System for supporting endotracheal tubes in pediatric patients and method of using same

摘要

A system and method are disclosed for supporting orotracheal tubing in the mouth and trachea of pediatric patient (e.g., infant) during prolonged intubation. In general, the system comprises an intraoral component and an extraoral component, each of unitary construction. The intraoral components includes a base portion and an alveolar ridge cushioning flap portion. The base portion has a longitudinal extent, a bore formed along the longitudinal extent for passage and support of a first selected portion of the endotracheal tubing, and a palate facing surface made of a soft resilient material for cushioning the palate of the infant during intubation. The extraoral component of the system includes a flexible lip cushioning flap portion and a tubing clasping portion. A centrally disposed hole is formed in the lip cushioning flap portion for releasable receipt of a projection extending from the alveolar ridge cushioning portion. A substantially rigid stem portion extends from the central portion of the lip cushioning flap portion. A tubing clasping portion extends from the substantially rigid stem portion, and is adapted to releasably clasp a second selected portion of the endotracheal tubing. Advantageously, the system and method of the present invention avoids the need to custom fit the intraoral component to the surface contour to each infant's palate, nor requires a snug fit between the palate cushioning structure and the infant's palate, thus reducing the risk of infection.