Abstract: An endoscopic bite block, with teeth position defining regions which guide the subject's teeth to grip the bite block in their natural position, with the teeth of the upper jaw positioned further out than the lower jaw teeth. These teeth position defining regions are also preferably curved to match the curved shape of the jaw. The upper and lower parts of the front plate of the bite block may also be positioned at different distances out, so that upper and lower lip regions both contact the front plate snuggly. The bite block may be used with separate oral/nasal cannulae, or may incorporate breath sampling or gas supply cannulae. A flexible flapped curtain at the outer end of the bite block may be provided to largely enclose the inner volume of the bite block to enable more accurate capnographic sampling under conditions of wide-open mouth breathing.

Abstract: Apparatuses useful in and methods for positioning of an endotracheal tube within an airway by allowing manual articulation of the endotracheal tube while a patient is being intubated. The apparatuses and methods are of particular use in intubating patients with unique anatomical conditions that make standard stylets inadequate for intubation. In one embodiment, an apparatus may comprise a stylet having a first end and a second end, with the second end of the stylet being insertable within a lumen of the endotracheal tube. First and second articulatable portions of the stylet may be independently articulated into respective primary and secondary arcuations to bend the endotracheal tube in conformance therewith as desired during the intubation procedure.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a sensor may be placed on a patient chest adjacent to a desired position of a distal end of a tracheal tube. The sensor may be configured to emit an electromagnetic field into the patient and detect perturbations to that field caused by the presence of the tracheal tube. As the tube is inserted within the trachea, the sensor may detect the tube when the distal end passes within range of the sensor, indicating that a proper insertion depth has been reached. In certain embodiments, multiple sensors may be placed along the chest adjacent to the trachea to determine a distance between the tube and an anatomical structure. The distance information may provide an indication as to whether the tracheal tube is properly placed within the trachea.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides systems and/or methods that facilitate improving visualization associated with intubation. A dynamical articulating laryngoscope can include a handle assembly and a blade assembly. The blade assembly can further include a main blade assembly, a proximal blade assembly, and a distal blade assembly. A medium control articulation point can couple the main blade assembly and the proximal blade assembly, and a fine control articulation point can couple the distal blade assembly and the proximal blade assembly. Further, the proximal blade assembly can pivot relative to the main blade assembly around the medium control articulation point and/or the distal blade assembly can pivot relative to the proximal blade assembly around the fine control articulation point. Pivoting about the medium control articulation point and/or the fine control articulation point can be effectuated by one or more blade control components.

Abstract: An endotracheal intubation assistance apparatus is adapted to assist in insertion of an endotracheal tube into the trachea of a patient, and includes a movable tubular stylet, a graspable controller, and a viewing device. The stylet has a leading section, a body section, a tail section, and two slits extending through the body section and the tail section. The tail section is divided by the slits into first and second driven sheets. The viewing device includes an elongate body and a viewing head. The elongate body and the viewing head are movable through the graspable controller, and are extendable outwardly from the leading section. When the first and second driven sheets move relative to each other, the leading section swings synchronously a distal end of the endotracheal tube and the viewing head.

Abstract: According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a bite block assembly adapted for capnography and oxygen delivery to a subject, the bite block assembly including a first capnography passageway adapted for passage therethrough of exhaled breath from the subject to a capnograph and a second oxygen delivery passageway, separate from the first passageway, adapted for passage therethrough of oxygen from an oxygen source to the mouth of the subject.

Abstract: A method of using an airway assembly in an airway generally comprises providing an airway assembly having an outer tube, an inner tube disposed coaxially with the outer tube, and a seal disposed on the inner tube. The seal is inserted into the airway. The seal is moved from a collapsed position to an expanded position where the seal engages the airway. Fluid is moved through the inner tube and the seal. An additional embodiment provides the airway assembly placed in a first status. The airway assembly is inserted into an airway when the airway assembly is in the first status. The outer tube is moved with respect to the inner tube to place the airway assembly in a second status. The outer tube is moved with respect to the inner tube to place the airway assembly in a third status.

Abstract: A continuous positive airway pressure system features a housing forming an airway chamber, and an air pressure inlet and an air pressure outlet. The housing further defines internally a pair of tapered air jets, and a pair of tapered air receivers. The air receivers are located downstream of the air supply jets and disposed coaxially with respective ones of the air supply jets. Each receiver has a taper in an opposite direction to the direction of the taper of the air supply jets. A pair of nasal prongs is located downstream of the air receiving jets.

Abstract: A headgear (200) for a respiratory mask (202) of a ventilator or CPAP device is provided. The headgear includes a strap portion (204, 206) formed of a substantially inextensible material. The strap portion has formed on one end thereof a connecting structure configured to connect to a mask of the ventilator or CPAP device. One advantage is that the mask will not or at least will be less inclined to lift off the face as mask pressure is increased.

Abstract: Apparatuses for guiding an endotracheal tube during intubation and associated methods of their use; the apparatuses formed to contain a plastic element able to hold deformations so as to conform the apparatus to the shape of a patient's endotracheal airway. The plastic element has sufficient give so as to minimize traumatic engagement with the inner surface of the airway lumen. Methods for using the apparatuses exploit indirect visualization where the person performing the intubation can shape the apparatuses so as to place the distal end into the field of view of the indirect visualization instrument even with minimal alignment of the patient's airway.

Abstract: A tracheal tube with a flat mouth and a side opening for trachea intubation is provided. The front end of the tracheal tube is a flat mouth with circular cross section. The tracheal tube has a side opening (2) and an air pocket (3). The inner diameter of the tracheal tube is 5 to 10 mm. A guide core for use with the tracheal tube is composed of a hemisphere, a front cylinder, a truncated cone and a rear cylinder. The hemisphere, front cylinder, truncated cone and rear cylinder of the guide core reach the trachea through glottis in turn during intubation, and then the tracheal tube reaches the trachea. Said tracheal tube and guide core avoid blocking the doctor' view, which greatly improving success ratio of intubation, and avoiding injury to the throat by the tracheal tube.

Abstract: Apparatuses for guiding an endotracheal tube during intubation and associated methods of their use; the apparatuses formed to contain a plastic element able to hold deformations so as to conform the apparatus to the shape of a patient's endotracheal airway. The plastic element has sufficient give so as to minimize traumatic engagement with the inner surface of the airway lumen. Methods for using the apparatuses exploit indirect visualization where the person performing the intubation can shape the apparatuses so as to place the distal end into the field of view of the indirect visualization instrument even with minimal alignment of the patient's airway.

Abstract: Hand operated articulated intubation stylet including an articulated stylet member with a link at its distal end, a L-shaped lever with a downward depending handle for tautening a flexible wire for flexing the link into a flexed positioned to form a hook-like configuration in the stylet member's side view, and a stopper mechanism mounted on the stylet member for stopping insertion of the stylet member into an endotracheal tube at a suitable position depending on the endotracheal tube's length. The handle and the link are on opposite sides of the stylet member such that a user conveniently operates the stylet with his fingers stretched out to grip the stylet member and his palm depressing the handle towards the stylet member to flex the stylet member's link into its flexed position for manipulating an endotracheal tube's outboard end for insertion into a patient's trachea.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention include an intubating stylette device and related methods of using such a device. In some cases, the stylette includes: a handle member having a base and a tip extending from the base, the handle for engaging a hand of an operator; a control member coupled to the tip of the handle member, the control member including at least one actuation member sized to engage with a finger from the hand of the operator; and a tube member coupled to the control member, the tube member including a tip that is movable between at least two positions when the at least one actuation member is moved from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: An airway intubation device having a one-piece molded body of biocompatible material with an ergonomically designed hand piece for left hand manipulation. The body includes a cap piece and linear-curved-linear insertion piece having a channel in one side thereof for insertion of an endotracheal tube. The channel has a wide entry portal disposed ahead of the hand piece so that a clinician may load the channel with a tube while the insertion piece is in the mouth of the patient without having to view the entry portal. The device includes illumination means and viewing means comprising an eye piece or a video display unit mounted to the cap piece so that a clinician can view the insertion of the tube between the vocal cords of a patient without contact.

Abstract: A medical device and a system and for dilating a stenotic airway of a patient are described. The medical device comprises a proximal end, a distal end, and a shaft system having an inflation lumen and a ventilation lumen the proximal end. The shaft system has a proximal shaft section and a distal shaft section. An inflatable balloon is attached to the distal shaft section in a position that is proximal to the distal end. The ventilating tip is distal to the balloon on the distal shaft section and has one or more radially facing openings. A method for treating a stenotic airway includes inserting the medical device into a patient's airway, and dilating and ventilating the airway.

Abstract: An oral airway for insertion into a mouth and pharynx of a patient to provide a breathing pathway and for cooperating with either an anesthesia breathing connector, a suction tube, or a nasal cannula. The oral airway includes a first tubular member, a second tubular member disposed within the first tubular member, and a connector configured to securely attach to both the first tubular member and the second tubular member. The connector includes a first portion in fluid communication with the first tubular member and a second portion in fluid communication with the second tubular member.

Abstract: The breathing assistance apparatus has a patient interface with a body section adapted to cover the nose, or nose and mouth of the patient. The apparatus includes a sealing interface, including at least an outer sealing member. The outer sealing member has a periphery that is attached to the body section in a sealing manner. The periphery is substantially rigid compared to the remainder of the outer sealing member. The outer sealing member is adapted to substantially seal around the facial contours of the patient to provide a sealed fluid communication to the respiratory tract of the patient. The sealing interface may also include an inner sealing member.

Abstract: A system and method for endotracheal intubation of airways are disclosed. A malleable stylet having a distal end and a proximal end, a charged coupled device (CCD) at the distal end and a transmitter, at or near the proximal end or connected to the proximal end of the stylet with connectors, transmits video to a visualization device comprising a receiver means, a display means, and a display support adapted to be worn on an operator in a position so that the operator can view the display with one eye while simultaneously viewing the airway directly. The display support is typically worn on the head of a physician. A second display can be worn by a student or observer. In some instances, the transmitter means and receiver means are wireless.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the presence or absence of a pulmonary embolism (PE) in a patient. The breathing gas CO2 partial pressure (PCO2) during the expiration of breathing gases by the patient, the end tidal (EtCO2), CO2 partial pressure, and the CO2 partial pressure (PaCO2) of the blood are measured. The volume (V) of breathing gases expired during the expiration of breathing gases by the patient is also measured and a relationship between changes in breathing gas CO2 partial pressure (PCO2) and changes in breathing gas volume (V) in an alveolar expiration phase of patient expiration is determined. The difference between the blood CO2 partial pressure (PaCO2) and the end expiration CO2 partial pressure is divided by the relationship between PCO2 and V produce a quantity which is compared to a threshold value. If the quantity is below the threshold value, the absence of a pulmonary embolism is indicated.

Abstract: A combination stylet and laryngotracheal anesthetizing cannula for insertion within an endotracheal tube during intubation, and which guides the endotracheal tube from its interior during insertion within the patient's trachea, in combination with more efficiently anesthetizing the insertion region both before and during such as the intubation procedure. An attachable vial contains a reservoir of a topical anesthetic or other pharmacological agent, and which attaches to an end of the flexible body in proximity to a stop lock shaped portion, in turn exhibiting an annular end abutment lip or shoulder which, upon insertion within the endotracheal tube, defines an inserting limit to the stylet and outer flexible body. The elongated flexible body defines further includes a narrowed distal extension associated with the topical anesthetizing cannula projecting beyond an end configuration of the main body and, to a limited degree, beyond the distal end of the endotracheal tube.

Abstract: A method for positioning a cannula for permanent implant through the orifice or tracheostoma in a fully aligned manner with the help of an inserter. The inner end or suprastomal extension of the cannula, upon withdrawing the inserter is vertically positioned in the supra-ostial area of the trachea, allowing, once the permanent cannula has been permanently positioned, the introduction of a perforated cannula having a characteristic curvature therethrough. The perforated cannula is oriented, through the lower aperture of the permanent cannula -1-, towards the interior of the lungs in order to allow insufflation of air from the exterior, while the exhaled air is derived through the vertical extension towards the larynx through the orifices disposed in the curvature elbow thereof.

Abstract: The cheek pocket anchor, formed of a resilient filament, fits within a user's cheek pouch. The anchor dynamically spans a user's inter-occlusal space and lip opening as a user's jaws open and close. The anchor can be formed of inter-connected, adjustable loops to enable user adjustment of its whole span. It can stabilize a work piece, such as an airway, in a user's mouth. The cheek path airway fits a path between a user's lips and through the user's cheek pouch and rear-jaw gap, avoiding the user's bite. It provides supplemental air to a user's rear-mouth cavity independently of a user's nasal airways while a user's lips remain closed. It can be used in combination with mandibular jaw-control and tongue-control devices whereby the combination mitigates breathing restrictions in a user's nasal and throat airways. It can be manufactured in-line and folded by a user to fit the user's cheek pathway.

Abstract: A device for aiding intubation of a patient comprising a generally ovular palate bridge having a flexible convex surface to allow the device to conform to a roof of a patient's mouth and a flexible concave surface to allow for space in the mouth for placement of an endotracheal tube or to clear an oral airway which is attached to a teeth guard to prevent dental trauma and an esophageal block to block aspiration from a patient's stomach into a patient's lungs and to prevent erroneous intubation.

Abstract: A respiratory muscle training device includes a chamber (1) containing a variable orifice valve assembly (3). An inlet (9) is provided at a first side of the valve assembly permitting air to be inhaled into the chamber, and an outlet (11) is provided at a second side of the valve assembly permitting air that has passed through the valve assembly to be inhaled by a user. A pressure sensor (7) determines a pressure differential across the valve assembly. Means is provided for determining the opening area of the valve assembly, and control means (15, 47, 49) is provided for varying the orifice of the valve assembly in dependence upon a pressure differential determined by the pressure sensor and upon an opening area of the valve assembly.

Abstract: Systems and methods for predicting potential difficult intubation of a subject acquire, using a facial structure analysis system, facial structure data of the subject. The systems and methods also extract, using facial structure analysis software of the facial structure analysis system, at least one facial structure variable value from the facial structure data and obtain a predicted potential difficult intubation value using an airway classification model and the at least one facial structure variable value. The systems and methods generate a report based on the predicted potential difficult intubation value.

Abstract: A medical device may include a bite guard assembly configured to restrict sliding movement of an elongated member relative to the bite guard assembly. The bite guard assembly may include a main portion including a mouthpiece. The main portion may include a surface defining a passageway for receipt of the elongated member therethrough. The bite guard assembly may also include a securing portion configured to restrict movement of the elongated member through the passageway and that is configured to be disposed between the surface and the elongated member.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a tracheal tube may employ optical sensing techniques for determining a distance between the inserted tube and an anatomical structure, such as a carina. The distance information may provide an indication as to whether or not the tracheal tube is properly placed within the trachea. The optical techniques may include time of flight techniques.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a tracheal tube may employ optical sensing techniques for determining a distance between the inserted tube and an anatomical structure such as a carina. The distance information may provide an indication as to whether or not the tracheal tube is properly placed within the trachea. The optical techniques may include interferometry.

Abstract: An automatic video instillator that can accurately and easily administer inhalation into an airway of an animal by providing images of a throat is provided. An automatic video instillator includes a case defining a space, a guide unit that protrudes frontward from the case to secure an airway of an animal by being inserted through a throat of the animal, an image pickup unit that is installed on a front end of the guide unit to capture images of portions in front of the guide unit, an administration unit that is installed through the case and the guide unit to administer an inhalation, an administration switch for adjusting administration of a predetermined amount of the inhalation directed to the administration unit into the airway of the animal, and an image display unit that is connected to the image pickup unit to allow a user to see the images captured by the image pickup unit.

Abstract: A tracheal tube assembly includes an outer cannula configured to be positioned in a patient airway and an inner cannula configured to be disposed inside the outer cannula. The tracheal tube assembly further includes a flange member secured about the outer cannula, and a connector coupled to a proximal end of the outer cannula. The connector is configured to provide a view of the inner cannula, and the inner cannula and the connector form a contiguous passageway for exchanging fluid with the patient airway in operation.

Abstract: Intubation is a potentially dangerous invasive procedure with many plausible errors, such as over-inflation of a cuff and insertion of an intubation tube in the wrong lumen, potentially resulting in a patient's internal bleeding, suffocation, or even death. An intubation aide according to example embodiments of the present invention allows intubation of a patient, while eliminating potential injury to the patient, increasing accuracy and reliability of the placement of the intubation tube, and drastically decreasing procedural time. Within moments of insertion of the device into a patient, the medical caregiver knows, with complete certainty, the location of the intubation device without applying traditional time-consuming tasks. Embodiments also provide patient safety, if intubated for a prolonged periods, by regulating an inflation pressure of the cuff. The intubation aide can also be used for training purposes and is ideal for intubation in hospital and field settings.

Abstract: A method of making a device by integrally molding. The device includes an inflatable mask comprising a relatively stiff component and a relatively soft compliant flexible component. The mask is insertable, at least when deflated, through a mouth of the patient to an inserted location within a patient. The inserted location is near a laryngeal inlet of the patient. The device also includes an airway tube and an evacuation tube coupled to the mask. The relatively soft compliant flexible component of the mask is integrally formed in a single moulding operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining a surgical airway and method for the same includes an elongated body insertable orally into a patient. The elongated body defines leading and trailing ends. An opening is defined through the leading and trailing ends, such that surgical equipment may be insertable through the opening of the elongated body. A securing member is connected to the trailing end. The securing member holds the elongated body in a position such that an airway remains open to treat the patient, while supporting oxygen flow to the patient.

Abstract: A bite block includes: a first wall defining a hole into which a conduit pipe is to be inserted; a second wall surrounding the first wall to define a flow path with the first wall; and a sample port communicating with the flow path.

Abstract: A tracheal tube apparatus includes a cannula having first and second ends. An inflatable cuff is formed on the cannula between the first and second ends. A conduit extends from the cuff for introducing an inflating fluid into the cuff when it is desired to inflate the cuff and removing inflating fluid from the cuff when it is desired to deflate the cuff. A gauge for indicating the inflation pressure of the cuff is coupled in the conduit.

Abstract: A method of intubating a subject is disclosed. The method comprises inserting an endotracheal tube into the tracheal airway of the subject; inflating a cuff associated with the endotracheal tube within the airway below the vocal cords; measuring a level of at least one measure being indicative of leakage of secretion past the cuff to the lungs; comparing the level of the measure with an optimal level of the measure; and adjusting inflation of the cuff based on the comparison so as to generally minimize leakage of secretion from above the cuff to the lungs, while minimizing pressure associated damages to the airway. The measure(s) can be carbon dioxide concentration, a proxy measure from which such concentration can be inferred, or the level of one or more additives delivered to a subject during intubation.

Abstract: An oral airway providing a patent airway to a patient, supplies oxygen to the patient and monitors expelled gases during endoscopic or intubating procedures. The oral airway includes a central lumen and two lateral breathing channels. A bracket at the proximal end of the oral airway functions to guide an oxygen supply line and an end tidal carbon dioxide monitoring line into the lateral breathing channels and to act as a barrier beyond which the airway cannot be inserted into the mouth of the patient. The airway has a straight main central lumen which serves as a guide and conduit to facilitate endoscope, bronchoscope, or fiber optic bronchoscope placement and manipulation.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus is characterized by an intubation-tube placement device; and an intubation tube secured to the intubation-tube placement device. In another embodiment, an apparatus is characterized by an intubation-tube placement device; and an anti-perforation device coupled to the intubation-tube placement device. In another embodiment, an apparatus is characterized by an intubation-tube placement device; and at least one tactile-accentuator flap coupled to the intubation-tube placement device. In another embodiment, an apparatus is characterized by an intubation-tube placement device; and a handle affixed to the intubation-tube placement device.

Abstract: Many embodiments of an airway assembly and methods of using an airway assembly are disclosed. In one embodiment, an airway assembly includes an outer tube, an inner tube disposed coaxially with the outer tube, and a seal disposed on the inner tube. The seal is movable between a collapsed position and an expanded position where the seal engages an airway. Another embodiment is an airway assembly that includes an outer tube having a proximal portion and a distal portion, and an inner tube disposed coaxially with the outer tube. The inner tube has a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal portion of the outer tube has an outer diameter that is larger than an outer diameter of the distal portion of the outer tube.

Abstract: A laryngeal tube comprising a tubular component and a nozzle having a central cavity, an anterior opening and a tongue at least partially covering the central cavity. In one example, the laryngeal tube has a first lumen to deliver gases to a patient and a fluid barrier supported by the nozzle. In other examples, the laryngeal tube may include additional lumens including a service lumen to perform a function associated with the thorax and an inflation lumen to inflate the fluid barrier.

Abstract: An inflatable balloon cuff may be adapted to seal a patient's trachea when associated with an endotracheal tube. These cuffs may include indicia that facilitate attachment of the cuff relative to the tube to reduce manufacturing variability for such characteristics as rotational and length alignment. Such indicia may include protrusions that are formed in the wall of the cuff collars or may include visual indicators, e.g., colorimetric or shape-wise indicators. Cuffs with improved attachment relative to the tube may have increased sealing performance.

Abstract: A medical stabilization device that directs medical tubing onto a compressible foam block where it is attached and stabilized to the patient's body allowing it to be secured against excessive movement, tube dislodgement and positioned in a time efficient manner to prevent obstruction of patient treatment.

Abstract: The self-cleaning and sterilizing endotracheal and tracheostomy tube may include a combination of an endotracheal tube or a tracheostomy tube and a suction catheter that decreases the tendency of mucus and bacteria to adhere to the inner surfaces of the thereof. The endotracheal tube and the catheter may have a hydrophobic surface exhibiting the lotus effect, which may be formed either by femtosecond laser etching or by a coating of ploy (ethylene oxide). Alternatively, the endotracheal tube and the catheter may have a lumen coated with a photocatalyst. The endotracheal tube may also have a light source and a fiberoptic bundle mounted thereon, the optical fibers extending into the lumen to illuminate the photocatalyst.

Abstract: A training device for diaphragmal breathing exercises, the device including (a) a beaker having a substantially cylindrical shape, with a bottom on one end and an opening on the other end; (b) an inner chamber within the beaker, the inner chamber having a bottom end and an open end on the same side as the open end of the beaker; (c) a lid having inner and outer circumferential ridges, wherein the lid fittingly mounts over the open end of beaker using an outer ridge and fittingly mounts over the inner chamber using the inner ridge; and (d) the lid further having a tubular coupling portion. A breathing tube is fittingly coupled to the tubular coupling portion on one end. A mouthpiece mounted on the other end of the breathing tube. The bottom end of the inner chamber has a stepped shape with a plurality of openings on each step. The lid has a plurality of openings.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube placement system and method is provided including a placement-assistive handle, an oral anchor, a mechanized advancer, a video system, an endotracheal tube lock, an endotracheal tube manipulator, and an endotracheal tube stabilizer. The endotracheal tube is slipped over the endotracheal tube manipulator and is secured by the endotracheal tube lock. The placement-assistive handle houses the power supply, provides a foundation for attachment of other elements of the invention, and provides control of the tube placement. Attached to the handle is the mechanized advancer, which propels the endotracheal tube lock, endotracheal tube manipulator, and the endotracheal tube forward. The oral anchor comprises a bite block and mouth rest, and is attached to the ET supportive sheath-like ET stabilizer. The integrated video system comprises a video camera, a light source, and an LCD screen held by a swivel base.

Abstract: A system for unilateral lung ventilation includes an endotracheal tube and a blocking device for blocking the bronchus of a non-ventilated lung to prevent a ventilation medium from entering the lung. The blocking device includes an inflatable member supported by a catheter having an inflation lumen for inflating the inflatable member. The catheter includes at least one lung treatment lumen for delivering a therapeutic agent to the non-ventilated lung. An inner channel within the main channel and a side branch provide a guideway for the blocking device within the tube. A valve may be included to close the side branch when the blocking device is removed from the inner channel for parallel flow of ventilating gas in the main and inner channels. A method of using the system provides for ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) matching by respectively delivering cooled air and nitric oxide to the non-ventilated and ventilated lungs.

Abstract: A cushion for a patient interface includes two or more bladders arranged in concentric relation. Each of the bladders includes a face-contacting portion adapted to engage the patient's face, and each of the bladders is adapted to be pressurized independently from one another. At least one of the bladders is an active bladder that is pressurized to at least a sealing pressure to form a continuous seal with the patient's face in use.

Abstract: A continuous positive airway pressure system features a housing forming an airway chamber, and an air pressure inlet and an air pressure outlet. The housing further defines internally a pair of tapered air jets, and a pair of tapered air receivers. The air receivers are located downstream of the air supply jets and disposed coaxially with respective ones of the air supply jets. Each receiver has a taper in an opposite direction to the direction of the taper of the air supply jets. A pair of nasal prongs is located downstream of the air receiving jets. Each receiver comprises a hemispherical section that is oriented at an angle off the center line of the supply.

Abstract: A fiberoptic intubating device is provided which permits visualization of the vocal cords and automatic deployment of an endotracheal tube into the trachea upon visualization. The device includes a housing, a handle extending from the housing, and an extendable and retractable stylet extending from the distal end generally in parallel with the longitudinal axis. The device also includes a support member disposed on the housing that is configured to support the endotracheal tube with respect to the housing and to be selectively movable in the longitudinal direction relative to the housing. The device is configured to automatically move the stylet relative to the housing upon actuation of a trigger. Once the stylet is positioned relative to the vocal cords, the device is configured to deploy the endotracheal tube into the trachea upon further actuation of the trigger.