Importance

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Abstract

The improved endotracheal bite block includes an elongated bite tube having a central endotracheal tube-receiving cavity extending therethrough to the front and rear ends of the bite tube. The bite tube is relatively inflexible and has an elongated post extending rearwardly thereof. The post has a strap-receiving slot therein and a rear retaining wall extending laterally outwardly for releasably holding an adhesive strip in place on the bite block, which tape also is used to hold an endotracheal tube against the bite block. The bite block further includes an elongated flexible strap with a strap retainer at one end and an opposite free end which can be passed through the slot and around an endotracheal tube and then can be cinched up to anchor the endotracheal tube and bite block together. Preferably, the bite tube is C-shaped in cross-section and single walled. One embodiment includes the bite block abutting a strip of adhesive tape wound around the endotracheal tube adjacent the front end thereof and with the strap cinched over the adhesive strip. Another embodiment includes the bite block abutting the adhesive tape strip and with a second strip of the tape wrapped around the first tape strip and also around the post forward of the retaining wall. Preferably, the bite block is plastic and the strap has a roughened surface on one or two opposite sides of the strap.

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First Claim