Multi-lumen tracheal tube with pressure distribution

A tracheal tube, comprising:

• a conduit defining a passageway for delivering gas to a patient's lungs comprising a proximal end and a distal end;
• an inflatable balloon cuff coupled to a wall of the conduit;
• a suction lumen formed in the wall of the conduit, wherein the suction lumen terminates in an evacuation port formed in the wall of conduit and proximal of the inflatable balloon cuff;
• and
• a pressure distribution lumen formed in the wall of the conduit, wherein the pressure distribution lumen is configured to provide fluid communication between an area below the vocal cords and an area above the vocal cords, and wherein the pressure distribution lumen comprises only two openings and is sealed at the distal end.

A method of manufacturing a tracheal tube, comprising:

• providing a conduit defining a passageway for delivering gas to a patient's lungs comprising a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the conduit comprises a suction lumen formed and a pressure distribution lumen formed in a wall of the conduit;
• affixing an inflatable balloon cuff to a wall of the conduit;
• forming an evacuation port in the wall of conduit in fluid communication with the suction lumen;
• and
• forming a first opening in the wall of the conduit and a second opening in the wall in fluid communication with the pressure distribution lumen, wherein the first opening is proximal of the inflatable balloon cuff and wherein the second opening is proximal of the evacuation port such that the first opening is located below a patient's vocal cords and the second opening is above the patient's vocal cords when the tracheal tube is inserted in the patient.