MULTIPLE BEAK ENDOTRACHEAL DEVICE AND RELATED METHODS THEREOF

Abstract

A device and method that reduces impingement upon fragile airway structures and improves the performance and safety associated with endotracheal devices and related intubation procedures. The endotracheal device includes a lumen such that one end of the lumen includes an anterior beak that includes a distal tip of the anterior beak and a posterior beak having a distal tip of the posterior beak.

Claims

1. An endotracheal device, said device comprising: a lumen having an inner diameter and central axis running longitudinally along the length of the lumen; said lumen having a proximal portion and a distal portion opposite said proximal portion; and said distal portion having an anterior beak that includes a distal tip of the anterior beak and a posterior beak having a distal tip of the posterior beak.

2. The endotracheal device of claim 1, wherein: said distal tip of said anterior beak longitudinally extends distally a predetermined distance from said distal tip of said posterior beak so as to define a longitudinal beak offset.

3. The endotracheal device of claim 2, wherein: said distal tip of said anterior beak is laterally inward a predetermined distance from said distal tip of said posterior beak so as to define a lateral-inward beak offset.

4. The endotracheal device of claim 1, wherein: said distal tip of said anterior beak is laterally inward a predetermined distance from said distal tip of said posterior beak so as to define a lateral-inward beak offset.

5. The endotracheal device of claim 3, wherein said longitudinal beak offset is equal to about said diameter of said inner lumen.

6. The endotracheal device of claim 3, wherein said longitudinal beak offset is equal to about forty percent of said diameter of said inner lumen.

7. The endotracheal device of claim 3, wherein said longitudinal beak offset is in the range of one of the following: about 45 percent to about 50 percent of said diameter of said inner lumen; about 50 percent to about 55 percent of said diameter of said inner lumen; about 55 percent to about 60 percent of said diameter of said inner lumen; about 60 percent to about 65 percent of said diameter of said inner lumen; about 65 percent to about 70 percent of said diameter of said inner lumen; about 70 percent to about 75 percent of said diameter of said inner lumen; about 75 percent to about 80 percent of said diameter of said inner lumen; about 80 percent to about 85 percent of said diameter of said inner lumen; about 85 percent to about 90 percent of said diameter of said inner lumen; about 90 percent to about 95 percent of said diameter of said inner lumen; or about 95 percent to about 100 percent of said diameter of said inner lumen.

8. The endotracheal device of claim 3, wherein said longitudinal beak offset is equal to about thirty percent of said diameter of said inner lumen or 120 percent of said diameter of said inner lumen.

9. The endotracheal device of claim 1, further comprising a medical device or instrument to be used in a medical kit.

10. The endotracheal device of claim 1, wherein said medical device or instrument includes any combination of one or more of the following: fiberoptic bronchoscope, airway exchange catheter, endotracheal tube introducer, and obturator/wire device.

11. The endotracheal device of claim 1, wherein: said lumen is configured to longitudinally transverse exterior along a medical device or instrument.

12. The endotracheal device of claim 1, wherein: said lumen is configured to longitudinally transvers coaxially inside a medical device or instrument.

13. The endotracheal device of claim 1, wherein: said lumen is configured to longitudinally transvers coaxially outside a medical device or instrument.

14. The endotracheal device of claim 11, wherein said medical device or instrument comprises at least one of any combination of the following: fiberoptic bronchoscope, airway exchange catheter, endotracheal tube introducer, or and obturator/wire.

15. The endotracheal device of claim 3, wherein said lateral-inward beak offset is equal to about said diameter of said inner lumen.

16. The endotracheal device of claim 3, wherein said lateral-inward beak offset is equal to about seventy-five percent of said diameter of said inner lumen.

17. The endotracheal device of claim 3, wherein said lateral-inward beak offset is equal to about 50 percent to about ninety percent of said diameter of said inner lumen.

18. The endotracheal device of claim 3, wherein said lateral-inward beak offset is zero.

19. The endotracheal device of claim 3, wherein said lateral-inward beak offset is in the range of one of the following: about 50 percent to about 55 percent of said diameter of said inner lumen; about 55 percent to about 60 percent of said diameter of said inner lumen; about 60 percent to about 65 percent of said diameter of said inner lumen; about 65 percent to about 70 percent of said diameter of said inner lumen; about 70 percent to about 75 percent of said diameter of said inner lumen; about 75 percent to about 80 percent of said diameter of said inner lumen; about 80 percent to about 85 percent of said diameter of said inner lumen; about 85 percent to about 90 percent of said diameter of said inner lumen; about 90 percent to about 95 percent of said diameter of said inner lumen; or about 95 percent to about 100 percent of said diameter of said inner lumen.

20. The endotracheal device of claim 2, wherein: said distal tip of said anterior beak is laterally outward a predetermined distance from said distal tip of said posterior beak so as to define a lateral-outward beak offset.

21. The endotracheal device of claim 1, wherein: said distal tip of said anterior beak is laterally outward a predetermined distance from said distal tip of said posterior beak so as to define a lateral-outward beak offset.

22. The endotracheal device of claim 12, wherein said medical device or instrument comprises at least one of any combination of the following: fiberoptic bronchoscope, airway exchange catheter, endotracheal tube introducer, or and obturator/wire.

23. The endotracheal device of claim 13, wherein said medical device or instrument comprises at least one of any combination of the following: fiberoptic bronchoscope, airway exchange catheter, endotracheal tube introducer, or and obturator/wire.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention, as well as the invention itself, will be more fully understood from the following description of preferred embodiments, when read together with the accompanying drawings.

[0033] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form a part of the instant specification, illustrate several aspects and embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description herein, serve to explain the principles of the invention. The drawings are provided only for the purpose of illustrating select embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention.

[0034] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a single lumen endotracheal device.

[0035] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a double lumen endotracheal device.

[0036] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a single lumen endotracheal device.

[0037] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates an enlarged partial view of the single lumen endotracheal device of FIG. 3.

[0038] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a double lumen endotracheal device.

[0039] FIG. 6 schematically illustrates an enlarged partial view of the double lumen endotracheal device of FIG. 5.

[0040] FIG. 7 schematically illustrates a double lumen endotracheal device in relation to the trachea, right bronchia, and left bronchia.

[0041] FIG. 8 schematically illustrates a sagittal section depiction of a head and neck of a human subject (anterior surface to the left) with segments of an endotracheal tube and its associated path.

[0042] FIG. 9 schematically illustrates a laryngoscopic view depiction of a human subject revealing the glottis in the closed position.

[0043] FIG. 10 schematically illustrates a laryngoscopic view depiction of a human subject revealing the glottis in the open position with an associated path of an endotracheal device.

[0044] FIG. 11 schematically illustrates a sagittal section depiction of a head and neck of a human subject (anterior surface to the left) with segments of an endotracheal tube and its associated path and an associated path of a medical device or instrument.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0045] FIGS. 1 and 3 schematically illustrates an embodiment of an endotracheal device 21 that may include a lumen such as a bronchial lumen 31 having a central longitudinal axis 36, an inner diameter 13 of the lumen 31, a proximal portion 25, and a distal portion 26, wherein the distal portion 26 includes an anterior beak 41 having a distal tip 42 of the anterior beak 41 and a posterior beak 51 having a distal tip 52 of the posterior beak 51, which defines the lumen aperture 34. The distal tip 42 of the anterior beak 41 may longitudinally extend distally a predetermined distance from the distal tip 52 of said posterior beak 51 so as to define a longitudinal beak offset 11. Moreover, the distal tip 42 of the anterior beak 41 may be laterally inward a predetermined distance from the distal tip 52 of said posterior beak 51 so as to define a lateral-inward beak offset 9 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 4). Alternatively, the distal tip 42 of the anterior beak 41 may be laterally outward (although not specifically depicted in the Figures) a predetermined distance from the distal tip 52 of said posterior beak 51 so as to define a lateral-outward beak offset. For instance, although not shown, the distal tip 42 of the anterior beak 41 may extend outward beyond the wall of the lumen 31 and/or the distal tip 52 of said posterior beak 51 may extend outward beyond the wall of the lumen 31. This may be applicable to various embodiments disclosed herein.

[0046] FIGS. 2 and 5 schematically illustrates an embodiment of an endotracheal device 21 that may include a lumen such as a bronchial lumen 31 having a central longitudinal axis 36, an inner diameter 13 of the lumen 31, a proximal portion 25, and a distal portion 26, wherein the distal portion 26 includes an anterior beak 41 having a distal tip 42 of the anterior beak 41 and a posterior beak 51 having a distal tip 52 of the posterior beak 51, which defines the lumen aperture 34. The distal tip 42 of the anterior beak 41 may longitudinally extend distally a predetermined distance from the distal tip 52 of said posterior beak 51 so as to define a longitudinal beak offset 11. Moreover, the distal tip 42 of the anterior beak 41 may be laterally inward a predetermined distance from the distal tip 52 of said posterior beak 51 so as to define a lateral-inward beak offset 9 (shown in FIGS. 2 and 6). Alternatively, the distal tip 42 of the anterior beak 41 may be laterally outward a predetermined distance from the distal tip 52 of said posterior beak 51 so as to define a lateral-outward beak offset (although not specifically depicted in the Figures). For instance, although not shown, the distal tip 42 of the anterior beak 41 may extend outward beyond the wall of the lumen 31 and/or the distal tip 52 of said posterior beak 51 may extend outward beyond the wall of the lumen 31. This may be applicable to various embodiments disclosed herein.

[0047] Still referring FIGS. 2 and 5, the endotracheal device 21 may include a second lumen such as a tracheal lumen 33 having a central longitudinal axis 37, a proximal portion 33, and a distal portion 39, which includes an aperture 35 of the lumen.

[0048] FIGS. 3, 5, and 7 further disclose the endotracheal device 21 having an inflatable cuff 15 on the distal portion 26 of the lumen, such as the bronchial lumen 31, an inflation line 16 for the inflatable cuff 15, and a tube member 23 that at least partially surrounds the bronchial lumen 31. Moreover, referring to FIGS. 5 and 7, FIGS. 5 and 7 further discloses an inflatable cuff 17 on the distal portion 26 of the bronchial lumen 31 and distal portion 39 of a second lumen such as the tracheal lumen 33, an inflation line 18 for the inflatable cuff 17, and whereby the tube member 23 at least partially surrounds the lumen 31.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 7, FIG. 7 schematically illustrates the endotracheal device 21 in relation to the trachea 3, right bronchia 6, left bronchia 5, and tracheal carina 7.

[0050] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates an enlarged partial view of the single lumen endotracheal device of FIG. 3 (as discussed above pertaining to FIG. 3).

[0051] FIG. 6 schematically illustrates an enlarged partial view of the double lumen endotracheal device of FIG. 5 (as discussed above pertaining to FIG. 5).

[0052] FIG. 9 schematically illustrates a laryngoscopic view depiction of a human subject revealing the glottis 153 in the closed position.

[0053] FIG. 10 schematically illustrates a laryngoscopic view depiction of a human subject revealing the glottis 153 in the open position, and with an associated path 24 of an endotracheal device.

[0054] In FIGS. 9 and 10, also depicted are the base of tongue 151, epiglottis 105, ventricular fold (false vocal cord) 107, vocal cord (true vocal cord) 113, glottis 153, corniculate cartilage 155, arytenoid tissue 157, interarytenoid tissue 159, and inner lining of trachea 161.

[0055] FIG. 8 schematically illustrates a sagittal section depiction of a head and neck of a human subject (anterior surface to the left) with segments of an endotracheal device 21 revealing the anterior beak 41, posterior beak 51, and an associated path 24 of the endotracheal device 21. The associated path 24 of the endotracheal device 21 may extend deeper or shallower within the tracheobronchial tree than as illustrated.

[0056] In FIGS. 8 and 11, also depicted are the tongue 101, hyoid bone 103, epiglottis 105, ventricular fold (false vocal cord) 107, thyroid cartilage 109, ventricle 111, vocal fold (true vocal cord) 113, cricoid cartilage 115, pharyngeal palate 117, uvula 119, junction of mouth and pharynx 121, vallecula 123, laryngeal aditus 125, vestibule 127, posterior pharyngeal wall 129, interarytenoideus 131, cricopharyngeus 133, subglottic trachea 135, posterior of trachea wall 137, trachea 139, and esophagus 141.

[0057] FIG. 11 schematically illustrates a sagittal section depiction of a head and neck of a human subject (anterior surface to the left) with segments of an endotracheal device 21 revealing the anterior beak 41, posterior beak 51, and an associated path 24 of the endotracheal device 21. Moreover, FIG. 10 schematically illustrates an associated path 61 of a medical device or instrument (specific device or instrument not shown). The medical device or instrument may be an introducing device, for example. An introducing device may include, but not limited thereto, fiberoptic bronchoscopes, airway exchange catheters, endotracheal tube introducers, obturator/wire devices, or the like. The associated path 61 of the medical device or instrument may extend deeper or shallower within the tracheobronchial tree than as illustrated. The associated path 24 of the endotracheal device 21 may extend deeper or shallower within the tracheobronchial tree than as illustrated.

[0058] The endotracheal device may be used with an image recording device (such as a camera, video recording or other imaging means) as well as other devices and surgical and medical instruments. The acquired image or related data may be communicated locally and/or remotely to the surgeon, clinician, user, and/or processor. Similarly, any data or information acquired by the components, equipment, or instruments associated with the endotracheal device may be communicated locally and/or remotely to the surgeon, clinician, user, and/or processor.

[0059] The various components of the endotracheal device as well as other medical instruments and devices may be a variety of materials such as, but not limited thereto, plastic, metal, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), silicone, plastic, stainless steel, polycarbonate, nylon, polymers, acetal polymers, ceramics, etc.

[0060] In an embodiment both the anterior beak and posterior beak are generally bent inward. In an embodiment only one of the anterior beak or posterior beak is generally bent inward. In an embodiment more than an anterior beak and posterior beak may be implemented (i.e., three or more beaks as desired or required). For example, three or more beaks may be implemented whereby the multiple beaks are arranged circumferentially along the end of the lumen of the endotracheal device. In an embodiment, the anterior beak and posterior beak may be circumferentially opposite to one another. In an embodiment, the anterior beak and posterior beak may be circumferentially staggered so as not to be precisely aligned directly opposite. In an embodiment one or two lumens may be implemented for the endotracheal device. In an embodiment greater than (or equal to) two lumens may be implemented for the endotracheal device; and arranged side-by-side, coaxially, or a combination thereof. In an embodiment the multiple beak elements may be included on other medical devices or instruments other than endotracheal tubes.

EXAMPLES

[0061] Practice of an aspect of an embodiment (or embodiments) of the invention will be still more fully understood from the following examples and experimental results, which are presented herein for illustration only and should not be construed as limiting the invention in any way.

Example 1

[0062] An endotracheal device, said device comprising: a lumen having an inner diameter and central axis running longitudinally along the length of the lumen; said lumen having a proximal portion and a distal portion opposite said proximal portion; and said distal portion having an anterior beak that includes a distal tip of the anterior beak and a posterior beak having a distal tip of the posterior beak.

Example 2

[0063] The endotracheal device of claim 1, wherein: said distal tip of said anterior beak longitudinally extends distally a predetermined distance from said distal tip of said posterior beak so as to define a longitudinal beak offset.

Example 3

[0064] The endotracheal device of claim 2, wherein: said distal tip of said anterior beak is laterally inward a predetermined distance from said distal tip of said posterior beak so as to define a lateral-inward beak offset.

Example 4

[0065] The endotracheal device of claim 1 (as well as subject matter in whole or in part of example 3), wherein: said distal tip of said anterior beak is laterally inward a predetermined distance from said distal tip of said posterior beak so as to define a lateral-inward beak offset.

Example 5

[0066] The endotracheal device of claim 3 (as well as subject matter in whole or in part of example 4), wherein said longitudinal beak offset is equal to about said diameter of said inner lumen.

Example 6

[0067] The endotracheal device of claim 3 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 4-5, in whole or in part), wherein said longitudinal beak offset is equal to about forty percent of said diameter of said inner lumen.

Example 7

[0068] The endotracheal device of claim 3 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 4-6, in whole or in part), wherein said longitudinal beak offset is in the range of one of the following:

[0069] about 45 percent to about 50 percent of said diameter of said inner lumen;

[0070] about 50 percent to about 55 percent of said diameter of said inner lumen;

[0071] about 55 percent to about 60 percent of said diameter of said inner lumen;

[0072] about 60 percent to about 65 percent of said diameter of said inner lumen;

[0073] about 65 percent to about 70 percent of said diameter of said inner lumen;

[0074] about 70 percent to about 75 percent of said diameter of said inner lumen;

[0075] about 75 percent to about 80 percent of said diameter of said inner lumen;

[0076] about 80 percent to about 85 percent of said diameter of said inner lumen;

[0077] about 85 percent to about 90 percent of said diameter of said inner lumen;

[0078] about 90 percent to about 95 percent of said diameter of said inner lumen; or about 95 percent to about 100 percent of said diameter of said inner lumen.

Example 8

[0079] The endotracheal device of claim 3 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 4-7, in whole or in part), wherein said longitudinal beak offset is equal to about thirty percent of said diameter of said inner lumen or 120 percent of said diameter of said inner lumen. In an embodiment the longitudinal beak offset may be greater than 120 percent of said diameter of said inner lumen, such as less than or equal to double said diameter of said inner lumen.

Example 9

[0080] The endotracheal device of claim 1 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 2-8, in whole or in part), further comprising a medical device or instrument to be used in a medical kit.

Example 10

[0081] The endotracheal device of claim 1 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 2-9, in whole or in part), wherein said medical device or instrument includes any combination of one or more of the following: fiberoptic bronchoscope, airway exchange catheter, endotracheal tube introducer, and obturator/wire device.

Example 11

[0082] The endotracheal device of claim 1 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 2-10, in whole or in part), wherein: said lumen is configured to longitudinally transverse exterior along a medical device or instrument.

Example 12

[0083] The endotracheal device of claim 1 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 2-11, in whole or in part), wherein: said lumen is configured to longitudinally transvers coaxially inside a medical device or instrument.

Example 13

[0084] The endotracheal device of claim 1 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 2-12, in whole or in part), wherein: said lumen is configured to longitudinally transvers coaxially outside a medical device or instrument.

Example 14

[0085] The endotracheal device of anyone of claim 11, 12, or 13 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 2-13, in whole or in part), wherein said medical device or instrument comprises at least one of any combination of the following: fiberoptic bronchoscope, airway exchange catheter, endotracheal tube introducer, or and obturator/wire.

Example 15

[0086] The endotracheal device of claim 3 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 4-14, in whole or in part), wherein said lateral-inward beak offset is equal to about said diameter of said inner lumen.

Example 16

[0087] The endotracheal device of claim 3 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 4-15, in whole or in part), wherein said lateral-inward beak offset is equal to about seventy-five percent of said diameter of said inner lumen.

Example 17

[0088] The endotracheal device of claim 3 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 4-16, in whole or in part), wherein said lateral-inward beak offset is equal to about 50 percent to about ninety percent of said diameter of said inner lumen.

Example 18

[0089] The endotracheal device of claim 3 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 4-17, in whole or in part), wherein said lateral-inward beak offset is zero.

Example 19

[0090] The endotracheal device of claim 3 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 4-18, in whole or in part), wherein said lateral-inward beak offset is in the range of one of the following:

[0091] about 50 percent to about 55 percent of said diameter of said inner lumen;

[0092] about 55 percent to about 60 percent of said diameter of said inner lumen;

[0093] about 60 percent to about 65 percent of said diameter of said inner lumen;

[0094] about 65 percent to about 70 percent of said diameter of said inner lumen;

[0095] about 70 percent to about 75 percent of said diameter of said inner lumen;

[0096] about 75 percent to about 80 percent of said diameter of said inner lumen;

[0097] about 80 percent to about 85 percent of said diameter of said inner lumen;

[0098] about 85 percent to about 90 percent of said diameter of said inner lumen;

[0099] about 90 percent to about 95 percent of said diameter of said inner lumen; or about 95 percent to about 100 percent of said diameter of said inner lumen.

Example 20

[0100] The endotracheal device of claim 2 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 3-19, in whole or in part), wherein: said distal tip of said anterior beak is laterally outward a predetermined distance from said distal tip of said posterior beak so as to define a lateral-outward beak offset.

Example 21

[0101] The endotracheal device of claim 1 (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 2-20, in whole or in part), wherein: said distal tip of said anterior beak is laterally outward a predetermined distance from said distal tip of said posterior beak so as to define a lateral-outward beak offset. In an embodiment the lateral-outward beak offset may be in ranges of about 1 percent, 10 percent, 20 percent, 30 percent, 40 percent, 50 percent, 60 percent, 70 percent, 80 percent, 90 percent, or 100 percent (or any levels in between said aforementioned list of percentages) of said diameter of said inner lumen.

Example 22

[0102] The method of using any of the devices, systems, apparatuses, assemblies, or their components provided in any one or more of examples 1-21.

Example 23

[0103] The method of providing instructions to use or operate of any of the devices, systems, apparatuses, assemblies, or their components provided in any one or more of examples 1-21.

Example 24

[0104] The method of manufacturing any of the devices, systems, apparatuses, assemblies, or their components provided in any one or more of examples 1-21.

Example 25

[0105] A method and an apparatus (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 1-21, in whole or in part) for inserting an endotracheal device and/or medical device or instrument into the location of interest of the site of the subject

Example 26

[0106] A method and device (as well as subject matter of one or more of any combination of examples 1-21, in whole or in part) for performing endotracheal intubation on a subject

Example 27

[0107] It is noted that machine readable medium or computer useable medium may be configured to execute the subject matter pertaining to the device (e.g., system or apparatus) or related methods disclosed in examples 1-21, as well as examples 22-26.

REFERENCES

[0108] The devices, systems, apparatuses, compositions, materials, machine readable medium, computer program products, and methods of various embodiments of the invention disclosed herein may utilize aspects disclosed in the following references, applications, publications and patents and which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety, and which are not admitted to be prior art with respect to the present invention by inclusion in this section: [0109] 1. U.S. Pat. No. 6,609,521 B1, Belani, K., et al., Endotracheal Tube, Aug. 26, 2003. [0110] 2. U.S. Pat. No. 5,873,362, Parker, J., Endotracheal Tube, Feb. 23, 1999. [0111] 3. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2010/0113916 A1, Kumar, A., Systems and Methods for Endotracheal Tube Positioning, May 6, 2010. [0112] 4. U.S. Pat. No. 6,568,393 B2, Christopher, K., Endotracheal Tube Having a Beveled Tip and Orientation Indicator, May 27, 2003. [0113] 5. U.S. Pat. No. 6,698,428 B2, Brain, A., Endotracheal Tube Construction, Mar. 2, 2004. [0114] 6. U.S. Pat. No. 6,918,391 B1, Moore, J., Multi-Lumen Endotracheal Tube, Jul. 19, 2005. [0115] 7. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2008/0216839 A1, Rutter, M., Sep. 11, 2008. [0116] 8. U.S. Pat. No. 5,339,805 A, Parker, J. D., Blind Orolaryngeal and Oroesophageal Guiding and Aiming Device, Aug. 23, 1994. [0117] 9. U.S. Pat. No. 5,845,634 A, Parker, J. D., Endoscope Viewing System with Orotracheal Introducing Guide, Dec. 8, 1998. [0118] 10. U.S. Pat. No. 5,743,254 A, Parker, J. D., Orotracheal Intubation Guide, Apr. 28, 1998. [0119] 11. U.S. Pat. No. 6,672,305 B2, Parker, J. D., Shallow Throat Orotracheal Intubation Guide, Jan. 6, 2004. [0120] 12. U.S. Pat. No. 7,174,889 B2, Boedeker, B., et al., Device for Insertion of Endotracheal Tube, Feb. 13, 2007. [0121] 13. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2010/0224186 A1, Uesugi, T., Endotracheal Intubation Assist Instrument, Sep. 9, 2010. [0122] 14. Johnson, Dana M., et al., Endoscopic Study of Mechanism of Failure of Endotracheal Tube Advancement into the Trachea during Awake Fiberoptic Orotracheal Intubation, Anesthesiology, V 102, No. 5, May 2005, pages 910-914. [0123] 15. Maktabi, Mazen, A., et al., Laryngeal Trauma during Awake Fiberoptic Intubation, Anesth. Analg. 2002, 95, pages 1112-4.

[0124] Unless clearly specified to the contrary, there is no requirement for any particular described or illustrated activity or element, any particular sequence or such activities, any particular size, speed, material, duration, contour, dimension or frequency, or any particularly interrelationship of such elements. Moreover, any activity can be repeated, any activity can be performed by multiple entities, and/or any element can be duplicated. Further, any activity or element can be excluded, the sequence of activities can vary, and/or the interrelationship of elements can vary. It should be appreciated that aspects of the present invention may have a variety of sizes, contours, shapes, compositions and materials as desired or required.

[0125] In summary, while the present invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, many modifications, variations, alterations, substitutions, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The present invention is not to be limited in scope by the specific embodiment described herein. Indeed, various modifications of the present invention, in addition to those described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art from the foregoing description and accompanying drawings. Accordingly, the invention is to be considered as limited only by the spirit and scope of the following claims, including all modifications and equivalents.

[0126] Still other embodiments will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from reading the above-recited detailed description and drawings of certain exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that numerous variations, modifications, and additional embodiments are possible, and accordingly, all such variations, modifications, and embodiments are to be regarded as being within the spirit and scope of this application. For example, regardless of the content of any portion (e.g., title, field, background, summary, abstract, drawing figure, etc.) of this application, unless clearly specified to the contrary, there is no requirement for the inclusion in any claim herein or of any application claiming priority hereto of any particular described or illustrated activity or element, any particular sequence of such activities, or any particular interrelationship of such elements. Moreover, any activity can be repeated, any activity can be performed by multiple entities, and/or any element can be duplicated. Further, any activity or element can be excluded, the sequence of activities can vary, and/or the interrelationship of elements can vary. Unless clearly specified to the contrary, there is no requirement for any particular described or illustrated activity or element, any particular sequence or such activities, any particular size, speed, material, dimension or frequency, or any particularly interrelationship of such elements. Accordingly, the descriptions and drawings are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive. Moreover, when any number or range is described herein, unless clearly stated otherwise, that number or range is approximate. When any range is described herein, unless clearly stated otherwise, that range includes all values therein and all sub ranges therein. Any information in any material (e.g., a United States/foreign patent, United States/foreign patent application, book, article, etc.) that has been incorporated by reference herein, is only incorporated by reference to the extent that no conflict exists between such information and the other statements and drawings set forth herein. In the event of such conflict, including a conflict that would render invalid any claim herein or seeking priority hereto, then any such conflicting information in such incorporated by reference material is specifically not incorporated by reference herein.