Patent attributes
The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for stabilizing at least one medical device such as a tracheal or gastric tube entering or covering at least one facial cavity such as the mouth and/or nose, taking advantage of a stabilization stent to secure to a patient's face the tracheal or gastric tube without the need to apply tape to the face, while maintaining visibility of tube markings, preventing kinking of the tube, and keeping infant's face visible to parents and caregivers. In one form, the invention comprises a transverse stent comprising a superior border opposed to an inferior border, an inner surface and an outer surface. A first facial interface is attached to a first terminal end of the transverse stent, and positioned to adhesively adhere and mechanically clasp to a first side of a patient's face. A second facial interface is attached to a second terminal end of the transverse stent and positioned to adhesively adhere and mechanically clasp to a second side of a patient's face. A docking platform attached to the outer surface of the transverse stent supports the medical device. In a different form, the invention also includes gutters positioned on the inner surface of the respective first and second terminal end approximate to the respective first and second facial interface to channel oral fluids away from the respective first and second facial interface. The outer surface contains channels for containing and directing tubing, and fixaton points for attaching anchoring measures such as chin or head straps. The core of the transverse stent is hollowed to permit gas flow.
