Patent ID: 6378521
Filing Date: 2002-04-30
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
An artificial airway device comprising:a tube having a first end for insertion into a user's mouth and trachea, and a second end tobe disposed outside of the user's oral cavity, said tube having a length for introducing said first end into an entry to the user's trachea; an inflatable sealing ring at said first end of said tube, said inflatable sealing ring forming a seal between a wall of said tube and a wall of the user's pharynx; and wherein, said sealing ring has a first, uninflated state and a second, inflated state, in said first state, said sealing ring terminates before said first end of said tube, and in said second state, said sealing ring extends beyond said first end of said tube, and in said second state having a shape and dimensions to substantially fit into the entry of the user's trachea and against an underside of the user's epiglottis.