US 2026/0199622 A1 · INTEGRATED OBTURATOR DEVICE FOR EMERGENCY CRICOTHYROTOMY AIRWAY ESTABLISHMENT

Abstract

A cricothyrotomy obturator for use in a cricothyrotomy procedure for establishing emergency airway access through the cricothyroid membrane. The obturator comprises a distal tip assembly having a flattened atraumatic tip configured for introduction through a surgical incision and a tapered dilating section transitioning from a flattened to a substantially circular cross-section for progressive tissue dilation. A proximal handle assembly includes syringe retention means and ergonomic finger grips. The obturator eliminates the need for separate tracheal hooks, dilators, and bougies traditionally required in cricothyrotomy procedures. The obturator is configured to receive an airway tube over its outer surface, enabling direct tracheal intubation following membrane penetration. The integrated design reduces procedural complexity, minimizes required equipment, and facilitates rapid airway establishment in emergency situations, particularly in resource-limited or field environments where conventional airway management techniques have failed.

Claims16

Dependent claims

An obturator for a cricothyrotomy procedure, the obturator comprising:

an elongated shaft comprising a proximal portion having a proximal end and a distal portion having a distal end, wherein the shaft is curved, and wherein the distal portion has a cross-sectional shape that is flat;
a distal tip assembly comprising a tapered dilating section directly coupled to the distal end of the shaft, and an atraumatic tip directly coupled to the tapered dilating section, wherein the atraumatic tip has a solid, flat cross-section and a rounded end, and wherein the tapered dilating section has a cross-sectional shape that gradually increases from a first size that is substantially equal to that of the flat cross-section to a second size having a round cross-section;
and
a proximal handle assembly comprising a finger hold handle directly coupled to the proximal end of the shaft, and a syringe holder directly coupled to the finger hold handle, wherein the syringe holder has a cylindrical bore configured for retaining a syringe barrel therein.

1 more element

An assembly for a cricothyrotomy procedure, wherein the assembly comprises:

a cricothyrotomy tube;
an obturator configured for being positioned within the cricothyrotomy tube;
and
a syringe operatively coupled to the cricothyrotomy tube and configured for inflating a cuff on the cricothyrotomy tube,
wherein the obturator comprises:
an elongated shaft that is sized and shaped to fit entirely within the cricothyrotomy tube;
a distal tip assembly comprising a tapered dilating section directly coupled to a distal end of the shaft, and an atraumatic tip directly coupled to the tapered dilating section, wherein the atraumatic tip has a solid, flat cross-section and a rounded end, and wherein the tapered dilating section has a cross-sectional shape that gradually increases from a first size that is substantially equal to that of the flat cross-section to a second size that is round and has a diameter approximately equal to an inner diameter of the cricothyrotomy tube;
and
a proximal handle assembly comprising a finger hold handle directly coupled to a proximal end of the shaft, and a syringe holder directly coupled to the finger hold handle, wherein the syringe holder has a cylindrical bore having an inner diameter that is approximately equal to an outer diameter of a barrel of the syringe.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Integrated obturator device for emergency cricothyrotomy airway establishment

Life of this patent

Integrated obturator device for emergency cricothyrotomy airway establishment

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims16