TRANSTRACHEAL CATHETER SYSTEM

Abstract: A system for continuously supplying supplemental therapeutic oxygen to a patient to enhance atmospheric breathing comprising an oxygen supply source (35) for continuously supplying low pressure low volume oxygen to a patient (p) at relatively low flow rates; flexible oxygen supply tube devices for supplying oxygen from said oxygen supply source (38) to the patient (p); and a continuous one-piece constant diameter flexible elongated tracheal tube member (10) being flexible when inserted into an operative position whithin the trachea (14) to provide therein a proximate end side wall portion (68) having an unrestricted inlet opening (24) therein located posterior of the neck of a patient and a straight distal side wall portion (70) located in the trachea (14) and having an unrestricted distal end outlet opening (78) located in upwardly spaced relationship to the bronchial tubes (16 and 17) of the patient.

Description: TRANSTRACHEAL CATHETER SYSTEM This invention pertains to a system for supplemental transtracheal oxygen therapy including transtracheal cathe- t ter devices. for providing transtracheal, oxygen delivery for 5 spontaneously breathing patients with chronic lung disease and to methods for catheter placement and use. Such devices are medically desirable therapy for patients having a chronic need for oxygen where a catheter can be installed on an out-patient basis for permanent use. Q As a result of studies that date back to the 1930*s and particularly studies conducted in the 1960's and early 1970's, it has been determined that long-term continuous oxygen therapy is beneficial in the treatment of hypoxemic patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) . 5 in other words, a patient's life and quality of life can be improved by providing a constant supplemental supply of oxygen to the patient's lungs. >_ ■ However, with the current desire to contain medical costs? there is a growing concern that the additional cost of providing continuous oxygen therapy for chronic lung disease will create an excessive increase in the annual cost .of oxygen therapy. Thus, it now desirable that oxygen ' therapy, when provided, be as cost effective as possible. The standard treatment for patients requiring supple¬ mental oxygen is still to deliver oxygen from an oxygen source by means of a nasal cannula. Such treatment, how- ever, requires a large amount of oxygen, which is wasteful and can cause soreness and irritation to the nose, as well as being potentially aggravating. Other undesirable effects have also been reported. Various other medical approaches which have been proposed to help .reduce the cost of con- tinuous oxygen therapy have been studied. Various devices and methods have been devised for performing emergency cricothyroidotomies and for providing a tracheotomy tube so that a patient whose airway is otherwise blocked may continue to breath. Such devices, are generally intended only for use with a patient who is not breathing spontaneously and are not suitable for the long term treat¬ ment of chronic lung disease. Typically, such devices are installed by puncturing the skin to create a hole into the cricoid membrane of the larynx above the trachea into which a relatively large curved tracheotomy tube is inserted. As previously described, the use of such tubes has been re¬ stricted medically to emergency situations where the patient would otherwise suffocate due to the blockage of the airway. Such emergency tracheotomy tubes are not suitable for long term therapy after the airway blockage is removed. Other devices which have been found satisfactory for emergency or ventilator use are described in U.S. Patent No. 953,922 to Rogers; U.S. Patent No. 2,873,742 to Shelden; U.S. Patent No. 3,384,087 to Brummelkamp; U.S. Patent No. 3,511,243 to Toy; U.S. Patent No. 3,556, 103 to Calhoun; U.S. Patent No. 2,991,787 to Shelden, et al; U.S. Patent No. 3,688,773 to Weiss; U.S. Patent No. 3,817,250 to Weiss, et al.; and U.S. Patent No. 3,916,903 to Pozzi. Although tracheotomy tubes are satisfactory for their intended purpose, they are not intended for chronic usage by outpatients as a means for delivering supplemental oxygen to spontaneously breathing patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) . Such tracheotomy tubes are generally designed so as to provide the total air supply to the patient for a relatively short period of time. The tracheotomy tubes are generally of rigid or semi-rigid construction and of caliber ranging from 2.5 mm outside diameter in infants to 15 mm outside diameter in adults. They are normally inserted in an operating room as a surgi- cal procedure or during emergency situations, through the crico-thyroid membrane where the tissue is less vascular and the possibility of bleeding is reduced. These devices are intended to permit passage of air in both directions until normal breathing has been restored by other means. Another type of tracheotomy tube is disclosed in Jacobs, U.S. Patent No. 3,682,166 and U.S. Patent No. 3,788, ,326. The catheter described therein is placed over 14 or 16 gauge needle and inserted through the crico-thyroid membrane for supplying air or oxygen and vacuum on an emergency basis to restore the breathing of a non-breathing patient. The air or oxygen is supplied at 30 to 100 psi for inflation and deflation of the patient's lungs. The Jacobs catheter, like the other tracheotomy tubes previously used, is not suitable for long term outpatient use, and could not easily be adapted to such use. Due to the limited functionality of tracheotomy tubes, transtracheal catheters have been proposed and used for long term supplemental oxygen therapy. For example the small diameter transtracheal catheter (16 gauge) developed by Dr. Henry J. Heimlich (described in THE ANNALS OF OTOLOGY, RHINOLOGY & LARYNGOLOGY, Nov.-Dec. 1982; Respiratory Reha¬ bilitation with Transtracheal Oxygen System) has been used by the insertion of a relatively large cutting needle (14 gauge) into the trachea at the mid-point between the crico- thyroid membrane and the sternal notch. This catheter size can supply oxygen up to about 3 liters per minute at low pressures, such as 2 psi which may be insufficient for patients who require higher flow rates. It does not, however, lend itself to outpatient use and maintenance, such as periodic removal and cleaning, primarily because the connector between the catheter and the oxygen supply hose is adjacent and against the anterior portion of the trachea and cannot be easily seen and manipulated by the patient. Furthermore, the catheter is not provided with positive means to protect against kinking or collapsing which would prevent its effective use on an out patient .basis. Such a feature is not only desirable but necessary for long term, out patient and home care use. Also, because of its struc¬ ture, i.e. only one exit opening, the oxygen from the catheter is directed straight down the trachea toward the bifrucation between the bronchi. Because of the normal anatomy of the bronchi wherein the left bronchus is at a ore acute angle to the trachea than the right bronchus, more of the oxygen from that catheter tends to be directed into the right bronchus rather than being directed or mixed for more equal utilization by both bronchi. Also, as structured, the oxygen can strike the carina, resulting in an undesirable tickling sensation and cough. In addition, in such devices, if a substantial portion of the oxygen is directed against the back wall of the trachea causing erosion of the mucosa in this area which may cause chapping and bleeding. Overall, because of the limited output from the device, it may not operate to supply sufficient supple¬ mental oxygen when the patient is exercising or otherwise quite active or has severe disease. Thus, none of the prior art devices are fully suitable for outpatient use on a long term basis. It is therefore an objective of the present invention to provide a catheter, catheter insertion system and method for catheter insertion and use which will provide for efficient long term oxygen therapy, particularly for active patients. The present invention provides an apparatus for supply¬ ing supplemental oxygen to a patient from a portable supply of oxygen which is capable of being carried by such patient, and which oxygen is capable of being introduced uniformly into both of the lungs of such patient on a continuous long term daily basis by conduction of supplemental oxygen into the cervical-.trachea (below the cricoid and above the sternal notch) through a transtracheal tube means unit including an intratracheal catheter portion disposed in the trachea in a downwardly extending position in the trachea with a_distal end portion of such catheter, structured and located in the trachea sufficiently remote from the cricoid to permit adequate mixing of the oxygen introduced with the air from a spontaneously breathing patient. In one form of the invention, the transtracheal tube means unit comprises one continuous length of tubing, and in another presently preferred form comprises a separate intratracheal catheter member and a separate external oxygen supply tube member. The intratracheal catheter apparatus comprises an elongated flexible tube means having a durometer of from about 70 to about 90 Shore A and a length sufficient to locate the distal end portion inwardly within the trachea of the person above the carina; and to locate a proximate end portion outwardly of the neck for attachment of the proximate end portion to a tube connected to a portable supply of oxygen carried by the person; the intratracheal tube means having a lumen having a continuous smooth cylindrical outer peripher¬ al surface and a continuous smooth constant diameter inner peripheral surface defining an elongated continuous cylin¬ drical passage of constant outside diameter of between approximately 1.8 to 3.5 millimeters and being made of a flexible grade polymeric material having an inside diameter of between 1.7 and 3.0 millimeters; and oxygen outlet opening means at the distal end portion of the tubular means including a downwardly and anteriorly facing oval end opening, when said tube means is in place in the trachea, formed by a beveled end surface. The distal end portion of said tube means may also additionally contain a plurality of side wall openings located in predetermined spaced relation¬ ship above said end opening and extending through said sidewall and facing generally forwardly toward the anterior portion of the trachea for supplying oxygen only in a forwardly facing direction whereby rearward flow of oxygen toward the posterior portion of the trachea is limited to prevent erosion. The tube means may additionally contain reinforcement means mounted completely within said sidewall between said outer peripheral surface and said inner periph¬ eral surface. In one form of the invention, the reinforce¬ ment means extends at least between said proximate end portion and said sidewall openings for maintaining a con¬ stant lumen cross-section in said tube means by resisting restriction of said central passage means in order to maintain said continuous constant diameter of said central passage means during oxygen therapy use. In the presently preferred form of the invention, the reinforcement means is located in the external oxygen supply tube member. The tube means may also be provided with hydrophilic coating means on the portion which resides inside the trachea and covering the cylindrical outer surface, and the cylindrical inner surface and the side and end opening surfaces for limiting adhesion and subsequent build-up of mucous-type materials present in the trachea which would otherwise restrict the flow of oxygen through said tube means. Thus the intra¬ tracheal catheter, as previously described, comprises a thin, flexible, kink and collapse resistant, tracheal tube means having a proximate end and a distal end which is fixedly attached to a flanged support means engageable with the patient neck and connected to an external oxygen supply tube means which may be an exterior portion of one continu¬ ous length of tubing or a separate outwardly extending tube member. A releasable connector means is attached to the CT/US88/03335 -8- outwardly extending proximate end of the external tube portion a sufficient distance so as to be capable of being viewed by the patient, so that the patient is better able to connect the external tube portion to a source of oxygen and to facilitate cleaning the catheter on an out-patient basis. The invention also contemplates a method of inserting a transtracheal catheter in the trachea of a patient. The method comprises, under local anesthesia, the steps of infiltrating the soft tissue overlying the anterior side of the cervical trachea; advancing a hypodermic needle through the anesthetized tissue into the trachea; injecting local anesthetic into the trachea through the needle; inserting a guide wire through the needle; removing the needle over the guide wire; inserting a tissue dilator over the guide wire to enlarge the tract; removing the dilator; inserting a Stent over the guide wire and through the enlarged tract; removing the guide wire; securing the Stent by appropriate means, in place for a first period of time while initial healing of the dilated tract occurs so as to allow air to freely pass out through the lumen of the sterno rather than accumulating under the skin with the adherent risk of injury; removing the Stent; inserting a first catheter in the tract, which nay be used on a temporary or longer-term basis, and securing the first catheter in place until the tract completely heals. Then, the first catheter may be removed and a second catheter may be inserted. This unique method allows the use of a small needle for the insertion of a catheter which is larger than the needle, but still capable of providing sufficient supplemental oxygen for oxygen therapy with active patients and not so large as to require a major surgical operation to insert. The first catheter is designed to enable cleaning in place by a cleaning rod with saline solution. The second catheter is designed to enable cleaning by removal by the patient. The preferred apparatus for carrying out the foregoing procedure to create the tract can be provided in the form of a first kit. The first kit-preferably includes a hypodermic needle for forming the small tract or fistula through the trachea and for use with a syringe for injecting an anes¬ thetic into the trachea after the needle is inserted through the trachea to form the tract. The first kit also includes a guide wire for insertion through the needle to maintain the tract after the needle is removed. A dilator is provid¬ ed, which is tapered and has a central passageway for threading it over the guide wire so that it can be used to gradually stretch the tissue to increase the diameter of the tract or opening. A Stent, having a central passageway is also provided in the kit and is inserted in the dilated tract after the dilator is removed in order to maintain the size of the tract or opening to facilitate initial healing of the tract. The guide wire is then removed. The Stent is held in position during healing by suturing. A second kit or package includes the first catheter which has a single opening at a beveled distal end and replaces the Stent. The beveled end on the first catheter is longer on the posterior side so that the oxygen stream is directed away from the mucosa and toward the center of the trachea. This first catheter remains in place until the healing is complete and can be connected to a supply of oxygen during this period. A cleaning rod is also included in the second kit which is used periodically to clean out mucous which may form in the distal end of the catheter. To facilitatβ disconnecting and reconnecting the oxygen supply and the cleaning of the catheter, the proximate end of the catheter extends a sufficient distance outwardly from the surface of the tissue and the catheter holder so that the patient can see the connector thereon over his chin. Finally, a third kit or package includes a removable, second catheter which has similar dimensions as the first catheter and replaces the first catheter at the end of the tract healing period. The second catheter has a tapered distal end like the temporary catheter and also has a series of spaced openings in the anterior side wall thereof to facili¬ tate mixing of the oxygen supplied through the tube with the air inhaled by the patient. These openings are spaced about an arc which does not exceed 60° from the mid-line on the anterior side of the tube. The kits which have been described, together with the unique first and second catheters, provide the means for installing the catheters by a unique method. The catheters are suitable for out-patient use over extended periods of time by patients suffering from lung diseases causing hypoxia. The catheters can be cleaned by the patients, the second catheter being removable by the patient for cleaning and reinsertion. Because of the external extension of the proximate end of the tube beyond the connecting lange of the disclosed fastening means, the patient can see the connector and easily manipulate it to connect and disconnect the oxygen and instill drugs or other medications. Additional advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description which follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the transtracheal catheter of this invention mounted through the skin and into the trachea of a patient and showing the oxygen supply connecting tube secured to the patient's wearing apparel between the connection to the transtracheal catheter and the connector to a supply of oxygen; Fig. 2 is a diagrammatical illustration of the infil¬ tration of a local anesthetic into the trachea by means of a needle on a syringe; Fig. 3 is a diagrammatical illustration of the in¬ sertion of a guide wire through the needle after the syringe is removed; Fig. 4 is a diagrammatical illustration of the in¬ sertion of a tissue dilator over the guide wire after the needle is removed; Fig. 5 is a diagrammatical illustration of the in¬ sertion of the Stent after the dilator and the guide wire have been removed; Fig. 6 is a diagrammatical illustration of the in- sertion of a first transtracheal catheter after removal of the Stent; Fig. 7 is a diagrammatical illustration of the in¬ sertion of a second catheter, after removal of the first catheter; Fig. 8 is a diagrammatic view of the trachea with a flush-mounted prior art catheter showing the orientation of the catheter and the flow of oxygen to the patient from the catheter; Fig. 9 is a diagrammatic view of the trachea, similar to Fig- 8, but showing the thorough mixing of oxygen and air by means of the catheter of this invention; Fig. 10 is a side elevation of guide wire which forms a part of a first kit of this invention; Fig. 11 is a side elevation of the dilator, which forms a part of the first kit of this invention, for use in the method of implanting the transtracheal catheter of this invention; Fig. 12 is an end view of the distal end of the dilator of Fig. 11; Fig. 13 is a side elevation of a Stent which forms a part of the first kit of this invention; Fig. 14 is a side elevation of a cleaning rod which forms a part of a second kit of this invention; Fig. 15 is a side elevation of a first catheter which forms a part of the second kit of this invention; Fig. 16 is a side elevation of a removable, second catheter which forms a part of this invention; Fig. 17 is an enlarged vertical section, taken along line 17-17 of Fig. 16, showing the angular spacing of the openings; Fig. 18 is an enlarged vertical section, taken along line 18-18 of Fig. 16 showing the reinforcing means within the tubing; Fig. 19 is an enlarged vertical section, taken along line 19-19 of Fig. 16 showing an attachment means for the transtracheal catheter; Fig. 20 is a graph comparing oxygen therapy by an analysis of blood oxygen during exercise of the catheter of the present invention compared to other therapies; -13- Fig. 21 is a perspective view of a presently preferred embodiment of the system, including a transtracheal unit and an oxygen supply hose unit in use with a patient; Fig. 22 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the transtracheal unit shown in Fig. 1 prior to insertion into the trachea; Fig. 23 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the transtracheal unit of Fig. 22 taken along line 23-23; Fig. 24 is an enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view of the external reinforced tube member of the trans¬ tracheal unit of Fig. 22; Fig. 25 is a side elevational view partly in cross- section of a Stent; Fig. 26 is an end view of the Stent of Fig. 25; Fig. 27 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the connector member of the transtracheal unit of Fig. 22; Fig. 28 is an end view of the connector member of Fig. 27; Fig. 29 is a longitudinal side elevational view of the oxygen tank connector member for the oxygen supply hose unit shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 30 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the connection member of Fig. 29; Fig. 31 is a side elevational view of the transtracheal unit connector member for the oxygen supply hose unit of Fig. 1; and Figs. 32 & 33 show a cleaning rod. -H- As best seen in Fig. 1, a patient P has been fitted with a transtracheal catheter c. In one form of the inven¬ tion, the catheter includes a flexible tube 10 having a beveled distal end opening and may have a plurality of side wall openings 12 at the distal end thereof which have a specific orientation to facilitate the mixing of the oxygen with the air being breathed by the patient, as more fully explained hereinafter. The distal end, which extends through a tract in the trachea 14, is positioned above the carina 15 to supply the oxygen to the right and left bronchus 16 and 17. The catheter is inserted into the cervical trachea, in a manner more fully described hereinaf¬ ter. After insertion, attachment means 18 is used to secure the catheter C to the patient's neck by means of a chain 20 extending around the patient's neck. The proximate end of catheter C extends away from the patient's body and has a connector 24 attached to tube 10 through which oxygen is supplied to the patient. As is readily apparent, the extension provided, makes it possible or the patient to see connector 24 over his chin so as to connect and disconnect the oxygen supply tube and to even remove the catheter, as an outpatient, at home, for cleaning and then replace it and reconnect the oxygen supply. The source of oxygen can be from any source of oxygen such as pressurized oxygen tanks, liquid oxygen reservoirs or oxygen concentrators, with some variation in the prescribed flow rates. As shown in Fig. 1, an intermediate reinforced tube 26 is provided which is connected between connector 24 through clip 30 which is shown on a narrow belt 32 that can be worn underneath the clothes of the patient P. However, the clip 30 can be attached directly to the patient's wearing apparel instea_d. of using a supplemental belt. The connector 34 is then connected to tube 36 to oxygen supply 38. The purpose of this structure is to assure that as the patient moves about, the patient will not move to the limit of the tubing and place a stress on catheter C which could pull the catheter out of the trachea and perhaps cause injury or discomfort to the patient. With the intermediate tubing arrangement as shown, any tension would be placed on tube 36 and not on tube 26. In addition, the connector 24 is designed to disengage this also when subjected to a 1 - 3 pound pull. The catheter system of the present invention may include two catheters. The first is sometimes referred to herein as a temporary catheter which is used for a limited period of time while the tract or fistula formed through the trachea heals. The second catheter is sometimes referred to as the final catheter which is capable of being used by the patient on a long term basis but can be removed by the patient, at home, for cleaning on a periodic basis. Howev¬ er, it will be understood that the first catheter may also be used on a long-term basis without use of the second catheter. The differences in these catheters will be more fully explained hereinafter. Both catheters are made of the same material and, with some differences, have the same dimensions. In this regard, for an adult patient, the catheter will have a length of approximately 20 cm and be made of polyurethane having a durometer between about 70 and about 90 Shore A (Shore 80A being presently preferred) and a relatively small outside diameter (e.g., approximately between 1.8 and about 3.5 millimeters) such as to occupy only a small portion of the trachea without impeding normal spontaneous breathing of the patient. The attachment means 18 is located near the midpoint of the tube after placement and is approximately 7 to 11 cm (preferably 9 cm) from connector 24 on the proximate end of the tube and approxi¬ mately 9 to 13 cm (preferably 11 cm) from the distal end of the tube when in place in the trachea. For an adult, the preferred diameter is an 8 or 9 French catheter. In some instances, it is contemplated that the outside diameter might be as small as 1.8 mm O.D. It is also contemplated that for pediatric patients the diameter might be as small as 1.5 to 2.0 mm O.D. Of course, the length would be correspondingly shorter to prevent the problems previously discussed. The method of inserting transtracheal catheter C is best illustrated in Figs. 2-7. Conveniently, the method can be carried out by using apparatus contained in three kits. The first kit contains a hypodermic needle, a guide wire, a dilator and a Stent. The second kit contains the temporary catheter and a cleaning rod. A final catheter and a clean¬ ing rod are contained in the third kit. In Fig. 2., a local anesthetic is injected into the soft tissues overlying the cervical trachea by means of a hypodermic needle 40 attached to a syringe 41 containing the anesthetic. Typically, a 5 cc syringe is filled with 1% lidocaine and epinephrine at a strength of 1:100,000. The needle may be 27 gauge x 1.25 inches. After local anesthesia is achieved in the skin, a No. 15 scalpel is used to cut just the skin. An 18 gauge thin wall needle, which is in the first kit, is attached to the syringe with the remainder of the anesthetic solution, and the needle is advanced into the trachea. Proper position may be documented by drawing back on the syringe and getting 5 a return of air bubbles in the syringe. The remainder of the anesthetic is then deposited in the trachea. Because of the small size of the needle, the possibility of hemor- rhaging is greatly reduced even though the tissue being penetrated is vascular. A 32 cm straight guide wire 42 is 0 passed through the 18 gauge thin wall needle 40 into the trachea as seen in Fig. 3. The bevel on the needle and angle of insertion are exploited to direct the guide wire downwardly into the trachea. Conveniently, indicia, such as a notch is provided on the base of the needle to indicate 5 the orientation of the bevel. The needle 40 is then removed over the guide wire. As best seen in Fig. 10, guide wire 42 has an atrauma¬ tic end 43 which is designed not to scratch or otherwise injure the mucosa or trachea when the wire is inserted. o This atraumatic end is preferably about 5 cm long. The wire includes a central longitudinal wire forming a core and a spirally wound wire around the core wire which core wire extends beyond one end of the spiral windings so as to form the flexible atraumatic end. The guide wire has a reference 5 mark at about 11 cm from the atraumatic end to advise the physician on depth of insertion. Next, preferably a 10 French by 15 cm long Teflon dilator D, found in the first kit, having a central bore 46 in the body 47 is passed over the guide wire 42 into the Q trachea. The initial small tract or fistula created by the hypodermic needle 40 is generally enlarged by the insertion of the taper of distal end 45 of the dilator into the tract. As the dilator is inserted no further than mark 48, see Fig. 11, the tract is stretched without cutting until it is enlarged sufficiently to receive the Stent. The tapered end 45 is preferably about 12 mm long. The dilator remains in place for at about one minute to accomplish sufficient stretching of the tissue. Next the dilator is removed with the wire remaining in place and the Stent S is passed through the tract into the trachea over the wire, as best seen in Fig. 5. The struc¬ ture of Stent S is illustrated in Figs. 13. The flange serves to stabilize the Stent by sutures placed through its eyelets and adapts to conventional Luer taper connectors for installation of lidocaine to suppress coughing. The stent has a body 51 which is made of suffi¬ ciently rigid material to hold the tract which has been formed in the trachea open. This Stent body 51 has, pref¬ erably, a 9 French diameter and is preferably about 11 cm long from the distal tapered end 52 to the proximal end 50. The tapered end 52 facilitates insertion of Stent S through the tract in the trachea. A passageway 53 extends through the Stent to allow air to pass out without going under the skin to minimize the danger of the patient experiencing subcutaneous emphysema, during the process. After typically one week, or longer if indicated, Stent S is removed by the physician and a temporary catheter T is inserted, as shown in Fig. 6. One form of structure of this catheter is best seen by reference to Fig. 16. The tempo¬ rary catheter is longer than the Stent, being about 20 cm in length. In fact, the length of the distal end 54 temporary catheter T which rests inside the trachea is approximately 11 cm long, which is the same length as the distal end of the Stent. The temporary catheter has a connector 56 at the proximate end 58 thereof for attachment to an oxygen supply. The extra length provided by proximate end 58 makes it possible for the patient to see connector 56 so that he can easily connect or disconnect the oxygen supply and can clean the catheter, as described below. This form of the catheter also has a longitudinal passageway 60 extending its entire length and may be provided with reinforcing means 61 which may take any form; but is illustrated as being in the form of a helical wire embedded within the tubular material that forms proximate end 58 and distal end 54 of temporary catheter T. The purpose of this armoring is to reduce the possibility of the catheter collapsing, or kinking from any manipulation done by the patient to thereby help assure a constant supply of oxygen to the patient by keeping a constant cross-sectional area in the catheter lumen. This is important since this device will be used by an outpatient who will not be under constant medical supervision. The distal end of lower portion 54 has a taper 62 which is longer on the posterior side to facilitate insertion and also to deflect the oxygen introduced through the catheter away from the mucosa at the back of the throat and to direct the oxygen downwardly and slightly forwardly. After proper positioning the temporary catheter T is connected to a source of oxygen. The oxygen flow is then adjusted to achieve a blood oxygen saturation of at least 90% by ear oximetry or arterial blood gas analysis. Since oxygen is now being supplied to the patient through temporary catheter T, it is necessary to keep passageway or lumen 60 open. This is accomplished by use of a, cleaning rod, such as cleaning rod R of Fig. 15. This form of cleaning rod is conveniently made of a flexible plastic and includes a long shaft 64 which terminates at its upper end in a handle 66 formed as a right angle extension 5 from the shaft 64. Shaft 64 is slightly longer than the total length of the temporary catheter T. To clean out the catheter, the oxygen is disconnected and a saline solution is instilled through the passage, and then shaft 64 of cleaning rod R is inserted through connector 56 and along 0 passageway 60. Because of the sizing, the length of shaft 64 is sufficient to completely expel any mucous which has accumulated within the passageway. Also, the diameter of shaft 64 is just slightly less than the inside diameter of passageway 58. This cleaning is normally done twice a day, 5 or as often as needed. After cleaning, the cleaning rod R is removed and the connector 56 is reconnected to oxygen supply. The temporary catheter is preferably kept in place for six weeks or longer so that the tract or fistula through the o trachea can heal completely. After complete healing has occurred, the physician removes the temporary catheter T and provides the patient with a final catheter C which is inserted and positioned as shown in Fig. 7. This catheter is similar to the temporary catheter T with certain differ- 5 . ences, as enumerated below. The structure of one embodiment of the final trans¬ tracheal catheter C, which is a part of the third kit, is shown in Figs. 16-19. The upper or proximate portion 68 of the catheter tube 10, as well as the lower portion 70, i β also reinforced by means such as a coil spring 72 which is partially shown diagrammatically as embedded in the tubing (see Fig. 18) . The purpose of this armoring is also intend¬ ed to reduce the possibility of collapse or kinking of the transtracheal catheter which could restrict the oxygen supply to the patient. Conveniently, coil spring 72 extends a sufficient distance along the length of tube 10 to provide the described features with flange or fastening means 18 located at about 9 cm from the proximate connector 24 and about 11 cm from the distal tip. Each side of the fastening means has an aperture 74 (Fig. 19) for receiving a chain 20, or other holding means. The catheter tube 10 is provided with a longitudinal passageway or lumen 76 and the distal end has a taper 78 with a longer posterior side for direct- ing the oxygen away from the mucosa of the trachea. A plurality of openings 12 are spaced about the anterior side of the catheter through an arc of approximately 120° and are all positioned on the portion of the sidewall which faces inwardly from the back wall of the trachea and are located above the shorter end of bevel 78'. In other words, the openings are spaced within 60 to either side of a mid-line 80 on the anterior side of the tube 10, as shown in Fig. 18. The distinct advantage of this arrangement will be apparent from a viewing of Figs. 8 and 9. In Fig. 8, a prior art catheter K is shown having a tubular body member 82 with a flat distal end 84 and no openings in the side¬ wall. As can be seen, most of the oxygen is directed straight downwardly in a stream into the right main stream bronchus 16 since it extends on a more straight downwardly path from the trachea than does the left bronchus 17. As a result, air being drawn into the lungs of the patient by normal breathing, as shown by arrows 86, will be less likely to effectively mix with the stream of oxygen from the distal end 84 of catheter K as shown by arrows 88. On the other hand, in one embodiment shown in Fig. 9, oxygen is discharged from catheter C through the beveled or tapered distal end 78 and openings 12 so as to be directed away from the mucosa at the back wall of the trachea and out into the body of the trachea as illustrated by arrows 90 to promote better mixing with the air from the patient's natural breathing, as indicated by arrows 92. This will occur because the oxygen is issued in multi-directional streams so that a substantial equal amount of oxygen en¬ riched air passes essentially uniformly into both the right bronchus 16 and the left bronchus 17 and minimizes the drying effect of oxygen on the mucous membranes. Another important distinction between the prior art catheter K and catheter C is that the connector of catheter K is flush against the trachea whereas the proximate end or extension 68 of catheter C extends outwardly for about 9 cm. This makes catheter C suitable for outpatient use, whereas catheter K is not. With extension 68, the patient can see connector 24 over his chin so that he can connect and disconnect the oxygen supply easily and can periodically remove the catheter for cleaning. Oxygen is delivered at very low pressures, such as below 2 psi and at low flow rates, which are usually 50% or less than that which is required with a cannula. Of course, • the catheter is only for use by a spontaneously breathing outpatient. Individuals who require more than 3 liters per minute transtracheal catheter either at rest or during exercise can receive up to 6 - 8 1/min. with the catheter of the present inventions. It can be seen from this chart that with the same flow rates in liters per minute for the 16 gauge catheter and the catheter of the present invention, blood oxygenation is improved for the described device. The nasal cannulae is clearly not as effective as the trans¬ tracheal catheters of the present invention even if operated at higher flow rates. Thus, a substantial savings can be obtained from reduced oxygen use while providing active patients with better blood gas values during the therapy. Used on a long term basis, this difference in efficiency should produce even more advantages to the patient in both the quality of life and extension of useful life. From the foregoing, the advantages of this invention are readily apparent. A transtracheal catheter has been provided which is safe and comfortable for a spontaneously breathing patient and can be installed in a doctor's office on an outpatient basis without requiring hospitalization. A method of installation is provided whereby the transtracheal catheter is inserted under a local anesthetic, with the patient remaining ambulatory all times. Because of its small size, insertion can be accomplished with no risk of severing an artery. The transtracheal catheter is armored so that the possibility of kinking and crushing is minimized to assure a continuous supply of oxygen to the patient. Disconnection and reconnection of the oxygen supply is facilitated. The constant flow of low pressure oxygen into the collapsed airways of emphysema patients helps hold the bronchial tubes open to improve the function of the lungs and reduce the work of breathing. The remaining apparatus is constructed as described, with biocompatible materials where necessary. For example, the temporary and permanent catheters are preferably con¬ structed as described from medical grade polyurethane which say be coated as described with a hydrophilic polymer in the areas which are exposed, in use, to tracheal secretions. The polymer also provides a lubricious surface for ease of insertion and removal. The polymer, also minimizes adherence of mucus to the catheter. Such polymers are currently used on other commercially available medical products such as feeding tubes which are in contact with mucosal surfaces for prolonged periods. The PVC material used in the security flange is preferably PVC or polyure¬ thane material commonly used in medical devices which are in contact with the skin. It is soft and non-irritating. PVC and polyurethane can be securely bonded together. The bevel of the tip of temporary and permanent cathe¬ ters, and the side ports of the permanent catheter direct oxygen away from the tracheal mucosa toward the center of the air column in the trachea. This promotes patient comfort. Proper orientation can be facilitated by employing an asymmetric flange on the fastening means (see Fig. 9) . Improper orientation may affect comfort but does not com¬ prise efficacy. The 9cm extension of tubing from the flange to the female Luer-type taper connector removes the bulk of the connectors away from the collar. It also makes manipulation of the connectors easier for the patient. In addition, the 2 pound release (range 1-3 pounds) of the female Luer-type . taper connector is a feature which will result in a safety disconnect rather than catheter dislodgement in the avant of an excessive pull on the proximal end of the Oxygen Hosa. The Cleaning Rod is designed to remove debris as it is passed through the lumen of either the temporary or perma¬ nent catheter. The length is preferably 5mm longer than the catheter, and over-insertion or loss down the catheter is prevented by the 2cm handle which is at a 90 angle and the small cap at the end of the handle. Both, the temporary and permanent catheter of the present invention is most preferably an 8 or 9 French reinforced tube made of medical grade clear polyurethane with nylon coil spring reinforcement and approximately 20cm (7.875") in length. The kink and crush resistant Oxygen Hose adapts standard oxygen sources to the catheter. Inadvertent decannulation is protected against by the suspender- type security clip which attaches to the top of the pants belt or dress and the 2 pound safety release of the Luer taper connector between the hose and the catheter. -25a- In summary, the durometer values, i.e. about 70-90 Shore A, selected for the final configurations of the temporary and permanent catheters of the present invention are desirable and indeed necessary for proper insertion and long term patient comfort. In this regard, the spacing for the location of the holes of the distal end of the permanent catheter-are preselected, within the range of orientation described, to retain a sufficient flexibility and stiffness to facilitate proper insertion, removal and cleaning, as well as enabling proper orientation, when in place, in order to achieve the benefits described herein. An 8 or 9 French size of the temporary and permanent catheters is the most preferred size since tests have shown that the proper back pressure, for a preselected range of oxygen flow rates can be achieved for this size of catheter to permit the effi¬ cient utilization of supplemental oxygen described herein. -26- In a presently preferred form of the invention, as shown in Figs. 21 - 31, a transtracheal catheter unit 100 comprises an intratracheal tube means 102, an external oxygen supply tube means 104, a connector-stabilizer-support means 106 with a releasable oxygen hose connector means 108. An oxygen supply hose unit 110 comprises a tube member 111, a non-releasable connector means 112, a clip means 113, a tube member 114, a connector means 115 fixedly attached to tube member 111 and a releasable coupling means 116 fixedly attached to tube member 114 which is releasably connectable to an oxygen supply source 118; such as a relatively small- size, small-volume (e.g. 0.6 to 1.1 liters of liquid oxygen) lightweight patient portable supply tank 117 capable of supplying 1/2 liter of gaseous oxygen for 10 to 12 hours through conventional valve flow control means or a relative¬ ly large-size, large-volume (e.g. 30 liters of liquid oxygen) , heavy, stand alone-type, main supply cylinder or the like (not shown) . Supply tank 117 may be carried by the patient in any suitable bag or pack device 118 having a shoulder or back strap 119. As shown in Figs. 22 - 24, the intratracheal tube means 102 comprises a continuous one-piece tubular member having an annular passage 120 defined by an annular wall portion 121 having an annular inner peripheral smooth surface 122 and an annular outer peripheral smooth surface 123. Distal end portion 125 has an inclined end surface 126 to provide an oval-shape discharge opening 127 extending between a lowermost tip portion 128 and an axially upwardly spaced portion 129. Tip portion 128 is preferably molded and polished for ease of insertion, comfort and avoidance of -27- suco β al irritation. A plurality of forwardly facing side discharge openings 130 nay be provided in side wall portion 121 as previously described. A locator marking 131 may be provided on the upper side wall surface to promote recogni- tion of partial withdrawal for repositioning without com ¬ plete withdrawal. Proximate end portion 132 has a flat transverse end surface 133 defining a cylindrical inlet opening 134. The intratracheal tube means 102 comprises a continu- ous, one-piece, tubular member made from a length of straight flexible thermoplastic tubular material such as polyurethane which easily conforms to the human anatomy to enable insertion into the trachea and has thermosetting characteristics so as to be able to adopt a flexible, thermoset, curved shape when subject to body temperature in continuous use in the trachea. Thus, a portion of the intratracheal tube member will gently rest against the posterior trachea wall in a stable position and will not move over corrugations of lateral and anterior tracheal walls with normal respiratory excursions while still main¬ taining a balance of overall flexibility for comfort. Intratracheal tube member 102 has a durometer of between approximately 70 to 90 Shore A (80 Shore A being presently preferred) . Tube member 102 has an outside diameter of between approximately 1.8 millimeters to 3.5 millimeters (3.1 millimeters being presently preferred), but say be of smaller diameter (e.g. 1.5 to 2.7 mm) for pediatric pa¬ tients. The inside diameter of tube member 102 is between approximately 1.7 to 3.0 mm (1.9 mm being presently pre- ferred) so as to provide a minimus wall thickness of between -28- approximately 0.1 to 0.9 mm (0.6ms being presently pre¬ ferred) " . The length of tube sember 102 for adults is between approximately 8cm to 14 cm (11 cm being presently preferred) so that distal tip portion 128 is located approx- imately 1 to 5 cm above the carina in a majority of adult patients. For pediatric patients, a length of 3 to 8 cm may be appropriate. Connector-stabilizer-support means 106 is made of one piece of flexible molded plastic material such as clear PVC having a durometer of approximately between 51 to 61 Shore A (preferably 56 Shore A) which comprises a soft, flexible, relatively thin (e.g., approximately 0.72 inch) flange portion 140 having parallel flat, smooth side surfaces 141, 142. Flat inner surface 141 provides an abutment surface to engage the neck skin about the insertion tract. An upper flat peripheral surface 143 is connected by relatively large radius curved side peripheral surfaces 144, 145 to inclined lower peripheral surfaces 146, 147 which are connected by a relatively large radius curved lowermost peripheral surface 148. An outwardly extending hub portion 150 has a tapered outer peripheral surface 151 and terminates in a flat transverse side surface 152. A central bore 153 of approxi¬ mately the same diameter (e.g., 0.72) as the inside diameter (e.g. 0.73) of tube member 102, is located in a transverse flange portion 154 between counterbores 155, 156 which are preferably tapered and have diameters approximately equal to or slightly less than the outside diameters of tube members 102, 104 so as to enable slidable, low-friction insertion of the ends of the tube members therewithin into abutting engagement with the side surfaces of flange portion 154. -29- Thβ end portions of the tube members 102, 104 are fixedly sealably attached to member 106 by any suitable means such as a solvent bond which is provided by applying a suitable solvent material to the outer periphery of each tubular portion prior to insertion into the counterbores. While it is intended that both tube members 102, 104 be permanently connected to member 106, the construction and arrangement is such that in the event of application of unusually large forces (e.g. 8 to 15 pounds), the bond between tube 104 and se ber 106 will break before the flange breaks away from the security necklace. Tube member 102 is precisely oriented relative to flange portion 140 so that the oxygen discharge opening in the tip portion 128 and side wall oxygen passag¬ es 130 will be properly located in the trachea whereby the oxygen is discharged forwardly. Flange portion 140 stabi¬ lizes the tube member 102, has a low profile and small surface area and is made of soft material for comfort and non-irritation in use while allowing the skin around the insertion tract in the neck to breathe. Flange portion 140 has circular openings 157, 158 for receiving a neck chain or band member 158 as previously described. External tube means 104 is made of kink and crush- resistant molded plastic material such as polyurethane reinforced with braided nylon or polypropylene which resists cracking and breaking. Preferably, clear plastic material is used for cosmetics. Tube means 104 has a length of approximately between 2 to 12 cm (8 cm being presently preferred) so that connector member 108 is located a sub¬ stantial distance beyond the connector-stabilizer-support -30- member 106 to enable movement without displacement of the intratracheal tube member 102 and for comfort and ease of cleaning. Tube means 104 has a central cylindrical smooth- wall constant diameter passage 160 in an annular wall portion 161 having a cylindrical peripheral surface 162. Braided nylon material 163 is embedded in wall portion 161. End portions 165, 166 are permanently fixedly attached to flange member 106 and connector member 108, respectively. The diameter of passage 160 is approximately the same as the diameter of passage 120 in tube member 102 and passage 153 in flange portion 154 of member 106. In the presently preferred embodiment, tube member 104 has a durometer of approximately 80 Shore A, an outside diameter of approxi mately 3.0 mm and an inside diameter of approximately 1.7 mm. Connector means 108, Figs. 27 & 28, is of the same general construction as a conventional Luer compatible tapered oxygen friction connector device and is made of a one piece, generally cylindrical member 170 made of molded plastic material such as PVC having a durometer of approxi¬ mately 51 to 61 Shore A (56 Shore A being presently pre¬ ferred) . Member 170 comprises a central rib portion 171 having a central, slightly tapered, generally cylindrical bore 172 extending between enlarged counterbore passage means 173, 174 in hub portions 175, 176. Counterbore 173 has a diameter approximately equal to the outside diameter of external tube member 104 and has a slightly outwardly tapered surface 177 so as to enable tube end portion 166 to be slidably inserted into engagement with annular side -31- β urface 178 of rib portion 171 and then permanently connect¬ ed to connector 108 by suitable means such as a solvent bond as previously described. Passage means 174 comprises a central tapered conical passage portion 179 which terminates at radial shoulder portion 180 of rib portion 171 and an outer tapered conical passage portion 181 having circum¬ ferential space groove and rib portions 182, 183. Release tabs 185 are provided around transfer end surface 187. Connector means 115, Fig. 31, comprises a one piece connec- tor member 189 made of rigid molded plastic material, such as polycarbonate or high density PVC, with a central cylin¬ drical passage 190, a Luer-type tapered end portion 191, a central abutment flange portion 192, and a ribbed end portion 193 for fixed insertion into the end of tube member 111. In this manner, the elongated tapered connecting male portion 191 of connecting means 115 on the end portion of tubular member 111 is insertable into passage 174 of connec¬ tor means 108 and securely releasably held therein with a retention force of approximately 1 to 5 pounds to provide a safety disconnect means while also enabling usage of stan¬ dard medical devices, such as syringes and liquid capsules, to apply liquid medications or the like. In the present preferred embodiment, oxygen supply tube member 111 is made of extruded plastic material, such as PVC having a durometer of between 45 to 60 Shore A (50 Shore A being presently preferred) , with an outside diameter of approximately 3/16 inch and an inside diameter of approxi¬ mately 1/8 inch and a length of approximately 20 inches. Oxygen supply tube member 114 is made of extruded plastic material, such as PVC having a durometer of between 65 to 75 -32- Shore A (70 Shore λ being presently preferred), with an outside diameter of approximately 1/4 inch and an inside diameter of approximately 1/8 inch and length of about 50 inches. Tube members 111, 114 are permanently connected by connector member 112 by solvent bonding in aligned counter¬ bores as previously described. Tube members ill, 114 preferably have the same inside diameters to prevent back pressure variances and have different outside diameters for maximum comfort along the body of the patient's inside clothing and maximum protection against collapse or kinking outside of clothing worn by the patient. Clip means 113, Fig. 21, comprises spring-biased openable and cloβable, pivotally-connected jaw members 113J, such as a suspender-type clip, with a plastic loop member 113L fixedly secured thereto and slidably adjustably fric- tionally mounted on tube member 114 adjacent connector 112 for attachment to a belt of any size. Oxygen tank connector means 116, Figs. 29 & 30, comprises an elongated body member of molded plastic materi- al, such as clear PVC having a durometer of approximately 65 to 75 Shore A (70 Shore A being presently preferred) , which is integrally fixedly molded around and bonded to end portion 114E of tube member 114 which terminates at 114T in abutting engagement with rib portion 194 adjacent a passage 195 in an enlarged end portion 196. Passage 195 comprises an outwardly tapered conical end portion 198, a central cylindrical portion 199, and an inwardly tapered conical end portion 200 terminating in a circular opening 201 in rib portion 194 and having a diameter approximately equal to the inside diameter of tube member 114. Head portion 196 has a -33- cylindrical end portion 202 and an annular, outer rib portion 204 connected to an elongated tubular portion 205 by a conical surface 206. An intermediate portion 207 is provided with a series of rib and groove portions 208, 209 to enhance flexibility. Passage 195 is adapted to raleas- ably receive an elongated ribbed male coupling portion 210, Fig. 21, on oxygen tank 117. The construction and arrange¬ ment of connector means 116 is such as to provide an elon¬ gated handle means to enable the user to firmly grip the connector means during connection and disconnection from the oxygen supply means without kinking of tube member 114. The tapered passage 195 facilitates connection to the oxygen supply hose and provides a reduced diameter transition to the supply hose inlet opening to minimize back pressure. The enlarged head portion prevents breakage and cracking of the wall portion. Figs. 25 & 26 shows a 9 French Stent device 220 which is generally similar to catheter unit portions 102 and 106 and comprises a one piece tubular member 221 having a proximate end portion 222 fixedly mounted in a one piece support member 224 which has a flange portion 225 and a hub portion 226. Tubular member 221 is made of flexible molded plastic material such as polyurethane having a durometer of between approximately 70 to 90 Shore A (preferably about 80 Shore A); an outside diameter of about 3.1 mm; an inside diameter of about 1.6 mm; and a beveled distal end surface 227 having an angle of inclination of about 35°. Support member 224 is made from one piece of molded plastic material such as PVC or polyurethane having a durometer of between approximately 70 to 90 Shore A (preferably about 80 Shore -34- λ) . Hub portion 226 has a central tapered passage 228 in a central rib portion 229 connected to counterbore portions 230, 231. A proximate end portion 222 of tubular member 221 is fixedly mounted in counterbore 230 by solvent bonding as previously described. Counterbore portion 231 has a size and tapered shape to enable insertion of a standard size syringe. Relatively small-size openings 234, 236 in flange portion 225 enable suturing to the patient neck, but are smaller than the chain diameter to prevent use of the support chain 159 with Stent support member 224. λ presently preferred catheter cleaning rod 240, shown in Figs. 32 & 33, comprises an .020 inch diameter stainless steel wire member 242 having a length of approximately 8.0 inches with an enlarged stainless steel atraumatic spring- stylet head portion 244 having an outside diameter approximately equal to the inside diameter of the tube. An injection molded plastic handle member 246, fixedly mounted on the other end of the wire, comprises a flat abutment surface 248 to prevent over-insertion of the wire beyond the tip of the catheter; a pair of flat side surfaces 250, 251 with indentations 252, 253 for gripping; and a rounded side surface 254. Thus, the presently preferred embodiment of the inven¬ tion provides a transtracheal catheter unit 100 having oxygen flow capability of from 0.1 to 8 liters per minute through an intratracheal tube member having an inside diameter of approximately 1.7 to 3.0 millimeters. The intratracheal tube member is made of flexible thermoplastic material having a durometer of approximately 70 to 90 Shore -35- A and is capable of becoming set by body temperature in a curved-position corresponding to the individual anatomy of the patient. Thus, the position and angle of the bend is variable for each individual patient while enabling usage of a cleaning rod within the oxygen passage in the intratrach¬ eal tube mesber. The construction and arrangement is such that the catheter tip rests against the smooth posterior wall portion of the trachea so as to reduce coughing which might result from location in the center of the trachea or in contact with the corrugated side or anterior wall por¬ tions of the trachea. The outside diameter is sufficiently small to permit unrestricted spontaneous breathing around the catheter. The catheter tip is beveled and positively oriented by the external connecting-locating flange so that the long axis of the oval opening faces forwardly to direct oxygen away from the tracheal mucosa to protect against drying and irritation. When relatively high flow rate oxygen (e.g. 2 to 8 liters per minute) is to be used, the side holes located near the tip portion further disperse the oxygen in a forward direction for comfort and to minimize drying. The oxygen passage is open to enable usage of a cleaning rod. The oxygen supply hoses and connector members provide for safety and ease of usage. The catheter-oxygen supply hose connector member provides a 1 to 5 pound force safety disconnect feature. The stabilizer member is con¬ nected to the tube members in a manner providing an 8 to 14 pound force safety separation feature. The large connector member at the end of the supply hose means provides an ispedance satching feature while also being kink and crush resistant. The inside diameters of all tube members and -36- passages in connecting members are approximately the same so as to "provide a continuous substantially unrestricted constant passage between the tip portion of the intratrach¬ eal catheter and the source of oxygen. In summary, the invention comprises a system for providing a continuous supplemental supply of relatively low pressure oxygen at a relatively low flow rate to enhance spontaneous breathing of a person having chronic hypoxemia. The system cosprises an elongated intratracheal tube means having an elongated continuous constant diameter central passage means extending between an oxygen inlet opening seans at a proxisate end portion of the intratracheal tube seans and an oxygen outlet opening seans at a distal end portion thereof. The intratracheal tube seans is fixedly permanently mounted on an external connector-stabilizer- support means for mounting on and support by the neck of a person and insertion into the trachea of the person through a surgically formed permanent insertion opening in the skin of the person located in the cervical trachea of the person. The external connector-stabilizer-mounting means is oriented relative to the intratracheal tube means for locating the distal end portion and the oxygen outlet opening means in the trachea below the cricoid cartilage and in upwardly spaced relationship to the carina. An external tubular means is fixedly connected to the connector-stabilizer- support means and has a length such as to provide a proxi¬ mate end portion and oxygen inlet opening means located a sufficient distance away from the insertion opening in the skin to enable flexible displacement relative to the connector-stabilizer-support means without causing displace- -37- ment of the intratracheal tubular means. The intratracheal tubular seans is sade of a continuous one-piece constant diaseter flexible elongated intratracheal tube member having a continuous constant diameter passage extending there- through and being flexible when inserted into the functional position within the trachea to provide therein an intermedi¬ ate curved side wall portion extending between a proximate end side wall portion having an unrestricted inlet opening therein located outside of the neck of a patient and a substantially straight lowermost distal side wall portion located in the trachea and extending downwardly therein and having an unrestricted distal end outlet opening located in upwardly spaced relationship to the bronchial tubes of the patient. The intratracheal tube member has a relatively small outside diameter of between approximately 1.8 to 3.5 mm so as to be substantially less than the cross-sectional area of the patient trachea without substantially reducing the normal size continuous spontaneous breathing passage in the trachea to enable normal spontaneous breathing and has an inside diameter of no more than approximately 1.8 to 3.0 millimeters and a wall structure and thickness and a durom¬ eter of between approximately 70 to 90 Shore A such as to prevent collapse, kinking or other deformation causing restriction of oxygen flow and to enable continuous free flow of relatively low pressure relatively low flow rate oxygen therethrough from the inlet opening to the outlet opening with the pressure of the oxygen being no more than approximately 2 psi with flow rates up to 8 liters per minute. The connector-stabilizer-support means is connect- -38- able to neck support means for mounting around the neck of the person at a location between the larynx and the sternum and for holding the connector-stabilizer-support means proximate to the insertion opening in the skin. A friction- al coupling means is provided on a proximate end portion of the external tube means for releasable connection to an oxygen supply tube means which comprises a first portion for mounting next adjacent the upper body of the person beneath clothing and having a disconnectable coupling means for releasable frictional coupling to the external tube means. The oxygen supply tube means further comprises a second portion with a coupling means for coupling to the oxygen supply source. The distal end outlet opening*on the intratracheal tube member has an inclined end surface and defines a longitudi¬ nally extending oval opening or slot means in a front portion of the distal side wall portion which faces toward the front side of the trachea of the patient for enabling only downward and forward flow of oxygen from the outlet opening and side facing slot means without rearward flow toward the rear side of the trachea. A plurality of transverse laterally spaced forwardly facing oxygen outlet passage means may be provided in the distal side wall portion in upwardly spaced juxtaposition to the outlet opening and are located on only the forward half of the distal side wall portion facing outwardly toward the front side of the patient's trachea in a side wall area of no more than 180° circumference for enabling only forward and downward flow of oxygen toward the front of the trachea -39- thfough the air outlet passage means without rearward flow towardthe rear side of the trachea. It is contemplated that the inventive concepts herein described say be variously otherwise embodied and it is intended that the appended claiss be construed to include alternative embodiments of the invention except insofar as limited by the prior art.

Claims: 40 C L A I M S 1. A system for continuously supplying supplemental therapeutic oxygen to a patient to enhance spontaneous atmospheric breathing characterized by oxygen supply means for continuously supplying low pressure low volume oxygen to a patient at relatively low pressures and relatively low flow rates to supplement normal spontaneous atmospheric breathing; flexible oxygen supply tube means for supplying oxygen from said oxygen supply means to the patient; a continuous one-piece constant diameter flexible elongated intratracheal tube means connected to said oxygen supply seans and having a continuous constant diameter passage extending therethrough and a normally straight side wall in an unflexed condition and being flexible when inserted into an operative position within the trachea to provide therein an intermediate curved side wall portion extending between a proximate straight end side wall portion having an unrestricted inlet opening therein located posterior of the neck of a patient and a straight distal side wall portion located in the trachea and extending downwardly therein and having an unrestricted distal end outlet opening located in upwardly spaced relationship to the bronchial tubes of the patien ; said intratracheal tube means having a relatively small outside diameter so as to be substantially less than the cross-sectional area of the patient trachea to provide a continuous annular breathing passage in the trachea enabling normal breathing and having an inside diameter such as to enable free flow of relatively low pressure relatively low flow rate oxygen therethrough from said inlet opening to said outlet opening; said outlet opening on said distal end portion of said intratracheal tube means having an inclined end surface and defining a longitudinally extending slot means in said front side wall portion and forming part of said outlet opening and facing only the front of the trachea of the patient for enabling only forward flow of oxygen without 41 rearward flow toward the rear trachea surface; a support and locating means mounted on said exterior proximate end portion of said intratracheal tube means for fixedly supporting said intratracheal tube means in said operative position and for abutting association with the skin of the patient circumjacent said intratracheal tube means; and an external oxygen supply tube means connected to proximate end portion of said intratracheal tube means for supplying oxygen from said oxygen supply means. 2. A system according to claim 1, characterized in that a plurality of transverse laterally spaced air outlet passage means are provided in said distal side wall portion in upwardly spaced juxtaposition to said outlet opening, said air outlet passage means being located on only one side of said distal side wall portion facing outwardly toward the front side of the patient's trachea in a side wall area of no more than 180" circumference for enabling only forward flow of oxygen toward the front of the trachea through said air outlet passage means without rearward flow toward the rear side of the trachea. 3. A system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the outside diameter of said intratracheal tube member being no more than 3.5 millimeters, and in that the inside diameter of said tracheal tube member is at least 1.7 millimeters. 4. A system according to claim 3, characterized in that the pressure of the oxygen is no more than 2 psi and the flow rate of the oxygen is no more than 8 liters per minute. 5. A system according to claim 1, characterized in that said intratracheal tube means and said external oxygen supply tube means are separate tubular members. 6. A system according to claim 5, characterized in that said intratracheal tub -means and said external oxygen supply means are made from one continuous tubular member. 7. A system according to claim 1, characterized in that an oxygen supply tube means unit is connected to said external 42 oxygen supply tube means for supplying oxygen from said oxygen source to said external oxygen supply tube means, in that a first releasable connector means is provided for connecting said oxygen supply tube means unit to said external oxygen supply tube means, and in that a second releasable connector means is provided for connecting said oxygen supply tube means unit to said source of oxygen. 8. A system according to claim 7, characterized in that said oxygen supply tube means unit includes a first length of relatively small diameter tubing and a second length of relatively large size tubing, and intermediate connector means for fixedly connecting the tubing. 9. A system according to claim 1, characterized in that a cleaning rod means is provided for insertion through said external oxygen supply tube means into said intratracheal tube means for cleaning said transtracheal tube unit, said cleaning rod means including a flexible wire member of smaller diameter than the tube passages, an enlarged head portion on one end of said wire member, and handle means with an abutment surface on the other end. 10. A system according to claim 7, characterized in that the connector means has a size and shape to receive a syringe. 11. A system for providing a continuous supplemental supply of relatively low pressure oxygen at a relatively low flow rate to enhance spontaneous breathing of a person having chronic hypoxemia, characterized by an elongated transtracheal tube means having an elongated continuous constant diameter central passage means extending between an oxygen inlet opening means at a proximate end portion of said transtracheal tube means and an oxygen outlet opening means at a distal end portion of said transtracheal tube means, for mounting on and into the body of a person by insertion of said distal end portion into the trachea of the person through a surgically formed insertion opening in the skin of the person located in the cervical trachea of the person for supplying oxygen to the person; a locating abutment means fixedly mounted on said 43 transtracheal tube means for locating said transtracheal tube means relative to the insertion opening in the skin by abut¬ ting engagement with the skin circumjacent the insertion opening in the skin and for separating said transtracheal tube means into an elongated subcutaneous tubular means portion, including said distal end portion, located on one side of said locating abutment means for mounting in the trachea and for further separating said transtracheal tube means into an external tubular means portion, including ' said proximate end portion, for connection to the oxygen supply; said subcutaneous tubular means portion having a length between said locating abutment means and said distal end portion such as to locate said oxygen outlet opening means in the trachea below the cricoid cartilage and in upwardly spaced relationship to the carina; said external tubular means portion having a length between said locating abutment means and said proximate end portion such as to space said oxygen inlet opening means a suf icient distance away from the insertion opening in the skin to enable flexible displacement relative to said attachment abutment means without causing displacement of said subcutaneous tubular means portion; said subcutaneous tubular means portion being made of a continuous one-piece constant diameter flexible elongated tracheal tube member having a continuous constant diameter passage extending therethrough and being flexible when inserted into an operative position within the trachea to provide therein an intermediate curved side wall portion extending between a proximate end side wall portion having an unrestricted inlet opening therein located outside of the neck of a patient and a straight distal side wall portion located in the trachea and extending downwardly therein and having an unrestricted distal end outlet opening located in upwardly spaced relationship to the bronchial tubes of the patient; said tracheal tube member having a relatively small outside diameter so as to be substantially less than the cross-sectional area of the patient trachea without substan- 44 tially reducing the normal size continuous spontaneous breathing passage in the trachea and enabling normal spontaneous breathing and having an inside diameter of no more than approximately 2.5 millimeters and a wall structure and thickness and a durometer such as to prevent deformation causing restriction of oxygen flow and to enable continuous free flow of relatively low pressure relatively low flow rate oxygen therethrough from said inlet opening to said outlet opening, the pressure of the oxygen being no more than approximately 2 psi and the flow rate of the oxygen being no more than approximately 8 liters per minute; said locating abutment means including neck support means for mounting around the neck of the person at a location between the larynx and the sternum and for connection to said locating abutment means and for holding said locating abutment means proximate to the insertion opening in the skin; , .,„. a coupling means on said proximate end portion of said oxygen supply transtracheal tube means for releasable connection to an oxygen supply tube means; and an external oxygen supply tube means for mounting on the body of the person and having disconnectable coupling means for coupling said external oxygen supply tube means to said coupling means of said transtracheal oxygen supply tube means whereby oxygen can be supplied to said transtracheal oxygen supply tube means.

Inventors: CHRISTOPHER KENT L, SPOFFORD BRYAN T, CHRISTOPHER, KENT, L., SPOFFORD, BRYAN, T.
Applicants: CHRISTOPHER KENT L, SPOFFORD BRYAN T, CHRISTOPHER, KENT, L., SPOFFORD, BRYAN, T.
Application year: 1988
Main classification: A61M16
IPC codes: A61M16, A61M25