Abstract: An endotracheal tube comprised of a tube for placement in the trachea having an inflatable cuff for sealing the trachea on one end and a standard connector adaptor on the other end for securing a breathing tube to supply a gas, such as air, to a patient. A retainer is provided in the form of at least one pair of retaining tabs integrally secured to the exterior surface of the endotracheal tube near the connector end. The tabs are constructed to wrap securely around the tube when not in use, with their respective ends being fastened to one another. To secure the endotracheal tube to a patient after insertion in the trachea, the retaining tabs are unwrapped and a flexible headband is secured to the free ends of the tabs around the head of the patient. Up to two and possibly three sets of retaining tabs are contemplated and may be integrally formed in the exterior surface of the tube.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the inflation and deflation of a balloon or cuff on an endotracheal tube comprised of a synchronizing valve connecting a gas supply to the cuff of the tube. The valve is in turn connected to pilot pressure from a volume ventilating pump which supplies oxygen-containing gas to the endotracheal tube. The pilot pressure from the volume ventilating pump operates the valve at the beginning of the inspiration cycle to inflate the cuff to a pressure controlled by an adjustable pressure regulator between a gas supply and the valve. During the expiration cycle the valve closes to connect the cuff to an exhaust to deflate the cuff to a predetermined minimum temperature controlled by another adjustable regulator. In this manner, inflation of the cuff and deflation of the cuff is synchronized with operation of the volume ventilating pump through the synchronizing control valve means.