Endotracheal tube holder

#The present disclosure relates to tube holders, and more specifically, to endotracheal tube holders.

#Endotracheal tubes are used in a variety of settings including in critical care, intensive care units, or under general anesthesia. However, most endotracheal tube holders only allow an endotracheal tube to be held in a single, fixed position, which can create problems, especially during long term use. The present disclosure provides endotracheal tube holders that allow easy adjustment of the position of an endotracheal tube either before or during use.

#One embodiment consistent with the present disclosure includes an endotracheal tube holder. The endotracheal tube holder comprises a body portion, wherein the body portion is elongated and comprises an elongated opening. The endotracheal tube holder also comprises a tube grasping mechanism, and an attachment mechanism for adjustably securing the tube grasping mechanism to the body portion. The attachment mechanism comprises a rod member configured to pass through the elongated opening, a widened proximal body connected to a proximal end of the rod member, and a widened distal body attached to a distal end of the rod member, having a size that prevents the widened distal body from passing through the elongated opening to secure the attachment mechanism to the body portion.

#The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments consistent with the principles of the present invention.

#FIG. 1 provides a prospective view of an endotracheal tube holder, according to certain embodiments of present disclosure.

#FIG. 2 provides a rear view of the endotracheal tube holder of FIG. 1.

#The present disclosure provides endotracheal tube holders that will allow adjustment of the position of an endotracheal tube either before or during use. FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of an endotracheal tube holder 10, according to certain embodiments. As shown, the endotracheal tube holder 10 includes an elongated body portion 20, a tube grasping mechanism 30, and an attachment mechanism 40 for adjustably securing the tube grasping mechanism 30 to the body portion 20.

#As shown in FIG. 1, the elongated, body portion 20 can include an elongated opening 50 that extends along the length of the curved body portion. The elongated opening 50 can be configured to engage with the attachment mechanism 40 to secure the tube grasping mechanism 30 to the elongated, body portion 20. The body portion 20 can be formed from a variety of different materials. In some embodiments the body portion 20 is formed from a rigid material selected to maintain its curved shape during use. The rigid material may have a curvature selected to conform to the shape of a patients face to allow comfortable placement of the endotracheal tube holder 10.

#The body portion 20 can also include additional components that allow comfortable attachment to a patient. For example, the body portion 20 can include two enlarged pad regions 55 at opposite ends. The enlarged pad regions 55 provide a widened surface area for placement against the patient's body, e.g., against the patient's cheeks or head. In addition the endotracheal tube holder can include regions for attachment to a band of flexible material. For example, in certain embodiments the endotracheal tube holder includes band openings 60 located at opposite ends. The band openings 60 can receive a band such as a flexible elastic band, tape or other material to secure the endotracheal tube holder to a patient. In addition, the pad regions can include an adhesive or tacky surface that prevents movement or sliding, and may also include cushioned or padded surfaces. Moreover, in certain embodiments, the body portion 20 can further attach to an elongated pad 51. On one surface, the elongated pad 51 can attach to the back of the body portion 20. On the other surface, the elongate pad 51 attaches to the a region of the patient's face, for example, between the upper lip and the nose of the patient. In certain embodiments, the elongated pad 51 can be made of a soft material to provide a cushion against the harder surface of the body portion 20 and to provide comfort to the patient. In certain embodiments, such as those shown in FIGS. 1-5 and 7, the pad 51 is almost as long as the elongated opening 50. Moreover, in certain embodiments, the pad 51 includes an opening which overlaps the elongated opening 50, such that the pad 41 does not block the elongated opening 50.