Patent ID: 7258120

Claim:
A double lumen endotracheal tube apparatus comprising: at least two elongated tubes each having a proximal and distal end, a first tube that is removeably inserted inside the length of a second tube at said proximal end, said first tube includes an inner and outer wall and said second tube includes an inner and outer wall, either said inner wall of said second tube or said outer wall of said first tube includes raised structure(s) to form a suction channel throughout the length of said elongated tubes to allow suction; said second tube forming a first lumen; at least two connectors comprising a first connector and a second connector which are positively locked and removeably attached to one another, the second connector having two ports, one port being configured for attachment to said proximal end of said second tube and another port being configured for attachment to a suction apparatus, the first connector having two ports, one being configured for attachment to said proximal end of said first tube and another port being configured for attachment to a ventilation device; wherein said endotracheal tube apparatus is configured such that when said first tube is positioned inside said second tube, when said first connector is attached to said first tube and to said ventilation device and when said second connector is attached to said second tube and said suction apparatus, inhalation and exhalation of said patient occurs through said first tube and suction occurs between said first tube and said second tube; a third tube defining a second lumen attached to or integral with said outer wall of said second tube, said third tube comprising a proximal and distal end and whose length is shorter than said second tube; and at least one first inflatable cuff surrounding said second tube, first tube, and said third tube to be inflated and positioned to permit a maximum contact area; and at least one second inflatable cuff surrounding said second and first tube, but not said third tube.