Means for performing an emergency cricothyrotomy
First Claim
1. An emergency cricothyrotomy trocar assembly enclosed within a functional capsular package, said assembly comprising stylet means having a short fluted shaft terminating in a lancet having at least one elongated cutting knife edge, a straight and unobstructed tube means surrounding said shaft and forming a cannula removably mounted on and deployed by said stylet cutting and penetrating the skin of a throat and a cricothyroid membranne while passing into a trachea, the flutes forming an immediate air passage during insertion while the stylet is still in the cannula, and means on said stylet and cannula for flaring the intratracheal end of the cannula to provide a self-retention means for securing the cannula within the trachea after said stylet is completely withdrawn from said cannula.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A self-contained, presterilized trocar assembly, with an outer cannula and cutting stylet, is just long enough to penetrate the skin of the throat and the cricothyroid membrane and reach the posterior third of the lumen of an average adult trachea. Its short length and self-limiting penetration preclude damage to surrounding tissues. The cannula retains its intratracheal position by a flaring of its distal end after insertion and during a final stage in the deployment. This device enables an unassisted person operating in extreme emergency conditions to establish, quickly and safely, an emergency percutaneous transtracheal airway for a choking person. The tissue damage resulting from the application of the device is minimal, and the incision can be closed with surgical tape.
32 Citations
9 Claims
- 1. An emergency cricothyrotomy trocar assembly enclosed within a functional capsular package, said assembly comprising stylet means having a short fluted shaft terminating in a lancet having at least one elongated cutting knife edge, a straight and unobstructed tube means surrounding said shaft and forming a cannula removably mounted on and deployed by said stylet cutting and penetrating the skin of a throat and a cricothyroid membranne while passing into a trachea, the flutes forming an immediate air passage during insertion while the stylet is still in the cannula, and means on said stylet and cannula for flaring the intratracheal end of the cannula to provide a self-retention means for securing the cannula within the trachea after said stylet is completely withdrawn from said cannula.
Specification