Abstract: Various embodiments of an tracheal tube having a sensor coupled to a selectively permeable membrane are provided. In some embodiments, the membrane may be permeable to one or more blood gases and/or blood analytes. Certain embodiments of the endotracheal tube may be capable of deploying the sensor during intubation to sense one or more indicators of blood flow characteristics, such as a level of blood gases and/or blood analytes, in the respiratory tract. Embodiments of the present invention may include positioning of the sensor in a variety of suitable positions with respect to the permeable membrane, such as mounting the sensor to the underside of an inflatable permeable membrane.

Abstract: A tracheal dilator system and method of manufacture are provided, suitable for dilating a passageway into a patient airway. In one embodiment, a tracheal tube is provided. The tracheal tube includes a dilator retrieval tip disposed on a distal end of a tracheal tube cannula. The dilator retrieval tip is configured to retrieve a tracheal dilator configured to enter through the distal end of the tracheal tube and exit through a proximal end of the tracheal tube.

Abstract: A reverse dilator system and method are provided, suitable for dilating a passageway into a patient airway. In one embodiment, a tracheal intubation system is provided. The tracheal intubation system includes a reverse dilator. The reverse dilator includes a shaft and a resizable portion disposed on a distal portion of the shaft. The reverse dilator is configured to dilate a tracheal passageway leading into an airway from inside the airway.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an tracheal tube having a sensor coupled to a selectively permeable membrane are provided. In some embodiments, the membrane may be permeable to one or more blood gases and/or blood analytes. Certain embodiments of the endotracheal tube may be capable of deploying the sensor during intubation to sense one or more indicators of blood flow characteristics, such as a level of blood gases and/or blood analytes, in the respiratory tract. Embodiments of the present invention may include positioning of the sensor in a variety of suitable positions with respect to the permeable membrane, such as mounting the sensor to the underside of an inflatable permeable membrane.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a tracheal tube having a sensor disposed on a non-sealing portion of a cuff are provided. Certain embodiments of the tracheal tube may be capable of deploying the sensor during intubation to sense one or more indicators of blood flow characteristics, such as a level of blood gases and/or blood analytes, in the respiratory tract. The sensor on the cuff may be configured to deploy upon inflation of the cuff and to return to its predeployment position upon deflation of the cuff. The sensor may be further adapted to abut the tracheal mucosa of a patient or not contact the tracheal wall at all during deployment.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a tracheal tube having a mechanically deployable sensor are provided. Certain embodiments of the tracheal tube may be capable of mechanically deploying the sensor during intubation to sense one or more indicators of blood flow characteristics, such as a level of blood gases and/or blood analytes, in the respiratory tract. The mechanically deployable sensor may be configured to abut the tracheal mucosa of a patient or not contact the tracheal wall at all during deployment. The sensor may be further adapted to remain in a recess disposed in the tracheal tube prior to deployment and exit the recess when acquiring measurements.