Method of Sampling Systemic Biomarkers

Abstract

A method including a step of preparing a sampling apparatus for use. The sampling apparatus includes a tubular member having an opening on a distal end thereof. An orientation of the distal end of the tubular member is shapeable. The distal end is substantially rigid so as to maintain a manipulated shape after a direct application of a threshold level of force on the distal end of the tubular member. The tubular member also includes a joint member disposed on a proximal end of the tubular member. The joint member is configured to connect the tubular member to a systemic biomarker sampling device.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method, comprising the following steps:
 preparing a sampling apparatus for use on a patient, the sampling apparatus including
 a tubular member having an opening on a distal end thereof, an orientation of the distal end of the tubular member being shapeable, the distal end being substantially rigid so as to maintain a manipulated shape after a direct application of a threshold level of force on the portion of the distal end of the tubular member, and 
 a joint member disposed on a proximal end of the tubular member, the joint member being configured to connect the tubular member to a systemic biomarker sampling device; and 
   placing the sampling apparatus with respect to the patient so as to sample exhaled breath from the patient.   
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the step of placing the sampling apparatus includes placing the tubular member within a patient's mouth. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the sampling apparatus further includes a return line, and
 wherein the step of preparing the sampling apparatus includes connecting the return line of the sampling apparatus to a systemic biomarker sampling device.   
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 3 , wherein the systemic biomarker sampling device monitors ETCO 2  levels. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the step of preparing the sampling apparatus includes coupling the sampling apparatus to a procedural device configured to be disposed on a patient's nose. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 5 , wherein the procedural device includes a path via which gas flows to the patient's nose. 
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the step of preparing the sampling apparatus includes adjusting a shape of the sampling apparatus to accommodate a size of the patient. 
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the step of preparing the sampling apparatus includes adjusting a length of the sampling apparatus to accommodate a size of the patient. 
     
     
         9 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the step of placing the sampling apparatus includes attaching the sampling apparatus to a nasal mask or a nasal hood. 
     
     
         10 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the tubular member is a first tubular member, and
 wherein the sampling apparatus further comprises a second tubular member attached to the first tubular member via the joint member so as to be in fluid communication therewith   
     
     
         11 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein the step of placing the sampling apparatus includes placing the first tubular member in a patient's mouth. 
     
     
         12 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein the step of placing the sampling apparatus further includes connecting the second tubular member to a procedural device configured to be disposed on the patient's nose. 
     
     
         13 . The method according to  claim 12 , further comprising a connector disposed on the second tubular member, the connector being configured to connect to the procedural device that covers a patient's nose during a medical or dental procedure. 
     
     
         14 . A method, comprising the following steps:
 providing an oral procedural device configured to connect to a systemic biomarker sampling device that samples exhaled breath of a patient, the oral procedural device including one of
 a sampling return line that is at least partially embedded in the oral procedural device, or 
 a connection component configured to connect to a sampling return line; and 
   positioning the sampling return line in a patient's mouth.   
     
     
         15 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein the oral procedural device includes
 a main body,   a bite block, and   the sampling return line that is at least partially embedded in the oral procedural device and that extends in the main body and away from the bite block in opposite directions such that, in use
 a first portion of the sampling return line is within the patient's mouth, the first portion having one or more fenestrations therethrough, and 
 a second portion of the sampling return line extends out of the mouth, the second portion being configured to connect to a systemic biomarker sampling device, and 
   wherein the step of positioning the sampling line further includes positioning the oral procedural device such that the one or more fenestrations are in the patient's mouth and are exposed to exhaled breath from the patient.   
     
     
         16 . The method according to  claim 15 , wherein, in use, the fenestrations are positioned on a back side of the oral procedural device, so as to be exposed to a back portion of a patient's mouth. 
     
     
         17 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein the oral procedural device is an oral airway including the connection component on an end thereof to attach the sampling return line. 
     
     
         18 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein the oral procedural device is a nasal hood having the connection component,
 wherein the sampling return line is a first sampling return line,   wherein a second sampling return line is connected with the first sampling return line via a joint member, and   wherein the method further includes a step of connecting the second sampling return line to the nasal hood by connecting an end of the second sampling return line to the connection component of the nasal hood.   
     
     
         19 . The method according to  claim 18 , further comprising a step of connecting the connection component to a line-in tube and a line-out tube of the nasal hood such that the line-out tube is connected to the second sampling return line. 
     
     
         20 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein the oral procedural device is a nasal mask having a connection component,
 wherein the sampling return line is a first sampling return line,   wherein a second sampling return line is connected with the first sampling return line via a joint member, and   wherein the method further includes a step of connecting the second sampling return line to the nasal mask by inserting an end of the second sampling return line into a hole on the nasal mask.