Patent ID: 7097802
Filing Date: 2006-08-29
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. A method of making a laryngeal mask airway device, the device including a mask portion and an airway tube, the mask portion including a generally elliptically shaped plate and a cuff, the plate defining a laryngeal side, a pharyngeal side, and a central aperture, an interior perimeter of the cuff being attached to the laryngeal side of the plate proximal to a perimeter of the central aperture, an outer perimeter of the cuff being attached to the laryngeal side of the plate proximal to an outer perimeter of the plate, comprising: providing a mold, the mold including interior walls that define a hollow interior volume, the hollow interior volume including an elliptically shaped first portion and a generally toroidal second portion; introducing a liquid plastic material into the hollow interior volume; moving the mold so that the liquid plastic material coats the interior walls; accumulating a majority of the plastic material in the first portion to form the plate, some of the plastic material remaining coated to the portion of the interior walls that define the second portion to form the cuff; allowing the plastic material to solidify; removing the solidified plastic material from the mold; and attaching an airway tube to the pharyngeal side of the plate.