APPARATUS FOR MAINTAINING A SURGICAL AIRWAY AND METHOD OF THE SAME

• US 20100101567A1
• Filed: 12/18/2007
• Published: 04/29/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 12/18/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Russ Hauge
• Original Assignee: Russ Hauge
• Inventors: Hauge, Russ
• Granted Patent: US 8,443,797 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 128/200.260
• 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 16/0493 with means for protecting the tube from damage caused by the patient's teeth, e.g. bite block
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0495 with tongue depressors
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0497 Tube stabilizer
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/085 Gas sampling
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2230/432 partial CO2 pressure (P-CO2)

Abstract

An apparatus for maintaining a surgical airway and method for the same includes an elongated body insertable orally into a patient. The elongated body defines leading and trailing ends. An opening is defined through the leading and trailing ends, such that surgical equipment may be insertable through the opening of the elongated body. A securing member is connected to the trailing end. The securing member holds the elongated body in a position such that an airway remains open to treat the patient, while supporting oxygen flow to the patient

Claims

1-3. -3. (canceled)

5-15. -15. (canceled)

16. An apparatus for maintaining a surgical airway orally through a patient, comprising:

an elongated body insertable orally into a patient, the elongated body including

a first end and a second end,

one of the first or second ends defining a lead end insertable orally into a patient, the other of the first and second ends defining a trailing end,

the elongated body including an opening disposed through the elongated body and between the lead and trailing ends,

the opening extending through the lead and trailing ends,

the opening including one main opening and at least one distinct flow channel formed within the opening,

the main opening is configured to enable insertion of surgical equipment therethrough for use in treatment of the patient and the at least one distinct flow channel is configured to support airflow to or from the patient.

17. The apparatus according to claim 29, wherein the securing member comprises a resilient strap supportable on the elongated body and configured to be dressed around a head or lower neck of the patient.

18. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the resilient strap includes a plurality of securing holes, so that the resilient strap is removably attached with the elongated body.

19. The apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising an access disposed proximate the trailing end, the access is configured for accessing the main opening of the elongated body, the access including an extended portion that extends outward from the trailing end and is configured to extend externally of the mouth of the patient.

20. The apparatus according to claim 29, further comprising at least one securing member support, the securing member support engageable with the securing member so as to hold the elongated body in a position such that an airway of the patient remains open.

21. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the securing member support is a protrusion extending outward from the trailing end in the same direction as the extended portion.

22. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the at least one flow channel is deliverable of oxygen to the patient, so as to maintain oxygen level to the patient during operating or surgical procedures.

23. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the at least one flow channel is receivable for carbon dioxide from the patient, so as to enable monitoring an end tidal carbon dioxide of the patient.

24. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the at least one flow channel comprises two flow channels formed within the opening of the elongated body, the flow channels are disposed adjacent to the main opening and proximate sides of inner surfaces the elongated body.

25. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the at least one flow channel is a flow channel deliverable of oxygen to the patient, and another flow channel receivable of carbon dioxide from the patient.

26. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the elongated body is fowled of an injection molded material and formed as a single piece integrally molded structure.

27. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the elongated body including an arching portion proximate the leading end, the arching portion comprising an overcurve and an undercurve, the overcurve configured to contact the upper ridge of the mouth of the patient at the hard palate and just before the soft palate, and the undercurve configured to contact the tongue of the patient, wherein the arching portion enabling the elongated body to maintain the tongue of the patient in a posterior position.

28. The apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the arching portion is constructed of a length, so as to extend into the soft palate while preventing a gag reflex by the patient when the elongated body is inserted.

29. The apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising a flange disposed proximate the trailing end of the elongated body, the flange being configured so as not to enter a mouth of the patient when the elongated body is inserted into the patient.

30. The apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising a securing member connected to the trailing end, wherein the securing member configured to hold the elongated body in a position, such that an airway of the patient remains open when the elongated body is orally inserted into the patient.