Patent ID: 7918227
Filing Date: 2011-04-05
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. An endotracheal tube comprising: a nasopharyngeal section; a rigid section; an opening defined at the terminal end of said rigid section adapted to allow for flow of air or gas therethrough; an inflation tube, wherein said inflation robe functions as a conduit for introducing air or fluid at either high or low pressures to inflate a cuff; a spirally-wound coil enclosed within said nasopharyngeal section, wherein the coil is partially compressed within the distal end of the nasopharyngeal section; and, an outer end fixture, said outer end fixture being attached to said nasopharyngeal section of said endotracheal tube, said outer end fixture having an open end for providing passage into said endotracheal tube, wherein said nasopharyngeal section and said rigid section form a single, elongated body of continuous length and having a constant external diameter wherein said nasopharyngeal section integrally transposes to said rigid section about an external surface, wherein the internal diameter of said nasopharyngeal section is different than the internal diameter of said rigid section and wherein said spirally-wound coil is fabricated of a shape-memory, flexible material that allows said nasopharyngeal section to remain in a selected position.