The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 30, 2002
Filed:
Mar. 15, 2000
Kent L. Christopher, Denver, CO (US);
Evergreen Medical Incorporated, Denver, CO (US);
Abstract
A method and apparatus for intubation of a patient's airway uses an endotracheal tube having a beveled distal end with a tip on the posterior wall of the endotracheal tube, and a visual indicator extending along the endotracheal tube. For example, the visual indicator can be a radio-opaque stripe extending the length of the anterior and/or posterior wall of the endotracheal tube. To use the apparatus with the patient in a supine position, the healthcare provider first takes a position above the patient's head. The distal end of the endotracheal tube is then inserted into the patient's mouth so that the visual indicator remains visible to the healthcare provider when viewed from above. The healthcare provider advances the endotracheal tube into the patient's airway while monitoring the position of the visual indicator to ensure that the tip at the distal end of the endotracheal tube passes through the midline of the wider posterior portion of the opening in the patient's larynx.