Importance

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Abstract

A laryngeal bypass device for transcutaneous insertion into a human sublaryngeal trachea has an outer tubular member coupled to an aspiration device and an inner tubular member disposed within the outer tubular member and coupled to a ventilation device. The inner tubular member delivers oxygenated air from the ventilation device to the lungs, and the outer tubular member aspirates carbon dioxide from the lungs. By utilizing the two tubular members in a single bypass device, adequate ventilation of the lungs occurs without the need for air evacuation through the mouth, as the larynx is completely bypassed. In one embodiment, the laryngeal bypass device further includes a barrier member coupled to the inner tubular member for maintaining the outer and inner tubular members free of surrounding tissue during respiration. In another embodiment, an inflatable cuff encircles the outer tubular member to block the flow of air from the trachea to the larynx, thereby enhancing respiration while preventing interference with a surgical procedure that may be taking place in the area of the larynx.

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First Claim