Endo-tracheal tube support device

Abstract

An endo-tracheal tube support apparatus is disclosed which includes a predetermined length of tubing having an oblong cross section and an aperture formed at a point along the length of tubing; and strap means positionable about the face and back of head of the patient, a portion of which is threaded through the length of tubing, for securing the tubing in the vicinity of the patient's nose or mouth, wherein a portion of the strap means protrudes through the aperture to form a loop for capturing the endo-tracheal tube. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the aperture is positioned in a rounded edge of the tube in the form of a semicircular notch. The loop portion includes a section of double sided sticky tape with a pull tab. When the tab is pulled, the sticky surface of the tape is exposed and is used to prevent the endo-tracheal tube from slipping. Tightening of the strap means causes the loop portion to urge the endo-tracheal tube against the notch to seat the tube more securely in the notch and to apply additional friction to the endo-tracheal tube. A quick release buckle is employed along with hook and loop patches to permit easy adjustments of the length of the strap means.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.