Abstract:
A gas analyzer airway adapter (12) that permits insertion of a suction tube (22) into the patient without removal of the airway adapter (12) from the patient. The adapter body has three ports. A patient port (30) is formed in the main section of the adapter body and has a fitting that attaches to the endotracheal tube (10). A sample port (34) is formed in a smaller diameter passage extending from the main body and attaches to the sample intake of a gas analyzer (14). The central axis of the smaller diameter passage is preferably parallel to the central axis of the main body of the adapter (12). Finally, a ventilator port (32) is formed in a passage whose central axis extends at approximately a 31 degree angle from the central axis of the main body. A hub/filter (36) assembly is disposed in the smaller diameter passage of the airway adapter (12), and a longitudinal filter (36) extends into the main body of the adapter (12). A tube guide (42) is disposed below the filter (36) within the main body of the adapter (12). The purpose of the guide (42) is to protect the longitudinal filter (36) and to direct the movement of the suction tube (22) as discussed below.