Endotracheal tube anti-disconnect device

Abstract

The improved endotracheal anti-disconnect device includes a flexible, resilent elongated patient neck band having a main body, the front surface of which bears a number of hook-receiving loops. The band has narrow opposite ends which form tabs, the front surfaces of which bear a number of hooks. With this arrangement the tabs can be passed through slots in the sides of an endotracheal tube bracket and then can be reflected rearwardly and connected by the hooks to the loops to releasably hold the bracket against the throat of a patient. The device also includes a ring assembly having a ring with a central space and to which ring are connected 4 connectors, which radiate therefrom. Two of the connectors are in the form of wings which are disposed horizontally and are elongated. The wings bear a number of hooks on their inner surfaces so that the ring can be pulled against the bracket and connected by the wings to the front surface of the neck band. The ring fits over the front-to-rear portion of an endotracheal tube, holding that portion securely in place. Upper and lower vertically extending arms are the other two connectors. The front surface of one arm bears hook-receiving loops while the rear surface of the arm bears hooks. With this arrangement, the arms can be wound around the transverse portion of the endotracheal tube to support it in place and prevent its rotation. Preferably, the ring assembly and neck band are of plastic.