Patent ID: 6390094
Filing Date: 2002-05-21
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
An endotracheal tube flow control device, comprising:a longitudinal member, adapted to interconnect to a trachea, having proximal and distal ends and having a bore therethrough; a valve mechanism disposed within the longitudinal member, the valve member being selectively and gradually positionable between a fully open position and a fully closed position; wherein the valve mechanism includes: a flange located at the distal end of the longitudinal member, the flange having a distal face and having a recess in the distal face, the recess being in fluid communication with the bore of the longitudinal member; and an end cap rotatably coupled to the flange, the end cap having an end face with at least one aperture therethrough, wherein the end cap is selectively and gradually rotatable between the fully open position in which the at least one aperture is in maximum fluid connection to the recess and the fully closed position in which the at least one aperture is in minimal fluid connection to the recess; and wherein the recess is semi-circular, extending concentrically outward from the bore of the longitudinal member.