Endo-tracheal or tracheotomic tube with shield for anaesthesia

Claim 1

A tracheal device for anesthesia comprising: a flexible tubular assembly having a distal end adapted to be positioned within the trachea of a patient and a proximal end positioned outside the body of said patient; an inflatable balloon carried on and encircling said tubular assembly adjacent its distal end, said balloon being adapted to be extended by fluid pressure into sealing contact with the trachea; a thermal shield adapted to be positioned within the trachea, said shield comprising a flexible generally circular heat-resisting disc substantially coaxial with and transversely affixed to said tubular assembly at a point adjacent said balloon between said balloon and said proximal end, said shield having a diameter only slightly smaller than that of the trachea, thereby effectively shielding said balloon from damage caused by radiant heat energy directed toward said balloon; first conduit means in said assembly for conveying anesthesia and ventilation gases from said proximal end to said distal end; second conduit means in said assembly for conveying a fluid under pressure from said proximal end to said balloon; and third conduit means in said assembly for conveying a stream of inert gas from said proximal end to and through an opening in said assembly at a point adjacent said shield between said shield and said proximal end.