Patent ID: 6394093
Filing Date: 2002-05-28
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
An improved nasopharyngeal airway for drainage of fluids and supply of oxygen to a patient comprising:a) an airway tube having a cylindrical wall with proximal and distal ends, said proximal end arranged to be positioned externally of the patient at the patient's nares and said distal end arranged to be inserted into a nasal passage of a patient and positioned in the internal end said nasal passage, said tube having sufficient rigidity so that lumens and ducts formed in its walls will not readily collapse, said tube having an open central passageway from said proximal end to said distal end; b) a flange at the proximal end of said tube, said sufficient diameter to prevent further insertion of said tube at the nares; c) a tube extension extending outwardly from said flange at said proximal end and having an open central passageway which acts to extend the central passageway of said airway tube, said tube extension terminating in a rim; d) an inflatable cuff associated with the distal end of said tube positioned and adapted to engage the patient's nasopharynx when in use; e) means for inflating said cuff when said tube has been inserted into a nasopharyngeal passageway of a patient whereby the inflated cuff will hold said airway tube securely in place within the nasopharynx of the patient; f) a lumen formed within the wall of said tube and extending the length thereof; and, g) means providing for the delivery of a supply of oxygen to the distal end of said tube through said lumen said lumen having an opening in the surface of the distal end of said tube whereby when fluids are removed through said central passageway, air or oxygen may be supplied through said lumen to the patient.