WO2009157922A1

WO2009157922A1 - Endotracheal tube with color-coded secure connector and packaging

Info

Publication number: WO2009157922A1
Application number: PCT/US2008/068071
Authority: WO
Inventors: Chai Jie Chang; Frank Segarra; Tamim Wafa
Original assignee: Chai Jie Chang; Frank Segarra; Tamim Wafa
Priority date: 2008-06-25
Filing date: 2008-06-25
Publication date: 2009-12-30

Abstract

The size of an endotracheal tube is identified by its internal diameter and this number is usually noted on the packaging and the endotracheal tube body. Depending on the situation, the size of an endotracheal tube needed by a practitioner may not be quickly and easily identified with the current method. Furthermore, it is common for the universal connector to dislodge from the endotracheal tube at various stages of use. The present invention relates a color coding system applied on the outside packaging and the connector of an endotracheal tube to easily identify its size from a distance. In addition, the connector is further designed to prevent accidental detachment from the endotracheal tube and to provide a place for securing the pilot balloon line if desired by practitioners.

Description

DESCRIPTION

[Para 1]The present invention relates to an Endotracheal tube with color-coded secure connector and packaging.

[Para 2]An endotracheal tube is basically composed of a PVC tubing with an inflatable cuff at its distal end with a nylon or hard plastic polymer connector attached proximally. It is housed in a sterile packaging consisting of paper and clear plastic prior to use. The color coding in this invention is applied to both the packaging and the plastic polymer connector. Furthermore, the plastic polymer connector is differentiated from current ones on the market by applying a spiral or other patterns to the end attached to the PVC lumen. This connector also has two notches at its flanks to house the pilot balloon line leading to the inflatable cuff.

[Para 3]This invention is intended for use in accordance to the current accepted medical standards when endotracheal intubation is indicated. After determining the appropriate size to be used, prior to placing the endotracheal tube in the trachea, the practitioner would then locate the correct endotracheal tube by looking for the size number on the packaging. Packaging for all adult endotracheal tubes is similar with the exception of the printed number corresponding to the size of the endotracheal tube. This method can cause confusion and delays in locating the correct endotracheal tube in emergency situations. Color coding of the packaging allows for efficiency and ease to this process.

After intubation of the trachea has been achieved, it is customary to secure the endotracheal tube in place via tape. Often this taping will obscure the size number imprinted on the sides of the endotracheal tube. Knowing the proper endotracheal tube size can be of vital importance depending on various medical situations. Therefore, having a color coding system on the connector presents a solution to the aforementioned problem. In addition, as the connector is usually unobstructed from view in most situations, the size of an endotracheal tube can be further easily identified at a distance.

[Para4]Practitioners are cognizant of the connector detaching from the endotracheal tube lumen during use. Unrecognized disconnections can be life threatening. At the same time, due to various techniques used in endotracheal intubations, it may be necessary to remove the connector from the endotracheal tube lumen temporarily. The current spiral design affords a method for more secure connections between the two and yet allow for ease of separation when needed. At times, the practitioner may want the pilot balloon line in one location for ease of access. The notches at the flanks provide such option if desired.

[Para 5]The color coding system can be any combination of presented solid colors and stripes. The more secure connection between endotracheal tube lumen and connector can be achieved in various patterns other than the described spiral to strengthen contact and yet provide ease of separation in desired situations. Depending on the manufacturing process, the goal of the final selected design pattern (if other than the spiral) on the connector is to provide increased frictional forces between the two contact surfaces and yet provide minimal resistance to purposeful disassembly.

Claims

What is claimed is: A color coding system similar to one used on peripheral intravenous catheters can be developed for adult endotracheal tubes to indicate various sizes (6 to 9mm in 0.5mm increments). Adapting the ISO required colors for peripheral intravenous catheters to adult endotracheal tube sizes will facilitate memorization of the presented color coding system by practitioners. Full sizes ranging from 6 to 9mm will be represented by yellow for 6mm, blue for 7mm, pink/red for 8mm, and green for 9mm. Half sizes 0.5mm larger than full sizes will be represented by the same color of the respective full size along with black/gray stripes. This system is applied to both the packaging and connector for easy identification at a distance. Furthermore, the connector surface attaching to the endotracheal tube lumen has a spiral design to prevent accidental dislodgement. The spiral design adds increased frictional forces between the connector and the lumen of the endotracheal tube and yet allow for minimal resistance to intended disassembly when desired. Two notches on the flanks of the connector provide a method to secure the pilot balloon line.