Inventors:
Guy Giroux - Topeka KS, US
Jeffery Glasgow - Lawrence KS, US
International Classification:
A61B 5/02
Abstract:
An esophageal gastric tube includes lumens for suction, venting and auscultation. The auscultation lumen serves as a conduit for electrical conductors to a thermistor positioned distally of the lumen for measuring core temperature without occlusion of the lumen. A stethoscope membrane encircles the tube, forming a sound chamber. Suction and vent lumens extend from the proximal tube end to the distal tip, while the stethoscope lumen terminates at the sound chamber distal end, for reducing suction noise interference with auscultation. A longitudinal slot in the tubular sidewall enables effective communication between the sound chamber and the stethoscope lumen. The stethoscope membrane includes internal circumferential ribs preventing occlusion of the slot and permitting 360° auscultation. The tube distal sidewall is apertured into the suction lumen, enabling suctioning of the gastric contents. Vent and suction lumens communicate within the distal end of the tube to provide an internal vent for relieving negative stomach pressure.