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A laryngeal mask of the type used to facilitate lung ventilation and the insertion of endo-tracheal tubes or related medical instruments through a patient's laryngeal opening as used during general anesthesia, intensive care, or critical patient care is described that includes an inflatable position

A laryngeal mask of the type used to facilitate lung ventilation and the insertion of endo-tracheal tubes or related medical instruments through a patient's laryngeal opening as used during general anesthesia, intensive care, or critical patient care is described that includes an inflatable positioning and a respiratory tube. The inflatable positioning shield is formed to fit within a patient's oropharynx, and has an inflatable, hollow peripheral portion, a pliable base in fluid communication with the peripheral portion, a shield recess formed after inflation of the peripheral portion, and a rear portion formed between the posterior base and the peripheral portion after inflation of the peripheral portion, wherein the posterior base has a recessed front portion. The respiratory tube has a proximal end lumen, a curved tubular body of sufficient size to permit the passage of endo-tracheal tubes or related medical instruments, and a distal end passing through and secured to the rear portion of the positioning shield. The distal end terminates at a distal lumen, which passes through and is secured to the rear portion of the positioning shield such that tubes and instruments passing through the respiratory tube will be directed into the laryngeal opening.

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1. A laryngeal mask of the type used to facilitate lung ventilation and the insertion of endo-tracheal tubes or related medical instruments through a patient's laryngeal opening as used during general anesthesia, intensive care, or critical patient care, comprising: an inflatable positioning shield

1. A laryngeal mask of the type used to facilitate lung ventilation and the insertion of endo-tracheal tubes or related medical instruments through a patient's laryngeal opening as used during general anesthesia, intensive care, or critical patient care, comprising: an inflatable positioning shield formed to fit within a patient's oropharynx, said inflatable positioning shield having an inflatable, hollow peripheral portion, a pliable posterior base in fluid communication with the peripheral portion, a shield recess formed after inflation of the peripheral portion, a rear portion formed between the posterior base and the peripheral portion after inflation of the peripheral portion, wherein the inflatable positioning shield has a recessed front portion; anda respiratory tube having a proximal end lumen, a curved tubular body of sufficient size to permit passage of endo-tracheal tubes or related medical instruments, and a distal end passing through the rear portion of the inflatable positioning shield and secured to the rear portion of the inflatable positioning shield, the distal end terminating at a distal lumen, the distal lumen passing through the peripheral portion of the inflatable positioning shield and secured to the rear portion of the inflatable positioning shield such that tubes and instruments passing through the respiratory tube will be directed into the laryngeal opening. 2. The laryngeal mask of claim 1 wherein the respiratory tube and the inflatable positioning shield are pre-curved along about the same arcuate curve such that minimal bending of the respiratory tube is required during positioning of the laryngeal mask around the laryngeal opening. 3. The laryngeal mask of claim 1 wherein the respiratory tube has an elliptical cross-section, wherein the cross-section is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the respiratory tube. 4. The laryngeal mask of claim 3 wherein the respiratory tube comprises a material with a low coefficient of friction to facilitate the delivery of endo-tracheal tubes or related medical instruments through the respiratory tube to the laryngeal opening. 5. The laryngeal mask of claim 4 wherein the respiratory tube comprises a material that allows it to deform radially to allow passage of endo-tracheal tubes and related medical instruments having large diameters, and return to its original elliptical cross-section shape upon the removal of said endo-tracheal tubes or related instruments. 6. The laryngeal mask of claim 1 wherein the distal end of the respiratory tube contained within the rear portion of the inflatable positioning shield comprises at least one additional lumen, the at least one additional lumen having a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the distal lumen. 7. The laryngeal mask of claim 1 wherein the tubular body of the respiratory tube is of sufficient length to permit the proximal end lumen to be disposed adjacent, but external to, the oral cavity and the distal lumen to be disposed adjacent and external to the laryngeal opening. 8. The laryngeal mask of claim 1 wherein the proximal end lumen of the respiratory tube is adapted for attachment to medical devices. 9. The laryngeal mask of claim 1 wherein the peripheral portion of the inflatable positioning shield forms an essentially gap-free enclosure surrounding the laryngeal opening after inflation. 10. The laryngeal mask of claim 9 wherein the inflatable positioning shield is generally ovoid in shape after inflation. 11. The laryngeal mask of claim 1 wherein the inflatable positioning shield is secured in an airtight manner to the exterior surface of the distal end of the respiratory tube where it passes through the peripheral portion of the inflatable positioning shield. 12. The laryngeal mask of claim 11 wherein the recessed front portion of the inflatable positioning shield is in fluid communication with the distal end of the respiratory tube. 13. The laryngeal mask of claim 1 wherein the inflatable positioning shield is of sufficient size to enclose the laryngeal opening within the recessed front portion and to fit securely within the oropharynx anatomy. 14. The laryngeal mask of claim 1 wherein the recessed front portion comprises at least one support member adapted to stabilize the posterior base of the inflatable positioning shield. 15. The laryngeal mask of claim 14 wherein the at least one support member is at least one raised horizontal runner that is a continuous extension of the posterior base. 16. The laryngeal mask of claim 1 wherein the distal lumen has about the same cross-sectional shape as the respiratory tube, wherein the cross-sectional shape is defined by a perpendicular cross-section of the respiratory tube along the longitudinal axis of the respiratory tube. 17. The laryngeal mask of claim 1 wherein the distal lumen has a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the proximal end lumen. 18. The laryngeal mask of claim 17 wherein the distal lumen comprises an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper portion and the lower portion have different diameters, the diameters of both the upper portion and the lower portion are smaller than the diameter of the proximal end lumen. 19. The laryngeal mask of claim 18 wherein the distal lumen is sufficiently pliable such that it opens upon assertion of pressure thereon and returns to its original shape when the pressure is released. 20. The laryngeal mask of claim 1 wherein the distal lumen comprises an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion having a diameter that is different from the diameter of the lower portion. 21. The laryngeal mask of claim 20 wherein the upper portion has a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the lower portion. 22. The laryngeal mask of claim 1, wherein the recessed front portion comprises a material that is sufficiently pliable to cup the patient's trachea after inflation of the inflatable positioning shield. 23. The laryngeal mask of claim 1, wherein the peripheral portion is wedge-shaped. 24. A laryngeal mask of the type used to facilitate lung ventilation and the insertion of endo-tracheal tubes or related medical instruments through a patient's laryngeal opening as used during general anesthesia, intensive care, or critical patient care, comprising: an inflatable positioning shield curved to fit within the anatomical structures of the oropharynx region when inflated, the inflatable positioning shield enclosing the laryngeal opening within a recessed front, and having an inflatable, hollow peripheral portion, the recessed front being sufficiently pliable to cup the patient's trachea after inflation of the inflatable positioning shield, and a rear portion formed between a posterior base and the peripheral portion after inflation of the peripheral portion; anda respiratory tube having a proximal end lumen, a curved tubular body having an elliptical cross-section, and being sufficiently radially deformable to permit passage of endo-tracheal tubes and related medical instruments there through, and a perforated distal end passing through the rear portion of the inflatable positioning shield and secured in an air-tight manner to the rear portion of the inflatable positioning shield, terminating at a distal lumen within the rear portion of the inflatable positioning shield said distal lumen passing through the peripheral portion of the inflatable positioning shield so as to be aligned axially within the laryngeal opening upon insertion into the oropharynx, wherein the cross-section is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the respiratory tube. 25. A laryngeal mask of the type used to facilitate lung ventilation and the insertion of endo-tracheal tubes or related medical instruments through a patient's laryngeal opening as used during general anesthesia, intensive care, or critical patient care comprising: an inflatable positioning shield formed to fit within a patient's oropharynx, the inflatable positioning shield having an inflatable, hollow peripheral portion, a pliable posterior base in fluid communication with the peripheral portion, a shield recess formed after inflation of the peripheral portion and a rear portion formed between the posterior base and the peripheral portion after inflation of the peripheral portion, wherein the inflatable positioning shield has a recessed front portion, the recessed front portion being sufficiently pliable to cup the patient's trachea after inflation of the inflatable positioning shield, anda respiratory tube having a proximal end lumen, a curved tubular body of sufficient size to permit passage of endo-tracheal tubes and related medical instruments, therethrough, and a distal end passing through the rear portion of the inflatable positioning shield and secured to the rear portion of the inflatable positioning shield, the distal end terminating at a distal lumen, the distal lumen passing through the peripheral portion of the inflatable positioning shield and secured to the rear portion of the inflatable positioning shield such that tubes or related medical instruments passing through the respiratory tube will be directed into the laryngeal opening,wherein the distal lumen comprises an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion having a diameter that is different from the diameter of the lower portion. 26. A laryngeal mask of the type used to facilitate lung ventilation and the insertion of endo-tracheal tubes or related medical instruments through a patient's laryngeal opening as used during general anesthesia, intensive care, or critical patient care is provided that comprises: an inflatable positioning shield formed to fit within a patient's oropharynx, the inflatable positioning shield having an inflatable, hollow peripheral portion, a pliable posterior base in fluid communication with the peripheral portion, a shield recess formed after inflation of the peripheral portion and a rear portion formed between the posterior base and the peripheral portion after inflation of the peripheral portion, wherein the inflatable positioning shield has a recessed front portion, the recessed front portion being sufficiently pliable to cup the patient's trachea after inflation of the inflatable positioning shield; anda respiratory tube having a proximal end lumen, a curved tubular body of sufficient size to permit passage of endo-tracheal tubes and related medical instruments, therethrough, and a distal end passing through the rear portion of the inflatable positioning shield and secured to the rear portion of the inflatable positioning shield, the distal end terminating at a distal lumen, the distal lumen passing through the peripheral portion of the inflatable positioning shield and secured to the rear portion of the inflatable positioning shield such that tubes and related medical instruments passing through the respiratory tube will be directed into the laryngeal opening,wherein the distal lumen comprises an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper portion has a larger diameter than the lower portion, andwherein the distal end of the respiratory tube further comprises at least one additional lumen, the at least one additional lumen having a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the proximal end lumen. 27. A laryngeal mask of the type used to facilitate lung ventilation and the insertion of endo-tracheal tubes or related medical instruments through a patient's laryngeal opening as used during general anesthesia, intensive care, or critical patient care is provided that comprises: an inflatable positioning shield formed to fit within a patient's oropharynx, said inflatable positioning shield having an inflatable, hollow peripheral portion, a pliable posterior base in fluid communication with the peripheral portion, a shield recess formed after inflation of the peripheral portion, and a rear portion formed between the posterior base and the peripheral portion after inflation of the peripheral portion, wherein the inflatable positioning shield has a recessed front portion, the recessed front portion being sufficiently pliable to cup the patient's trachea after inflation of the inflatable positioning shield; anda respiratory tube having a proximal end lumen, a curved tubular body of sufficient size to permit passage of endo-tracheal tubes and related medical instruments, therethrough, and a distal end passing through the rear portion of the inflatable positioning shield and secured to the rear portion of the inflatable positioning shield, the distal end terminating at a distal lumen, the distal lumen passing through the peripheral portion of the inflatable positioning shield and secured to the rear portion of the inflatable positioning shield such that tubes and related medical instruments passing through the respiratory tube will be directed into the laryngeal opening,wherein the distal lumen comprises an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper portion has larger diameter than the lower portion,wherein the distal end of the respiratory tube further comprises at least one additional lumen, the at least one additional lumen having a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the proximal end lumen, andwherein the recessed front portion of the posterior base comprises at least one horizontal runner that is a continuous extension of the posterior base. 28. A laryngeal mask of the type used to facilitate lung ventilation and the insertion of endo-tracheal tubes or related medical instruments through a patient's laryngeal opening as used during general anesthesia, intensive care, or critical patient care, comprising: an inflatable positioning shield formed to fit within a patient's oropharynx, said inflatable positioning shield having an inflatable, hollow peripheral portion, a pliable posterior base in fluid communication with the peripheral portion, a shield recess formed after inflation of the peripheral portion, a rear portion formed between the posterior base and the peripheral portion after inflation of the peripheral portion; anda respiratory tube having a proximal end lumen, a curved tubular body of sufficient size to permit passage of endo-tracheal tubes or related medical instruments, and a distal end passing through the rear portion of the inflatable positioning shield and secured to the rear portion of the inflatable positioning shield, the distal end terminating at a distal lumen, the distal lumen passing through the peripheral portion of the inflatable positioning shield and secured to the rear portion of the inflatable positioning shield such that tubes and instruments passing through the respiratory tube will be directed into the laryngeal opening. 29. A laryngeal mask of the type used to facilitate lung ventilation comprising a means for elevating an epiglottis without obstruction of a lumen formed by a distal end of a respiratory tube associated with the laryngeal mask. 30. A laryngeal mask having a positioning shield, the mask of the type used to facilitate lung ventilation comprising a respiratory tube having a proximal and distal end wherein the positioning shield defines a cavity with an interior surface adapted to be placed immediately adjacent to a laryngeal opening of a patient, the distal end of the respiratory tube having a majority portion projecting from the interior surface of the positioning shield into the cavity around the distal end of the respiratory tube and a minority portion formed coterminous with the interior surface of the positioning shield and terminating at a distal lumen to define the distal lumen, the distal end passing through a rear portion of the positioning shield and secured to a rear portion of the positioning shield, and the distal lumen passing through the peripheral portion of the positioning shield. 31. The laryngeal mask of claim 30 wherein the respiratory tube has an oval cross-sectional shape. 32. The laryngeal mask of claim 30 wherein the respiratory tube has a circular cross-sectional shape. 33. The laryngeal mask of claim 30 wherein the respiratory tube comprises a flexible silicone-rubber polymer. 34. The laryngeal mask of claim 30 wherein the respiratory tube comprises at least one additional lumen perforating the distal end of the tube to provide at least one alternative airway in the event that the distal lumen is obstructed. 35. A laryngeal mask of the type used to facilitate lung ventilation comprising: an inflatable positioning shield formed to fit within a patient's oropharynx, said inflatable positioning shield having an inflatable, hollow peripheral portion, a pliable posterior base in fluid communication with the peripheral portion, a shield recess formed after inflation of the peripheral portion, a rear portion formed between the posterior base and the peripheral portion after inflation of the peripheral portion; anda respiratory tube having a proximal end lumen, a curved tubular body of sufficient size to permit passage of endo-tracheal tubes or related medical instruments, and a distal end passing through the rear portion of the inflatable positioning shield and secured to the rear portion of the inflatable positioning shield, the distal end terminating at a distal lumen, the distal lumen passing through the peripheral portion of the inflatable positioning shield and secured to the rear portion of the inflatable positioning shield such that tubes and instruments passing through the respiratory tube will be directed into the laryngeal opening,wherein the distal lumen has an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion having a larger diameter than the lower portion,wherein the respiratory tube comprises at least one additional lumen that perforates the distal end of the respiratory tube, the at least one additional lumen having a diameter that is smaller than the diameters of the distal lumen, andwherein the front portion of the inflatable positioning shield comprises at least one raised horizontal runner that is a continuous extension of posterior base. 36. A laryngeal mask of the type used to facilitate lung ventilation and the insertion of endo-tracheal tubes or related medical instruments through a patient's laryngeal opening as used during general anesthesia, intensive care, or critical patient care, comprising: an inflatable positioning shield formed to fit within a patient's oropharynx, said inflatable positioning shield having an inflatable, hollow peripheral portion, a posterior base in fluidcommunication with the peripheral portion, a shield recess formed after inflation of the peripheral portion, a rear portion formed between the posterior base and the peripheral portion after inflation of the peripheral portion, wherein the inflatable positioning shield has a recessed front portion; anda respiratory tube having a proximal end lumen, a curved tubular body of sufficient size to permit passage of endo-tracheal tubes or related medical instruments, and a distal end passing through the rear portion of the inflatable positioning shield and secured to the rear portion of the inflatable positioning shield, the distal end terminating at a distal lumen, the distal lumen passing through the peripheral portion of the inflatable positioning shield and secured to the rear portion of the inflatable positioning shield such that tubes and instruments passing through the respiratory tube will be directed into the laryngeal opening;wherein the distal lumen comprises a first and a second portion, said first portion having a diameter that is different from the diameter of the second portion. 37. The device of claim 36 wherein the upper portion of the distal lumen has a larger diameter than the lower portion of the distal lumen.