Apparatus and Method for Selective Ventilation of a Patient

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for selective ventilation, comprising an endotracheal tube, an endobronchial tube connected thereto both tubes having a proximal and a distal end, the distal end of the endobronchiol extends beyond the distal end of the endotracheal tube, and means for positioning by feel the distal end of the endobronchial tube in longitudinal and peripheral direction of the trachea. The positioning means can be arranged close to the distal end of the endobronchial tube and can extend so far outside the periphery thereof during use that they come to lie on the carina of the patient. The positioning means can also be asymmetrical relative to the periphery of the endotracheal and/or endobronchial tube and can be adapted for co-action with the trachea wall. The positioning means can comprise a balloon or a resiliently deformable member.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.