Endotracheal intubation device (II)

Abstract

The present invention relates to an endotracheal intubation device that will allow visualization of the airway of a patient during intubation simultaneous with suctioning ability to remove debris in the airway. The endotracheal intubation device includes a light source disposed to shine proximal to the distal end of an endotracheal tube and means for connection to a suction source. The light source may be built into the endotracheal tube or may consist of a lighted sleeve encasing a suction trocar. The light source may be disposed to shine axially or radially from the proximal end to the distal end of an endotracheal tube and may be fiberoptic or chemiluminescent in nature. The shape of the endotracheal tube may be adjusted either by use of a malleable suction trocar made out of a malleable material such as aluminum or by inclusion of a malleable wire within the tube.

We claim as our invention:  
     
         1 . An endotracheal intubation device comprising: 
 a. an endotracheal tube having an endotracheal tube wall with a distal end; and    b. a chemiluminescent light source disposed to shine light at least distally of the distal end of the endotracheal tube.    
     
     
         2 . The endotracheal intubation device of  claim 1  further comprising a suction tube.  
     
     
         3 . The endotracheal intubation device of  claim 2  further comprising a suction source.  
     
     
         4 . The endotracheal intubation device of  claim 1  further comprising a suction trocar.  
     
     
         5 . The endotracheal intubation device of  claim 4  further wherein said suction trocar comprises a malleable material.  
     
     
         6 . The endotracheal intubation device of  claim 1  wherein said chemiluminescent material comprises a gel, liquid, or solid.  
     
     
         7 . An endotracheal intubation device comprising: 
 a. an endotracheal tube having an endotracheal tube wall with a distal end;    b. a chemiluminescent light source; and    c. optical fibers implanted in the endotracheal tube wall adapted and positioned to shine light distally of the distal end of the endotracheal tube.    
     
     
         8 . The endotracheal intubation device of  claim 7  further comprising a suction tube.  
     
     
         9 . The endotracheal intubation device of  claim 8  further comprising a suction source.  
     
     
         10 . The endotracheal intubation device of  claim 7  further comprising a suction trocar.  
     
     
         11 . The endotracheal intubation device of  claim 10  further wherein said suction trocar comprises a malleable material.  
     
     
         12 . The endotracheal intubation device of  claim 7  wherein said chemiluminescent material comprises a gel, liquid, or solid.