TRACHEOTRODE AND TRACHEAL ELECTROVENTILATION SYSTEM

摘要

A tracheotrode (40) for electroventilation comprising a tracheal tube (42) having an inflation cuff (48) on its distal end (46) and a bipolar electrode configuration along a surface of the tube including a first electrode (51) proximal to the inflation cuff and a second electrode (52) distal to the inflation cuff. A system and method of electroventilation are also disclosed in which an electrical pulse train is supplied to the electrodes to stimulate inspiration. A cuffless endotracheal tube may be suitable in certain applications, and an embodiment is also contemplated in which a cuff made of conductive elastomer serves as an electrode itself.