Importance

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Abstract

To facilitate rapid, accurate, blind access to the larynx or esophagus such as for emergency intubation of a patient's trachea and suctioning of the hypopharynx or esophagus, a medical device (10) includes an anatomically contoured guide element (12) having a channel (22) therethrough. Guide element (12) is positioned about and atop the larynx such that the wall of the channel forms an upward continuation of the laryngeal wall. An orotracheal tube (18) advanced through the channel is guided exclusively into the larynx and trachea without substantial risk of accidental intubation of the esophagus or other areas of the hypopharynx. Tunnels (150, 160) may be provided through the guide element for blindly guiding or aiming other tubular-type members selectively into the esophagus or larynx. A tubular handle (14) or curved blade (454) is connected to the guide element (12) to blindly insert guide element (12) into the throat. Alternative embodiments (310, 350, 410, 450) of medical device (10) are also described.

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First Claim