The present invention relates generally to medical devices, methods, and kits. More particularly, the present invention relates to improved endotracheal tubes or patient ventilation tubes which prevent the leakage of proximal secretions to the distal airways.

A subglottic suctioning system with a tracheal tube having a ventilation lumen, a cuff inflation lumen, and a suction lumen are disclosed which may help reduce the incidence of ventilator associated (or acquired) pneumonia. The suction lumen communicates with the space in the trachea above the cuff where secretions accumulate. The suction lumen has a valve on the proximal end for connection to a source of vacuum. The valve is adapted to interrupt the supply of vacuum to the suction lumen to allow for the introduction of a rinsing fluid in its place and to automatically re-establish the connection to the source of vacuum upon completion of rinsing. The rinsing fluid aids in maintaining an open suction lumen and may include medicaments and mucolytic agents to enhance or promote healing or to alter the properties of the mucus to make removal easier. The user may easily and repeatedly alternate suction and rinsing fluid through the suction lumen, i.e., the user may pulse the line to loosen, break up and remove secretions and deposits that may partially or completely block or clog the suction lumen.

A laryngeal mask apparatus includes a mask portion, a breathing tube and a suction tube. The suction tube is adapted for connection to a suction-producing device. The suction tube further includes suction ports that suck fluids and secretions from the patient's hypopharyngeal region when suction is created within the interior of the suction tube. The breathing tube is adapted for connection to a ventilating system. Air flows through the breathing tube and into the mask portion. A capillary tube is positioned within the interior of the suction tube. When the mask portion is positioned within a patient's throat and suction is created within interior of the suction tube, the suction ports suck the fluids and secretions in the patient's hypopharyngeal region. At the same time, the suction tube and capillary tube cooperate to provide a stream of air that decreases the direct suction forces on the mucosa of the patient's throat that are caused by the suction ports. The laryngeal mask apparatus includes a scope tube having an interior and an inner tube disposed within the interior of the scope tube. The inner tube is sized for receiving a gastric tube.

An irrigating intraluminal suction inner cannula system for a tracheostomy tube may be a suction-powered system that may be used for suction alone or a combination of rinse and intraluminal suction for tracheostomy tubes in place of conventional catheter-based intraluminal suction. An inner cannula includes chambers, or regions, and holes that facilitate intraluminal suction and cleaning at multiple locations within the tracheostomy tube. It may be applied/actuated by a patient, healthcare worker, caretaker, or via an electronic system either on-demand or on regular or triggered intervals, in either inpatient/hospital or outpatient/ambulatory care setting.

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.

Provided is an endotracheal tube, which comprises a baffle, an endotracheal tube body and a pharyngeal suction catheter and is integrally formed. The pharyngeal suction catheter is fixedly connected with an outer wall of the endotracheal tube body. One end of the pharyngeal suction catheter is bent to form a front bent portion, a port of the front bent portion is closed and a side wall of the front bent portion is provided with two suction ports. In the case of oral endotracheal intubation, the pharyngeal suction catheter is introduced to the bottom of the pharynx as the endotracheal tube body is inserted into the weasand, and the pharyngeal suction catheter can stay there for a long period of time, enabling high efficiency of removal of pharyngeal secretions, the reduction of discomfort and adsorption injury of the patient, and the reduction of nursing workload.

A tracheal/endotracheal device that has an integrated system for removing mucins and similar infectious secretions. The tracheal/endotracheal device has several channels. One channel delivers air to a patient's lungs. At least two other channels cooperate to deliver a mist of antiseptic ingredients to an area in the trachea and to suction away the mist and any mucins and secretions. The mist and bodily fluids captured by the suctioning channel are delivered to a collection vessel outside of the trachea.

Intubation devices, systems, and methods in which the risk of leakage of nasopharyngeal secretions, esophageal reflux, and blood is reduced, or eliminated, by means of a backflow pressure gradient that is independent of PEEP. Contemplated configurations include (a) a flexible tube for the controlled delivery of air and other gases to the lungs, (b) distal and proximal inflatable seals that can close the annular space surrounding the tube, (c) means to inflate the seals, and (d) means to deliver gas under pressure to the annular chamber in between the two seals. Further configurations further comprise a processor and sensors, and methods are provided for automated backflow of contaminated fluids.

The present invention relates to a novel tracheal cannula (10), which allows patients to speak who receive artificial respiration with compressed-air. The tracheal cannula according to the invention makes this possible without the risk that saliva or stomach content is aspirated and without the occurrence of a loss of pressure during the respiration. This is achieved by an embodiment of the cannula having a separated speaking conduit (12) and respiration conduit (11). Furthermore, the invention relates to a speaking respiration system that can be connected to the tracheal cannula of the present invention, and that when used in a patient monitors and controls the respiration of the patient, and simulates an artificial exhalation that enables the tracheostomized patient to speak.

A fenestrated tracheostomy tube has a shaft (1) made of a silicone or other soft material. The fenestrated region (10) located in the trachea (20) has two rows of several openings (11) along the center line of the tube. The openings (12) are formed in a separate plate (12) of a stiffer material bonded or moulded in an aperture (13) in the shaft (1) of the tube to give the shaft extra stiffness in this region.