摘要 |
A tracheotome for the automatic mechanical performance of an emergency tracheostomy. An incision into the trachea is made upon release of a power-operated cannula with a cutting blade by a triggering mechanism. The device consists of a powered, hollow cannula with a cutting blade on the frontal edge retained in a hollow, elongated housing. A triggering mechanism releases the cannula to forcefully extend from the housing. The tracheotome is placed adjacent to the throat at an angle and the triggering mechanism is activated. The cutting blade penetrates the tissue and trachea allowing entry of the cannula into the trachea. The cannula and housing provide an immediate temporary channel for air into the trachea and permit a breathing tube to be inserted through them into the trachea. The cannula has a curved portion in its leading edge to direct the insertion of the breathing tube in a downward direction into the trachea to prevent damage to the posterior wall of the trachea. The blade and housing may then be withdrawn over the breathing tube and discarded. The breathing tube is then secured to maintain the air passageway. A non-removeable safety cap is provided to cover the cutting blade before discarding. A rotatably adjustable cap is provided at the mouth of the tracheotome housing to permit control of the extension of the cutting blade from the housing thereby regulating the depth of penetration of the cutting blade into the trachea. A charging handle provides for recocking a spring-operated cutting blade.
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