Patent ID: 6629924
Filing Date: 2003-10-07
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
An enhanced endotracheal tube for endotracheal intubation, comprising:a flexible tube having an outer surface and a bore therethrough defining a wall section therebetween; a plurality of passages disposed in said wall section, said plurality of passages extending axially through said wall section and substantially parallel to said bore; at least one of said passages adapted to receive a fiber optic bundle; an inflatable cuff positioned adjacent one end of said flexible tube; at least one of said passages connected through said wall section to said inflatable cuff to allow inflation of said cuff; said bore of said flexible tube is coated with a light reflective coating to enhance light and image transmission along said bore; said at least one of said passages adapted to receive a fiber optic bundle is connected to an external light source; at least one of said passages is adapted to receive a stylette, said stylette is malleable and may be anatomically formed to aid a user in inserting said enhanced endotracheal tube during intubation; said stylette is removable from said endotracheal tube after intubation; and, said wall section has a variable thickness.