Safety device for laryngeal mask airway or endotracheal tube

摘要

A hollow tubular ring (1)is slotted over the laryngeal mask airway (3) or endotracheal tube to prevent the biting down action of the awakening patient from occluding the lumen of the laryngeal mask airway or endotracheal tube and thus preventing the flow of oxygen to the patient The tubular ring preferably has an internal diameter slightly greater than the external diameter of the appropriate sized laryngeal mask airway or endotracheal tube, and an external diameter between one and a half and three times greater than its internal diameter. The wall (2) of the ring may be filled with a firm substance, which is also soft enough to prevent damage to dental work, for instance, the gel used in head rings in theatre for anaesthetised patients, encased in rubber. The ring can either be autoclaved after use, or disposed of, depending on the materials used.