Device for positioning an endotracheal tube
US4840172A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 6, 1987 |
| Grant date | Jun 20, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 6, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M25/09
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A device for positioning an endotracheal tube when the tube is inserted into the trachea of a patient for lung inflation uses the patient's carina as a reference point against which the endotracheal tube is positioned. The positioning device consists of an elongate, flexible member with at least three flexible filaments at its distal end which assume a compressed tripodal configuration when inserted through the endotracheal tube. When the distal end of the positioning device emerges from the distal end of the endotracheal tube, the flexible elements spring out into a tripodal-shaped structure. As the positioning device is advanced further, the apex of the tripodal-shaped structure engages the carina. At this point the positioning device provides a reference line for correctly locating the distal end of the endotracheal tube with respect to the carina. Since the dimensions of the positioning device and the endotracheal tube are known, the location of the distal end of the tube with respect to the carina can be indirectly derived by observing the position of the tube with respect to the positioning device. The relative measurement is provided by calibration marks at the proximal end …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.