Patent ID: 6705321
Filing Date: 2004-03-16
Classification: A61M,Y10S

Abstract:
A laryngeal mask of the type used to facilitate lung ventilation and the insertion of endotracheal tubes or related medical instruments through a patient's laryngeal opening during general anesthesia, intensive care, or critical patient care, comprising:an inflatable positioning shield formed to fit within a patient's oropharynx and seal around the circumference of the laryngeal opening, said shield having a recessed front; a flexible respiratory tube having a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen defined by a gently curved tubular body of sufficient size to permit passage of endotracheal tubes, and related medical instruments, wherein the flexible respiratory tube has an elliptical cross-section facilitating insertion of the laryngeal mask through the oral cavity and the distal end of said tube is contained within the inflatable positioning shield, wherein the cross-section is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tube; and an adapter coupled to said proximal end of said respiratory tube for connection of medical devices or tubing, said adapter comprising a body having a first end, a second end and a passage therethrough, wherein said first end has an elliptical cross-section for communication with said flexible respiratory tube and said second end has a cross-section that differs from the cross-section of the first end, wherein the cross-section is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body.