Blind orolaryngeal and oroesophageal guiding and aiming device
USRE39508E1 · kind E1 · reissue
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 23, 1996 |
| Grant date | Mar 13, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 23, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC —)General
Abstract
To facilitate rapid, accurate, blind access to the larynx or esophagus such as for emergency intubation of a patient's trachea and suctioning of the hypopharynx or esophagus, a medical device (10) includes an anatomically contoured guide element (12) having a channel (22) therethrough. Guide element (12) is positioned about and atop the larynx such that the wall of the channel forms an upward continuation of the laryngeal wall. An orotracheal tube (18) advanced through the channel is guided exclusively into the larynx and trachea without substantial risk of accidental intubation of the esophagus or other areas of the hypopharynx. Tunnels (150, 160) may be provided through the guide element for blindly guiding or aiming other tubular-type members selectively into the esophagus or larynx. A tubular handle (14) or curved blade (454) is connected to the guide element (12) to blindly insert guide element (12) into the throat. Alternative embodiments (310, 350, 410, 450) of medical device (10) are also described.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.