Tracheostoma spacer, tracheotomy method, and device for inserting a tracheostoma spacer

Abstract

The invention relates to a tracheostoma spacer with a tubular support framework. The support framework can be expand from an initial state to a supporting state of increased diameter and has a fixing element at the ends. The tracheostoma spacer is intended for use as a spacer in a tracheostoma (an opening in the trachea). The invention further relates to a device for inserting a tracheostoma spacer into a tracheostoma with a cutting instrument in the form of a trocar, the tracheostoma spacer being able to be positioned on the shaft of said trocar. A cover sleeve is also provided which can be moved on the shaft over a tracheostoma spacer positioned there.

1 . Tracheostoma spacer with a tubular support framework, wherein the support framework is able to expand from an initial state to a supporting state of increased diameter and has a fixing element at the end. 
     
     
         2 - 10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . Tracheostoma spacer according to  claim 1 , wherein the support framework has tubular guide elements to guide the tracheotomy device or a catheter to be inserted through the tracheostoma spacer. 
     
     
         12 - 37 . (canceled) 
     
     
         38 . Tracheotomy device for inserting a tracheostoma spacer according to  claim 1  into a tracheostoma, wherein the tracheotomy device comprises a cutting instrument on whose shaft the tracheostoma spacer can be placed, and a cover sleeve which is movable on the shaft over a tracheostoma spacer that has been placed there. 
     
     
         39 . Tracheotomy device according to  claim 38 , wherein the cutting instrument has a conical tip. 
     
     
         40 . Tracheotomy device according to  claim 38 , wherein the cutting instrument has a channel for a guide wire. 
     
     
         41 . Tracheotomy device according to  claims 38 , wherein the cutting instrument comprises a needle. 
     
     
         42 . Tracheotomy device according to  claim 38 , wherein the cutting instrument comprises a knife, a scalpel, or a trocar. 
     
     
         43 . Tracheotomy device according to  claim 38 , wherein a cuff is arranged on the cover sleeve. 
     
     
         44 . Tracheotomy device according to  claim 38 , wherein the shaft has a magazine section. 
     
     
         45 . Tracheotomy device according to  claim 38 , wherein the shaft has a guide section. 
     
     
         46 . Tracheotomy device according to  claim 38 , wherein the shaft and the cover sleeve are curved. 
     
     
         47 . Tracheotomy device according to  claim 38 , wherein an outer shape is adapted in cross section to be capable of adapting to an opening of the trachea. 
     
     
         48 . Tracheotomy device according to  claim 38 , wherein a grip surface is provided. 
     
     
         49 . Tracheotomy device according to  claims 38 , wherein a safety element is provided to protect from over-inserting the tracheotomy device into the trachea. 
     
     
         50 . Tracheotomy device according to  claim 49 , wherein the safety element is a housing. 
     
     
         51 . Tracheotomy device according to  claim 49 , wherein the safety element is an abutment. 
     
     
         52 . Tracheotomy device according to  claim 49 , wherein the safety element is an arc shape formed along an axial length of the tracheostoma spacer to facilitate a curved entrance through the skin and into the trachea.