Device to Provide Optimal Positioning for Endotracheal Intubation or Cricothyroidotomy in the Emergency Department, in the Operating Room, and by First Responders on the Scene of Emergency Situations
By providing elevation of the upper back above the hospital bed, extension of the entire cervical spine will provide better visualization than achieved by the prior art such as the sniffing position. An additional benefit of using this device is that with full extension of the neck, the position for cricothyroidotomy is also optimized, should standard endotracheal intubation fail. This device will be of particular benefit in the intubation of obese patients, providing good extension and adequate visualization without the need for excessive strength to manipulate the patient's head and neck. The same position also facilitates placement of central venous catheters in the internal jugular or subclavian veins in obese or kyphotic patients.
