Laryngeal mask with large-bore gastric drainage

Abstract

An artificial airway device for use in unconscious patients comprises a laryngo-pharyngeal mask including a roughly elliptical shape, expandable masking ring. The expandable mask sealingly surrounding the laryngeal inlet when expanded to obstruct communication between the laryngeal inlet and oesophagus. One or more airway tubes connected to the mask provide for fluid flow to a portion of the mask facing the laryngeal inlet when said mask sealingly surrounds the laryngeal inlet. A gastro-tube connected to the mask is bonded along most of its length to the airway tube(s) and provides a fluid flow-path to the surface of said mask facing the oesophagus when said mask sealingly surrounds the laryngeal inlet. The cross-section area of said gastro-tube is at least as great as that of the airway tube. The distal end of the gastro tube passes through the masking ring at its narrower distal region where, when installed in a patient, it abuts against the oesophagus; and the distal portion of the gastro tube flattens when the mask is deflated to facilitate smooth passage behind the larynx during insertion through the mouth and throat of the patient.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A laryngeal mask airway system for insertion into a patient, said airway system comprising: 
 an expandable mask at least partially filled with a cellular material and having an inner space and including a generally elliptical inflatable/deflatable masking ring configured to sealingly surround a laryngeal inlet when inflated to obstruct communication between a laryngeal inlet and an oesophagus;    one or more airway tubes connected to said mask to provide a fluid flow path from the exterior of the patient to a portion of said mask arranged to communicate with the laryngeal inlet when said mask sealingly surrounds the laryngeal inlet; and,    a gastro-tube connected to said mask and configured to provide a fluid flow path from the oesophagus to the exterior of the patient when said mask sealingly surrounds the laryngeal inlet,    said gastro-tube and said one or more airway tubes being sealed adjacent to one another and to said mask to define an inner space between transversely spaced walls of said masking ring and said gastro-tube and to obstruct fluid flow between the oesophagus and trachea.