Abstract:
A connector (42) for joining an endotracheal tube (16) and an integrally formed auxiliary lumen (23) to a source of anesthesia and a preselected item of auxiliary equipment, respectively, includes a first pair of tubular mounting members (44) on a proximal end of the connector that are closely radially spaced with respect to one another and longitudinally spaced from a second pair of tubular mounting members (46) on a distal end of the connector that are closely radially spaced with respect to one another. A pair of parallel bores (32, 56) are formed in the base of the connector to provide fluid communication between associated, longitudinally spaced apart mounting members. The radially spaced mounting members on the proximal end slide-fittingly receive the respective distal ends of an anesthesia supply tube elbow connector and an auxiliary monitoring equipment tube (52).
Abstract:
An endotracheal tube (10) has a temperature sensor (42) positioned proximal of a patient's larynx when the tube (10) is in use. Thus, the sensor (42) overlies the tongue. A heat insulator (46) and an electrical insulator (48) surround the temperature sensor (42). The temperatore sensor (42) can be linear or serpentine. An oxymeter (50) can also be used with the tube.
Abstract:
An endotracheal tube has a temperature sensor positioned proximal of a patient's larynx when the tube is in use. Thus, the sensor overlies the tongue. In view of the high vascularity of the tongue, the sensor provides an accurate reading of the patient's body temperature and responds quickly to temperature changes. A heat insulator inhibits heat transfer from the interior of the endotracheal tube to the sensor, and an electrical insulator electrically isolates the sensor from the tongue. In a first embodiment, the sensor is linear in configuration, and in a second embodiment the sensor is serpentine in configuration to increase the surface area of the contact between the sensor and the tongue. A third embodiment adds an oxymeter. In additional embodiments, the sensor is placed on other highly vascular regions of the body, or where an artery is present. The sensor may also be positioned within a preselected vein or artery.