LARYNGEAL MASK

Abstract

Laryngeal mask comprising a dome and a connecting channel configured to produce the artificial ventilation of a patient, wherein the laryngeal mask further comprises an inlet of a gastric aspiration tube, said inlet being located at a distal end of said dome, on the side wall of this dome, wherein said inlet is configured to absorb any gastric secretions from the patient's oesophagus, wherein the laryngeal mask comprises at least a non-return valve located at the distal end of the dome, wherein the valve comprises at least two flexible membranes configured to allow fluid to flow in a single direction from the outside to the inside of the dome, wherein the pipes of the connecting channel connecting the dome with the artificial respirator outside have in their section a geometric configuration classified as an irregular, asymmetric and non-circular polygon.

Claims

1-7. (canceled)

8. Laryngeal mask (1) comprising a dome (5) and a ventilation channel configured to produce the artificial ventilation of a patient by introducing air into the patient's larynx (2) through said ventilation channel and said dome (5), wherein the laryngeal mask (1) is characterised by comprising at least a non-return system (4) at the distal end of the dome (5), wherein the system (4) comprises at least two flexible membranes configured to allow fluid to flow in a single direction from the outside to the inside of the dome (5).

9. Laryngeal mask according to claim 8, further comprising an inlet (9) of a gastric aspiration tube, said inlet (9) being located at a distal end of the dome (5), in the lateral wall of said dome (5), wherein said inlet (9) is configured to absorb any gastric secretions from the patient's oesophagus (3).

10. Laryngeal mask (1) according to claim 8, comprising at least one first ring (8) around the inlet (9) of the gastric aspiration tube, wherein said at least one first ring (8) is configured to fit the walls of the oesophagus (3) to prevent gastric secretions from flowing between the wall of the laryngeal mask (1) and the wall of the oesophagus (3), thus forcing said gastric secretions to flow through the inlet (9) of the gastric aspiration tube.

11. Laryngeal mask (1) according to claim 8, comprising at least one second ring (10) around the perimeter of the dome (5), and which is configured to fit the patient's larynx (2) to prevent gastric secretions from flowing between the wall of the laryngeal mask (1) and the wall of the oesophagus (3), thus forcing said gastric secretions to flow through the inlet (9) of the gastric aspiration tube.

12. Laryngeal mask (1) according to claim 8, comprising inside the dome (5) at least an anti-secretion barrier (6), which protects from the passage of secretions from the oesophagus (3) to the laryngeal mask (1), and from the laryngeal mask (1) to the lungs.

13. Laryngeal mask (1) according to claim 8, comprising a pool (7) at least partially closed inside the dome (5) wherein said pool (7) is configured to retain at least temporarily gastric secretions from the oesophagus (3).

14. Laryngeal mask (1) according to claim 8, wherein the non-return system (4) comprises two membranes which have an oblique angle to each other.

15. Laryngeal mask (1) according to claim 8, wherein the non-return system (4) comprises two membranes parallel to each other, facing each other's edges horizontally.

16. Laryngeal mask (1) according to claim 9, comprising at least one first ring (8) around the inlet (9) of the gastric aspiration tube, wherein said at least one first ring (8) is configured to fit the walls of the oesophagus (3) to prevent gastric secretions from flowing between the wall of the laryngeal mask (1) and the wall of the oesophagus (3), thus forcing said gastric secretions to flow through the inlet (9) of the gastric aspiration tube.

17. Laryngeal mask (1) according to claim 9, comprising at least one second ring (10) around the perimeter of the dome (5), and which is configured to fit the patient's larynx (2) to prevent gastric secretions from flowing between the wall of the laryngeal mask (1) and the wall of the oesophagus (3), thus forcing said gastric secretions to flow through the inlet (9) of the gastric aspiration tube.

18. Laryngeal mask (1) according to claim 10, comprising at least one second ring (10) around the perimeter of the dome (5), and which is configured to fit the patient's larynx (2) to prevent gastric secretions from flowing between the wall of the laryngeal mask (1) and the wall of the oesophagus (3), thus forcing said gastric secretions to flow through the inlet (9) of the gastric aspiration tube.

19. Laryngeal mask (1) according to claim 9, comprising inside the dome (5) at least an anti-secretion barrier (6), which protects from the passage of secretions from the oesophagus (3) to the laryngeal mask (1), and from the laryngeal mask (1) to the lungs.

20. Laryngeal mask (1) according to claim 10, comprising inside the dome (5) at least an anti-secretion barrier (6), which protects from the passage of secretions from the oesophagus (3) to the laryngeal mask (1), and from the laryngeal mask (1) to the lungs.

21. Laryngeal mask (1) according to claim 11, comprising inside the dome (5) at least an anti-secretion barrier (6), which protects from the passage of secretions from the oesophagus (3) to the laryngeal mask (1), and from the laryngeal mask (1) to the lungs.

22. Laryngeal mask (1) according to claim 9, comprising inside the dome (5) at least an anti-secretion barrier (6), which protects from the passage of secretions from the oesophagus (3) to the laryngeal mask (1), and from the laryngeal mask (1) to the lungs.

23. Laryngeal mask (1) according to claim 10, comprising inside the dome (5) at least an anti-secretion barrier (6), which protects from the passage of secretions from the oesophagus (3) to the laryngeal mask (1), and from the laryngeal mask (1) to the lungs.

24. Laryngeal mask (1) according to claim 11, comprising inside the dome (5) at least an anti-secretion barrier (6), which protects from the passage of secretions from the oesophagus (3) to the laryngeal mask (1), and from the laryngeal mask (1) to the lungs.

25. Laryngeal mask (1) according to claim 9, comprising a pool (7) at least partially closed inside the dome (5) wherein said pool (7) is configured to retain at least temporarily gastric secretions from the oesophagus (3).

26. Laryngeal mask (1) according to claim 10, comprising a pool (7) at least partially closed inside the dome (5) wherein said pool (7) is configured to retain at least temporarily gastric secretions from the oesophagus (3).

27. Laryngeal mask (1) according to claim 11, comprising a pool (7) at least partially closed inside the dome (5) wherein said pool (7) is configured to retain at least temporarily gastric secretions from the oesophagus (3).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0021] As part of the explanation of at least an embodiment of the invention the following figures have been included.

[0022] FIG. 1: Schematically shows how a laryngeal mask is placed in the laryngeal area of a patient.

[0023] FIG. 2: Shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the laryngeal mask, including the non-return system to prevent secretions from the oesophagus from leaking into the trachea.

[0024] FIG. 3: Shows a frontal view of the laryngeal mask, wherein the first rings or prominences around the inlet of the gastric aspiration tube can be observed.

[0025] FIG. 4: Shows a detailed view of the first rings around the inlet of the gastric aspiration tube.

[0026] FIG. 5: Shows a perspective view of the inside of the dome, with the barriers and the gastric secretion retention pool.

[0027] FIG. 6: Shows a section view of an embodiment of the aerial tubes of a laryngeal mask according to the invention, showing that said tubes have an irregular and asymmetrical section.

[0028] FIG. 7: Shows a quartering view of a laryngeal mask.

[0029] FIG. 8: Shows a front view of a laryngeal mask.

[0030] FIG. 9: Shows a frontal view and a frontal detail of the dome of the laryngeal mask.

[0031] FIG. 10: Shows a perspective view of a mask according to the invention, as well as a detailed view, also in perspective, of the front of the dome.

[0032] FIG. 11: Shows another perspective view of a laryngeal mask embodiment.

[0033] FIG. 12: Shows different views of the dome.

[0034] FIG. 13: Shows different views and sections of the dome.

[0035] FIG. 14: Shows a detail of the dome wherein the valve system and the pools can be seen.

[0036] FIG. 15: Shows a section of the dome wherein the valve system is observed.

[0037] FIG. 16: Shows a lateral view of the laryngeal mask.

[0038] FIG. 17: Displays a top view of the laryngeal mask.

[0039] FIG. 18: Shows lateral, frontal and superior views of the laryngeal mask.

[0040] FIG. 19: Shows a top view of the mask and dome.

[0041] FIG. 20: Shows a quartering view of the laryngeal mask.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] The present invention refers, as mentioned above, to a laryngeal mask (1).

[0043] FIG. 1 shows a sketch of the conventional mode of placement of a laryngeal mask (1) in a patient's larynx. The trachea (2) and oesophagus (3) are also shown. The most distal part of the laryngeal mask (1) is inserted into the patient's oesophagus (3).

[0044] The laryngeal mask (1) incorporates in the distal part of its dome an anti-return system composed, in this case, of a valve (4), preferably located in the most distal area of said laryngeal mask (1), at the end of the dome (5) intended to be located in the larynx (2), just opposite the inlet to the oesophagus.

[0045] FIG. 2 shows a preferred embodiment of the laryngeal mask (1) with a non-return valve (4).

[0046] According to another preferred embodiment of the laryngeal mask (1), the valve (4) has two membranes. The two diaphragms of the valve (4) act as a spring, thus achieving an optimum sealing of the dome section (5) covered by the valve (4).

[0047] The valve (4) can cover a larger or smaller section of the dome (5), depending on the needs and/or characteristics of the type of patient (depending on age, sex, etc.).

[0048] At rest, the membranes of the valve (4) have their closest edges in contact with each other or are very close to each other.

[0049] The membranes allow the fluid to pass in one direction only, preventing the flow in the opposite direction when they are in the resting position.

[0050] The membranes have high elasticity and flexibility properties. Each membrane is a rotation/torsion element, so that when the fluid (gastric secretions) circulates in a certain direction, the membranes expand and allow the fluid to pass, but by preserving the flexibility of its material the mechanical energy at the time of the rotation, the membranes return to their resting position and close when the fluid does not circulate in that direction avoiding the return fluid.

[0051] Depending on a particular embodiment, the membranes may have a certain angle of attack, rather than being in the same plane. By means of this angle of attack between them, the one-way flow effect of the valve (4) diaphragms can also be achieved.

[0052] Alternatively, the membranes can also be parallel to each other in the same plane.

[0053] Depending on a possible embodiment, the laryngeal mask (1) incorporates inside and/or at the bottom of the dome (5) at least an anti-secretion barrier OR WALL (6), which protects, either partially and/or temporarily, from the passage of secretions from the oesophagus (3) to the laryngeal mask (1) and from the laryngeal mask (1) to the lungs. This/these barrier(s) (6) favour(s) the passage of fluid in a single direction, which is the opposite direction to the input of the lungs.

[0054] Also, according to a possible embodiment, the laryngeal mask (1) includes a pool (7) or hollow and empty reservoir inside and/or at the bottom of the dome (5). This pool (7) is used to collect and retain any secretions from the oesophagus (3).

[0055] FIG. 5 shows said barriers (6) and said pool (7).

[0056] Also depending on a possible embodiment (see FIG. 3 and FIG. 4), the laryngeal mask (1) comprises at least a first ring (8) or prominence around the inlet (9) of the gastric aspiration tube at the tip of the laryngeal mask (1).

[0057] When the laryngeal mask (1) is already in its correct position in the patient's larynx (2), with the tip of the laryngeal mask (1) inside the oesophagus (3) (specifically inside the upper oesophageal ring), the said ring(s) is/are fitted to the walls of the oesophagus (3) to prevent secretions from leaving the lateral wall between the laryngeal mask (1) and the wall of the oesophagus (3), thus forcing any said secretions out through the inlet (9) of the gastric aspiration tube.

[0058] Also, depending on a possible embodiment, the laryngeal mask (1) includes at least a second ring (10) that perimetrally surrounds the entire dome (5), in such a way that when the laryngeal mask (1) adjusts to the larynx (2) of the patient, said second ring (10) hinders the passage of gastric secretions between the wall of the oesophagus (3), the larynx and the wall of the laryngeal mask (1).

[0059] The laryngeal mask (1) incorporates a plurality of access channels from the outside of the laryngeal mask (1) that connect with the dome (5) of the laryngeal mask (1) with many different functionalities in order to be able to aspirate or to be able to insert through them an aspiration probe, to clean the dome (5) from the dangerous gastric secretions, to insert fibrescopes, diagnostic and biopsy means such as puncture needles, temperature probes or pressure probes.

[0060] Inside at least a of said channels, the laryngeal mask (1) can incorporate a continuous vision system to be able to visualise from the outside whether or not there are gastric secretions accumulated inside the dome (5).

[0061] FIG. 6 shows the section of the tube assembly consisting of the mask according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. According to this preferred embodiment, the mask consists of five tubes in total, among which are the tubes for the inlet and outlet of gases of the patient, among others.

[0062] In the configuration shown in this figure, the area of each of the channels and the thickness of the tubes as a whole has been optimised so that two of them still retain a circular section, while the other three have an asymmetric, non-circular and irregular geometric section, which allows them to occupy a smaller amount of space or total volume than if they had a strictly symmetrical circular section and were contiguous to each other. This configuration allows an optimisation of the total space or total volume occupied by the set of pipes or connection channels without this being detrimental to the section or area of the pipes, and therefore to the flow of gases or flows or liquids or secretions that they may carry. Channels or connection tubes with asymmetric, irregular, and non-circular configurations occupy less volume or space in the patient's mouth or larynx than with the same number of channels or tubes if they are contiguous to each other and are circular, symmetrical, and regular. Allowing them to enter smaller mouths and larynges anatomically.

[0063] In general, the mask in accordance with the invention comprises a plurality of tubes, of which at least one of them has a section of irregular geometrical shape, although the number of tubes with a section of asymmetrical and non-circular irregular geometrical shape may be any number from one up to the totality of the tubes of which the mask consists.

[0064] The axes of the tubes of which the mask consists are parallel and exhibit an axial eccentricity.

[0065] Also, in a general way, the reduction of sections or areas in those pipes which have irregular, asymmetric and non-circular geometric shapes with respect to the section of a pipe of the same maximum diameter and which has a section of circular geometric shape between 10% and 40%, preferably between 20% and 30%, and most preferably around 25% of reduced area.

[0066] By means of an adequate selection of the areas of the “stolen” sections or imprints or foods of the different adjacent tubes it is possible to obtain a configuration wherein each one of the tubes has a section or area sufficiently large to be able to fulfil its corresponding objective for the passage of gases towards the inside and outside and of output of liquids or secretions, but resulting at the same time in a significant reduction in the total space or total volume or thickness occupied jointly by all the tubes within the larynx, thus significantly alleviating the above-mentioned problems relative to the high volume or space occupied by the tubes of the prior art wherein the tubes to adjacent channels are circular and symmetrical occupying a large volume and space within the limited space of the patients' mouth and larynx.