TRACHEAL TUBE WITH ADJUSTABLE FLANGES

摘要

Systems and methods that utilize tracheal tubes (10) having one or more adjustable flanges (20,22) are described. The adjustable flanges may be disposed on the tracheal tube at various angles. Further, the adjustable flanges may be repositioned on the tracheal tube, thus allowing a clinician or patient to reconfigure the tracheal tube in situ so as to more comformably fit the tracheal tube to a variety of patient anatomies. Flange extensions (188) are also provided that may extend the overall flange length, and may also be repositioned at various angles. The use of techniques such as adjustable flanges and adjustable flange extensions allow a better fit to a particular patient's anatomy and provide increased patient comfort.