Inventors:
Katherine H. Trugillo - Valrico FL
International Classification:
A61M 1600, A61M 2500
Abstract:
A surgical appliance in the form of a temperature sensing endotracheal tube includes any suitable type of endotracheal tube with a temperature sensor in the form of a thermistor mounted on the distal end portion of the tube for engaging the patient's trachea. Suitable wiring is connected with the thermistor and extends through the endotracheal tube side wall to approximately the midpoint of the tube with the free end of the wiring having a suitable connector for attachment to an indicating and/or temperature recording unit. If the distal end portion of the endotracheal tube is provided with a typical inflatable cuff, the thermistor is preferably mounted on the tube proximate the end of the cuff remote from the free end of the distal end portion. The portion of the outer face of the tube which extends across the thermistor preferably protrudes slightly from the adjacent portion of the outer face, to provide better contact with the trachea.