Patent ID: 8467844
Filing Date: 2013-06-18
Classification: A61B,A61M,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A device for use in monitoring electrical signals during laryngeal electromyography comprising: an endotracheal tube having a retention balloon at or adjacent a distal end thereof, said tube having on its outer surface one or more electrically conductive electrode plates applied proximal of the balloon directly to the surface of the tube, without the inclusion of a carrier film between the tube surface and the electrode plates, said tube having on its surface electrically conductive traces connected to or integral with the electrode plates, the traces applied directly to the tube surface and running along the length of the endotracheal tube to a proximal end thereof, conductive pads connected to or integral with the conductive traces, the pads applied directly to the tube surface at the proximal end of the endotracheal tube, and electrical leads connected to the pads, said leads adapted to connect to monitoring equipment, the electrically conductive traces covered by an insulating material along their length from a point adjacent the electrode plates to a point adjacent the conductive pads wherein a first of said electrode plates is located proximal of the balloon and positioned to contact the vocal cords when placed within the trachea and a second electrode plate is located further proximal thereof and positioned to contact the tongue when the first electrode plate is positioned to contact the vocal cords.