Inventors:
Patrick Schafer - Salt Lake City UT
Dwayne Westenskow - Salt Lake City UT
Fidel Silva - Salt Lake City UT
Assignee:
University of Utah Research Foundation - Salt Lake City UT
International Classification:
A61M 5178
Abstract:
An endotracheal tube splitter and a method for removing an endotracheal tube are disclosed. The endotracheal tube splitter includes a handle portion, a cutting edge for cutting the endotracheal tube as it is withdrawn from a patient, and a support member for preventing the cutting edge from turning to either side and for maintaining the cutting edge at least a minimum desired distance from the face of the patient. The endotracheal tube splitter allows the more rapid replacement of the endotracheal tube, and allows a bronchoscope to be used as the guide for placing the tube.