Method and apparatus for ventilation / oxygenation during guided insertion of an endotracheal tube

Abstract

A method and apparatus for guiding insertion of an endotracheal tube into a patient's trachea simultaneously allows a continued supply of air/oxygen to be delivered into the patient's airway and lungs. A guide having a curved distal portion is inserted into the patient's mouth and hypopharynx. A second lumen extending along the guide is used to supply air/oxygen into the patient's airway and to flush carbon dioxide from the lungs. A fiber optic probe is inserted through an endotracheal tube and this assembly is advanced along the guide into the patient's airway, while ventilation continues without interruption through the second lumen. The direction of the distal tip of the fiber optic probe can be controlled by the physician. This allows the physician to carefully guide the fiber optic probe and endotracheal tube to a position past the larynx while ventilation continues. After the distal end of the fiber optic probe has guided the endotracheal tube past the larynx and into the trachea, the guide and mask are withdrawn over the fiber optic probe. The fiber optic probe can used to monitor the position of the distal end of the endotracheal tube during this step to ensure that it remains in position. The fiber optic probe is then removed from within the endotracheal tube. The cuff on the endotracheal tube is inflated and a ventilator is connected to the proximal end of the endotracheal tube to ventilate the patient.