Cuffless tracheal tube

A tracheal tube ventilating device comprising:

• a tubular body configured to be inserted into the trachea of a patient and comprising a single generally annular sealing portion, wherein the generally annular sealing portion located an anatomically relevant distance from the distal end of the tubular body comprises an electroactive polymer layer disposed on the tubular body, wherein the electroactive polymer is configured to undergo a clinically effective change in volume, thickness, or both of at least approximately 20% upon application of an electrical potential to seal against an inner surface of the trachea while permitting the free passage of ventilating gas therethrough, the generally annular sealing portion having a central passage for conveying gas to and from the lungs, and wherein the central passage remains open when the electroactive polymer undergoes the clinically effective change in volume, thickness, or both;
• at least one electrical conductor coupled to the electroactive polymer and configured to apply the electrical potential;
• wherein the clinically effective change in volume, thickness, or both causes a change in an outside diameter of the sealing portion sufficient to create an effective seal against the inner surface of the trachea when the electrical potential is applied to the electroactive polymer;
• wherein the sealing portion comprises a length of about 8 to 55 millimeters;
• wherein the tubular body is operatively connected to a ventilator;
• wherein the electroactive polymer is selected from the group consisting of polypyrroles, polyanilines, polythiphenes, polyethylenedisoxythiophenes and mixtures thereof;
• wherein the electric potential is about 1 to 2 volts;
• and
• further comprising a lumen, wherein the at least one electrical conductor is disposed inside the lumen.