Tracheal tube

Abstract

A self inflating and self deflating tracheal tube is comprised generally of an elongated air conveying tube having a cuff at the distal end portion thereof, the cuff forming a fluid tight seal with the tracheal wall during inhalation of the patient. Enlarged openings in the tube wall adjacent and into the tracheal cuff form a path of lesser resistance for air flowing through the tube from its proximal to its distal end. During exhalation of the patient, air within the cuff is quickly and firstly discharged into the tube before or substantially simultaneous with the exit of air from the lungs and trachea of the patient. A flange for attachment of the tube to the neck portion of a patient is provided which flanged portion is adjustable with respect to the tube allowing the surgeon to properly fit and compensate for changes in the size of the individual patient's anatomy. There is further provided an obturator which is placeable by the surgeon into the trachea of the patient before insertion of the tube and flange structure. The obturator can be provided with a gripping surface for the attachment of the surgeon's finger or hand thereto facilitating easy insertion. The obturator forms a substantially fluid tight seal with the wall portions of the trachea above the portion of the trachea through which the tracheal tube enters, thus negating the flow of fluids (including gaseous and liquid fluids such as stomach acids and the like) from the esophagus into the trachea.