Medico-surgical apparatus and methods
US10625038B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 29, 2013 |
| Grant date | Apr 21, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 26, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2205/36
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatus for enabling speech while a tracheostomy tube is in place includes a tracheostomy tube 1 with a vocalisation gas lumen 15 extending along its length and opening at one end externally of the tube above the sealing cuff 10 in the trachea T. A ventilator 2 is connected to the main bore 3 of the tube 1 to supply ventilation gas cyclically to the patient. The ventilator 2 also has an auxiliary outlet 29 connected to the vocalisation gas lumen 15. The auxiliary outlet 29 supplies vocalisation gas to the vocalisation gas lumen 15 only during the expiratory phases of ventilation. Alternatively, the apparatus includes a separate supply 50 of vocalisation gas connected with the vocalisation gas lumen 15′ via a valve 52. The valve 52 is controlled by pressure in the main gas supply tubing 31′ so that the valve is opened to enable the supply of vocalisation gas only during the expiratory phases of ventilation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.