MALLEABLE INTRODUCER

摘要

An introducer (11) for guiding an endotracheal catheter or the like incorporates a malleable introducer tube with a smooth, inflatable introducer tip (16). In order to provide intubation with least trauma and greatest catheter configuration and tip control, an introducer is provided having a malleable and shape-retaining tube (12) along at least a portion of the length intermediating the smooth, inflatable sheath (15) at the tip of the introducer and the clamp (31) or other fluid flow control means maintaining the inflated state of the sheath. In one embodiment, intermediation of the length between the sheath and the clamp is made almost entirely by a malleable tube made of a ductile metal such as aluminum. The tube may be thick-walled to reduce the volume necessary to inflate the sheath. In another embodiment, only the introducer tip may be of a malleable metal, such as copper. Significant advantages are offered by the use and inclusion of resilient, malleable portions in the introducer.