Abstract: A laryngeal mask apparatus includes a mask portion, a breathing tube and a suction tube. The suction tube is adapted for connection to a suction-producing device. The suction tube further includes suction ports that suck fluids and secretions from the patient's hypopharyngeal region when suction is created within the interior of the suction tube. The breathing tube is adapted for connection to a ventilating system. Air flows through the breathing tube and into the mask portion. A capillary tube is positioned within the interior of the suction tube. When the mask portion is positioned within a patient's throat and suction is created within interior of the suction tube, the suction ports suck the fluids and secretions in the patient's hypopharyngeal region. At the same time, the suction tube and capillary tube cooperate to provide a stream of air that decreases the direct suction forces on the mucosa of the patient's throat that are caused by the suction ports.

Abstract: A laryngeal mask apparatus to ventilate a patient and also suck in fluids and secretions in the patient's hypopharyngeal region. The laryngeal mask apparatus has a mask, a flexible breathing tube in communication with the mask and a suction tube which has a plurality of suctioning ports that face the back of the patient's throat when the mask is inserted into the patient's throat. When suction is created within the suction tube, fluids and secretions in the patient's hypopharyngeal region are sucked into the plurality of suction ports. The laryngeal mask apparatus also has a flexible air capillary tube positioned within the interior of the suction tube to provide an air flow that decreases the direct suction forces on the mucosa of the patient's throat that are caused by the suction of the plurality of suction ports.

Abstract: A medical apparatus having a nasogastric tube with hypopharyngeal suctioning capability. In one embodiment, the medical apparatus has a flexible nasogastric tube for insertion through a patient's nose. The nasogastric tube has a first end defining a first opening, a distal, second end that defines a second opening, and a length sufficient to allow the second opening to be positioned in a patient's stomach. The medical apparatus also has a flexible oropharyngeal tube for insertion through a patient's mouth. The oropharyngeal tube has a first end defining a first opening and a distal, second end that defines a suction intake. The oropharyngeal tube has a length that is less than the length of the nasogastric tube and which allows the suction intake to be positioned in a patient's hypopharynx region.