Hinged endotracheal tube holder having both a safety clamp and a

Abstract

A holder for retaining an endotracheal tube in a patient's mouth has upper and lower portions, each including a semi-cylindrical member with wings extending radially on opposite sides. The upper and lower portions are joined by a flexible hinge between a first wing of the upper portion and an opposed first wing of the lower portion. When the hinge is closed, a region of each upper wing is adjacent to a region of a corresponding opposed lower wing, and the semi-cylindrical members form a sleeve defining a lumen sized to receive the endotracheal tube. A safety clamp limits the extent to which the upper and lower portions can pivot apart about the hinge to a predetermined maximum angle, whereby the position of the endotracheal tube can be adjusted axially, but radial displacement of the tube from the holder is restricted. A securing clamp relatively more spaced from the hinge moves between a first position, in which the upper and lower portions are allowed to pivot to the extent allowed by the safety clamp, to allow for axial adjustment of the endotracheal tube while limiting radial movement, and a second position in which the sleeve engages the tube to also limit axial movement of the tube relative to the holder. In use, the endotracheal tube is inserted through a patient's mouth into the tracheal lumen, the safety clamp of the tube holder is closed, the sleeve of the tube holder is slid over the endotracheal tube, and its position adjusted axially along the length of the tube, and the securing clamp is closed to secure the tube holder firmly in a desired position on the endotracheal tube.