Apparatus for maintaining a surgical airway and method of the same

Abstract

An apparatus for maintaining a surgical airway and method for the same includes an elongated body insertable orally into a patient. The elongated body defines leading and trailing ends. An opening is defined through the leading and trailing ends, such that surgical equipment may be insertable through the opening of the elongated body. A securing member is connected to the trailing end. The securing member holds the elongated body in a position such that an airway remains open to treat the patient, while supporting oxygen flow to the patient.

1 . An apparatus for maintaining a surgical airway, comprising:
 an elongated body insertable orally into a patient, the elongated body including a first end and a second end, one of the first or second ends defining a lead end insertable orally into a patient, the other of the first and second ends defining a trailing end, the elongated body including an opening disposed through the elongated body and between the lead and trailing ends, the opening extending through the lead and trailing ends, the opening enabling insertion of surgical equipment therethrough for use in treatment of the patient, and the opening supporting airflow to the patient; and   a securing member connected to the trailing end, wherein the securing member holding the elongated body in a position, such that an airway of the patient remains open when the elongated body is orally inserted into the patient.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the securing member comprises a resilient strap that may be supported on the elongated body and dressed around a head or lower neck of the patient. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein the resilient strap includes a plurality of securing holes, so that the resilient strap may be removably attached with the elongated body. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising an adapter connected to the trailing end, the adapter including an access for accessing the opening of the elongated body, the access including an extended portion that extends outward from the trailing end and externally of the mouth of the patient. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus according to  claim 5 , wherein the adapter further comprising at least one securing member support, the securing member support may engage the securing member so as to hold the elongated body and adapter in a position such that an airway of the patient remains open. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus according to  claim 6 , wherein the securing member support is a protrusion extending outward from the trailing end in the same direction as the extended portion. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising at least one flow conduit supported by the elongated body. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus according to  claim 8 , wherein the flow conduit is deliverable of oxygen to the patient, so as to maintain oxygen level to the patient during operating or surgical procedures. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus according to  claim 8 , wherein the flow conduit is receivable for carbon dioxide from the patient, so as to enable monitoring an end tidyl carbon dioxide of the patient. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus according to  claim 8 , wherein the flow conduit comprises two flow conduits, one of the conduits is deliverable of oxygen to the patient, and the other conduit is receivable for carbon dioxide from the patient. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the elongated body including an arching portion proximate the leading end, the arching portion comprising an overcurve and an undercurve, the overcurve may contact the upper ridge of the mouth of the patient at the hard palate and just before the soft palate, and the undercurve may contact the tongue of the patient, wherein the arching portion enabling the elongated body to maintain the tongue of the patient in a posterior position. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus according to  claim 12 , wherein the arching portion is constructed of a length, so as to extend into the soft palate while preventing a gag reflex by the patient when the elongated body is inserted. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising a flange disposed proximate the trailing end of the elongated body, the flange being configured so as not to enter a mouth of the patient when the elongated body is inserted into the patient.