Endotracheal tube for use during fiberoptic assisted intubation and with other intubating stylets

Abstract

An endotracheal tube for use with a fiberoptic bronchoscope or other intubation stylet is described. There are ventilation holes located on the tapering section on the distal tip such that ventilation may occur while using the fiberoptic scope and such that resistance to ventilation is minimized with the scope removed. The endotracheal tube is particularly useful for difficult intubations as the distal tip is tapered which facilitates passage through the larynx.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An endotracheal tube for use with a fiberoptic bronchoscope or other intubating stylet, comprising: 
 a) a unitary tube with a proximal portion of generally constant cross section; and    b) a tapered end portion of said tube, disposed distally on said tube, said tube having at least one hole situated on said tapered distal end, whereby ventilation is accomplished without undue resistance.    
     
     
         2 . The tube of    claim 1   , further comprising a tracheal balloon disposed on said tube generally proximate to said tapered end.  
     
     
         3 . The tube of    claim 2   , wherein said tapered end is configured as a mammalian nipple.  
     
     
         4 . The tube of    claim 2   , wherein said tapered end is configured as a truncated conical section.  
     
     
         5 . An endotracheal tube adapted for use with a fiberoptic bronchoscope, comprising: 
 a) a tracheal balloon;    b) a unitary flexible tube, passing through said balloon, comprising a proximal portion of generally constant cross section, said proximal portion being disposed on one side of said balloon;    c) a tapered distal portion of said flexible tube, disposed on said balloon oppositely of said proximal portion; and    d) at least one ventilation aperture disposed on said flexible tube distally of said balloon.    
     
     
         6 . The endotracheal tube of    claim 5    wherein said ventilation aperture is disposed on said tapered distal portion.  
     
     
         7 . The endotracheal tube of    claim 7    wherein said tapered distal portion is generally configured similar to a mammalian nipple.  
     
     
         8 . The endotracheal tube of    claim 7    wherein said tapered distal portion is generally configured as a truncated conical section.  
     
     
         9 . The endotracheal tube of    claim 5    wherein said ventilation aperture is disposed partially on said tapered portion and partially on a constant cross-sectioned portion distal to said balloon.  
     
     
         10 . An endotracheal tube for use with a fiberoptic bronchoscope or other intubating stylet, comprising: 
 a) a tracheal balloon;    b) a tube disposed proximal to the balloon for ventilation and for relative movement between the tube and the stylet;    c) a tube disposed distal to the balloon, having an exterior wall surface and an interior wall surface defining a lumen for ventilation and for relative movement between the tube and the stylet, the lumen having an axis disposed generally along its centerline;    d) a ventilation aperture, disposed in the distal tube for ventilation and for relative movement between the tube and the stylet; and    e) a tapered tip disposed on the distal tube and distal to the balloon, whereby the exterior wall surface of the tube tapers toward the lumen axis to avoid forming a significant leading edge.    
     
     
         11 . The endotracheal tube of    claim 10   , further comprising a second ventilation aperture disposed in the distal tube more proximal to the balloon than the first ventilation aperture.  
     
     
         12 . The endotracheal tube of    claim 10   , wherein the tapered tip is a truncated cone.  
     
     
         13 . The endotracheal tube of    claim 10   , wherein the tapered tip further includes a guide tip.  
     
     
         14 . The endotracheal tube of    claim 10   , wherein the ventilation aperture is perpendicular to the axis of the lumen.  
     
     
         15 . The endotracheal tube of    claim 11   , wherein the second ventilation aperture includes an axis defined by centers in openings in the interior and exterior wall surfaces.  
     
     
         16 . The endotracheal tube of    claim 15   , wherein the axis of the second aperture is perpendicular to the axis of the distal endotracheal tube.  
     
     
         17 . The endotracheal tube of    claim 10   , wherein the proximal and distal tubes comprise a unitary tube.  
     
     
         18 . The endotracheal tube of    claim 10   , wherein the tapered tip is a mammalian nipple.