Patent ID: 7278420
Filing Date: 2007-10-09
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. An oropharyngeal device for maintaining a patient airway without requiring endotracheal intubation, a laryngeal mask or a cuffed airway, wherein the device is adapted for insertion through the mouth of a patient and with one end into the pharynx of a patient above and spaced from the epiglottis of the patient, and which allows an administering anesthesiologist to be distant from the patient during use, comprising: a. a body having a distal end and a proximal end, the body sized such that when the distal end of the body is inserted into the mouth of the patient until the proximal end is disposed outside and adjacent to the patient's mouth, wherein in a fully deployed state, the distal end is disposed within the pharynx above the epiglottis and at a distance from the epiglottis; b. at least one channel forming at least one airway in the device body extending between the proximal end and the distal end of the device body, wherein the channel has a proximate end and a distal end and the channel being sized to comprise connection means whereby, when, in a fully deployed state, the distal end is disposed within the pharynx above the epiglottis and at a distance from the epiglottis; c. at least one first conduit in the device body for conveying an inhalant gas to the patient, that extends from the proximal end to the distal end of the device body, and said at least one first conduit including connection means at a proximal end of the device for providing inhalant gas, with the at least one first conduit having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the at least one first conduit in its fully deployed state with connection means at its proximal end, has its distal end disposed within the pharynx above the epiglottis and at a distance from the epiglottis; d. at least one second conduit for suctioning that extends from the proximal end to the distal end of the device body and said at least one second conduit including connection means at a proximal end of the device for suction, wherein the at least one second conduit has a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the at least one second conduit in its fully deployed state, with connection means at its proximal end, has its distal end disposed within the pharynx above the epiglottis and at a distance from the epiglottis; e. at least one third conduit for sampling gas exhaled by the patient that extends from the proximal end of the device body and terminates at a position in the channel, and said at least one third conduit including connection means at a proximal end of the device for withdrawing sampling gas, wherein the at least one third conduit has a proximal end and a distal end, and with the at least one third conduit in its fully deployed state, with connection means at its proximal end, has its distal end disposed above the epiglottis and at a distance from the epiglottis; f. whereby the sizing of the device and its channel and conduits to terminate above the epiglottis and at a distance from the epiglottis avoids manipulation of the larynx and subglottic structures during use; and g. wherein the first, second and third conduits comprise connection means whereby administration of inhalent gas, suctioning and the sampling of gas exhaled by the patient may take place simultaneously through separate conduits.