Importance

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Abstract

An endotracheal tube apparatus (28) includes an elongated stylette (32) having a V-shaped distal end (58) and tube adaptor collar (30) for holding the stylette in a position in an endotracheal tube (10) in which the V-shaped distal end is in a first position near a distal end (16) of the endotracheal tube, but not extending substantially outside thereof, and for allowing the stylette to be moved longitudinally to a second position where the V-shaped distal end extends from the distal end of the endotracheal tube a fixed distance. Prongs (60, 62) of the V-shaped distal end have enlarged nodes which are as large as possible but yet which can be moved longitudinally within the endotracheal tube for removal of the stylette therefrom. The nodes include nesting side surfaces (68, 70) whereby a maximum cross sectional dimension of nested nodes is not substantially greater than a maximum cross sectional dimension of a single node. A retainer mouthpiece (104) locks the endotracheal tube in position at a patient's mouth while covering the mouth but allowing mouth care of the patient.

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First Claim