Covidien LP

Nellcor Puritan Bennett Incorporated

Coviden LP

Joel C Colburn

Michael Patrick O'Neil

Robert J Good

Donald Scott Nelson

Paul William Martens

Martin Paul Debreczeny

Charles E Porges

David B Swedlow

Jessica Megan Clayton

David Hyde

Roger Mecca

Gary L Crumback

Alfred Chung

Paul W Martens

An airway management device is provided that may adjust the inflation level of a cuff associated with an endotracheal tube. The cuff inflation may be adjusted in response to an increase in carbon dioxide levels above the cuff, which may indicate a poor seal of the cuff against the tracheal walls, as well in response to a measured intracuff pressure. By using information about the seal quality of the cuff together with information about the cuff pressure, the inflation of the cuff can be adjusted to minimize cuff inflation pressure while maintaining a high quality tracheal seal.

Airway products and technique for using the same

Airway system with carbon dioxide sensor for determining tracheal cuff inflation and technique for using the same

There is disclosed an endotracheal tube which has a minimal cross-sectional profile for easy viewing of anatomical features during intubation. After the tube is placed into the trachea, the tube is adapted to increase the diameter. In this manner the tube diameter may be expanded to allow for decreased Work of Breathing (WOB) for patient, while not having so large a diameter as to cause tracheal discomfort.

Self-sizing adjustable endotracheal tube

An inflatable cuff may be adapted to seal a patient's trachea when associated with an endotracheal tube. Packaging and transporting of these cuffs while inflated may provide for decreased wrinkles and thereby improved sealing of the trachea. Provided is a package for a medical device with an inflatable region, comprising a substantially non-stretchable region that substantially conforms to the shape of the inflatable region of the medical device when the inflatable region is inflated.

Method for shipping and protecting an endotracheal tube with an inflated cuff

An inflatable cuff may be adapted to seal a vessel of a patient, such as a trachea when associated with a medical device, such as an endotracheal tube. In one embodiment, an inflatable cuff made from multiple layers is provided where one or more layers are chosen to improve sealing of the tube in the vessel. In exemplary embodiments, the individual layers may improve sealing by swelling in the presence of moisture, being wettable by the tissues of the trachea, or both. In one implementation, the inflatable cuff may be made of any combination of layers that perform either or both of these functions.

Multi-layer cuffs for medical devices

A sensor for carbon dioxide detection may be adapted to have reduced water permeability. A sensor is provided that is appropriate for use in an aqueous medium. The sensor has a barrier with reduced water permeability, but that is permeable to carbon dioxide, that separates the sensor components from the aqueous medium.

Sensor for tissue gas detection and technique for using the same

An inflatable balloon cuff associated with a tracheal tube may be adapted to filter microbial secretions and reduce their passage into the lungs. A cuff as provided may include a cross-linked polymeric structure that may serve to exclude certain secretions on the basis of size. The polymeric structure may be incorporated onto all or part of the surface of the inflatable balloon cuff.

Endotracheal cuff and technique for using the same

A carbon dioxide indicator in an exhaust port of a resuscitator assembly. The carbon dioxide indicator is preferably in a removable insert for ease of maintenance and replacement. Breath-to-breath indications are provided by either exposing the indicator to the ambient air at the exhaust port, or diverting a portion of the fresh air or gases provided to the patient.

Growing community of inventors

Walnut Creek, CA, United States of America

Joel C Colburn