Method and apparatus for endotracheal intubation using a light wand and curved guide

An apparatus for intubating a patient with an endotracheal tube, said apparatus comprising:

• a light wand having an elongated flexible member with a distal tip and a light source at the distal tip of the flexible member, said flexible member having dimensions to fit through an endotracheal tube with the light source of the wand adjacent to the distal end of the endotracheal tube;
• and
• a curved tubular guide for insertion into a patient's mouth and upper airway, having a distal end positioned above the patient's larynx;
• wherein the wand and endotracheal tube can be advanced along the guide so that the distal end of the endotracheal tube passes through the patient's larynx and the light source is externally observable at a predetermined location through the patient's tracheal wall.

An apparatus for intubating a patient with an endotracheal tube, said apparatus comprising:

• a light wand having an elongated flexible member with a distal tip and a light source at the distal tip of the flexible member, said flexible member having dimensions to fit into an endotracheal tube;
• a curved tubular guide for insertion into a patient's mouth and upper airway, having a distal end positioned above the patient's larynx;
• and
• an adapter for adjustably attaching the proximal end of an endotracheal tube at a location on the flexible member of the wand so that the light source of the wand is adjacent to the distal end of the endotracheal tube;
• wherein the wand and endotracheal tube can be advanced along the guide so that the distal end of the endotracheal tube passes through the patient's larynx and the light source is externally observable at a predetermined location through the patient's tracheal wall;
• and wherein the adapter has dimensions allowing the guide to be retracted over the adapter, endotracheal tube, and the flexible member of the wand.