Inflatable introducer for aiding the intubation of catheters and

Abstract

A soft, inflatable introducer, having a closed, rounded, distal-tipped sheath, is disclosed for insertion into the open proximal end of and through a hollow, cylindrical catheter. The closed, rounded, distal-tipped sheath protrudes partway beyond the open distal end of the catheter. The introducer includes a long, hollow, pliable tube having an open proximal end and having a distal end portion enclosed by the round, distal-tipped sheath. After insertion and placement of the introducer with sheath adjacent the distal end of the catheter, the sheath is inflated by applying air under pressure to the open proximal end of the hollow, pliable tube. A clamp or valve means closes and seals the proximal end of the hollow, pliable tube to maintain the sheath in its expanded, inflated condition while the catheter is being intubated. The inflated sheath, protruding partway beyond the distal end of the catheter, enhances the ease with which the catheter may be intubated into the passageway of a patient. After the catheter has been intubated, the clamp or valve means is opened to deflate the sheath, and the introducer is withdrawn.