Lock for endotracheal tube valve

An endotracheal tube assembly, comprising:

• an endotracheal tube having a proximal end and a distal end;
• a valve connected to the proximal end of the endotracheal tube, the valve comprising a cylindrical valve body and a valve member positioned in a valve chamber of the valve body, the valve member having a flow passage extending therethrough and being movable between an open position, wherein the flow passage is aligned with a first connector flow passage and a second connector flow passage to provide fluid communication therebetween, and a closed position, wherein the flow passage is misaligned with the first connector flow passage and the second connector flow passage to fluidically seal the first connector flow passage from the second connector flow passage, the valve member further comprising a grip for moving the valve member between the open position and the closed position;
• and
• a lock engaged with the valve to secure the valve member in the open position, the lock comprising:
• a plate portion having a slot receive over the grip of the valve member;
• a pair of flexible arms extending from the plate portion and extending along opposing sides of the valve body;
• a proximal end of the flexible arms engaging the valve body;
• and
• a distal end of the flexible arms engaging an opposite side of the valve body to prevent rotation of the grip relative to the valve body, the distal ends of the flexible arms being spreadable to disengage from the valve body.

A method for maintaining positive airway pressure during the disconnection of a mechanical ventilator from a patient, the method comprising:

• providing an endotracheal tube assembly comprising a valve body, a rotatable valve member having a flow passage, a grip, and a removable lock;
• positioning the valve member in an open position such that the flow passage is aligned with a first connector flow passage and a second connector flow passage of the valve body to allow fluid communication with the patient's airway;
• securing the valve member in the open position by engaging the removable lock with the grip and the valve body, thereby mechanically obstructing rotation of the valve member toward a closed position;
• connecting a mechanical ventilator to the second connector flow passage of the valve body;
• removing the lock from the valve body and the grip by applying an outward force to spread a pair of flexible arms on the lock;
• rotating the valve member via the grip to a closed position to fluidically seal the endotracheal tube and maintain positive pressure within the patient's airway;
• and
• disconnecting the mechanical ventilator from the second connector flow passage while the valve member is in the closed position.