Abstract A single lumen endobronchial tube is provided which comprises a tube for location in the tracheo-bronchial tree of a patient. The tube has an endotracheal portion for location in the trachea and an endobronchial portion for location in one of the bronchi. The endobronchial portion communicates with the endotracheal portion, has an open end and a port spaced from the open end. Means such as inflatable cuffs are provided for locating the tube in position in a patient so that the open end of the endobronchial portion of the tube is in one bronchus while the port is in communication with the other bronchus. A further inflatable cuff is located in the lumen between the port and the open end to close off and isolate the endobronchial portion and that bronchus. The port remains in communication with the other bronchus whether or not the other bronchus is isolated.
A flexible single lumen endobronchial tube having an annular tube wall and comprising: an endotrachial tube portion; an endobronchial tube portion sized for placement in one of the bronchi, said endobronchial portion directly communicating with and being an integral extension of said endotrachial portion and having an open end; first expansible means on the outer surface of said tube for anaesthesiologically sealing the tube in the trachea; second expansible means spaced from said first means on the outer surface of the tube for anaesthesiologically sealing the tube in one bronchus so that said open end opens into said one bronchus; port means formed in the tube wall of said endobronchial portion between said first and second expansible means to communicate with the other bronchus; and adjustable lumen-blocking means located in the lumen between the port and the open end, and being adjustable between a position in which the lumen and the bronchus in which the said endobronchial portion is located is blocked and a position in which said lumen and bronchus are open, said port being in communication with the other bronchus in both positions of said adjustable means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
189 words
A flexible single lumen endobronchial tube having an annular tube wall and comprising: an endotrachial tube portion; an endobronchial tube portion sized for placement in one of the bronchi, said endobronchial portion directly communicating with and being an integral extension of said endotrachial portion and having an open end; first expansible means on the outer surface of said tube for anaesthesiologically sealing the tube in the trachea; second expansible means spaced from said first means on the outer surface of the tube for anaesthesiologically sealing the tube in one bronchus so that said open end opens into said one bronchus; port means formed in the tube wall of said endobronchial portion between said first and second expansible means to communicate with the other bronchus; and adjustable lumen-blocking means located in the lumen between the port and the open end, and being adjustable between a position in which the lumen and the bronchus in which the said endobronchial portion is located is blocked and a position in which said lumen and bronchus are open, said port being in communication with the other bronchus in both positions of said adjustable means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
An endobronchial tube according to claim 1 wherein the adjustable lumen-blocking means comprises an inflatable cuff remotely inflatable through a pilot tube.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
An endobronchial tube according to claim 2 wherein the cuff consists of a flexible membrane secured at its edges to the inside of the tube and in communication with the pilot tube.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
An endobronchial tube according to claim 1 which is made from a soft natural or synthetic plastic material.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
An endobronchial tube according to claim 4 which is made of latex rubber.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
An endobronchial tube according to claim 5 which is reinforced by means of embedded filaments.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
12 words
An endobronchial tube according to claim 6 wherein the filaments are nylon.