventilator 50. The tube 29 extending along the guide 25 can also be connected to the suction system provided by the hospital or ambulance, if necessary.
In contrast, the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in
Returning to
Air from the resuscitation bag 22 flows through the ventilation port 62 and into the annular ventilation collar 60. It then flows through a plurality of small ventilation holes 66 in the mask 20 beneath the annular ventilation collar 60 into the patient's mouth and nose. The resuscitation bag 22 is typically used to initially resuscitate the patient, and to provide short-term ventilation until the endotracheal tube is in place and connected to a ventilator. After the patient has been intubated and connected to the ventilator, the resuscitation bag 22 can be removed. If needed, the resuscitation bag 22 can reconnected to the ventilation port 62 to supplement the flow provided by the ventilator.
In particular, the mask 20 includes a raised cylindrical flange 63 that engages a corresponding flange 64 extending around the base of the annular ventilation collar 60 to provide a rotatable, but generally air-tight seal between the mask 20 and the ventilation collar 60. A tubular member 67 extends upward from the surface of the mask 20 beneath the ventilation collar 60, and passes through the central opening in the annular ventilation collar 60. An O-ring 65 provides a rotatable, air-tight seal between the outer surface of the tubular member 67 and the ventilation collar 60, and also serves to retain the ventilation collar in place on the mask assembly 20.
A resealable face mask port 23 is provided at the upper opening of the tubular member 67, so that a curved guide 25 can be removably inserted through the face mask port 23 and into the patient's mouth and hypopharynx 15, as illustrated in
In addition, the most common types of face masks used for initial resuscitation at the patient's bed do not include a guide or oral airway to keep the patient's airway open. As a result, initial efforts at manual resuscitation using the first face mask may be partially or completely ineffective, until the resuscitation team arrives and replaces the first face mask with a second face mask and a separate airway device used to keep the patient's airway open.
In contrast to the conventional approach practiced in many hospitals, as described above, the present invention allows the same face mask to be used throughout the entire process without interrupting resuscitation. In addition, the present invention includes a face mask with a curved guide that can be inserted into the patient's airway to maintain patency during the first effort to resuscitate the patient before the resuscitation team arrives.
Returning to
The resuscitation attachment 70 includes an air filter 74 across the flow path between the input port 72 and output port 71, to help prevent the exchange of contaminants between the healthcare provider and patient. A one-way valve 75 (e.g., a duckbill valve) directs any backflow of air or contaminated fluids from the face mask 20 to the exhaust port 73, and thereby serves to further protect the healthcare provider from contaminants.
The healthcare provider can breathe directly into the input port 72 of the resuscitation attachment 70. Alternatively, a length of flexible tubing 80 can be connected to the resuscitation attachment 70 by means of a connector 82 that can be plugged into the input port 72 of the resuscitation attachment 70, as shown in
The resuscitation attachment 70 can also be equipped with an oxygen port 76, as shown in
As illustrated in the cross-sectional view provided in
After the guide 25 has been advanced into position, the guide cap 91 is removed from the guide 25 to allow insertion of the endotracheal tube 40 through the guide 25, as previously discussed. An annular ring 26 within the proximal end of the guide 25 forms a loose seal around the endotracheal tube 40 to help prevent air/oxygen from escaping as the endotracheal tube 40 is being inserted.
The inside diameter of the stabilizer 120 should be selected to provide a snug, frictional fit against the exterior of the fiber optic probe 30 so that the stabilizer 120 will not readily slide after it has been attached to the fiber optic probe 30. The stabilizer 120 can also be readily removed from the endoscope probe 30 by the healthcare provider for cleaning or to adjust its location on the probe 30. The stabilizer 120 should have outside dimensions sufficiently large to push the endotracheal tube forward as the fiber optic probe 30 is advanced by the healthcare provider, and sufficiently small to fit through the face mask port.
The proximal end of the endotracheal tube 40 can be fitted with a removable cap 125 shown in
A central passageway extends axially through the cap 125 to receive the fiber optic probe 30. The fiber optic probe 30 passes freely through the cap 125. However, the cap passageway has an inside diameter smaller than the stabilizer 120, so that the stabilizer 120 will abut and push against the proximal end of the endotracheal tube 40 as the fiber optic probe 30 is advanced by the healthcare provider.
In practice, this embodiment of the present invention typically uses the following sequence of steps. First, the face mask 20 is placed over the patient's mouth and the patient is initially resuscitated by a flow of air/oxygen delivered through the face mask ventilation port. With the guide cap 91 sealing the proximal end of the guide 25, the distal portion of the guide 25 is advanced by the healthcare provider into the patient's mouth and hypopharynx, as previously discussed. If necessary, a syringe 55 can be attached to the guide cap 91 to spray anesthetic down the guide 25 and into the patient's airway to less discomfort.
The stabilizer 120 is attached at a desired position on a fiber optic probe 30 of the endoscope. The fiber optic probe 30 is then inserted into the proximal end of the endotracheal tube 40 until the stabilizer 120 abuts the proximal end of the endotracheal tube 40. The location of the stabilizer 120 on the fiber optic probe 30 is normally selected so that the distal tip of the fiber optic probe 30 will extend slightly beyond the distal tip 46 of the endotracheal tube 40.
Optionally, a removable endotracheal tube cap 125 is attached to the proximal end of the endotracheal tube 40 prior to insertion of the fiber optic probe 30 so that the stabilizer 120 will push against this cap 125 as the healthcare provider advances the fiber optic probe 30. In this variation, the fiber optic probe 30 is inserted through both the endotracheal tube cap 125 and the endotracheal tube 40.
The guide cap 91 and syringe 55 are removed from the guide 25, and the assembly consisting of the endotracheal tube 40, fiber optic probe 30 and stabilizer 120 is inserted through the proximal end of the guide 25. The healthcare provider then pushes forward on the fiber optic probe 30 to advance the endotracheal tube 40 and the fiber optic probe 30 along the guide 25 and into the patient's trachea 16 as shown in
After the endotracheal tube 40 has been moved into position with its distal end in the trachea, the face mask 20 is removed over the proximal end of the endotracheal tube 40 while leaving the endotracheal tube 40 and fiber optic probe 30 in place. More specifically, the face mask 20 and guide 25 can either be removed together, or the face mask 20 can be remove first followed by the guide 25.
Before removing the face mask 20 and guide 25, the healthcare provider may wish to slide the stabilizer 120 a few centimeters toward the distal end of the fiber optic probe 30. This allows the endoscope to be pulled back relative to the endotracheal tube 40, so that the distal tip of the endoscope is located within the distal end of the endotracheal tube 40 and offers a view of both the endotracheal tube's distal tip and the patient's trachea. This enables the healthcare provider to monitor the position of the endotracheal tube 40 relative to the trachea as the face mask 20 and guide 25 are removed, as described above.
The fiber optic probe 30 is then withdrawn from within the endotracheal tube 40 and the endotracheal tube cap 125 is removed if one is present. Finally, the patient can be ventilated via a conventional ventilator connected to the endotracheal tube 40. Cardiac chest compressions can continue along with artificial ventilation through the entire intubation process.
Pharyngeal Mask Embodiment. Turning to
As before, the guide 25 is generally J-shaped to follow the profile of a typical patient's airway through the mouth, over the tongue 14, and into the laryngopharynx 15 just above the opening to the larynx 18 (see
The laryngeal mask 130 consists a central support member 131 extending outward from the guide 25 to an inflatable member as illustrated in
In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the laryngeal mask 130 is generally boot-shaped when inflated. The lower portion 135 of the laryngeal mask 130 forms the toe of the boot, which blocks the esophagus. The lower portion 135 of the laryngeal mask 130 also helps to align the distal opening of the guide 25 with the patient's glottis 19. After the mask 130 is inflated, the upper portion 136 of the mask 130 substantially fills the laryngopharynx 15 at the level of the glottis 19. The upper portion 136 of the laryngeal mask 130 surrounds the glottis 19 so that the distal opening of the guide 25 is sealed in fluid communication with the glottis 19. Thus, substantially all of the gas inhaled or exhaled by the patient passes through the guide 25. For example, the laryngeal mask 130 can be formed by injection blow molding, rotational molding, or dip molding.
In particular, the upper portion 136 of the mask 130 surrounding the distal opening of the guide 25 is canted at an angle to complement the natural angle of the glottis 19. The distal end of the guide 25 can also be beveled at this complementary angle. This enables the laryngeal mask 130 to directly engage the glottis 19 along the longitudinal axis of the patient's airway as the guide 25 is advanced. The shape of the upper portion 136 of the laryngeal mask 130 further helps to guide the distal opening of the guide 25 so that it is axially aligned with the glottis 19 and abuts the glottis 19 in an end-on relationship as the guide is inserted along the patient's airway. In contrast, conventional laryngeal masks typically approach the glottis 19 from a posterior or inferior position.
In the embodiment depicted in
As illustrated in
A flow of air/oxygen is delivery to the patient via the guide 25 through a ventilation port 62 extending at an angle from the side of the guide 25. A rotatable collar 60 allows the ventilation port 62 to be rotated about the central axis of the guide 25 to any desired orientation. Air/oxygen flows through the ventilation port 62 into the annular space between the collar 60 and the guide 25, and through a series of ventilation holes 66 into the interior of the guide 25, as shown in greater detail in
The following is a description of a typical method of use for the present invention. The curved distal portion of the guide 25 is first inserted into the patient's mouth and laryngopharynx 15 with the laryngeal mask 130 deflated, as shown in
A protrusion 133 on the anterior portion of the distal tip of the guide 25 or support member 131 is inserted to the patient's vallecula 17 (i.e., the notch between the base of the tongue 14 and the epiglottis 13. The protrusion 133 pushes on the vallecula 17, which tends to lift the epiglottis 13 from the glottis 19 and helps to ensure patency of the patient's airway.
After the distal portion of the guide 25 and the laryngeal mask 130 are appropriately positioned relative to the glottis 19, the laryngeal mask 130 is inflated via the inflation tube 134 to establish a seal around the glottis 19, as depicted in
If necessary, the guide cap 91 can be removed and an endoscope probe can be inserted through the proximal end of the guide 25 to enable the physician to view the insertion process and verify that the laryngeal mask 130 is correctly positioned.
Optionally, a syringe 55 containing a local anesthetic (e.g., lidocaine or xylocaine) can be connected to the luer connector on the guide cap 91 at the proximal end of the guide 25 to squirt anesthetic as the guide 25 is inserted through the patient's mouth and into the laryngopharynx 15, as shown in
During and after insertion of the guide 25, the patient can be resuscitated by supplying air/oxygen through the ventilation port 62. For example, the flow of air can be supplied by a resuscitation bag attached to the ventilation port 62 that is manually squeezed periodically to simulate natural breathing. Alternatively, a resuscitation attachment (such as shown in
After the patient's condition has been stabilized to some degree during initial resuscitation, an endotracheal tube 40 is inserted over the distal end of an endoscope probe 30. The guide cap 91 is removed from the proximal end of the guide 25. Resuscitation, oxygenation, or artificial ventilation continue without interruption while the endoscope probe 30 and endotracheal tube 40 are advanced along the guide 25 and through the laryngeal mask 130 to a position within the trachea past the larynx 18.
The seal ring 26 within the proximal end of the guide 25 has an inside diameter that is only slightly larger than the outside diameter of the endotracheal tube 40. This allows the endotracheal tube 40 to pass through the seal ring 25 and along the guide 25, but maintains a sufficiently tight fit around the endotracheal tube 40 to reduce the escape of gas through the seal. However, air/oxygen flows freely through the space between the endotracheal tube 40 and the surrounding guide 25 to maintain patient respiration.
Optionally, a removable cap 125 can be inserted into the proximal end of the endotracheal tube 40 and a stabilizer tube 120 can be attached to the endoscope probe 30, as shown in
The proximal end of the endotracheal tube 40 can be fitted with a removable cap 125 shown in
The shape of the guide 25, the support member 131, and laryngeal mask 130 tend to align the distal opening of the guide 25 with the larynx 18 so that the endoscope probe 30 and endotracheal tube 40 will pass through the opening between the vocal cords. However, after emerging from the distal end of the guide 25, the direction of the distal tip of the endoscope probe 30 can be controlled by the physician. This allows the physician to carefully guide the endoscope probe 30 and endotracheal tube 40 to a position past the larynx 18 while resuscitation continues. Many conventional endoscopes include a suction channel extending the length of the fiber optic probe to its distal tip. This feature can be used to suction mucus or other secretions from the patient's airway as the endoscope/endotracheal tube assembly is inserted. Alternatively, an endoscope 30 may not be needed at all due to the anatomical alignment provided by the laryngeal mask 130, which permits “blind” intubation of the patient. In any event, the patient is being ventilated and can receive cardiac chest compressions throughout the intubation process, so the normal risks associated with intubation are not as serious if delays are encountered in completing the intubation process using the present invention.
In one methodology, the endoscope probe 30 is then removed from within the endotracheal tube 40, as shown in
The cuff 44 on the endotracheal tube 40 is then inflated via an inflation tube and port valve 45. Finally, a ventilator 50 is connected to the proximal end of the endotracheal tube 40 to ventilate the patient, as shown in
The fiber optic probe 30 is then withdrawn from within the endotracheal tube 40 and the endotracheal tube cap 125 is removed if one is present. Finally, the patient can be ventilated via a conventional ventilator 50 connected to the endotracheal tube 40, as shown in
The above disclosure sets forth a number of embodiments of the present invention. Other arrangements or embodiments, not precisely set forth, could be practiced under the teachings of the present invention and as set forth in the following claims.
The present application is a continuation-in-part of the Applicant's co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/115,224, filed on Apr. 2, 2002, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/767,272, filed on Jan. 22, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,568,388, issued on May 27, 2003, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/707,350, filed on Nov. 6, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,543,446, issued on Apr. 8, 2003, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/411,610, filed on Oct. 1, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,405,725, issued on Jun. 18, 2002, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/974,864, filed on Nov. 20, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,964,217, issued on Oct. 12, 1999, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/607,332, filed on Feb. 26, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,694,929, issued on Dec. 9, 1997. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/115,224 (cited above) is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/908,380, filed on Jul. 18, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,668,821, issued on Dec. 30, 2003, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/840,194, filed on Apr. 23, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,634,354, issued on Oct. 21, 2003, which is based in part on, and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser: No. 60/252,347, filed on Nov. 20, 2000.
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
60252347 | Nov 2000 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
Parent | 08607332 | Feb 1996 | US |
Child | 08974864 | Nov 1997 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
Parent | 10115224 | Apr 2002 | US |
Child | 11067860 | Feb 2005 | US |
Parent | 09767272 | Jan 2001 | US |
Child | 10115224 | Apr 2002 | US |
Parent | 09707350 | Nov 2000 | US |
Child | 09767272 | Jan 2001 | US |
Parent | 09411610 | Oct 1999 | US |
Child | 09707350 | Nov 2000 | US |
Parent | 08974864 | Nov 1997 | US |
Child | 09411610 | Oct 1999 | US |
Parent | 09908380 | Jul 2001 | US |
Child | 10115224 | US | |
Parent | 09840194 | Apr 2001 | US |
Child | 09908380 | Jul 2001 | US |