| abstract |
Disclosed herein is an improved tracheal tube which accommodates and follows the axial lengthening, shortening and translating movement of the trachea in actions such as breathing and swallowing, so as to minimize relative movement between the trachea and the tube where the tube inner end engages and bears against the trachea. In preferred form, the tube has two or more rigid, longitudinally spaced tubular support sections, including its inner end portion and an outer portion which are fixed in position with respect to the patient. The support sections support radially and connect at least one filmy tubular collapsible section between them. The collapsible section folds and unfolds on itself in the axial direction virtually without resistance, in response to movement of the trachea which tends to shorten or lengthen the distance between the support sections. The ability of the tracheal tube to easily extend and contract axially along with the trachea minimizes abrasions and ulcerations which could otherwise occur through rubbing of the tracheal tube against the trachea. n Also disclosed is a tracheal tube having a flat back wall which is disposed to be positioned against the posterior wall of the trachea. This reduces local indenting pressure on the trachea which otherwise could tend to push into the esophagus. |