Endotracheal intubation assistance device

Abstract

An endotracheal intubation assistance device is disclosed. The device is placed under the head and shoulders of a patient in a supine position. The device comprises a first chamber being inflatable to raise the shoulders of the patient relative to the head of the patient thereby facilitating insertion and proper placement of a laryngoscope blade into the mouth of the patient. The device also comprises a second chamber coupled to the first chamber, the second chamber being inflatable to raise the head of the patient relative to the shoulders of the patient thereby facilitating visualization of the patient's glottis for insertion of an endotracheal tube. The device may also comprise a pressure applicator to apply pressure to a cricoid cartilage of the patient. The pressure applicator may comprise a pressure chamber which may be inflated to apply additional pressure.

1 . An endotracheal intubation assistance device placed under the head of a patient in a supine position during endotracheal intubation, the device comprising: 
 an inflatable chamber for placement under the head of the patient and being operable to place the head of the patient in a tilted position to facilitate insertion and proper placement of a laryngoscope blade into the mouth of patient; and    a pressure applicator coupled to the chamber and operate to apply pressure to a cricoid cartilage of the patient in response to inflation of the chamber.    
   
   
       2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the pressure applicator comprises a strap coupled to the inflatable chamber.  
   
   
       3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the pressure applicator comprises a strap with an elongated inflatable chamber disposed along one surface thereof.  
   
   
       4 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the inflatable chambers are coupled to an inflatant source.  
   
   
       5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the inflatable chamber comprises a self-expanding foam and the chamber is coupled to a suction device.  
   
   
       6 . An endotracheal intubation assistance device placed under the head of a patient in a supine position during endotracheal intubation, the device comprising: 
 at least one inflatable chamber for placement under the head of the patient and being operable to elevate the base of the head of the patient to facilitate insertion and proper placement of a laryngoscope blade; and    an elongated strap coupled to the at least one chamber and operate to apply pressure to a cricoid cartilage of the patient in response to inflation of the chamber.    
   
   
       7 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein the pressure applicator comprises an elongated inflatable chamber disposed along one surface thereof.  
   
   
       8 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein the inflatable chambers are coupled to an inflatant source.  
   
   
       9 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein the inflatable chamber comprises a self-expanding foam and the chamber is coupled to a suction device.  
   
   
       10 . A device placed under the head of a patient in a supine position during endotracheal intubation, the device comprising: 
 at least one height-adjustable chamber for placement under the head of the patient and being operable to tilt the head of the patient to facilitate insertion and proper placement of a laryngoscope blade; and    an elongated strap coupled to the at least one chamber and operate to apply pressure to a cricoid cartilage of the patient in response to inflation of the chamber.    
   
   
       11 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein the pressure applicator comprises an elongated inflatable chamber disposed along one surface thereof.  
   
   
       12 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein the at least one chamber is coupled to an inflatant source.  
   
   
       13 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein the at least one chamber comprises a self-expanding foam and the chamber is coupled to a suction device.