Patent ID: 6227197
Filing Date: 2001-05-08
Classification: A61M,Y10S

Abstract:
An adapter assembly for connection to a proximal end of an endotracheal tube, comprising:a first multi-limb connector having a first connector portion adapted to be coupled to a ventilator, a second connector portion adapted to be connected to an endotracheal tube, and a third connector portion;a second multi-limb connector having a fourth connector portion adapted to be immovably coupled to the third connector portion of the first multi-limb connector; a fifth connector portion, and a sixth connector portion;a gas delivery catheter having a first diameter, wherein the gas delivery catheter is operatively coupled to the fifth connector portion of the second multi-limb connector for selective movement into and out of the first multi-limb connector through the fourth connector portion of the second multi-limb connector, and wherein the gas delivery catheter is selectively moveable between a first position in which at least a portion of the gas delivery catheter is disposed within the first multi-limb connector and a standby position in which substantially no portion of the gas delivery catheter is disposed within the first multi-limb connector; anda suction catheter having a second diameter, wherein the suction catheter is operatively coupled to the sixth connector portion of the second multi-limb connector for selective movement into and out of the first multi-limb connector through the fourth connector portion of the second multi-limb connector, and wherein the suction catheter is selectively moveable between a first position in which at least a portion of the suction catheter is disposed within the first multi-limb connector and a standby position in which substantially no portion of the suction catheter is disposed within the first multi-limb connector,wherein an inside diameter of the fourth connector portion of the second multi-limb catheter is less than an outside diameter of the gas delivery catheter and an outside diameter of the suction catheter combined, so that only one of the gas delivery catheter and the suction catheter is capable of passing through the fourth connector portion into the first multi-limb connector at any one time due to one of the gas delivery catheter and the suction catheter located within the fourth connector portion substantially blocking the other of the gas delivery catheter and the suction catheter from entering the fourth connector portion.