| CPC A61M 16/0497 (2013.01) [A61M 16/0003 (2014.02); A61M 16/0051 (2013.01); A61M 16/0463 (2013.01); A61M 16/049 (2014.02); A61M 2205/13 (2013.01)] | 12 Claims |

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1. A protective guard system for orally or nasally placed patient access tubes, comprising:
a telescoping elongate tubular structure configured and dimensioned to surround an orally or nasally placed patient access tube with space between the placed tube and the surrounding tubular structure, said tubular structure having a distal end configured to engage a mouthpiece of a tube holder securing the placed tube in the patient's mouth, wherein:
said elongate tubular structure has a flexible portion and a substantially rigid portion comprising inner and outer telescoping tubular members;
said substantially rigid portion defines at least one longitudinally extending opening through both the inner and outer telescoping tubular members configured and dimensioned to receive a port or connector of the placed access tube therethrough and sized to permit movement of the substantially rigid portion without interfering with operation of the port or connector; and
said elongate tubular structure has a longitudinally extending parting line provided with locking means and an opposed extending hinge structure such that said elongate tubular structure may be opened to be removed and replaced from the placed access tube without dislodging the access tube from its position in the patient or disconnecting the access tube from connected devices.
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