Importance

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Abstract

A tool assists in placing an endotracheal tube into the trachea of a patient by controllable diverting of the end of the tube. A tool with at least one endmost link that can be manually diverted exclusively at the distal end using a lever handle, is placed in the tube. A proximal portion of the tool adjacent the handle at least partly defines an internal passage that can be an open channel. The proximal portion is substantially rigid, although it can be manually bent into a desired rigid arc. At least one distal link occupies 10-20% (4-5 cm) of the tool length and is attached to the proximal portion by a pivot pin permitting the distal link to pivot in the medial plane of the patient. The control member, namely a rod, wire or the like, passes anteriorly of the pivot pin relative to the patient, and is attached to the distal link. Tension applied to the control member diverts the end of the endotracheal tube by 90.degree.-100.degree., for guidance through the larynx. The proximal portion is nearly as wide as the internal diameter of the endotracheal tube, which diverts to substantially the same extent as the distal link.

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First Claim