Self-sizing adjustable endotracheal tube

Abstract

There is disclosed an endotracheal tube which has a minimal cross-sectional profile for easy viewing of anatomical features during intubation. After the tube is placed into the trachea, the tube is adapted to increase the diameter. In this manner the tube diameter may be expanded to allow for decreased Work of Breathing (WOB) for patient, while not having so large a diameter as to cause tracheal discomfort.

1 . A tracheal tube comprising:
 a distal end portion;   an intermediate portion comprising an inner layer and an outer layer connected to the distal end portion; and   a proximal end portion connected to the intermediate portion, wherein the intermediate portion adapted to change its diameter by expanding a gap between the inner layer and the outer layer.   
     
     
         2 . The tracheal tube, as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the intermediate portion is adapted to expand to an outer diameter at least equal to a tracheal diameter. 
     
     
         3 . The tracheal tube, as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the intermediate portion of the endotracheal tube comprises polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyethylene teraphthalate (PETP), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), silicone, neoprene, polyisoprene, or polyurethane (PU). 
     
     
         4 . The tracheal tube, as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the tracheal tube comprises an endotracheal tube or a tracheostomy tube. 
     
     
         5 . The tracheal tube, as set forth in  claim 1 , comprising a ventilator to which the endotracheal tube is operatively connected at its proximal end. 
     
     
         6 . The tracheal tube, as set forth in  claim 1 , comprising an inflatable balloon cuff disposed on the distal portion of the tracheal tube. 
     
     
         7 . The tracheal tube, as set forth in  claim 6 , wherein the inflatable balloon cuff comprises polyethylene teraphthalate (PETP), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), silicone, neoprene, polyisoprene, or polyurethane (PU). 
     
     
         8 . The tracheal tube, as set forth in  claim 1 , comprising an inflation lumen operatively connected to the intermediate portion. 
     
     
         9 . A method for sealing a patient's trachea comprising:
 inserting a tracheal tube into a patient's trachea, wherein the tracheal tube comprises an inner layer and an outer layer along at least a portion of the tube; and   expanding a gap between the inner layer and the outer layer of the tracheal tube so that the outer layer of the tube substantially conforms to the tracheal walls.   
     
     
         10 . The method, as set forth in  claim 9 , wherein the expanded portion of the tracheal tube is expanded by a mechanical method. 
     
     
         11 . The method, as set forth in  claim 9 , wherein the expanded portion of the tracheal tube is expanded by a pneumatic method. 
     
     
         12 . The method, as set forth in  claim 9 , wherein the expanded portion of the tracheal tube is expanded by a temperature method. 
     
     
         13 . The method, as set forth in  claim 12 , comprising the step of collapsing the expanded portion of the tracheal tube. 
     
     
         14 . The method, as set forth in  claim 12 , comprising the step of inserting the tracheal tube with a stylet. 
     
     
         15 . The method, as set forth in  claim 12 , wherein the expanded portion of the tracheal tube is collapsed by a mechanical method or a suction method. 
     
     
         16 . A method of manufacturing a tracheal tube comprising:
 providing a distal end portion of a tube;   providing an intermediate portion comprising an inner layer and an outer layer connected to the distal end portion; and   providing a proximal end portion connected to the intermediate portion, wherein the intermediate portion adapted to change its diameter by expanding a gap between the inner layer and the outer layer.   
     
     
         17 . The method, as set forth in  claim 16 , wherein providing the intermediate portion comprises providing a portion that is adapted to expand to a diameter at least equal to a tracheal diameter. 
     
     
         18 . The method, as set forth in  claim 16 , wherein providing the intermediate portion comprises providing a portion that is adapted to maintain a pressure of less than 25 cm H 2 0 on the tracheal wall. 
     
     
         19 . The method, as set forth in  claim 16 , wherein providing the intermediate portion of the endotracheal tube comprises providing a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyethylene teraphthalate (PETP), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), silicone, neoprene, polyisoprene, or polyurethane (PU). 
     
     
         20 . The method, as set forth in  claim 16 , comprising providing an inflation lumen operatively connected to the intermediate portion.