DEVICE FOR VERIFYING PLACEMENT OF ENDOTRACHEAL, NASOGASTRIC, OROGASTRIC TUBES

摘要

A device for visually verifying the proper placement of a tube (e.g. a nasogastric tube) in the body of a neonate, essentially includes an optical fiber and a light source. In combination, the light source is connected to the proximal end of the optical fiber. The light source is then activated to illuminate the optical fiber, and the illuminated optical fiber is advanced through the tube into the body of the neonate. Due to the translucent nature of neonate body tissue, the optical fiber illuminates both the tube and anatomical features of the neonate's internal organs. With this optical capability, a visual determination can be made as to whether the tube has been properly placed.