Endotracheal tube system and method of use

• US 7,140,370 B2
• Filed: 04/21/2004
• Issued: 11/28/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 04/21/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Chrickemil LLC
• Original Assignee: Chrickemil LLC
• Inventors: Tresnak, Emil J., Tresnak, Rick J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Bennett, Henry
• Assistant Examiner(s): BUNIN, ANDREW M
• Application Number:
  US10/829,033
• Publication Number:
  US 20050235995A1
• Time in Patent Office: 951 Days
• Field of Search: 128/207.14, 128/202.22, 128/205.13, 128/203.28, 128/205.23, 128/202.27, 128/200.26, 128/203.11, 128/205.24, 128/207.16, 128/204.28, 128/205.17, 600/532
• US Class Current: 128/207.14
• 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. 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 recessed within the adapter so as to be protected from damage by the stylet; and

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

2. The combination of claim 1 further comprising a handle attached to the stylet to facilitate removal of the stylet from the endotracheal tube and the adapter.

3. The combination of claim 2 wherein the handle interfaces with the second tube to form a seal.

4. The combination of claim 1 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.

5. 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 recessed within the adapter, and stylet extending through the endotracheal tube and through 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.

6. The method of claim 5 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.

7. The method of claim 5 further comprising the step engaging the bag-valve mask for one ventilation cycle.