Patent ID: 6679263
Filing Date: 2004-01-20
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
A laryngeal mask airway device, comprising:A. an airway tube, the airway tube extending from a proximate end to a distal end; B. an inflatable mask portion fixed to the airway tube, the mask portion being insertable through the mouth of a patient to an inserted location within the patient, the mask portion forming a seal around the patient's glottic opening when the mask portion is in the inserted location and inflated, the proximate end of the airway tube being disposed outside the patient when the mask portion is in the inserted location; C. a valve in fluid communication with the inflatable mask portion, the valve including a member that is movable between an open position and a closed position, the valve preventing fluid from escaping the mask portion when the member is in the closed position, the valve permitting fluid to escape the mask portion when the member is in the open position, the valve including a resilient element, the resilient element providing a first force that biases the member towards the closed position, the valve including a temperature sensitive element, the temperature sensitive element generating a second force that biases the member towards the open position, the first force being greater than the second force when the ambient temperature is below a first value, the first force being smaller than the second force when the ambient temperature is above a second value, an end portion of the member being accessible to an environment external to the valve, the member being movable to the open position by applying pressure to the end portion of the member.