Easy intubator

• US 5,287,848 A
• Filed: 05/21/1993
• Issued: 02/22/1994
• Est. Priority Date: 09/30/1991
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Intubation Plus Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Anthony Cubb, Natalie Landy
• Inventors: Cubb, Anthony, Landy, Natalie
• Primary Examiner(s): Millin, Vincent
• Assistant Examiner(s): Passaniti, Sebastiano
• Application Number:
  US08/064,677
• Time in Patent Office: 277 Days
• Field of Search: 128/6, 128/10-13, 128/16, 128/18, 128/22, 128/200.26
• US Class Current: 128/200.26
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0434 Cuffs
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0486 Multi-lumen tracheal tubes
• 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

Abstract

The invention depicts an instrument for medical use which facilitates and simplifies elective or emergency endotracheal intubation, to be used when indicated for ventilatory support. The invention consists of a one piece instrument, inclusive of an upper handle portion and curved lower blade portion made of a hard plastic material, fully disposable if desired, which allows suction capabilities as well as direct visualization of the vocal cords and larynx for accurate endotracheal intubation. The endotracheal tube is preloaded into one of the bored chambers of the embodiment of the invention. In addition, a second port is available which may be connected at the top of the device to equipment for suctioning, eliminating the need for a suction catheter. Direct visualization of the vocal cords, larynx, and upper airways is accomplished through fiberoptic bundles which bring the images to an eyepiece at the top handle portion of the device. The endotracheal tube can be safely advanced from a close proximity to the upper airways, through the vocal cords, followed by inflation of the balloon located in the endotracheal tube cuff. The plastic intubator may be slipped in an upward direction over the endotracheal tube, removed, and discarded. The process of intubation is completed and accomplished under direct visualization of anatomical structures throughout the procedure. Benefits are increased rapidity, minimal trauma, accuracy, enhanced safety, and minimal operator training. Further eliminated are the trial and error characteristics of blind procedures.

Claims