Importance

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Abstract

A medical device for insertion into a body passage, such as endotracheal tube, including a system for the delivery of a topically active agent, such as an anesthetic or antibiotic. In a preferred embodiment, a conventional cuffed endotracheal tube is provided with an annular chamber circumferentially extending around the insertion tube in association with the wall thereof between the cuff and the rearward or external end of the insertion tube. Spaced openings are provided in the outer walls of the annular chamber. A lumen for the introduction of the topical agent is provided in association with the insertion wall tube having a forward end in fluid communication with the interior of the annular chamber and a rearward end externally opening and located proximate to the rearward end of the insertion tube. The openings in the wall of the annular chamber may include atomizing means for delivering the topical agent as a spray. A method for using the device is also disclosed.

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First Claim