Intubation-Facilitating Oxygen Mask

Abstract

A versatile, intubation-facilitating oxygen mask is provided including at least one diaphragm configured with a continuous, flexible, modifiable membrane from which an instrument-access port may be manually constructed, when and if needed. The novel oxygen mask preferably includes a multiple-inlet port having a standard oxygen tube connector and an interchangeable breathing-therapy device connector, a carbon dioxide sampling port, an exhaust port, and a nose clip. The mask can be worn as a standard oxygen mask during traditional oxygen therapy, yet quickly converted into an intubation mask. The clinician manually perforates the nasal and/or oral membranes of the one or more diaphragms to create a point and size of entry perfectly matched to the requirements for a variety of procedures that may be performed involving nasally or orally introduced scopes or probes—without disturbing the ongoing benefits of increased oxygen saturation and continuous monitoring of expired gases.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.