Patent ID: 6053166
Filing Date: 2000-04-25
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
To position an intubation tube having a distal end, a proximal end and a generally resilient tubular configuration, into a trachea of a patient, an intubating assembly for supporting and guiding the intubation tube, said intubating assembly comprising:a guide assembly, said guide assembly adapted to at least partially receive the intubation tube therein and adapted to selectively and at least partially conform the intubation tube to a curved configuration thereof,said guide assembly including at least a first introduction segment and a second introduction segment hingedly coupled by a hinged coupling to one another in an axial direction, wherein said hinged coupling permits relative rotation between said first introduction segment and said second introduction segment in an anterior direction transverse to said axial direction, said hinged coupling permitting rotation between a maximal relatively less curved configuration of said first introduction segment and said second introduction segment and a maximal relatively more curved configuration of said first introduction segment and said second introduction segment, said maximal relatively less curved configuration of said first introduction segment and said second introduction segment being curved from a straight alignment of said first introduction segment and said second introduction segment in the anterior direction, said hinged coupling preventing relative rotation between said first introduction segment and said second introduction segment beyond said maximal relatively less curved configuration of said first introduction segment and said second introduction segment in a posterior direction opposite said anterior direction, said hinged coupling preventing relative rotation between said first introduction segment and said second introduction segment in a lateral direction transverse to said axial direction and transverse to said anterior direction, anda positioning assembly structured to selectively position at least said first and said second introduction segments between said maximal relatively less curved configuration of said first introduction segment and said second introduction segment and said maximal relatively more curved configuration of said first introduction segment and said second introduction segment, whereby said guide assembly can facilitate direct introduction of an intubation tube into an airway of the patient to a point posterior of a tip of an epiglottis of the patient in the maximal relatively less curved configuration, and in the maximal relatively more curved configuration, generally curve an intubation tube when disposed in said guide assembly and thereby angle the distal end of the intubation tube towards the trachea of the patient such that subsequent introduction of the intubation tube into the airway of the patient is directed into the trachea of the patient.