Patent ID: 8001969
Filing Date: 2011-08-23
Classification: A61F,A61M

Abstract:
1. A stabilization system for maintaining an airway in a patient requiring an endotracheal tube, the patient having a head, a face, a mouth, an oral cavity, a trachea, vocal cords, a neck, a chest and a chin, the system comprising: a retention structure secured to the endotracheal tube; a restraining device adapted to be secured to the patient, the restraining device being structured and arranged to releasably engage the retention structure and to cooperate therewith to prevent movement of the endotracheal tube, the restraining device including a pair of slidable overlapping faceplate sections operatively connected to one another and adapted to be positioned over the mouth of the patient, each of the overlapping faceplate sections including a lateral opening of a predetermined configuration, the lateral openings overlapping one another to form a central orifice in the restraining device structured and arranged to receive the endotracheal tube, wherein the central orifice is expandable and contractible in response to the movement of the overlapping faceplate sections, one of the faceplate sections having a plurality of channels adjacent the central orifice, each of the channels being a narrow and elongated aperture through the faceplate section, and the other faceplate section having a plurality of protrusions, each protrusion being slidably disposed in a corresponding one of the channels, the protrusion protruding through the channel to extend beyond the channel; and a fixation structure operatively connected to the restraining device and adapted to extend behind the patient's head and to hold the restraining device in place.