Endotracheal tube with a selectively positional electrode

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#FIG. 1A is a partial view of anatomy in which the technology of the present application would be used;

#FIG. 1B is a partial view of anatomy in which the technology of the present application would be used;

#FIG. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of an endotracheal tube consistent with the technology of the present application;

#The technology of the present application will now be described with reference to the attached figures. While the technology of the present application is described with reference to measuring electromyography or EMG activity from the muscles innervated by the laryngeal nerve, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize on reading the disclosure that other nerves may be monitored using the technology of the present application. Moreover, the technology of the present application will be described with reference to particular exemplary embodiments. The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments unless specifically indicated as such. Thus, the examples provided should be considered illustrative of the technology of the present application and not limiting.

#Referring now to FIG. 2, an endotracheal tube 10 consistent with the technology of the present application is shown. Endotracheal tube 10 is shown generally cylindrical to match the anatomy of the trachea of the patient. For reference, a longitudinal axis LA extends through the geometric center of endotracheal tube 10 in this exemplary embodiment. Endotracheal tube 10 includes at least one interior sidewall 12 and at least one exterior sidewall 14. Endotracheal tube 10 may be comprised of a plurality of interior and exterior sidewalls 12 and 14 joined together to form endotracheal tube 10. Endotracheal tube 10 includes a proximal end 16 adapted to remain exterior to a patient and a distal end 18 adapted to be inserted into the trachea of a patient during surgery. Proximal end 16 is coupled to a manifold 20 that is attachable to a ventilator as is conventionally known in the art but not otherwise explained herein. Endotracheal tube 10 defines an interior space 28 as shown best in FIG. 3. Interior space 28 extends from the proximal end 16 to the distal end 18. A gap 27, or space, is formed between the at least one exterior sidewall 14 of the endotracheal tube and trachea 5 of the patient. The trachea 5 is shown in phantom in FIG. 2 for reference.

#An inflatable cuff 19 resides on endotracheal tube 10 towards the distal end 18. The inflatable cuff 19 is deflated to allow the tube 10 to be placed in the trachea of the patient. Once positioned, the cuff is inflated in a conventional manner. Inflating the cuff 19 secures the position of the tube 10 in the patient's trachea 5 and provides a seal. Gap 27 extends from the proximal end 16 of the endotracheal tube 10 to the inflated cuff 19.