Cuffed endotrachael tube and method

A cuffed endotracheal tube and method designed for insertion of the tube through the mouth of a patient to provide a passage for artificial respiration. The device includes an elongated flexible air tube having proximal and distal end portions. A pair of enlargements encircle the tube intermediate the proximal and distal end portions. The lower of the enlargements is sized and shaped to fall short of fully occupying the cavity defined by the wall of the trachea and rests at or below the opening defined by the lower lateral surfaces of the larynx. The upper of the enlargements is sized and shaped to fully occupy the cavity defined by the wall of the pharynx and seals the opening defined by the superglottic structure of the glottis. At least the upper of the enlargements is an inelastic inflatable-deflatable cuff secured to the tube proximal to the lower of the enlargements. The device further includes separate inflation means for each cuff permitting the cuff to be inflated independently of any other cuff. A method for using the endotracheal tube provides a safe and effective way of assuring proper placement by providing a positive external indication by reason of the location of the upper and lower enlargements on either side of the glottis so that the tube is anchored sufficiently to withstand inadvertent extubation.