The present invention relates to an artificial airway device  and in particular to such a device which seeks to provide protection against gastric reflux and access to the gastrointestinal tract using flexible fiberoptic gastroscopes of any diameter.

For at least seventy years  endotracheal tubes comprising a long slender tube with an inflatable balloon disposed near the tube""s distal end have been used for establishing airways in unconscious patients. In operation  the endotracheal tube""s distal end is inserted through the mouth of the patient  into the patient""s trachea. Once positioned  the balloon is inflated so as to form a seal with the interior lining of the trachea. After this seal is established  positive pressure may be applied to the tube""s proximal end to ventilate the patient""s lungs. Also  the seal between the balloon and the inner lining of the trachea protects the lungs from aspiration (e.g.  the seal prevents material regurgitated from the stomach from being aspirated into the patient""s lungs).

Although they have been successful  endotracheal tubes suffer from several major disadvantages. The principal disadvantage of the endotracheal tube relates to the difficulty of properly inserting the tube. Inserting an endotracheal tube into a patient is a procedure that requires a high degree of skill. Also  even for skilled practitioners  insertion of an endotracheal tube is sometimes difficult or not possible. In many instances  the difficulty of inserting endotracheal tubes has tragically led to the death of a patient because it was not possible to establish an airway in the patient with sufficient rapidity. Also  inserting an endotracheal tube normally requires manipulation of the patient""s head and neck and further requires the patient""s jaw to be forcibly opened widely. These necessary manipulations make it difficult  or undesirable  to insert an endotracheal tube into a patient who may be suffering from a neck injury.

The laryngeal mask airway device is a well known device that is useful for establishing airways in unconscious patients  and which seeks to address the above-described drawbacks associated with endotracheal tubes.

In contrast to the endotracheal tube  it is relatively easy to insert a laryngeal mask airway device into a patient and thereby establish an airway. Also  the laryngeal mask airway device is a "forgiving" device in that even if it is inserted improperly  it still tends to establish an airway. Accordingly  the laryngeal mask airway device is often thought of as a "life saving" device. Also  the laryngeal mask airway device may be inserted with only relatively minor manipulation of the patient""s head  neck and jaw. Further  the laryngeal mask airway device provides ventilation of the patient""s lungs without requiring contact with the sensitive inner lining of the trachea and the internal diameter of the airway tube is typically significantly larger than that of the endotracheal tube. Also  the laryngeal mask airway device does not interfere with coughing to the same extent as endotracheal tubes. Largely due to these advantages  the laryngeal mask airway device has enjoyed increasing popularity in recent years.

U.S. Patent No. 4 509 514 describes a laryngeal mask airway device which consists of the basic parts which make up most if not all laryngeal mask airway devices  namely an airway tube opening at one end into the interior of a hollow mask portion shaped to fit readily behind the larynx of a patient. The periphery of the mask is formed by a cuff which in use forms a seal around the opening of the larynx. This enables the airway to be established effectively.

Laryngeal mask airway devices with specific provision for gastric-discharge drainage have been developed  as exemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 4 995 388 (Figs. 7 to 10); U.S. Pat. No. 5 241 956; and U.S. Pat. No. 5 355 879. These devices generally incorporate a small-diameter drainage tube having an end located at the distal end of the mask  so as to lie against the upper end of the upper oesophageal sphincter when the mask is in place  the tube being of sufficient length to extend out of the mouth of the patient to enable active or passive removal of gastric discharge from the upper oesophageal sphincter. According to alternative proposals  the drainage tube may extend beyond the distal end of the mask  into the oesophagus itself (U.S. Pat. No. 4 995 388  Figs. 7 and 11).

Such devices are generally useful in providing for extraction of regurgitated matter  but are still not always fully effective in preventing aspiration of gastric contents into the patient""s lungs. In particular  where the gastric discharge is as a result of the patient vomiting  rather than merely from regurgitation of the gastric matter  the substantial pressure of the vomited matter may in certain cases be enough to dislodge the mask altogether  for example as illustrated by Fig. 62  even where a drainage tube is provided  potentially affecting the integrity of the artificial airway and/or resulting in the vomited matter being aspirated into the lungs of the patient.

As will be appreciated  the potential for the mask to become dislodged under vomiting is also inherent in masks such as that disclosed by U.S. Patent No. 4 509 514  which do not feature a drainage tube  as illustrated by Figs. 60 and 61.

Particularly where a mask does not provide for gastric drainage  and even where a gastric drainage tube is provided  there is even a risk of a potentially fatal build up of pressure in the oesophagus if vomited matter cannot be effectively vented from the oesophagus  which might for example occur if the mask becomes jammed in the pherynx.

It can be demonstrated that the human anatomy in the region of the upper oesophagus and lower pharynx provides a channel which has the characteristics of a venturi tube with respect to fluids rising forcibly from the stomach. Fluids flowing though a tube gain velocity where there is a constriction in the tube. The flowing liquid has a pressure and since the total energy of the moving liquid must remain the same  a gain in velocity must produce an equivalent loss in pressure  as illustrated by Fig. 1.

If the constriction in the tube  (represented in the human anatomy by a muscular sphincter known as the upper oesophageal sphincter)  is succeeded by a second widening of the tube beyond it  (represented in the human anatomy by the lower pharyngeal region)  then the fluid on arriving at this dilated region will experience a reduction in velocity and thus a gain in pressure. This phenomenon can be demonstrated by an experiment in which a light-weight ball is sucked upwards into an inverted funnel when air is blown downwards through the funnel (see Fig. 2). The same principle applies for any fluid.

Thus  an object placed in such a dilated portion of a tube through which a liquid is flowing may be drawn from the area of high pressure towards the low pressure area  in other words towards the constricted part of the tube. However  such an object cannot itself exert a pressure circumferentially against the constricted neck of the tube because were it to do so it would tend to cut off the flow of fluid by obstructing the outlet. Accordingly  in the ball experiment  the ball rises upwards until it reaches an equilibrium position  in which the gravitational force exerted on the ball is balanced by the pressure difference of the air above and below it. In order for an object placed in the fluid stream at the point of dilation of a tube to be drawn against the walls of the constricted area  it is necessary for such an object to have a similar form to the tube at the point where it dilates (see Fig. 3).

Previous LMA prototypes designed for example according to my patents U.S. Pat. No. 4 995 388 (Figs. 7 to 10); U.S. Pat. No. 5 241  956; and U.S. Pat. No. 5 355 879 provided channels to accept regurgitant fluids arising from the oesophagus in which the diameter of the channels is approximately constant and equivalent to the diameter of the constricted area of the anatomy known as the upper oesophageal sphincter  as shown diagrammatically in Fig. 4.

Such devices  once pressed against the sphinctral region (indicated by the outer cone shape "C" of Fig. 4) provide conditions in which liquids arising from the oesophagus maintain approximately the same velocity as they pass through the tube of the device. Such devices  when correctly positioned  mimic the anatomy of the sphincter  but not that of the oesophagus  in which conditions of lower flow and therefore of higher pressure prevail during reflux of fluids. These devices therefore  are unable to act according to Bernouilli""s principle unless  like the ball in Fig. 2  they remain just out of sealing contact with the walls of the cone-shaped area of the pharynx  as shown in Fig. 5 below.

Such a position of the device is very undesirable however  because the principal object of such devices having a drainage tube communicating with the oesophageal opening is to avoid leakage of any gastric fluids arising from the oesophagus from leaking around the sides of the device  because such leakage risks contamination of the larynx by these fluids with consequent grave risk to the patient.

Existing devices provided with gastric drainage tubes do not have tubes with a diameter as great as that of the oesophageal sphincter and therefore can only offer an increase in velocity of fluids entering the drainage tube  which as seen above results in a reduced pressure in the narrower tube  which will tend to cause fluids from the higher pressure region to force the distal end of the device away from the sphincter.

The present invention seeks to ameliorate the problems associated with the prior-art described above.

The inventor has appreciated that the above-described Bernoulli Principle may potentially be favourably applied to an artificial airway device  and accordingly according to the present invention there is provided an artificial airway device to facilitate lung ventilation of a patient  comprising at least one airway tube and a mask carried at one end of the at least one airway tube  the mask having a peripheral formation capable of conforming to  and of readily fitting within  the actual and potential space behind the larynx of the patient so as to form a seal around the circumference of the laryngeal inlet  the peripheral formation surrounding a hollow interior space or lumen of the mask and the at least one airway tube opening into the lumen of the mask  wherein the mask is arranged to provide a space within the pharynx of the patient for the drainage of gastric matter leaving the oesophagus  which space approximates to the pharyngeal space that occurs within the pharynx without the mask being present in the pharynx  the effect of which is to re-establish the normal flow of matter exiting the oesphagus in the event of regurgitation or vomiting when the mask is present in the pharynx.

As will be appreciated  this potentially substantially reduces the risk of the mask becoming dislodged on the occurrence of regurgitation or vomiting of matter  allowing the integrity of the airway to be maintained  potentially greatly minimises the risk of gastric insuflation  and further potentially allows for any vomited matter to be effectively vented from the oesophagus  to minimise the risk of rupture of the oesophagus under vomiting.

It is preferred that the mask is arranged to provide a space within the pharynx when the peripheral formation creates the seal around the Laryngeal inlet.

It is preferred that the said space approximates to the pharyngeal space that occurs upon regurgitation or vomiting when the mask is not present in the pharynx.

It is preferred that the mask includes a portion which is moveable between a first condition and a second condition to provide said space. The space maybe an internal volume of the mask  or alternatively the space maybe defined by the mask and a wall of the pharynx.

In a particularly preferred embodiment  the mask may include a backplate bounded by the peripheral formation  the peripheral formation being moveable laterally on either side of the backplate to create the space and provide for sealing. The peripheral formation may include a pair of lateral wings  a wing being attached on each side of the backplate and moveable relative thereto to create the space and provide for sealing.

It is preferred that the peripheral formation comprises an inflatable cuff  or a non-inflatable cuff.

The mask may define an inlet to the space  the inlet comprising a collapsible ring  or a U-shape formation.

It is preferred that the device is provided with means for receiving part of a device already inserted in the patient to facilitate the insertion of the artificial airway device by sliding the artificial airway device along the part of the device already inserted in the patient.

Preferably  said means comprises a receiving portion defined by the exterior surface of the artificial airway device. Preferably  this receiving portion comprises a channel formed in the exterior surface of the artificial airway device.

In order that the present invention may be more readily understood  embodiments thereof will now be described  by way of example only  with reference to the accompanying drawings  of which:

FIGURES 7 to 10 show ventral  dorsal  side and distal (front elevation) views of a first embodiment in a deflated condition;

FIGURES 1 1 to 14 show ventral  dorsal  side and distal (front elevation) views of the first embodiment in an inflated condition;

FIGURE 15 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a tube;

FIGURE 16 illustrates a bonding mechanism;

FIGURE 17 shows a variation of the first embodiment in an inflated state;

FIGURES 18 and 19 are cross-sections through the gastric discharge inlet of the embodiment of Fig. 17  showing the condition of the inlet when the cuff is deflated and inflated  respectively;

FIGURES 20 and 21 shows a views of the mask according to a second embodiment;

FIGURES 22 to 27 show respectively a left-side perspective  rear (posterior) perspective  front (distal end) elevation  front side perspective  underside and rear perspective views of a third embodiment in an inflated condition  respectively;

FIGURES 28 to 29 show a front perspective and underside plan  views of a fourth embodiment in an inflated condition;

FIGURES 30 to 32 show rear side perspective  underside plan and side elevation views of a fifth embodiment in an inflated condition;

FIGURES 33 to 35 show underneath  front perspective and rear perspective views of a sixth embodiment in an inflated condition;

FIGURES 36 to 37 show top plan (dorsal side) and front (distal end) elevation views of a seventh embodiment of the present embodiment in a deflated condition  FIGURES 38 to 39 show underside (ventral side) and front (distal end) elevation views of the seventh embodiment in an inflated condition  and

FIGURE 40 shows a view of the seventh embodiment in which a flexible sheath has been rolled down to more clearly show two airway tubes of the seventh embodiment; and FIGURES 41 AND 42 are line drawings of the ventral side of the mask and a side elevation view thereof;

FIGURES 43 to 46 show underside (ventral side)  top plan (dorsal side)  side elevation  and front (distal end) elevation views of an eighth embodiment of the present embodiment in a deflated condition  FIGURES 47 to 50 show underside (ventral side)  top plan (dorsal side)  side elevation  and front (distal end) elevation views of the eighth embodiment in an inflated condition; FIGURES 51 to 54 show underside (ventral side)  top plan (dorsal side)  side elevation  and front (distal end) elevation views of a ninth embodiment of the present embodiment in a deflated condition  FIGURES 55 to 58 show underside (ventral side)  top plan (dorsal side)  side elevation  and front (distal end) elevation views of the ninth embodiment in an inflated condition  and FIGURE 59 illustrates a conceptual oesphagus during vomiting when no mask is present;

FIGURES 60 and 61 illustrate a conceptual oesphagus during vomiting when a mask for example according to U.S. Patent No. 4 509 514 is present in the pharynx;

FIGURE 62 illustrates a conceptual oesphagus during vomiting when a mask for example according to U.S. Pat. No. 5 241  956 is present in the pharynx; and

FIGURE 63 illustrates a conceptual oesphagus during vomiting when a mask according to an embodiment of the present invention is present.

In the discussion of the following exemplary embodiments  like parts will generally be given the same reference numerals throughout the description.

Figures 7 to 14 show a first embodiment of an artificial airway device in the form of a laryngeal mask airway device 1 to facilitate lung ventilation of a patient  the device 1 comprising an airway tube 2 and a mask 3 provided at one end of the airway tube 2  the mask comprising a body 4 having a distal end 5 and a proximal end 6 and a peripheral inflatable cuff 7 which surrounds a hollow interior space or lumen of the mask  the mask 3 being attached to the airway tube 2 for gaseous communication between the tube 2 and the outlet 8. The mask of the present embodiment  and indeed of the further embodiments described hereinafter  is shaped to conform to and fit readily into the actual and potential space behind the larynx and to seal around the circumference of the laryngeal inlet. In the present embodiments  this seal is created without the laryngeal mask airway device penetrating into the interior of the larynx. The reference to actual and potential space will be understood to refer to the space normally available and that which can become available on flexure of the surrounding structures.

As can be seen from Figures 7 to 14  the device 1  in terms of overall appearance is somewhat similar to prior art devices  in that it consists of the basic parts which make up most if not all laryngeal mask airway devices  i.e. an airway tube 2 and mask 3 which includes a body part 4  and a cuff 7.

For the purposes of description it is appropriate to assign reference names to areas of the device 1 and accordingly with reference to the Figures  the device 1 has a dorsal side 14  a ventral side 15  a proximal end 16 (in the sense that this is the end nearest the user rather than the patient) a distal end 17 and right and left sides 18 and 19.

In the present embodiment  the airway tube 2 is provided as a flexible tube  although this does not have to be the case. For example  a curved airway tube could be employed  which may be more rigid and performed with an anatomically correct curvature.

The mask body 4 comprises two parts  namely an internal web 20 which defines the interior hollow or lumen of the body of the mask and which is provided with an aperture 21   and a semi-rigid back-plate 22 which conforms to the generally oval shape of the web 20 and is adhered to the rear (dorsal side) thereof. The back-plate 22 extends into a tubing portion 23  one end of which aligns with the aperture 21   and the other end of which receives the distal end of the airway tube 2  such that the airway tube 2 is in gaseous communication with the interior of the body of the mask 3 via the tubing portion 23 and the aperture 21. The airway tube 2 is connected in a gas-tight manner into the tubing portion 23 by any suitable means  such as by welding or adhesive  or by molding in one piece and in the present embodiment the axis of the airway tube is provided substantially in the same plane as the major axis of the inflatable cuff 7. As an optional feature the aperture 20 itself is provided with two flexible bars 24  25 formed in the web 20  which bars 24  25 stretch across the aperture and act to prevent the epiglottis of the patient from falling into the aperture 20 and hence interrupting the airway when the device 1 is in place.

The generally elliptical cuff 7 is formed from a soft  flexible sheet of silicone 26 and a generally "V"-shaped upper hinged portion 27. The flexible sheet 26 surrounds and is integrally formed with or otherwise hermetically secured to the periphery of the web 20 on the ventral side 15 of the mask 3 and is bonded in a gas-tight manner to the outer sides of the "V" of the upper hinged portion 27  the inner sides of the upper hinged portion being secured to the periphery of the back-plate 22. The apex of the "V" of the upper i.e. the distal end of the upper extends by a small amount  for example 2mm  beyond the distal tip of the cuff.

In the present embodiment  the hinged nature of the upper portion 27 is provided by a central hinge 28 (see Fig. 12) provided by a scored line in the ventral surface of the upper 27 at the central portion of the mask  and two further lateral hinges 29  30 in the form of further scored lines  each extending down the middle of a respective one of the arms of the "V"  on the dorsal side of the upper 27. As will be appreciated  the central hinge 28 facilitates the lateral expansion of the mask 3  and the two further lateral hinges 29  30 facilitate the lateral contraction of the mask 3.

In the present embodiment  the hinged upper portion 27 is formed from an extruded hinged tube T  having the cross section shown in Fig 15. According to this tube (thickness of tube wall and hinge size exaggerated in Fig. 15 for clarity of illustration)  two hinges Hl are provided on the inside of the tube and two hinges H2 are provided on the outside of the tube. To form the hinged upper 27  the tube is cut along its entire axial length along one side thereof  and for the majority of its length along the opposite side  to form the "V" shaped hinged upper. This upper is then welded hermetically around the inner circumference of the back plate of the mask and along the edges of the flexible sheet of the cuff.

Fig. 16 shows a mechanism employed according to the present exemplary embodiment to achieve a seal at the distal end of the cuff to enable it to be inflatable. According to this sealing method  the distal walls of the collapsible tube are cut so that they are "sharpened" at the leading edges  such that the inlet to the tube is generally frustoconical. This allows the thin flexible covering material of the cuff to be glued down to these thin edges  avoiding the glue getting into the crevices which are otherwise present where the walls of the collapsible tube are of full thickness.

It will be noted  however  that the present invention is not limited to the method of construction outlined above  nor indeed to an arrangement having an inflatable cuff.

The entire assembly of the present embodiment collapses when the mask is deflated  facilitating insertion into the normally closed space behind the larynx known as the hypopharynx  but achieves the shape shown in the Figures when inflated  due to the hinging mechanism of the tube halves which causes the tube to open out into its open locked position under the influence of intra-cuff pressure.

The cuff 7 thus effectively provides two inflatable wings  one on each lateral side of the mask 3  and which are in fluid communication at the proximal side of the cuff 7. The edges of each of the wings 31  32 are chamfered to minimise the disruption to any tissue caused by the insertion and operation of the mask 3.

The cuff 7 is provided with a port 33 (see Fig. 1 1) at its proximal side  in which one end of a small-diameter inflation tube 34 is fitted in a gas-tight manner. The other end of the tube is provided with an inflation indicator bladder 35 and valve 36  for connection to a suitable pump  such as a medical syringe  for inflating and deflating the cuff 7.

In use  air is extracted from the cuff 7 via the valve 36  which results in the wings 31   32 of the cuff 7 folding inwardly  facilitated by the lateral hinges 29  30 of the upper hinged portion 27. The mask 3 is then in a condition which facilitates the insertion of the mask 3 into the pharynx of the patient.

Preferably  the mask 3 is initially inserted with the interior of the mask 3 (i.e. ventral side 15) facing towards the rear wall of the pharynx  to facilitate the insertion of the mask 3 past the tongue of the patient. Thereafter  the mask 3 is gently rotated through 180 degrees to face forwards  and the mask 3 is further inserted until the distal end 5 of the mask 3 comes into contact with the upper oesophageal sphincter. This contact indicates to a user that the mask 3 is correctly positioned.

The cuff 7 is then inflated  thus sealing the artificial airway around the inlet to the larynx. Owing to the hinged nature of the upper portion 27  the wings 31   32 tend to expand laterally of the mask 3  i.e. the wings unfold on inflation of the cuff. A space providing a drainage channel is thus created in the pharynx between the interior walls of the pharynx and the outer (dorsal) side of the back plate 22 and the hinged upper portion 27. This space on the dorsal aspect of the mask substantially approximates that which would otherwise be bounded by the walls of the pharynx without the mask inserted  and hence by unfolding the wings of the mask  the anatomical space or volume in the pharynx which would be present without the mask inserted is recreated. Paradoxically  therefore  when the wings of the mask are unfolded (either by inflation or otherwise)  the mask actually takes up less effective space within the pharyngeal passage as compared to prior art masks  as the mask creates a volume that resembles or approximates to the pharyngeal space which would otherwise be obstructed by the mask. That is  when in situ within the patient and with the wings unfolded  the mask substantially preserves the posterior anatomical hollow within the pharynx  and thus substantially reduces or eliminates altogether the resistance to the flow of matter (liquid  gas or solid) though the pharynx which would otherwise be created by the presence of a mask inserted in the pharynx. As such  most of the dorsal aspect of the mask according to the present embodiment provides a conduit having the approximate volume and shape of the lower pharynx  such volume being large enough to effect a significant rise in the pressure of any fluid emerging from the upper oesophageal sphincter while still providing an inflatable mask shape which maintains the required seal around the laryngeal orifice to ensure leak-free delivery of respiratory gases to the lungs using positive pressure mechanical ventilation.

Advantage is taken of the fact that the space of the lower pharynx is normally a closed space but may be expanded when fluids are forced through it or when an object such as a laryngeal mask is inserted into it. It is possible in consequence to provide an adequate volume of space in fluid communication with the oesophageal sphincter behind the anterior surface of the mask while still having sufficient area in the mask perimeter  which may for example be inflatable  to make the required sealing contact with the perilaryngeal tissues.

Put another way  the present embodiment features an inflatable cuff 7  which is movable under the action of inflation from a first (un-inflated) condition which facilitates the insertion of the mask 3  to a second (inflated) condition which thus re-establishes an approximation of the anatomy of the pharyngeal space present when the mask 3 is not in place.

The present invention is not however limited to an inflatable arrangement  and the wings of the mask 3 may be unfolded  and the mask movable from the first to the second condition  by any other suitable means. For example  a mask may be used which is inserted into place with an introducer-type spade device as is known in the art  which mask expands when the spade is removed to open up the pharyngeal anatomy of the patient to resemble the open anatomy of the patient when swallowing or retching.

As will be appreciated  unlike prior art devices  the drainage channel of the present embodiment is not provided by a tube  but rather by the open back (dorsal side) of the mask itself and the walls of the pharynx. The inlet to this channel is defined by the generally "U" shaped guide way or conduit defined by the tips of the wings at the distal end of the mask when the wings of the mask are unfolded  as shown in Fig. 14.

The present embodiment thus provides a mask which is effectively "scooped out" at the back (dorsal) side to define the gastric drainage channel.

In the event of the patient regurgitating or vomiting  the gastric matter leaving the oesophageal sphincter is unimpeded by the presence of the mask 3 as illustrated by Fig. 76  which substantially re-establishes the normal amount of space available for drainage through the pharynx when the mask 3 is not inserted. As a result  the mask 3 does not impede the flow of gastric contents but on the contrary allows such contents to flow freely behind it  thus substantially minimising the danger of the mask becoming dislodged from its position by the pressure of such flow. In addition  the artificial airway provided by the mask and airway tube remains uninterrupted and the seal around the inlet to the larynx is not broken  thus making very unlikely the possibility of gastric matter being aspirated into the lungs of the patient.

Furthermore  and particularly during vomiting conditions  the mask 3 is in fact drawn more closely into its operating position in the patient""s pharynx  as a result of a venturi being created by the drainage channel provided by the mask. Specifically  the gastric matter being vomited by the patient may arrive at the constriction or sphincter situated at the upper end of the oesophagus at pressures approximating 200cm H20 high pressure. The gastric matter passes through this constricted portion at a higher velocity than it does through the oesophagus  and in accordance with the Bernoulli Principle  this obligatory increase in velocity results in a drop in pressure in the gastric matter locally. On leaving the upper oesophageal sphincter  the gastric matter enters the flow channel defined by the mask 3 and the pharynx which is of a larger cross-sectional area  in the plane to which the velocity vector of the flow is normal or perpendicular  than the upper oesophageal sphincter under vomiting. As a result  the velocity of the gastric matter passing through this larger flow channel decreases  and accordingly the pressure of this gastric matter increases  to greater than that in the oesophageal sphincter. The pressure differential between the gastric matter in the upper oesophageal sphincter and in the flow channel defined by the mask 3 and pharynx results in the mask 3 being actively forced further into engagement with the oesophageal sphincter  thus holding the mask 3 yet more securely in its operational position than when vomiting is not occurring.

A further feature of the present embodiment is that insertion of the mask 3 into place is facilitated where a gastroscope or similar is already inserted into the pharynx of the patient. Unlike prior art devices in which the drainage channel is provided by a tube  the drainage channel in the present embodiment is defined by the open back (dorsal side) of the mask. The entrance to this channel is defined by the notch or trench 37 (see Fig. 10) created between the tips of the wings 31   32  which can receive the cable of an inserted gastroscope or similar  facilitating the guiding of the mask 3 into the pharynx of the patient by sliding the mask along the cable as a rail.

Conversely  where the mask 3 is already in place  the later insertion of a gastroscope or similar is facilitated by being guided into place by the channel defined by the dorsal side of the mask 3 and the pharynx  and in particular by the trench created between the opposed wings of the mask. Further  as the present embodiment acts to re-establish the pharyngeal space normally available for drainage  the insertion of a gastroscope or similar into the pharynx is not impeded by the presence in the pharynx of the mask 3 itself.

A further advantage provided by the present embodiment is that the hinged upper permits the cuff to be inverted for cleaning of the cuff  the upper and the back plate by forcing the wings of the cuff apart. This is particularly advantageous where the embodiment is intended as a re-useable product.

As will be appreciated by the skilled person  the present invention is not limited to the types of construction or material identified in connection with the present or succeeding embodiments. For example  the airway tube 2 and mask 4 may all be formed from PVC plastics material  especially where a single-use  disposable device is intended  different parts may be secured by different means or be integrally formed from a single piece of material  as appropriate.

A variation of the first embodiment  itself also an embodiment of the present invention  is shown in Fig. 17  in a partially constructed condition before the back plate and airway tube are added to complete the laryngeal mask device. This variation differs from the first embodiment in that the apex of the "V" of the hinged upper portion is provided as a tubular portion which defines an inlet 50 of circular cross-section between 10 and 15 mm in diameter at the distal open end of the mask.

As such  most of the interior volume of the mask according to the present embodiment provides a conduit having the approximate volume and shape of the lower pharynx  such volume being large enough to effect a significant rise in the pressure of any fluid emerging from the upper oesophageal sphincter while still providing an inflatable mask shape which maintains the required seal around the laryngeal orifice to ensure leak-free delivery of respiratory gases to the lungs using positive pressure mechanical ventilation.

Advantage is taken of the fact that the space of the lower pharynx is normally a closed space but may be expanded when fluids are forced through it or when an object such as a laryngeal mask is inserted into it. It is possible in consequence to provide an adequate volume of space in fluid communication with the oesophageal sphincter behind the anterior surface of the mask while still having sufficient area in the mask perimeter  which may for example be inflatable  to make the required sealing contact with the perilaryngeal tissues.

As in the first embodiment  the hinged upper 27 is formed from a hinged tube split as shown and welded hermetically around the inner circumference of said mask  forming a single tube of orifice between 10 and 15 mm ID at the distal open end of said mask. The entire assembly collapses when the mask is deflated  facilitating insertion into the normally closed space behind the larynx known as the hypopharynx  but achieves the shape shown in Figure 17 when inflated  due to the hinging mechanism of the tube halves which causes the tube to open out into its open locked position under the influence of intra-cuff pressure.

The collapse of the mask when the cuff is deflated is in particular facilitated by the un-cut length of the hinged tube which defines the inlet to the drainage channel  as this tube collapses as shown in Fig. 18 when the cuff is deflated. This permits a large-diameter gastric tube to be provided once the mask is in place within the patient and the cuff inflated  as illustrated by Fig. 18  but at the same time facilitates insertion of the mask into the patient  as on insertion the mask is intended to be in an uninflated state  wherein the inlet of the gastric drainage tube effectively closes up.

A second embodiment shown in Figures 20 to 21 differs from the first embodiment only in that a portion 38 of the tubed section of the back-plate 22 is scooped away to facilitate the insertion of the device 1 into a patient.

According to the third embodiment shown in Figures 22 to 27  the laryngeal mask airway device 1 again comprises an airway tube 2 with a mask 39 provided at the distal end thereof.

Similar to the first embodiment  the mask 39 comprises an internal web 40 which defines the interior of the body of the mask 39 and which is provided with an aperture 41  and a semi-rigid back-plate 42 which conforms to the generally oval shape of the web 40 and is adhered or otherwise attached to the rear (dorsal side) thereof. The back-plate 42 extends into a tubing portion 43  one end of which aligns with the aperture 41   and the other end of which receives the distal end of the airway tube 2  such that the airway tube 2 is in gaseous communication with the interior of the body of the mask 39 via the tubing portion 43 and the aperture 41. The airway tube 2 is connected in an gas-tight manner into the tubing portion 43 by any suitable means  such as by welding or adhesive. The aperture 41 itself is provided with two flexible bars 44  45 formed in the web 40  which bars 44  45 stretch across the aperture 41 and act to prevent the epiglottis of the patient from falling into the aperture 41 and hence interrupting the airway when the mask 39 is in place.

According to the third embodiment  the cuff 46 is again formed from a flexible sheet 47 of silicone which is integrally formed with or otherwise hermetically secured to the periphery of the web 41   e.g. by adhesive bonding or welding  on the ventral side of the mask. Similarly  the inner edges of a generally "V"-shaped upper 48 surround the back plate 42  but in this embodiment  as in the first variation of the first embodiment  the apex of the "V" is provided as a hinged tubular portion which defines an inlet 50 of circular cross-section at the distal end of the mask 49. As will be appreciated  as in the variation of the first embodiment this facilitates the collapse of the inlet and hence the insertion of the device into a patient on deflation of the cuff  whilst still providing a large diameter drainage channel (e.g. 10 mm diameter) once the cuff is inflated.

The flexible sheet 47 surrounds this inlet 50 and is joined to the outer sides of the "V" of the upper 48. Further  a flexible and somewhat elastic triangular sheet 51 is attached between the opposed sides 52  53 of the flexible sheet of the cuff where they meet the upper 48. In the present embodiment  the triangular sheet 51 is transparent. Similar to the first embodiment  inflatable wings 54  55 are thus created on respective lateral sides of the device  which wings are joined along their edges by the triangular elastic sheet.

A generally frustro-conical channel is thus created within the body of the mask  having a generally circular inlet 50 at the distal end of the mask and an outlet region 56 at the posterior end of the mask  which outlet region 56 has a greater cross-sectional area than the inlet 50 in the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the mask. As such  most of the interior volume of the mask provides a conduit having the approximate volume and shape of the lower pharynx  such volume being large enough to effect a significant rise in the pressure of any fluid emerging from the upper oesophageal sphincter while still providing an inflatable mask shape which maintains the required seal around the laryngeal orifice to ensure leak-free delivery of respiratory gases to the lungs using positive pressure mechanical ventilation.

Advantage is taken of the fact that the space of the lower pharynx is normally a closed space but may be expanded when fluids are forced through it or when an object such as a laryngeal mask is inserted into it. It is possible in consequence to provide an adequate volume of space in fluid communication with the oesophageal sphincter behind the anterior surface of the mask while still having sufficient inflatable area in the mask perimeter to make the required sealing contact with the perilaryngeal tissues.

Similar to the first embodiment  the device of the third embodiment is placed into an insertion condition by deflating the cuff 46. The reverse hinges 57  58 provided as scored portions on the dorsal side of the upper portion 48 again facilitate the inward folding of the wings of the mask so as to adopt as small a size as possible.

After insertion  the cuff 46 of the mask 39 is then inflated  which in particular causes the wings 54  55 of the mask to separate. The separation of the wings is not as great as in the first embodiment  however  as a result of the edges of the wings being linked by the triangular sheet 51. This prevents undue pressure from being placed on the lateral walls of the pharynx by the expanding wings 54  55  and in particular seeks to avoid undue stretching of the hyoid bones and any possible pressure on the hypoglossal nerve. Also  as the edges of the wings are joined by the triangular sheet to form a generally flush dorsal surface to the mask  the small potential of trauma to the tissue of the pharynx caused by the edges of the wings contacting the walls of the pharynx on insertion of the mask is averted. The flexibility and stretchability of the triangular sheet 51 does permit opening of the wings 54  55  however.

As will be appreciated  according to this embodiment gastric drainage is not provided by a tube which extends out of the mouth of the patient  as in prior art devices  but rather by an orifice at the distal end of the mask which defines an inlet to a drainage channel within the body of the mask. Thereafter  drainage of gastric matter is simply provided by the normal anatomy of the patient i.e. the pharynx.

Similar effects and advantages as in the first embodiment are achieved  and any gastric discharge is guided away from the upper oesophageal sphincter by the internal channel created within the mask body.

A fourth embodiment shown in Figs 28 to 29 differs from the third embodiment in that a generally triangular region of the back-plate is removed and replaced with a transparent window 57  which is bonded into the back-plate in an air tight manner such that the effectiveness of gas delivery by the fourth embodiment is not effected. Further  the internal web is omitted. As a result of these changes  the inlet to the larynx may be viewed through the mask by use of a suitable viewing device e.g. an endoscope  to confirm the correct positioning of the mask and adequacy of space created behind the mask when inflated.

A further difference between the fourth and third embodiments is that the triangular sheet is omitted  which permits greater separation of the wings of the mask upon inflation of the cuff.

As will be appreciated by the skilled person  similar effects and advantages as in the third embodiment are achieved by the present embodiment.

A fifth embodiment is shown in Figs. 30 to 32. The fifth embodiment differs from the fourth embodiment in that the cuff 58 is internally bonded to the back plate in two lateral positions  thus forming dimples 59 in the surface of the cuff. These dimples 59 seek to prevent the possibility of stretching of the hyoid bones and consequential pressure on the hypoglossal nerve on inflation of the mask  as in the third embodiment. By avoiding the sheet of the third embodiment  however  the mask of the present embodiment is easier to clean  facilitating its employment as a re-usable device.

As will be appreciated by the skilled person  similar effects and advantages as in the fourth embodiment are achieved by the present embodiment.

A sixth embodiment is shown in Figs. 33 to 35. The sixth embodiment differs from the fourth embodiment in that the back-plate is cut away in the regions R indicated in Fig. 35 to avoid excessive pressure on the posterior surface of the cricoid cartilage. The function of the muscles covering this cartilage may otherwise become compromised and since these muscles (the posterior cricoarytenoid muscles) are necessary to maintain the lateral pull on the vocal cords which keeps the larynx open  avoidance of impairing their function is of great importance in maintaining a clear airway.

As will be appreciated by the skilled person  similar effects and advantages as in the fourth embodiment are achieved by the present embodiment.

A seventh embodiment is shown in Figures 36 to 42. According to this embodiment  the device 60 comprises a pair of airway tubes 61  62 which open into the interior of a mask body 63 at the distal end of the device 60 and which join at a forked portion 64 to provide a single airway tube connection 65 at the proximal part of the device 60. A wedge portion 66 is provided between the airway tubes in the region of the forked portion.

The airway tubes 61  62 themselves form the back plate of the mask 67  in conjunction with a gastric drainage tube 68 located between the airway tubes in the mask 67. To form the back plate  the top portion (ventral side) of each airway tube 61  62 is cut off where it meets an inflatable cuff 69 which surrounds the mask body 63  one side of each tube is bonded to the underside (dorsal side) of the cuff 69  and the other side of each tube is bonded to respective sides of the central gastro-drainage tube 68  which gastro-drainage tube 68 is further bonded to the dorsal side of the proximal region of the cuff 69 to complete the back plate of the mask 67.

Also bonded to the dorsal side of the cuff 69 is a curved flexible sleeve 70  into which the gastric-drainage tube 68 empties  and which surrounds the airway tubes 61   62 in a loose-fitting manner. A cut-out portion 71 (shown in phantom) is provided in the dorsal side of the drainage tube so as to facilitate the entry of gastric matter into the sleeve from the drainage tube  the other (inlet) end 72 of the gastric-drainage tube 68 protruding through the distal end of the cuff 69. The inlet of the gastric-drainage tube is provided by a hinged tube having an internal diameter of approximately 10mm  similar to the variation of the first embodiment  and which thus facilitates the collapse and hence insertion of the device upon deflation of the cuff  but at the same time permits a large-diameter drainage tube to be provided within the patient once the mask is inflated  as on insertion the mask is intended to be in an uninflated state  wherein the inlet of the gastric drainage tube effectively closes up. The length of the drainage tube from the inlet 72 to the point at which the cut-out portion begins is approximately 24mm  the length of the cut-out portion extends for approximately 50mm along the axial length of the drainage tube and the length of the drainage tube as a whole is approximately 93mm  although the present invention is of course not limited to these specific dimensions.

Similar to the above embodiments  the cuff 69 is provided with a port 33 into which one end of a small diameter inflation tube 34 is fitted in a gas-tight manner. The other end of the inflation tube is provided with an inflation indication bladder 35 and a valve 36  through which air is fed or extracted to inflate or deflate the cuff 69.

As in the above embodiments  the cuff 69 is first deflated to facilitate insertion of the device 60 into a patient  and subsequently inflated once the mask is in place with the distal end seated in the oesophageal upper sphincter and the interior of the mask closed over the inlet to the larynx.

In the event of gastric discharge  any gastric material is passed into the sleeve 70 via the gastric tube 68. In the event of the patient vomiting  the high-speed  low pressure gastric matter from the upper oesophageal sphincter is quickly passed by the relatively short-length of gastric tube into the plastic sleeve 70  which may readily expand so as to adopt a large diameter. The pressure of the vomited matter thus increases in the flow channel of the expanded sleeve 70  thus forcing the mask into further contact with the upper oesophageal sphincter.

Also  it will be appreciated that whilst the flexible sleeve 70 may provide a flow channel of large cross-sectional area when required  the sleeve 70 does not itself particularly restrict access through the pharynx  as it may simply fold and distort as required  nor  by virtue of being thin-walled  does it occupy a significant obstructing volume within the pharynx.

An eighth embodiment is shown in Figures 43 to 50.

Similar to the seventh embodiment  the eighth embodiment is provided with two airway tubes 73  74 which open into the interior of a mask portion  which mask portion is encircled by an inflatable cuff 76. The airway tubes 73  74 are joined at a forked portion 77 at the proximal end of the device 78 to provide a single airway connector 79.

The airway tubes 73  74 themselves form the back plate of the mask 80  in conjunction with a gastric drainage tube 81 located centrally in the mask between the airway tubes. To form the back plate  the top (ventral) portion of each airway tube 73  74 within the mask 80 is cut off  one side of each cut off portion of each tube is bonded to the underside (dorsal side) of the cuff 76  and the other side of each cut-off portion of each tube is bonded to a respective side of the drainage tube 81   which drainage tube is further bonded to the underside of the proximal end of the cuff 76 to complete the back plate of the mask 80.

The drainage tube 81 protrudes through the distal end of the cuff 76 and provides a channel through which gastric discharge may exit. The ventral side of the discharge tube is cut away from where it meets the posterior side of the cuff to form a discharge chute 82 extending from the posterior of the cuff for the continued guidance of gastric matter away from the mask 80.

The inlet 83 of the gastric discharge tube is arranged so as to define a generally linear aperture or slit having a width of approximately 25mm when the mask is uninflated. Inflation of the cuff results however in the inlet opening up  to form a large-diameter opening of generally circular cross-section with a diameter of approximately 17mm. The objective of achieving this slit-shape of the distal end of the drain tube for insertion is to reduce the front-to-back diameter of the leading (distal) edge of the mask  so permitting it to pass easily into the normally closed-off space of the lower one-third of the pharynx. This permits a large-diameter gastric tube to be provided once the mask 80 is in place within the patient  but at the same time facilitates insertion of the mask into the patient  as on insertion the mask is intended to be in an uninflated state  wherein the inlet of the gastric drainage tube effectively closes up. The longitudinal length of the drainage tube which extends through the cuff i.e. up until the point at which the chute 82 begins is approximately 90mm. and the axial length of the chute 82 is approximately 60mm. The present invention is not however limited by the dimensions of the aperture  drainage tube and chute given above.

A ninth embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figs 51 to 58  and comprises a relatively rigid  curved airway tube 83 with a mask 84 attached at the distal end thereof. The body 85 of the mask is formed by an internal web 86 which defines the interior of the body of the mask 84 and which is provided with an aperture 87  and a semi-rigid back-plate which conforms to the generally oval shape of the web and which is adhered or otherwise secured to the rear thereof. The back-plate extends into a tubing portion 89  one end of which aligns with the aperture 87  and the other end of which receives the distal end of the airway tube 83  such that the airway tube 83 is in gaseous communication with the interior of the body 85 of the mask via the tubing portion 89 and the aperture 87. The airway tube 82 is provided with a flattened face on its dorsal side and provides an airway channel or lumen of substantially pentagonal cross-section  with one face thereof curved  as shown in Fig. 58. The airway tube is connected in an gas-tight manner into the tubing portion 89 by any suitable means  such as by welding or adhesive. The aperture 87 itself is provided with two flexible bars 90  91 formed in the web  which bars stretch across the aperture and act to prevent the epiglottis of the patient from falling into the aperture and hence interrupting the airway when the mask is in place.

The periphery of the body of the mask is defined by an inflatable cuff 92  which is formed from a flexible sheet 93 of silicone which surrounds the periphery of the web 86 on the ventral side of the mask and which surrounds the periphery of the back plate 88 on the dorsal side of the mask. As in the first embodiment  the cuff 92 is provided with a port 33 into which one end of a small-diameter gas inlet tube 34 is affixed in a gas tight manner  to enable the supply of air to and from the cuff 92 via an inflation indicator bladder 35 and valve 36 at the other end of the gas inlet tube 34.

The inlet 94 of a short-lengthed gastric drainage tube 95 protrudes through the distal end of the cuff 92 and the outlet is aligned with a flexible sleeve 96 provided on the dorsal side of the device. In the present embodiment  the drainage tube is formed from a short length of hinged  collapsible extruded hosing as in the variation of the first embodiment. This again allows the inlet to adopt a configuration of a generally linear slit when the cuff is deflated to facilitate insertion of the device  and a generally circular cross-section of comparatively large cross-section  relative to prior art devices  when the cuff is inflated. When inflated  the internal diameter of the circular cross-section of the inlet is approximately 1 Omm. The tube itself is cut at an angle to the axis of the tube at the posterior end of the tube  to match the contour of the cuff. The shortest axial length of the tube  at the dorsal side of the tube  is approximately 16mm  and the longest length of the tube  at the ventral side of the tube  is approximately 30mm. The present invention is not however limited to these dimensions.

The sleeve 96 is adhered to the flat surface of the airway tube and to the distal end of the cuff. Its thin wall is made of sufficiently high-durometer material to allow it to act as a semi-rigid posterior wall enclosing a space corresponding to the normal anatomical space available in the pharynx when there is no device in place. The sleeve is however otherwise free from connection with the remainder of the cuff 92.

The stiffness of the material of the sleeve is due to its high durometer  while it""s flexibility is due to its thin wall. The stiffness may be translated as a relative lack of elasticity compared to lower durometer materials. As such  in a preferred embodiment  the sleeve is provided as a curved moulded shape to correspond to the anatomical curve of the upper pharynx and oral cavity.

A high durometer is preferred so that the part of the sleeve which forms a dome covering the back of the mask will resist collapse when in place within the patient with the mask inflated  so as to create a space behind the mask approximating that which would otherwise be present when the mask is not inserted.

Similar to the eighth embodiment  a large cross-section flow channel is thus provided as required by the sleeve 96 of the ninth embodiment  and similar effects and advantages as in the preceding embodiments may potentially be achieved.

Thus  it can be seen that the above described embodiments address the problems of prior art devices in novel and inventive ways.

Features of the above-described embodiments may be re-combined into further embodiments falling within the scope of the present invention. Further  the present invention is not limited to the exemplary materials and methods of construction outlined above in connection with the exemplary embodiments  and any suitable materials or methods of construction may be employed.

For example  although the cuff may be formed using a sheet of soft flexible silicone rubber  other materials such as latex or PVC may be used. PVC as a material is particularly suited to embodiments intended for single use  whereas the use of silicone rubber is preferred although not essential for embodiments intended to be re-used in a number of medical procedures.

Further  for example  the sheet of the cuff may be integrally formed with the web  or provided as a separate piece from the web which is subsequently secured thereto e.g. by bonding with adhesive.

Further  and as would be appreciated by the skilled person  various features of the present invention are applicable to a wide range of different laryngeal mask airway devices  and the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments of types of mask described above.

For example  aspects of the invention may be applied to laryngeal mask airway devices featuring epiglotic elevator bars over the mask aperture  which bars are operable to lift the epiglottis of a patent away from the aperture upon insertion of an endotracheal tube or other longitudinally-extended element inserted through the airway tube so as to emerge into the hollow or lumen of the mask through the mask aperture. Aspects of the present invention may for example be applied to single or re-useable devices  devices featuring aperture bars or not  "intubating" devices which permit an endotracheal tube or similar to be introduced into the larynx via an airway tube of a mask  devices incorporating fiberoptic viewing devices and so forth  without restriction or limitation on the scope of the present invention.

We Claim:

1. An artificial airway device to facilitate lung ventilation of a patient  comprising at least one airway tube and a mask carried at one end of the at least one airway tube  the mask having a peripheral formation capable of conforming to  and of readily fitting within  the actual and potential space behind the larynx of the patient so as to form a seal around the circumference of the laryngeal inlet  the peripheral formation surrounding a hollow interior space or lumen of the mask and the at least one airway tube opening into the lumen of the mask  wherein the mask is arranged to provide a space within the pharynx of the patient for the drainage of gastric matter leaving the oesophagus  which space approximates to the pharyngeal space that occurs within the pharynx without the mask being present in the pharynx  the effect of which is to re-establish the normal flow of matter exiting the oesphagus in the event of regurgitation or vomiting when the mask is present in the pharynx.

2. A device according to claim 1  wherein the mask is arranged to provide a space within the pharynx when the peripheral fopnation creates the seal around the Laryngeal inlet.

3. A device according to claim 2  wherein the space approximates to the pharyngeal space that occurs upon regurgitation or vomiting when the mask is not present in the pharynx.

4. A device according to any of claims 1 to 3  wherein the space is defined by the mask and a wall of the pharynx.

5. A device according to any of claims 1 to 3  wherein the space is an internal volume of the mask.

6. A device according to any of claims 1 to 5  wherein the mask includes a portion which is moveable between a first condition and a second condition to provide the said space.

7. A device according to claim 6  wherein the mask includes a backplate bounded by the peripheral formation  the peripheral formation being moveable laterally  on either side of the backplate to create the space and provide for sealing.

8. A device according to claim 7  the peripheral formation including a pair of lateral wings  a wing being attached on each side of the backplate and moveable relative thereto to create the space and provide for sealing.

9. A device according to claim 5 wherein the space is defined by a relatively soft-walled collapsible sheath.

10. A device according to any preceding claim  wherein the peripheral formation is an inflatable cuff.

1 1. A device according to any of claims 1 to 9  wherein the peripheral formation is a non-inflatable cuff.

12. A device according to any of claims 1 to 11  wherein the mask defines an inlet to the space  the inlet comprising a collapsible ring.

13. A device according to any of claims 1 to 1 1   wherein the inlet comprises a U-shape formation.

14. A device according to any preceding claim  comprising means for receiving part of a device already inserted in the patient to facilitate the insertion of the artificial airway device by sliding the artificial airway device along the part of the device already inserted in the patient.

15. A device according to claim 14  said means comprising a receiving portion defined by the exterior surface of the artificial airway device. Preferably  this receiving portion comprises a channel fopned in the exterior surface of the artificial airway device.

16. A device according to claim 15  the receiving portion comprises a channel formed in the exterior surface of the artificial airway device