Flexible tip stylet for use with an endotracheal intubation device

Abstract

An intubation tube stylet (10) is slidably received within an intubation tube (14). The stylet (10) comprises a handle (34), a flexible tube (24) and a performed tip (18) affixed to the flexible tube (24) such that the tip (18) extends beyond an insertion end (28) of the intubation tube (14). The flexible tip (18) comprises a general Z-Shape designed to facilitate insertion into the larynx and vocal cords of a patient regardless of any obstructing physical characteristics. Once the tip (18) is within the larynx, a plunger and cap (32), which is interconnected to a rod (30) through the handle (34), is activated to straighten the tip (18) allowing the intubation tube (14) to slide there along into the larynx. After the intubation tube (14) is within the larnx, the stylet (10) is removed to allow use of the intubation tube (14). The stylet (10) also provides for suction of the airway during insertion of the intubation tube (14) without the necessity of looking away from the insertion. Suction is provided by covering an opening (44) on the handle (34) which enables an external suction line (40) to draw materials through the tip (18), into the flexible tube (24), through the handle (34) and out the suction line (40).

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An improved intubation stylet, comprising: a handle having a first and second end;   a flexible tube affixed to said first end of said handle, said tube having a remotely adjustable preshaped tip distal said handle, said preshaped tip comprising a first portion extending along a linear axis of said stylet, a second portion extending from said first potion and bent at an angle therefrom, and a third portion extending from said second portion and approximately parallel to said linear axis, said first, second and third portions forming a general Z-shape, said preshaped tip extending beyond an insertion end of an intubation tube such that said intubation tube does not conform to said general Z-shape during an intubation procedure;   a rod slidable received within said flexible tube, said rod terminating prior to said preshaped tip;   a plunger affixed to said rod through said handle, said plunger extending from said second end of said handle, such that as said plunger is pushed into said handle said rod passes through said flexible tube into said preshaped tip to deform said preshaped tip;   said handle having a Y-shaped channel passing therethrough, said Y-shaped channel being interconnected to said preshaped tip by said flexible tube to allow suction therethrough;   said handle further having a first opening in communication with said Y-Shape channel and arranged for connection to an external suction line; and   said handle further having a second opening opposite said first opening and in communication with said Y-Shape channel to allow suction to be applied by covering said second opening.   
     
     
       2. The stylet of claim 1, wherein said plunger further comprises a spring to bias said plunger such that said rod allows said tip to remain in said preformed shape. 
     
     
       3. The stylet of claim 1, wherein said flexible tube comprises aluminum. 
     
     
       4. The stylet of claim 1, wherein said flexible tube comprises plastic. 
     
     
       5. The stylet of claim 1, wherein said preshaped tip comprises a plastic material. 
     
     
       6. The stylet of claim 1, wherein said rod comprises a metal wire. 
     
     
       7. The stylet of claim 1, wherein said rod further comprises a tip protector to prevent damage to said preshaped tip. 
     
     
       8. The stylet of claim 1, wherein said handle comprises aluminum. .Iadd. 
     
     
       9.  A method for performing an endotracheal intubation, comprising the steps of: providing a suction tube, comprising a flexible tip and a stylet, in an intubation tube such that said suction tube is operative to aspirate fluids through said flexible tip from a location adjacent a distal end of said intubation tube; and   guiding said suction tube and said intubation tube simultaneously through the trachea of a patient by manipulating said stylet to deform said suction tube, said suction tube being operative to clear said trachea of fluids and secretions as said suction tube and said intubation tube are advanced through said trachea. .Iaddend..Iadd.10. A method for performing an endotracheal intubation, comprising the steps of:   providing a suction tube having a stylet therein and having a flexible tip within an intubation tube such that said suction tube is operative to aspirate fluids through said flexible tip from a location adjacent a distal end of said intubation tube; and   guiding said suction tube and said intubation tube simultaneously through the trachea of a patient by manipulating said stylet to deform said suction tube, said suction tube being operative to clear said trachea of fluids and secretions as said suction tube and said intubation tube are   
     
     
        advanced through said trachea. .Iaddend..Iadd.11.  The method of claim 10, further comprising the step of, subsequent to said step of introducing said suction tube and said intubation tube simultaneously through the trachea of a patient, withdrawing said suction tube from said patient, leaving said intubation tube in place within the trachea of said patient. .Iaddend..Iadd.12. The method of claim 10, wherein said step of positioning said suction tube within said intubation tube comprises sliding said suction stylet into said intubation tube such that said suction stylet is slidably received within said intubation tube. .Iaddend..Iadd.13. The method of claim 12, comprising the further steps of, subsequent to said step of introducing said suction tube and said intubation tube simultaneously through the trachea of a patient, disengaging said suction tube from said intubation tube and withdrawing said suction tube from said patient, leaving said intubation tube in place 
     
     
        within the trachea of said patient. .Iaddend..Iadd.14.  The method of claim 10, wherein said step of positioning said suction tube within said intubation tube comprises sliding said suction tube into said intubation tube such that said suction tube is releasably axially fixed within said intubation tube. .Iaddend..Iadd.15. The method of claim 14, comprising the further steps of, subsequent to said step of introducing said suction tube and said intubation tube simultaneously through the trachea of a patient, disengaging said suction tube from said intubation tube and withdrawing said suction tube from said patient, leaving said intubation tube in place 
     
     
        within the trachea of said patient. .Iaddend..Iadd.16.  The method of claim 10, wherein said step of positioning said suction tube within said intubation tube comprises the step of positioning said suction tube within said intubation tube, and comprising the further step of adjusting said suction tube to a desired shape prior to said step of introducing said suction tube and said intubation tube simultaneously through said trachea so as to facilitate passage of said suction tube and said intubation tube through said trachea. .Iaddend.