Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for removing volatile anesthetics from an anesthesia or ventilation system to minimize the effects of malignant hyperthermia in susceptible patients. According to one aspect of the present invention, a system for removing volatile anesthetics is provided. A first filter component placed in fluid communication with an inspiratory limb of an anesthesia or ventilation system such that volatile anesthetics will pass through the first filter component during operation of the anesthesia or ventilation system. A second filter component is operably coupled to the expiration port of the anesthesia or ventilation system such that gases passing through the expiratory limb of the anesthesia or ventilation system pass through the second filter component. The first filter component and second filter component are adapted to effectively remove volatile anesthetics passing through the respective filters.

Abstract: A basic life support system (BLSS) includes a processing element and an output element, such as a display screen or an audio output element, for providing an individual with real-time instructions on providing emergency medical care to a patient until paramedics or other healthcare professionals arrive to take over care for the patient. The instructions may be provided as graphics, including animations, as text, audibly, or as a combination of visible and audible elements. The BLSS may be configured for providing emergency medical care to individuals who have suffered from ventricular fibrillation. Accordingly, the BLSS may also include a defibrillation apparatus, an air or oxygen supply, a respiratory interface, one or more sensors, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for reversing inhaled anesthesia, which is configured to be positioned along a breathing circuit or anesthesia delivery circuit, includes a filter for removing one or more anesthetic agents from gases passing therethrough, as well as a component for elevating CO2 levels in gases that are to be inhaled by an individual. The apparatus is configured to be positioned between a Y-connector of the breathing circuit and the portion of the breathing circuit that interfaces with the individual. The CO2 level-elevating component facilitates an increase in the ventilation of the individual without resulting in a significant decrease in the individual's PaCO2 level and, thus, a decrease in the rate at which blood flows through the individual's brain. A method of reversing the effects of inhaled anesthesia includes increasing the rate of ventilation of an anesthetized individual while causing the individual to inhale gases with elevated amounts of CO2 and while filtering anesthetic agents from such gases.

Abstract: An apparatus for reversing inhaled anesthesia, which is configured to be positioned along a breathing circuit or anesthesia delivery circuit, includes a filter for removing one or more anesthetic agents from gases passing therethrough, as well as a component for elevating CO2 levels in gases that are to be inhaled by an individual. The apparatus is configured to be positioned between a Y-connector of the breathing circuit and the portion of the breathing circuit that interfaces with the individual. The CO2 level-elevating component facilitates an increase in the ventilation of the individual without resulting in a significant decrease in the individual's PaCO2 level and, thus, a decrease in the rate at which blood flows through the individual's brain. A method of reversing the effects of inhaled anesthesia includes increasing the rate of ventilation of an anesthetized individual while causing the individual to inhale gases with elevated amounts of CO2 and while filtering anesthetic agents from such gases.

Abstract: A contact medium structure attachable to externally-applied medical diagnostic devices for providing self-adherence of the medical device to the skin of a patient thereby eliminating the need for belts or similar means. The contact medium is inherently adhesive, hydrophilic, skin-compatible, ultrasonic-compatible and pressure sensitive to facilitate self-adhesion of the medical device to the patient's skin. A particularly suitable contact medium is a mesh-reinforced hydrogel film which adheres to the device and extends beyond the perimeter of the device to provide additional adhesiveness and compliance with the contour of the patient's body. A support element associated with and extending beyond the perimeter of the medical device adheres to the contact medium and provides adjustability of the extended hydrogel film relative to the patient's skin.

Abstract: A non-invasive intracorporeal movement transducer for translating intracorporeal movement into a detectable pressure signal is described. The movement transducer includes a fluid-filled bubble with a rigid rear portion, and a semi-rigid, flexible forward portion which is placed against a patient's skin above the organ to be monitored. The rear portion of the bubble has a fluid duct which provides fluid communication to the interior, and tubing is connected between the duct and a pressure sensor which detects the pressure of fluid within the bubble. Self-adhering attachment means is associated with the rear portion of the bubble for affixing the bubble against the patient's skin. In one embodiment, the attachment means is a foam backing larger than the bubble, with adhesive on one side for adhering to the patient's skin and to the rear portion of the bubble.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for monitoring neuromuscular blockage, and more specifically contemplates the quantitative measurement of movement of the skin of a patient overlying an electrically simulated skeletal muscle as an indicia of such blockage. The preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention includes a piezoelectric film affixed over the patient's skin, the film generating an electric current in proportion to the magnitude of skin movement.