According to an embodiment of the present invention, a ventilation monitoring device comprises at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code is configured with the at least one processor to cause the ventilation monitoring device to determine whether an intubated subject's tracheal tube is properly placed by receiving an indication of a subject's breath from at least one sensor.

An apparatus for monitoring EMG signals of a patient's laryngeal muscles includes an endotracheal tube having an exterior surface. Conductive electrodes are formed on the endotracheal tube. The conductive electrodes are configured to receive the EMG signals from the laryngeal muscles when the endotracheal tube is placed in a trachea of the patient. At least wireless sensor is formed on the endotracheal tube, and is configured to wirelessly transmit information to a processing apparatus.

An intubation and supraglottic airway medical device. The device includes an air tube for ventilation, and a tube for guiding a fiber-optic-probe-scope to the distal end of the device. The distal end of the device is configured with a balloon around the tube system and between a bottom plate and the tube system such that when inflated the distal end of the air-tube is moved and thereby positioning the air-tube distal opening in front of a laryngeal inlet. Additionally, the balloon forms a seal with the surrounding tissue. The device includes a drainage loop and an esophageal blocker preventing aspiration. The air tube distal end can include a lifting plate configured to lift an epiglottis when the balloon is inflated.

Medical apparatus are disclosed for optoacoustic monitoring of an indwelling unit of the apparatus, where the indwelling unit includes one or more optical components capable of directing pulsed light into an overlying tissue. The apparatus also include one or more acoustic components in contact with an exterior surface of the tissue to detect induced pressure waves producing an acoustic output analyzed with an optoacoustic unit to monitor and confirm proper placement of the indwelling unit. Methods for using the apparatus are also disclosed.

An apparatus for monitoring EMG signals of a patient's laryngeal muscles includes an endotracheal tube having an exterior surface and a first location configured to be positioned at the patient's vocal folds. A first electrode is formed on the exterior surface of the endotracheal tube substantially below the first location to receive EMG signals primarily from below the vocal folds. A second electrode is formed on the exterior surface of the endotracheal tube substantially above the first location to receive EMG signals primarily from above the vocal folds. The first and second electrodes are configured to receive the EMG signals from the laryngeal muscles when the endotracheal tube is placed in a trachea of the patient.

Devices and methods for allowing for improved assisted ventilation of a patient. The methods and devices provide a number of benefits over conventional approaches for assisted ventilation. For example, the methods and devices described herein permit blind insertion of a device that can allow ventilation regardless of whether the device is positioned within a trachea or an esophagus. In addition, the methods and device allow for timed delivery of ventilations based on a condition of a thoracic cavity to increase the amount and efficiency of blood flow during a resuscitation procedure.

An endotracheal tube system includes an endotracheal tube, a first expandable bag disposed on the endotracheal tube, and a second expandable bag surrounding the first expandable bag. The second expandable bag is configured to contain a contrast agent. The first expandable bag is disposed on a distal portion of the endotracheal tube.

An endotracheal tube positioning device includes a first Hall sensor, a second Hall sensor spaced a predetermined distance from the first Hall sensor, a converter, and an integrated circuit board electrically connecting the first Hall sensor and the second Hall sensor to the converter, wherein a position range is established for the device based on a symmetry of voltage readings provided from the first and second Hall sensors to the converter. An endotracheal tube positioning system includes an endotracheal tube having a magnet provided toward a distal tip end, an endotracheal tube positioning device having a first Hall sensor and a second Hall sensor, the positioning device configured to adhere to a skin surface, and a monitor for receiving data based on voltage values provided by the first and second Hall sensors, the data indicating a position of the magnet relative to the adhered position of the positioning device.

The present disclosure relates to an endotracheal intubation device (2, 3) comprising: a hollow endotracheal tube (2) having a proximal portion (4); a distal portion (5); and a flexible portion (6) located between the proximal portion and the distal portion, the flexible portion being more flexible than the proximal portion and the distal portion; and an intubation stylet (3) having a proximal part (10); a distal part (11); a bendable part (12) located between the proximal part and the distal part, configured for slidable insertion into an engagement position in the hollow endotracheal tube; and a flexion mechanism (13-18) configured to control deflection of the bendable part, the endotracheal intubation device configured such that the flexible portion of the endotracheal tube is substantially aligned with the bendable part of the intubation stylet in said engagement position. The disclosure further relates to an intubation stylet having a proximal part; a distal part; a bendable part located between the proximal part and the distal part, configured for slidable insertion into an engagement position in the hollow endotracheal tube; and a flexion mechanism configured to control deflection of the bendable part.

An apparatus for monitoring EMG signals of a patient's laryngeal muscles includes an endotracheal tube having an exterior surface and a first location configured to be positioned at the patient's vocal folds. A first electrode is formed on the exterior surface of the endotracheal tube substantially below the first location to receive EMG signals primarily from below the vocal folds. A second electrode is formed on the exterior surface of the endotracheal tube substantially above the first location to receive EMG signals primarily from above the vocal folds. The first and second electrodes are configured to receive the EMG signals from the laryngeal muscles when the endotracheal tube is placed in a trachea of the patient.