Larynx mask having a connector

Abstract

A larynx mask is provided that comprises a dorsal cover plate with an inflatable cuff integrally formed thereon and a tube connecting connector having an insertion section for connecting to an insertion tube. Two separate lumens are provided in the region of the insertion section, these being the esophageal lumen and a respiration lumen. These two lumens are separated from each other by a separating and supporting, wall. The separating and supporting wall extends from the insertion section to the tip of the larynx mask. While the esophageal lumen opens into an esophageal outlet at the proximal end of the mask, the respiration lumen opens in the ventral direction and is closed in the proximal direction close to the tip of the mask. Such a larynx mask is produced in one piece by way of injection of molding and is reinforced by the separating or supporting wall to prevent kinking.

1 . A method for making a larynx mask comprising:
 (a) forming as a single piece:
 (i) a dorsal cover plate with a circumferential inflatable cuff formed thereon; 
 (ii) a tube connecting connector for connecting to at least one insertion tube; 
 (iii) a respiration lumen and an oesophageal lumen; 
 (iv) a circumferential adhesive or welding wall positioned on the cover plate, the adhesive or welding wall extending in a ventral direction from the cover plate towards a lower edge of the cuff, and being thickened relative to a wall of the cuff; and 
 (v) a circumferential adhesive or welding edge formed on the lower edge of the cuff and extending in a dorsal direction towards the circumferential adhesive or welding wall; and 
   (b) closing the inflatable cuff by adhering or welding the adhesive or welding wall to the adhesive or welding edge.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein step (a) is carried out by injection molding. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein step (a) further comprises forming a separating and supporting wall extending downwardly from the cover plate that forms a partition between the respiration lumen and an oesophageal lumen. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the separating and supporting wall extends in a ventral direction from the cover plate, extends in a longitudinal direction through the larynx mask from a proximal end of the larynx mask to at least approximately a distal end of the larynx mask, and extends in a ventral and opening direction of an injection mold. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the separating and supporting wall runs perpendicularly to the cover plate, and extends in a ventral and opening direction of an injection mold. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the separating and supporting wall extends downwardly from the cover plate in a ventral direction less far from the cover plate than the circumferential adhesive or welding wall. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the separating and supporting wall extends to an oesophageal outlet at the distal end of the larynx mask which is formed by an opening in the cover plate and wherein the oesophageal outlet extends over the inflatable cuff. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the tube connecting connector comprises an insertion section. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein a cross-section of the respiration lumen is larger than a cross-section of the oesophageal lumen in an area of the insertion section. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the insertion section is limited by a projection that narrows a cross-section of the insertion section and serves as a stop for the insertion tube to be inserted. 
     
     
         11 . A larynx mask made by the method of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         12 . A larynx mask made by the method of  claim 2 .