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Abstract

An apparatus and method for performing percutaneous or non-dissection tracheostomies. An outer needle coaxially slidably receives an inner needle which is attached to a syringe adapted for use in inserting the needles within the tracheal lumen. Operation of the syringe confirms proper location of the needles within the lumen. An elongated dilator coaxially slidably mounts a trachea tube, and its proximal extremity constitutes an introducer portion which tapers to a distal end to which is attached an elongated, flexible leader adapted for insertion through a bore of the outer needle subsequent withdrawal of the inner syringe needle. A slot in the outer needle enables lateral separation of the leader from the outer needle to allow removal of the outer needle from the trachea. The dilator includes a recessed cutting edge for cutting tissue compressed against it during forcible insertion of the introducer portion into the tracheal lumen along the path defined by the leader. The dilator is slidably removable to leave the tracheal tube in breathing position.

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First Claim