US 5,850,832 A · Laryngeal mask airway insertion guide

Abstract

An laryngeal mask airway (LMA) insertion guide comprising a flexible, elongated and curved member having a rounded top end portion that serves as a handle, a bottom end that forms a rounded, flat and curved scoop, a curved fulcrum member that extends from the bottom proximate surface near the scoop, and a curved holder member that extends from the top distal surface. Each component of the insertion guide is fashioned to engage a respective LMA component, and the device curves to facilitate proper insertion and placement of the LMA in the larynx of the patient. In use, an anesthesiologist fits the LMA insertion guide onto the LMA and inserts them together into the larynx of patient, and uses the holder and scoop to bend the LMA while simultaneously using the fulcrum to push the LMA down into the patient's throat. The slender, curvilinear member permits removal of the LMA guide without widening the device or otherwise complicating its backward passage through the throat and mouth of the patient, making it safer for insertion therein, and more efficient for anesthesiologist use.

Claims9

Dependent claims

An insertion guide device for use in the insertion of a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) into the throat of a patient, wherein a LMA comprises a respiratory tube, a tube-connecting portion and a mask body, said insertion guide comprising:

a unitary, elongated member, having a distal surface and a proximate surface defining a top end portion, a bottom end portion, and a curved portion, whereby said insertion guide conforms to the length and the contour of the respiratory tube, the tube-connecting portion and the mask body in order to removably engage the LMA upon its insertion into a patient's throat, wherein said elongated member includes
first member means for removably engaging the tube-connecting portion, said first means extending from said proximate surface;
second means for removably engaging the respiratory tube, said second means extending from said distal surface;
and,
third means for removably engaging the mask body integrally extending from said bottom end portion.

2 more elements

a unitary, elongated member,constructed of a flexible material having shape-retaining memory, having a distal surface and a proximate surface defining a top end portion, a bottom end portion, and a curved portion, whereby said insertion guide conforms to the length and the contour of the respiratory tube, tube-connecting portion and the mask body in order to removably engage the LMA, wherein said elongated member includes
a fulcrum member depending from said proximate surface and projecting laterally from said elongated member, including a curved surface for fitting the tube-connecting portion;
a holder member extending from and connecting to said distal surface of said elongate member at a point above said fulcrum member, said holder member depending from said distal surface and projecting laterally in the same direction as said fulcrum member, and having a curved surface for fitting the respiratory tube;
and,
a scoop member having rounded, curved and flat surfaces for engaging a distal surface of the mask body, said scoop forming an integral and terminal portion of said bottom end portion.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Laryngeal mask airway insertion guide

Life of this patent

Laryngeal mask airway insertion guide

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims9