An endoscopy device for facilitating the use of an endoscope, comprising at least one airway tube and a mask carried at one end of the at least one airway rube, the mask having a distal end and a proximal end and a peripheral formation capable of conforming to, and of fitting within, the actual and potential space behind the larynx of the patient so as to form a seal around the circumference of the laryngeal inlet, the peripheral formation surrounding a hollow interior space or lumen of the mask and the at least one airway tube opening into the lumen of the mask, the device further comprising a conduit adapted for passage of an endoscope into the oesophagus of a patient when the mask is in place.

A medical device for the treatment of one or more sleep apnea disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea in a patient is provided. The device includes a scaffolding element positioned about a distal portion of an elongate shaft. The scaffolding element receives a volume of fluid to expand the scaffolding element to exert a force upon a soft palate and/or base of a tongue of a patient. The scaffolding element provides a helical breathing pathway when inserted into an airway of the patient and transitioned to an expanded state.

An endotracheal tube (ETT) system and methods are provided. In at least one example, an ETT system may comprise, a tube, inflatable cuff coupled to the tube, and a restrictor. In at least one example the restrictor may comprise one more cavities. In a further example, a restrictor drainage assembly may be coupled to the restrictor, the restrictor drainage assembly configured to drain secretions that may be collected at a collection point formed by the restrictor when the ETT system is positioned in an airway of a patient and in an inflated state.

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.

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.

A laryngeal mask airway (LMA) device includes a backplate, an inflatable balloon, an airway tube, and a non-inflatable skeleton, which extends anteriorly from the backplate, and which is shaped so as to define a skeleton anterior side that has a pre-formed shape. A distal end of an inflation tube is coupled in fluid communication with (i) an interior of the inflatable balloon for supplying air to the inflatable balloon, and (ii) at least a portion of the skeleton anterior side. The inflatable balloon is shaped so as to define an inflatable annular cuff which (a) covers at least a portion of the skeleton anterior side, and (b) has a cuff anterior side that is configured to form a seal around a laryngeal inlet of a patient when the inflatable annular cuff is disposed at an LMA-insertion location within a throat of the patient. Other embodiments are also described.

An airway device for human or animal use includes an airway tube having a first end and a second end, the first end of which is surrounded by a laryngeal cuff configured to fit over the laryngeal inlet of a patient when in situ. The first end of the airway tube is provided with an intubating ramp configured to direct a tube inserted through the airway tube into the laryngeal inlet of the patient when in situ.

Tracheal tube systems may include first and second tubes and an inflatable balloon. The first tube may be flexible and hollow and have first and second open ends. The inflatable balloon may be affixed to and circumferentially surround a portion of the first tube. The inflatable balloon may include an indentation sized and positioned to accommodate a portion of a second tube positioned therein, when the inflatable balloon is inflated. The second tube may be hollow and have a multiplicity of holes along a sidewall not in contact with the balloon. The second tube may be configured to be coupled to a suction device that creates a negative pressure in the second tube. When the tracheal tube system is inserted in a patient's trachea, the negative pressure in the second tube may act to remove, or suction out, fluids and other matter from the trachea.

Intubation devices and methods of intubating a patient are provided. The intubation devices include a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) component having a mask portion and a tube portion and an endotracheal tube (ETT) component positioned in the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) component having a translatable and/or rotatable endotracheal tube. The endotracheal tube can be translated and/or rotated by a manipulation rod extending through the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) component and mounted to the endotracheal tube (ETT). The intubation devices may include inflatable cuffs adapted to manipulate the positioning or orientation of the endotracheal tube and/or to seal openings about the endotracheal tubes. Various ports, passages, and conduits are provided to enhance the use and manipulation of the intubation device.

Systems and devices for monitoring, detecting, and removing fluid build-up found at various regions along a tracheal tube of an intubated patient. The fluid management system includes pressure and flow sensors for detecting whether there is fluid at the various regions along the tracheal tube, and a means for drawing out the fluid into collection jars. The system also includes lavage features that is able to rinse different the various regions along a tracheal tube. Also disclosed are respiration insertion devices that either couple to existing tracheal tubes or incorporate tracheal tubing, where the respiration insertion body has channels and ports that contact various regions along the tracheal tube. The combination of the fluid management system and the respiration insertion devices effectively monitor and remove fluid at various locations along a tracheal tube of an intubated patient.