Patent ID: 7331347

Claim:
A combination of an endo-tracheal tube retainer and an endo-tracheal tube comprising: an endo-tracheal tube placed through a laryngeal mask and into a patient's laryngeal opening; and an endo-tracheal tube retainer including: a semi-rigid stylet rod having proximal and distal ends; and a connection adapter tapered from a proximal end of said connection adapter to a distal end of said connection adapter and capable of secure insertion within said endo-tracheal tube, said adapter being secured to said distal end of said semi-rigid stylet rod; an exterior surface of said connection adaptor including: a plurality of longitudinal grooves permitting passage of air and fluids past said endo-tracheal tube retainer after insertion within an endo-tracheal tube; and a plurality of threads angled to facilitate insertion of said endo-tracheal tube retainer within an endo-tracheal tube, but hindering withdrawal of said endo-tracheal tube retainer from said endo-tracheal tube; wherein, said endo-tracheal tube retainer is secured to said endo-tracheal tube so that said laryngeal mask can be removed from said patient's oropharynx without dislodging said endo-tracheal tube.