Airway Components Described

We have developed a multi-component system/kit, centered on a one piece, two-tube nasal airway appliance that is inserted by the surgeon following conclusion of the operation. The airways, made of soft latex-free, medical grade silicone, are connected by a bridge.

Packing or any substance, e.g. gauze, absorbable mesh, Telfa pad, Gelform, any PVC product or gel is then introduced.

The airway device provides a certain corridor for adequate air passage through both nasal passages without compromising any packing’s or cavity filler’s important missions.

Always in Place at Conclusion of Operation

Always in Place at Conclusion of Operation

The tubes’ “front opening” for ingress of air, sits visibly at the external nostril. Convenient and safe access for cleansing and irrigation to maintain patency and airflow.

Airway Nesting on Floor of Nasal Passage

Airway Nesting on Floor of Nasal Passage

The tube will snap into place onto the floor of the nose and maintain that position,lateral to the pre-maxillary bone and medial to the inferior turbinate.

Packing inserted as airway retracted by thin nasal speculum

Packing inserted as airway
retracted by thin nasal speculum

The “back openings” of the tubes sit at the posterior nasal passageway, beyond the area of packing, yet not abutting the back wall of the nasopharynx.

Suction Catheter Used by Anesthesia Specialist

Suction Catheter Used by
Anesthesia Specialist

A standard 10Fr plastic suction catheter is another kit component. After insertion and seating of the nasal airway, the surgeon passes the catheter through each tube and suctions fluids from the pharynx. This maneuver confirms that tube placement is satisfactory, that there is no obstructing of the back opening of the device.

Later, the anesthesia specialist, using the same flexible suction catheter, will happily avail himself of this direct pathway to the pharynx for suctioning blood and mucous from throat. This avoids the typical struggle with the awakening patient, as the anesthesia specialist seeks to traverse the oral pharynx to withdraw fluids from the throat just prior to removing the oral endotracheal tube or laryngeal mask.

3cc Luer-Lok syringe

3cc Luer-Lok syringe

Also supplied are a standard 3cc Luer-Lok syringe with a “Christmas tree” irrigating tip for home irrigation of the tubes’ lumens to relieve any clogging by mucous or blood.

The airway may remain in place consistent with clinical need. The device easily slides out by grasping the wall of either tube or both tubes with a clamp or forceps. Anesthetizing and shrinking the nasal mucosa with a topical anesthetic and decongestant combination, prior to removal of airway and packing, provides a smooth and comfortable patient experience.

Reltok Ultra-Smooth Septal Splint™

Compatible and superior septal splints for structural support after rhinoplasty, nasal and sinus procedures. Ultra-smooth, low-friction Parylene coated surface allows stents, packing and the Reltok Clear-Flo Nasal Airway to glide smoothly and quickly into place and retards secretion adherence.