To facilitate rapid, accurate, blind access to the larynx or esophagus
such as for emergency intubation of a patient's trachea and suctioning of
the hypopharynx or esophagus, a medical device (10) includes an
anatomically contoured guide element (12) having a channel (22)
therethrough. Guide element (12) is positioned about and atop the larynx
such that the wall of the channel forms an upward continuation of the
laryngeal wall. An orotracheal tube (18) advanced through the channel is
guided exclusively into the larynx and trachea without substantial risk
of accidental intubation of the esophagus or other areas of the
hypopharynx. Tunnels (150, 160) may be provided through the guide element
for blindly guiding or aiming other tubular-type members selectively into
the esophagus or larynx. A tubular handle (14) or curved blade (454) is
connected to the guide element (12) to blindly insert guide element (12)
into the throat. Alternative embodiments (310, 350, 410, 450) of medical
device (10) are also described.