Endotracheal tube system and method of use

• US 20050235995A1
• Filed: 04/21/2004
• Published: 10/27/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 04/21/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Chrickemil LLC
• Original Assignee: Chrickemil LLC
• Inventors: Tresnak, Emil J., Tresnak, Rick J.
• Granted Patent: US 7,140,370 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 128/207.140
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0434 Cuffs
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0463 combined with suction tubes, catheters or the like; Outside connections
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0484 at the distal end
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0488 Mouthpieces; Means for guiding, securing or introducing the tubes guiding or introducing with laryngoscopes A61B1/267; holding devices on the body A61M25/02
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2016/0413 with detectors of CO2 in exhaled gases

Abstract

An improved endotracheal tube system and method of use is provided. The improved endotracheal tube system includes a standard endotracheal tube, an adapter with a first tube that may be positioned within an endotracheal tube and a second tube adapted for attachment to a bag-valve mask. The adapter has a CO₂ detector within it. The improved endotracheal tube system may also have a stylet positioned within the endotracheal tube and the adapter. The stylet may have a handle attached to it for easy removal from the adapter.

Claims

1. An adapter to be placed between an endotracheal tube and bag-valve mask, the adapter comprising:

a first tube for attachment to an endotracheal tube and a second tube for attachment to a bag-valve mask;

a carbon dioxide indicator mounted on an exterior portion of the second tube and being in gaseous communication with the endotracheal tube, and isolated from the atmosphere.

2. The adapter of claim 1 wherein the first tube has a tapered insertion end for fitting within an end of the endotracheal tube.

3. The adapter of claim 1 wherein the first and second tubes are axially aligned.

4. The adaptor of claim 1 wherein the second tube has an orifice, and the carbon dioxide indicator covers the orifice, and further comprising a casing isolating the carbon dioxide indicator from the atmosphere.

7. The adapter of claim 4 wherein the carbon dioxide indicator surrounds the second tube over the orifice.

8. The adapter of claim 1 wherein the carbon dioxide indicator is a chemically treated colorimetric indicator paper.

9. The adapter of claim 4 wherein the casing is a clear ring.

10. The adapter of claim 9 wherein the clear ring has a C-shaped cross section defining a channel for receiving the carbon dioxide indicator.

5-6. -6. (canceled)

11. A combination comprising:

an endotracheal tube;

an adapter having a first tube attached to the endotracheal tube and a second tube for attachment to a bag-valve mask;

a stylet placed within the endotracheal tube and the adapter to provide temporary rigidity to the endotracheal tube;

a carbon dioxide indicator on the adapter; and

the endotracheal tube, adaptor, carbon dioxide indicator and stylet being pre-assembled and packaged as an assembly.

12. The combination of claim 11 further comprising a handle attached to the stylet to facilitate removal of the stylet from the endotracheal tube and the adapter.

13. The combination of claim 12 wherein the handle interfaces with the second tube to form a seal.

14. (canceled)

15. The combination of claim 14 further comprising an orifice in the perimeter of the second tube, the carbon dioxide indicator covering the orifice, and further comprising a casing isolating the carbon dioxide indicator from the atmosphere.

16. (canceled)

17. A method of placing an endotracheal tube within a patient and testing for placement within the patient'"'"'s trachea, the method comprising:

providing a pre-assembled and packaged endotracheal tube, adapter attached to the endotracheal tube, carbon dioxide indicator, and stylet extending through the endotracheal tube and the adapter;

placing the pre-assembled endotracheal tube and stylet within the patient;

removing the stylet from the endotracheal tube and the adapter;

placing a bag-valve mask upon the adapter;

ventilating the patient; and

determining proper placement of the endotracheal tube within the patient'"'"'s trachea by observing the carbon dioxide indicator.

19. The method of claim 17 further comprising:

providing a handle attached to the stylet and interfaced with the adapter to form an air-tight seal;

gripping the endotracheal tube with one hand and pulling the handle to remove the stylet.

20. The method of claim 17 further comprising the step engaging the bag-valve mask for one ventilation cycle.

18. (canceled)