| 摘要 |
An ultra-thin wire reinforced endotracheal tube which includes a novel sealing design adapted to fit in a complementary manner in a subject's larynx. The endotracheal tube includes a laryngeal section which has a cross sectional shape and size that are complementary to a subject's glottis. Preferably, the laryngeal section has an oval or egg-shaped cross section. A plurality of thin, pliable sealing "gills" are provided on the surface of the laryngeal section. The gills provide a fluid tight seal which does not harm a subject's larynx. The endotracheal tube is reinforced with a metallic spring material. In a preferred embodiment, the metallic spring material is a shape memory alloy. The use of a shape memory alloy prevents damage to the endotracheal tube caused by distortion, such as kinking, crushing, etc. |
