Abstract: An artificial airway device to facilitate the ventilation of the lungs of an unconscious patient and permitting access to the patient's oesophagus consists of a hollow tube which is left open at both ends having an aperture providing fluid communication between the interior and exterior of said tube disposed at a position between its ends. The tube is provided with an inflatable cuff on one side of the aperture for providing a seal in the patient's pharynx and an inflatable cuff at the end of the tube on the opposite side of the aperture to the inflatable cuff for providing a seal in the patient's oesophagus and also releasably closing the end of the tube.