Patent ID: 8151791

Claim:
A device for performing a tracheostomy comprising: a. a dilator having a distal end arranged for insertion into a trachea and a proximal end arranged to remain outside the trachea, the distal end including an aperture arranged for placement at a location on the neck of a patient for performing the tracheostomy, said dilator additionally comprising a generally curved outer surface extending between the distal and proximal ends; b. an open generally linear passageway extending within said dilator from said distal aperture to a port positioned proximally along the curved outer surface of said dilator; c. an anchor retained within said open passageway, said anchor including a distal tip portion protruding through said distal aperture, said anchor normally biased to a retracted position and arranged to move from said retracted position to an extended position in response to a distal force; and, d. a driver for applying said distal force to said anchor to drive said distal tip portion through an opening in the patient's neck and trachea.