PARAMETER-SENSING ENDOTRACHEAL TUBE

摘要

A sensor-equipped endotracheal tube has a flexible body surrounding an airway lumen and includes sensors for monitoring physiological parameters such as CO2/O2 concentration in respiratory gases, and patient body temperature. These sensors provide electrical output for parameter display on suitable ventilators and monitors. In another specific embodiment, the endotracheal tube includes a sensor for measuring pressure exerted between an inflation cuff and a patient's tracheal tissues for preventing injury from over/under cuff inflation. Other specific embodiments of the sensor equipped endotracheal tube include combining sensors with a heating member for warming inhaled respiratory gases, and with ultrasound reflecting elements that make the tube visible within the body using ultrasound.