摘要 |
A transnasal conduit for transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) probe insertion. A transnasal conduit has a relatively large inner diameter with relatively thin pliable walls. A normally closed or closeable distal end facilitates insertion of the transnasal conduit into the patient during intubation. Pinch clamp means in the form of a thumbscrew or the like may be used to secure a probe temporarily to the transnasal conduit both during and after intubation. A patient flange having ears or lobes may be adjacent the pinch clamp and serve to temporarily secure the transnasal conduit along with any accompanying probe to the patient by means of an elastic strap, string, or the like. The open proximal end of the transnasal conduit may be bell shaped, or flared, to facilitate introduction of the probe. By providing a transnasal conduit that allows atraumatic of a TEE probe, conscious ICU or ambulatory patients may be monitored using TEE thereby enhancing patient diagnosis and monitoring. |