A tubular assembly having a plurality of lumens is configured for insertion into
the mouth and throat of a patient with a proximal end of the tubular assembly extending
from the patient's mouth and a distal end of the tubular assembly extending into
the patient's esophagus. The tubular assembly further includes a transition portion
near the tubular assembly. The transition portion is configured to transition from
a relatively radially large proximal end to a relatively radially small distal
end, with the relatively radially small distal end being in communication with
at least one of the lumens. The relatively radially large proximal end is configured
to abut the aryepiglottic folds of the patient to arrest insertion of the tubular
assembly with the relatively radially small distal end of the transition portion
extending into the patient's esophagus. A method of providing breathing assist
includes inserting the tubular assembly into the mouth and throat of a patient
with the relatively radially large proximal end abutting the aryepiglottic folds
and the distal end of the transition portion extending into the patient's esophagus.