U.S. patent number 3,874,377 [Application Number 05/476,955] was granted by the patent office on 1975-04-01 for apparatus for endotracheal and esophageal intubation.
Invention is credited to Kenneth L. Davidson.
United States Patent |
3,874,377 |
Davidson |
April 1, 1975 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
APPARATUS FOR ENDOTRACHEAL AND ESOPHAGEAL INTUBATION
Abstract
Apparatus for use in artificial respiration and the like,
comprising an elongated tubular body having a flexible inner end
portion adapted for insertion in the esophagus or trachea of a
patient and an outer end portion for connection to a source of
fluid. An inflatable cuff is carried at the inner end portion. The
upper end portion of the tubular body includes an adaptor, a seal
for the lumen of the tubular body carried by the adaptor and a
plurality of closable openings spaced in the upper portion between
the seal and the outer end of the tubular body. In the esophageal
mode, the lumen of the tubular body is sealed to prevent the flow
of fluids between the upper portion and lower portion of the
tubular body. The openings in the upper portion are open to permit
the flow of fluid therethrough into the patient's trachea and
lungs. In the tracheal mode, the openings in the upper portion are
closed, and the lumen of the tubular body is open to provide fluid
communication through the tubular body.
Inventors: |
Davidson; Kenneth L.
(Victorville, CA) |
Family
ID: |
23893918 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/476,955 |
Filed: |
June 6, 1974 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
128/207.15;
128/202.28 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M
16/0409 (20140204); A61M 16/0048 (20130101); A61M
16/04 (20130101); A61M 16/0415 (20140204); A61M
16/06 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A61M
16/00 (20060101); A61M 16/04 (20060101); A61M
16/06 (20060101); A61m 016/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;128/145.5,145.6,145.7,145.8,351,349B,349BV,35R,35V,DIG.9,208,209,210 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Gaudet; Richard A.
Assistant Examiner: Recla; Henry J.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Fulwider Patton Rieber Lee &
Utecht
Claims
I claim:
1. Apparatus for endotracheal and esophageal intubation, said
apparatus comprising:
an elongated tubular body having an open outer and open inner end,
said tubular body defining an upper portion and a flexible lower
portion and a lumen extending between said outer and inner
ends;
means in said upper portion for selectively sealing said lumen;
and
means for selectively providing fluid communication between said
outer end and the exterior of said upper portion, said means being
spaced between said outer end and said sealing means;
means carried about said lower portion of said tubular body for
insertion within a body canal to form a seal with the walls
thereof;
whereby said apparatus is adapted for endotracheal intubation when
said lumen is open for fluid communication between said outer end
and said inner end and said apparatus is adapted for esophageal
intubation when said lumen is sealed and adapted for fluid
communication between said outer end and the exterior of said upper
portion.
2. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said means carried
about said lower portion of said tubular body comprises an
inflatable member in spaced relation with said lower end for
inflation within a body canal to form a seal with the walls
thereof.
3. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said tubular body
comprises:
a flexible, open-ended tube; and
a tubular adapter, a portion thereof being received in one end of
said tube, said adapter and tube portion receiving said adapter
defining said upper portion of said tubular body and the remaining
portion of said tube defining said flexible lower portion of said
tubular body.
4. The apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein said adapter is
removably received in said flexible tube, one end of said adapter
and a portion thereof adjacent to said end extending longitudinally
outwardly from said flexible tube, said one end being open to
define said outer end of said tubular body, the opposite end
portion of said adapter being received in said lumen of said
flexible tube and adapted to define a fluid tight seal with the
inner walls of said tube.
5. The apparatus as defined in claim 4 further including:
a plurality of discharge openings in the walls of said tube portion
receiving said adapter, said openings being in spaced relation with
said end portion of said adapter forming said sealing means;
the wall of said portion of said adapter received in said lumen of
said tube being provided with at least one opening for fluid
communication between said open outer end and said discharge
openings; and
means carried by said tube for selectively closing said discharge
openings.
6. The apparatus as defined in claim 5 wherein said means for
selectively closing said discharge openings comprises a sleeve
slidably carried on said upper portion for movement between a
withdrawn position wherein said discharge openings are unrestricted
and a second position overlying said discharge openings thereby to
close them.
7. The apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein said discharge
openings are located in said end portion of said adapter extending
outwardly from said tube and the walls of said tube are
continuous.
8. The apparatus as defined in claim 5 wherein said end portion of
said adapter received in said tube is radially inwardly tapered and
the end thereof defines an enlarged plug forming a fluid seal with
the walls of said tube, and at least one elongated slot being
provided in a wall of said tapered end portion for unrestricted
fluid communication between the interior of said adapter and said
peripheral openings of said upper portion of said tubular body.
9. The apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein said adapter
comprises:
a first sleeve having an inner and outer end, the inner end thereof
communicating with said lumen of said tube and being provided with
a flange extending across a portion of the opening between said
first sleeve and said lumen of said tube;
a plurality of peripheral slots extending between the inner and
outer surfaces of said first sleeves and being in longitudinally
spaced relation with said flange;
a second sleeve having an outside diameter substantially equal to
the inside diameter of said first sleeve rotatably carried within
said first sleeve for rotation between a first and a second
position, said second sleeve having an end co-terminus with said
inner end of said first sleeve;
said second sleeve interior defining the bore of said adapter, an
interior wall portion adjacent said co-terminus end being biased
inwardly with respect to the longitudinal axis of said second
sleeve in a direction toward said co-terminus end, said inwardly
biased wall portion cooperating with said flange of said first
sleeve to seal said lumen of said tube when said second sleeve is
rotated into said first position and to open said lumen when
rotated into said second position;
a plurality of peripheral slots in said second sleeve being
longitudinally aligned with said slots of said first sleeve and
being radially aligned therewith when said second sleeve is in said
first position, thereby to provide fluid communication from the
interior of said adapter to the exterior thereof, and being
radially misaligned when said second sleeve is in said second
position thereby to seal said slots of said first sleeve.
10. The apparatus as defined in claim 9 wherein said first sleeve
is integral with said tube.
11. Apparatus for esophageal intubation comprising:
a flexible elongated tube adapted for insertion in the esophagus
and having an outer end and an inner end;
an inflatable member carried on said tube adjacent said inner
end;
means for inflating said member communicating therewith;
an adapter having an open end, a closed end and a bore extending
therebetween being removably inserted in said outer end of said
tube so that said closed end and a portion of said adapter adjacent
said closed end are disposed within said tube;
said closed end of said adapter defining a seal for said tube to
prevent fluid flow between said outer and inner ends of said
tube;
a plurality of openings in said tube wall, said openings being
spaced between said outer end of said tube and said closed end of
said adapter;
a port in the wall of said portion of said adapter disposed within
said tube communicating the bore of said adapter with said openings
in said tube wall.
12. The apparatus of claim 11 further including a sleeve slidably
carried on said tube and movable between position on said tube
overlying and closing said openings and a position on said tube
wherein said openings are unobstructed.
13. Apparatus for esophageal intubation comprising:
a flexible elongated tube adapted for insertion in the esophagus
and having an outer end and an inner end;
an inflatable member carried on said tube adjacent said inner
end;
means for inflating said member communicating therewith;
an adapter having an open end, a closed end and a bore extending
therebetween being removably inserted in said outer end of said
tube so that said closed end and a portion of said adapter adjacent
said closed end are disposed in said tube and the remaining portion
of said adapter extends beyond said outer end of said tube;
a mask for covering the nose and mouth of a patient carried by said
adapter portion extending beyond said tube; and
a plurality of openings disposed about the periphery of said
adapter portion extending beyond said tube, said openings being in
spaced relation within said mask for fluid communication between
the bore of said adapter and the patient's respiratory tract.
14. Apparatus for esophageal intubation comprising:
a flexible elongated tube adapted for insertion in the esophagus
and having an outer end and an inner end;
an inflatable member carried on said tube adjacent said inner
end;
means for inflating said member communicating therewith;
an adapter having an open end, a sealable inner end and a bore
extending therebetween being connected at said inner end to said
outer end of said tube, at least a portion of said adapter
extending beyond said outer end of said tube, a mask for covering
the nose and mouth of a patient carried by said extending
portion;
said adapter further including a first sleeve defining a bore and
an inner end, a flange adjacent said inner end extending normal to
said bore and blocking a portion thereof to define a restricted,
eccentrically disposed opening between said bore and said lumen of
said tube, and a plurality of radially spaced openings disposed
about the periphery of said first sleeve in spaced relation between
said mask and said outer end of said tube;
a second sleeve co-axially mounted in said first sleeve for
rotation between a first position and a second portion, said second
sleeve having a bore, one end substantially co-terminus with said
flange of said first sleeve and an interior wall portion adjacent
said co-terminus end biased inwardly with respect to the
longitudinal axis of said second sleeve in a direction toward said
co-terminus end to define an eccentrically disposed opening at said
co-terminus end of said second sleeve, a plurality of openings
disposed about the periphery of said second sleeve in longitudinal
alignment with said openings of said first sleeve and spaced for
radial alignment therewith when said second sleeve is in said first
position and for misalignment when said inner sleeve is in said
second position, whereby in said first position said eccentrically
disposed openings at the ends of said first and second sleeves are
misaligned, said flange of said first sleeve and said wall portion
of said second sleeve cooperating to close said inner end of said
adapter and said openings of first and second sleeves are aligned,
and in said second position said eccentrically disposed openings
are aligned for fluid communication with said tube and said
peripheral openings of said first and second sleeves are
misaligned.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to apparatus for the introduction of fluids
such as air, oxygen, anesthetics and the like into a patient's
lungs and more particularly to a tubular body adapted for both
endotracheal and esophageal intubation.
It is often necessary or desirable in surgical procedures and the
like to control the patient's breathing by intubation of the
patient's trachea for the introduction of air, oxygen or anesthetic
into the patient's respiratory system. Intubation devices
ordinarily include an elongated flexible tubular body and an
inflatable cuff is normally provided on a portion of the tube which
is inserted in the patient's trachea to provide a seal between the
tracheal lining and the walls of the tube. The end of the tube
opposite the inserted end is adapted for connection to suitable
apparatus for the introduction of air, oxygen, anesthetic or the
like. Examples of such devices are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.
3,460,541, Doherty and 3,599,642, Tindel. Such endotracheal
devices, although successful in maintaining an open airway for the
patient can be difficult to insert, particularly in case of an
emergency, and normally require the services of a highly skilled
person for proper insertion of the device without injuring the
patient.
A second type of intubation device has been used, particularly in
emergency situations where prompt administration of artificial
respiration is critical. Such devices are elongated tubular bodies
which are designed to be inserted into the patient's esophagus and
which are provided with a plurality of openings spaced on the upper
portion of the tubular body for fluid communication with the
patient's respiratory passage. The use of such a device ordinarily
results in the inflation of the patient's stomach which can result
in the flow of stomach contents back up through the tube. Such
counterflow of stomach contents is both unpleasant to a person
administering artificial respiration and is also dangerous to the
patient since some of the stomach fluids may enter the respiratory
passages and eventually the lungs of the patient. To avoid this,
apparatus designed for esophageal intubulation can be sealed at the
inner end to prevent inflation of the stomach with air, oxygen or
the like and to prevent the counterflow of stomach fluids up
through the tube. An example of such a device is disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 3,683,908 Don Michael, et al.
Generally speaking, and circumstances permitting, endotracheal
intubation is preferred over esophageal intubation as being the
most efficient method for introduction of fluids into the patient's
lungs. However, where time does not permit, or where skilled
personnel are not available, esophageal intubation is utilized
since it is quicker and easier to insert a tube into the patient's
esophagus without risk of serious injury to the patient.
From the above discussion it can be seen that it is necessary for a
hospital and/or emergency facilities such as fire departments and
the like, to stock both endotracheal and esophageal intubation
tubes in order to be prepared for the eventuality that one or the
other procedure will be required for the proper treatment of the
patient. This unduly multiplies the number and type of intubation
devices required to be on hand and adds to the expense of hospital
and emergency facility operations. Also, in connection with
esophageal intubation, in approximately 20 percent of esophageal
insertions the tube will accidently enter the trachea resulting in
a blockage of the patient's airway, if a conventionally sealed tube
is being used.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention resides in apparatus which is readily adapted
for use both in endotracheal and esophageal intubation procedures.
In accordance with the present invention, the apparatus is quickly
and easily modified to operate either as an esophageal intubation
device or endotracheal intubation device depending on whichever
procedure is indicated under the circumstances.
More particularly, the apparatus of the present invention comprises
an elongated tubular body having open ends and a throughrunning
lumen. The tubular body further defines a flexible, lower end
portion for insertion in the patient's esophagus or trachea and an
upper end portion which includes an adapter for connection of the
tubular body to a source of fluid.
An inflatable cuff is positioned about the tubular body at the
lower portion thereof. As is standard practice, the cuff is
inflated after insertion of the lower portion of the tubular body
in the patient's esophagus or trachea to provide a seal with the
walls of the esophagus or trachea.
The adapter is partially inserted in the flexible tube and the
inserted end thereof is modified for selectively sealing the lumen
of the tubular body when the apparatus is in the esophageal
intubation mode and the opposite, extending end of the adapter
defines the outer end of the tubular body for connection to a
source of fluid. At least one open discharge port is located at the
outer end portion of the tubular body in spaced relation with the
seal when the apparatus is in the esophageal mode.
In the endotracheal mode the seal is removed from the lumen and the
discharge port closed for direct fluid communication between the
ends of the tubular body. During the insertion procedure,
particularly into the esophagus, the apparatus is in the
endotracheal mode with the lumen unsealed to provide an
unrestricted airway in order to avoid the risk of unintentionally
blocking the patient's airway.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become
apparent from the following detailed description and taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 illustrates the apparatus of the present invention partially
in solid line and partially in broken line inserted in the
esophagus of a patient as employed in esophageal intubation;
FIG. 2 is an enlarged side view, partially in section and partially
broken away for compactness of illustration, of the apparatus of
the present invention in the esophageal intubation mode;
FIG. 3 is a side elevation, partially broken away and partially in
section, showing another embodiment of an adapter for use in the
apparatus of the present invention for adapting the apparatus for
esophageal intubation;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view taken through line 4--4 of
FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of another adapter used in the
apparatus of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a top sectional view taken through line 6--6 of FIG. 5;
and
FIG. 7 is a top sectional view taken through line 7--7 of FIG.
5.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
As illustrated in the drawings, the invention is embodied in
apparatus, indicated generally as 11, for endotracheal and
esophageal intubation comprising a tube 12 having a throughrunning
lumen 15 and defining a flexible inner portion 13 adapted for
insertion in the trachea or esophagus of a patient and an outer
portion 14 adapted for connection to a source of air, oxygen,
anesthetic and the like. The outer portion 14 includes an adapter
16 which is inserted part way in the tube 12 and which extends
beyond the end of the tube to define an open outer end 17 for
connection to a source of fluid. The adapter 16 is modified for
sealing the tube in the esophageal mode. At least one discharge
opening 18 is located in the outer portion 14 of the tube 12 for
fluid communication between the source of fluid and the respiratory
tract of the patient when the apparatus is in the esophageal mode.
When the lumen 15 of the tube 12 is open, the wall of the upper
portion 14 is made continuous, such as by means carried on the
upper portion of the tube for closing the opening 18 to provide
fluid communication through the entire length of the lumen of the
tube when the apparatus is in the endotracheal mode.
As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the apparatus of the present
invention is shown in the esophageal mode with the inner portion 13
of the tube 12 inserted in the esophagus and with the outer end
portion 14 extending through the mouth and lips of the patient to a
source of air, in this case an operator 19 applying artificial
respiration.
As is more specifically shown in FIG. 2, the tube 12 is open-ended
and flexible with the lumen 15 unrestricted along the length of the
tube. The adapter 16 is inserted part way in one end of the tube 12
so that a portion of the adapter is contained in the lumen 15. The
part of the tube containing the adapter and the adapter itself
comprise the outer portion 14 and the remaining part of the tube
comprises the flexible inner portion 13 adapted to be inserted in
the esophagus or the trachea of the patient. The end of the lower
portion is biased, as at 19, as an aid in inserting the tube.
A resilient cuff 21 surrounds the tube 12 adjacent the end of the
inner portion 13. The cuff is bonded to the tube 12 at its edges 22
to provide a chamber 23 between the inner surface of the cuff and
the underlying outer surface of the tube. A duct 12' extends along
a side wall of the tube 12 between the outer portion 14 and the
inner portion 13 of the tube and communicates at one end with the
chamber 23 and at its opposite end with a small air tube 24 and a
bulb 26 provided with a removable plug 27 for holding the necessary
pressure to maintain the cuff in an inflated condition and
removable for inflating and deflating the cuff.
The adapter 16 is removably inserted in the tube 12 and includes a
cylindrical extending portion 28, the open outer end of which
defines the outer end 17 of the apparatus 11 for connection to a
source of fluid. A gripping ring 29 is provided on the exterior
surface of the cylindrical portion 28 as an aid for inserting and
removing the adapter. A face mask 31 may be integrally formed on
the cylindrical portion 28 of the adapter or may be removably
clamped thereon, such as by a clamp 32 and screws 33.
The opposite end of the adapter carried within the tube is closed
and defines an enlarged bulbous plug 34 which is sized so as to
provide a fluid tight seal with the walls of the tube 12. Elongated
slots 36 are provided in the wall of the portion of the adapter 16
extending within the tube 12 for communication between the interior
of the adapter 16 and the lumen 15 of the tube. The portion of the
adapter 16 carried within the tube 12 is preferably curved so, in
combination with the tube, the outer portion 14 conforms to the
anatomy of the patient.
The wall of the tube 12 at the outer portion 14 is provided with a
plurality of apertures defining the discharge openings 18. The
discharge openings 18 are in spaced relation with the outer end 17
of the apparatus 11 so as to be located between the outer end and
the plug 34 when the apparatus is in the esophageal mode. A sliding
sleeve 37 surrounds the tube 12 in the area of the discharge
openings 18 and upper and lower containing rings 38 and 39 define
the limits of travel for the sleeve so that in one position, the
openings are closed by the sleeve and in another position the
openings are unrestricted by the sleeve.
In operation the inner portion 13 of the tube 12 is inserted orally
or nasally into the patient's esophagus or trachea. During the
insertion procedure, the inflatable cuff 21 is deflated and the
lumen 15 of the tube 12 is open so that at no time during the
insertion procedure is the patient's airway blocked. When the tube
12 is inserted in the trachea, the sleeve 37 is moved downwardly
against the lower retaining ring 39 to seal the discharge openings
18 in the wall of the tube so that the flow of fluid is through the
lumen 15. A conventional, open ended, cylindrical adapter, not
shown, is inserted in the end of the tube for connection to a
source of fluid. The inflatable cuff 21 is inflated to provide a
seal with the walls of the trachea to prevent the passage of fluids
between the external walls of the tube and the walls of the trachea
and to aid in retaining the tube in place.
When utilized in the esophageal mode, the insertion of the tube 12
is as described above except that it is inserted in the esophagus
rather than the trachea of the patient. Once inserted in the
esophagus, the cuff 21 is inflated and the sleeve 37 is moved up
against the upper retaining ring 38 so as to open the discharge
openings 18. The adapter 16 is inserted in the upper end of the
tube 12 so that the plug 34 is disposed beyond the openings 18 and
fluids are introduced to the patient's lungs through the outer end
17, the outlet openings 18 and the trachea. The face mask 31, is
preferably fitted snugly around the nose and mouth area of the
patient's face, to prevent the escape of fluid through the nostrils
or mouth during the inhalation step.
It is highly preferred that the apparatus 11 be utilized in
conjunction with the face mask 31 when utilizing the apparatus in
the esophageal mode. When so used, it is not necessary that the
discharge openings 18 be disposed within the patient's mouth and
throat region and excellent results are achieved when the discharge
openings are located exteriorly of the tube 12 rather than in the
walls of the tube.
As is more specifically shown in FIG. 3, a different embodiment of
the adapter 16' is shown. The adapter 16 comprises a cylindrical
portion 42 and a tapered portion 43 adapted to be inserted part way
in the end of the tube 12. A plurality of slots 44 are provided
around the periphery of the adapter wall and normally open
exteriorly of the tube 12 to the interior of the face mask, not
shown. A bottom wall 46 seals the bore of the adapter 41 and
cooperates with the walls of the tube 12 surrounding the tapered
portion 43 of the adapter to seal the lumen 15 of the tube.
Excellent fluid communication between the discharge slots 44 and
the respiratory passage of the patient is achieved and the danger
that all or a portion of the discharge slots will be blocked, as
might be the case when the discharge openings are located in the
patient's mouth and throat region, is avoided.
In the foregoing embodiments discussed in connection with FIGS. 2,
3 and 4, it is necessary to insert the adapter 16 after insertion
of the inner portion 13 into the esophagus so as to avoid sealing
the lumen 15 prior to initiation of the esophageal intubation
procedure. Also, when utilizing the apparatus 11 of the present
invention for endotracheal intubation, it is preferred practice to
insert a conventional adapter in the tube, although the tube may be
used alone without an adapter. In another embodiment of the present
invention the adapter 16 is modified for use both as an adapter for
endotracheal intubation and for esophageal intubation eliminating
the necessity of exchanging adapters.
As is more specifically shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, the adapter 16"
comprises an outer sleeve 47 having a cylindrical portion 48 and a
tapered portion 49 adapted for part way insertion into the tube,
not shown. A flange 51 is disposed adjacent the end of the outer
sleeve 47 carried within the tube and extends normally inwardly to
block a portion of the bore of the sleeve 47 to define an
eccentrically disposed opening 52. A plurality of discharge slots
53 are disposed about the periphery of the outer sleeve 47.
The outer sleeve 47 may be formed integrally with the tube as it is
not necessary that the adapter 16 be removable in this embodiment
of the invention.
An inner sleeve 54, conforming substantially to the dimensions of
the bore of the outer sleeve, is rotatably positioned within the
outer sleeve and the bore of the inner sleeve defines the bore of
the adapter 16'. An O-ring or other suitable sealing means, not
shown, may be disposed between the inner sleeve 54 and the bore of
the outer sleeve 47 to provide a fluid tight seal therebetween. One
end of the inner sleeve 54 terminates adjacent the flange 51 of the
outer sleeve 47 and a portion 57 of the wall of the inner sleeve is
inwardly biased to form a member blocking a portion of the bore of
the inner sleeve and to define a restricted, eccentrically disposed
opening 58 at the end of the inner sleeve adjacent the flange 51 of
the outer sleeve 47. A bottom surface 60 is defined by the inwardly
biased wall portion 57 and the bottom surface is contiguous with
the upper surface of the flange 51 in one position and is disposed
across the opening 52 when the inner sleeve 54 is rotated. The
opposite end 58 of the inner sleeve 54 extends beyond the outer
sleeve 47 to provide a gripping surface for rotating the inner
sleeve and a point of connection of the adapter to a source of
fluid.
A plurality of openings 59 are provided in the periphery of the
inner sleeve 54. The openings 59 are longitudinally aligned with
the discharge slots 53 and radially positioned for alignment to
provide fluid communication through the discharge slots 53 and for
misalignment to close the discharge slots 53 when the inner sleeve
54 is rotated.
The inner sleeve 54 is restrained from longitudinal movement within
the outer sleeve 47 by a retainer ring 61 formed on the outer
surface of the inner sleeve which is snap fitted into an annular
recess 62 formed in the wall of the outer sleeve. Rotation of the
inner sleeve 54 is limited by an inwardly extending pin 63 carried
on the inner wall of the outer sleeve 47 which is received in a
peripheral guide slot 64 formed on the outer wall surface of the
inner sleeve so that rotation of the inner sleeve is permitted only
between a first position and a second position.
As illustrated in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, the adapter 16" is the
endotracheal mode with the openings 52 and 58 aligned so that the
bore of the adapter 16 is unsealed and the discharge slots 53 and
openings 59 misaligned and thereby closed. By rotating the inner
sleeve 54 until the pin 63 contacts the opposite edge of the slot
64, the adapter 16" is placed in the esophageal mode with the
openings 52 and 58 misaligned and the bottom surface 60 of the
inwardly sloped wall portion 57 of the inner sleeve 54 cooperating
with the flange 51 of the outer sleeve 47 to seal the bore of the
adapter 16. The discharge slots 53 of the outer sleeve 47 and the
openings 56 of the inner sleeve 54 are radially aligned so as to
permit fluid communication from the bore of the adapter to the
respiratory passages of the patient in the manner previously
described. Although not shown, a face mask is carried by the
extending portion of the outer sleeve.
From the foregoing, it can be seen that the apparatus of the
present invention is readily adapted to operate in endotracheal and
esophageal intubation, depending on the circumstances of the
patient and the skill and choice of the person performing the
intubation. During the insertion procedure, the patient's airway is
never closed, thereby avoiding the risk of asphyxiation during the
insertion procedure, particularly where the operator is not highly
skilled. When used in the esophageal mode, the reverse flow of
fluids through the lumen of the tube is prevented by the seal
carried by the adapter and the danger of aspiration of stomach
fluids into the lungs is avoided. Prior to removal of the tube,
stomach contents can be readily removed by insertion of a suction
catheter through the tubular body into the stomach. The same
apparatus is readily used for endotracheal intubation thereby
eliminating the necessity of stocking more than one type of
intubation apparatus.
The materials of construction of the apparatus of the present
invention are those conventionally used for conventional esophageal
and endotracheal intubators. The apparatus of the present invention
can be constructed so as to be sterilizable and reusable or can be
constructed so as to be disposable after a single use.
* * * * *