Apparatus for introducing an intubation tube into the trachea

Surgery – Endoscope – Having endotrachael intuabation means on endoscope

Reexamination Certificate

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C600S130000, C600S136000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06743166

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to an apparatus for introducing an intubation tube into the trachea.
The introduction of an intubation tube into the trachea is a very difficult procedure, which is very difficult to perform especially for children and when malformities are present. An intubation tube normally consists of a tube made of plastic or synthetic material, which after having been introduced into the trachea is held fixed at the end with the aid of an inflatable balloon to close off the remaining free volume of the trachea. The tube must be passed under the epiglottis and through the vocal chords. This area is only visible to a limited extent from the outside. This procedure is very difficult to perform, especially for small children and must be carried out with great care in order not to damage the mentioned body parts.
Particularly in emergencies, the tube must sometimes be placed very rapidly to allow an oxygen supply as soon as possible. The intubation in emergencies, for example with burns or poisoning of small children, must be carried out when the child is conscious, where strong resistance normally occurs.
A need for an apparatus therefore exists with which such a tube can be rapidly, precisely and reliably introduced into the trachea. It is also desirable to have the distal end of the tube constantly in view during the introduction procedure or to visually observe the insertion of this end.
It is therefore object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for introducing an intubation tube into the trachea, which allows a surgeon to insert the intubation tube in a most atraumatic manner.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The object is achieved according to the present invention with an apparatus comprising a shaft having a receptor arranged at the distal end of the shaft to which a proximal end of the intubation tube can be attached and with a coupler arranged at the proximal end of the shaft for coupling to an endoscope, a length of said shaft being variable.
The intubation tube can be reliably and securely attached to the apparatus by providing a receptor at the distal end of the shaft. This procedure can already be prepared before the actual operation, i.e. depending on the age and the size of the patient, a correspondingly suitable intubation tube can be attached to the apparatus. Normal lengths of the intubation tubes range from about 12 cm for small children to about 35 cm for adults. The provision of a coupler for attachment to an endoscope at the proximal end allows attachment of an optical instrument directly to the apparatus through which the introduction procedure can continuously be observed visually. The endoscope can be coupled so as to be an integral part of the apparatus and therefore be fixed and non-releasable.
In this case, the length of the apparatus, the length of the intubation tube and the length of the endoscope shaft are adapted to one another such that the distal end of endoscope lies precisely in the region of the distal end of the intubation tube. Both the intubation tube and the endoscope can be attached fixedly however releasably to the apparatus, so that the assembly of the three components represents a compact and narrow structure, which is simple to manipulate by the operator and at the same time provides the operator with the possibility of visually observing the introduction. The endoscope can be rigid, semi-flexible or also flexible.
After placement of the intubation tube, the endoscope can be decoupled and removed and the apparatus can also be released from the proximal end of the intubation tube, so that it can then be connected to the corresponding resuscitation devices or the like. In this configuration, the apparatus is particularly suited to be used for operative procedures by which the optimal length and sizes of the intubation tube and endoscope can be made available beforehand.
Since the length of the shaft is variable, adjustments can be made to the varying conditions during use of the same apparatus. Due to the change in length of the shaft, the connected endoscope can be achieved, i.e. in particular, the endoscope can be positioned in the region of the distal end of the repiratory tube, namely independent of the length of the intubation tube. In other words, a single such apparatus with a shaft changeable in length can be employed for different lengths of the intubation tubes, so that several apparatus need not be made available, each designed for a certain length of the intubation tube or for certain endoscopes.
This is especially helpful in emergencies, where for example only a certain intubation tube is available and correspondingly one certain endoscope, so that due to the variation in the length of the shaft, the optimal observation position for the introduction procedure can be achieved.
When anatomical anomalies are present, the endoscope can be moved back and forth due to the length variation of the shaft to achieve optimal observation conditions, so that the intubation tube can be introduced into the trachea rapidly and without trauma when such anomalies are present.
In a further embodiment of the invention, the shaft is configured to be telescopic. This configuration has the advantage that the shaft represents a narrow component despite the variability in length and that the storage space for the apparatus is relatively small. When not used, the shaft can be telescopically retracted.
In a further embodiment, the shaft is tubular. The feature has the advantage that the shaft of the endoscope can be inserted through the shaft and is surrounded by same from all sides and therefore protected. The tubular configuration of the shaft makes it possible to pass further instruments or optionally also other media such as gases or fluids through the shaft.
In a further embodiment of the invention, the shaft is configured with several telescopic tubes slideable within one another. The feature simplifies the length variability of the shaft in a constructively simple manner and at the same time the configuration as a tube allows the passage or introduction of instruments or media.
In a further embodiment of the invention, a gas connection is arranged at the proximal end of the apparatus, which communicates with the interior of the hollow shaft. The feature has the considerable advantage that live-saving oxygen can be supplied even when introducing the intubation tube, which can be decisive in saving life, especially in emergencies. In emergencies where suffocation is threatening, the operator when introducing the intubation tube is already capable of simultaneously introducing oxygen and need not wait until the tube has been placed before connecting the oxygen.
In a further embodiment of the invention, a handle is arranged at the distal end of the apparatus through which the apparatus can be manipulated. The feature has the considerable advantage that the operator can securely and fixedly hold and guide the apparatus in one hand when introducing the intubation tube with the handle, so that his other hand is free for other manipulations.
In a further embodiment of the invention, the receptor at the distal end of the shaft of the apparatus for attaching the intubation tube is configured as a muff, onto which the end of the intubation tube can be slid. The feature has the advantage that the intubation tube can be placed on the apparatus in a simple sliding procedure and correspondingly, after placement of the intubation tube, the connection can be released again.
In a further embodiment of the apparatus, the receptor is configured as a hollow muff, into which a proximal end of the intubation tube can be inserted. The feature has the advantage that a radially thin construction is achieved by the introduction of the intubation tube into the hollow muff.
In a further embodiment of the invention, the muff is configured to be slightly conical. The feature has the advantage that the intubation tube is seated fixedly in the receptor, however is still releaseable, and that a sufficient sealing surface is provided

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