Abstract: The present invention is a device and a method of performing endotracheal intubation. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the intubation device comprises an endotracheal tube having a forward open end, a rearward open end, and an inner bore there between. The endotracheal tube is provided with a fitting for inserting longitudinally within the rearward end and an adaptor for connecting to a respirator or other ventilating apparatus. A stylet is telescopingly positioned within the inner bore and extends outwardly from the forward open end and includes a longitudinally extending soft and flexible guide portion. The stylet is adapted to move outwardly from the forward open end of the endotracheal tube such that during insertion of the endotracheal tube into the trachea of the patient the guide portion is positioned within the trachea and operates to direct the endotracheal tube within the trachea.

Abstract: A catheter system for controlling the body temperature of a patient by modifying the temperature of blood flowing within a blood vessel of the patient. The catheter system comprises a catheter body having a heat exchange region in contact with the blood; and a mechanism for moving the heat exchange surface, thereby increasing heat exchange between the heat exchange surface and blood flowing past the heat exchange surface. Various methods of moving the heat exchange surface are disclosed.

Abstract: A ventilation interface and system is described which can be adapted to be connected to a source of ventilation. The ventilation interface and system includes an exhaust port positioned at a midpoint between at least two ventilation connectors. The ventilation interface system may optionally include feed tubes, y-connector, tube holder, and headgear.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A protective garment incorporates a face and neck mask adapted to filter out airborne particulates. The protective garment outwardly has the appearance of a conventional shirt, sweater or jacket, yet incorporates a convenient, easy to use, and readily accessible mask that is always available to the wearer and is ready for use on short notice.

Abstract: A delivery device, e.g. an inhaler, comprises a rotatable metering member adapted to dispense a measured amount of material, a material delivery passage and a material delivery orifice and at least one actuator member adapted to move the metering member form a material retaining position to a material dispensing position. In a magazine comprising a plurality of metering members, the actuator and metering members may operate in a radial direction. A plurality of rotatable magazines may be utilized in the delivery device. The delivery device may be used to deliver a single or a combination therapy.

Abstract: A ventilator is disclosed which has a compact block made of plastic or metal and includes an electrical computer interface, in which rigid pipes and a gas supply container are integrated, resulting in a more compact device than conventional superstructures and improved therapy gas delivery and nebulization.

Abstract: A forehead pad for use in a respiratory mask with a forehead support, which includes a base portion to contact a user's forehead, a support post connected to the base portion, and a head adapted to connect the support post to a forehead support. A pair of forehead pads may be joined with a connector.

Abstract: A cartridge having two chambers for separate storage of active substance and solvent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a respirator hood assembly that has a bag, half mask and a respirator assembly. The assembly includes a filtration unit and at least one inlet pipe containing a filter. The assembly of the invention allows for flexible filter design and also defines a rigid external structure that supports the hood and allows the user to quickly don the hood.

Abstract: A nose mask having either one of several types of mask parts with different functions selectively fitted to an installation shaft, usable without impairing the attractiveness of a nose, and formed so that, when the installation shaft is inserted from nostrils into nose vestibules a nasal septum is held so as to install the mask part. The mask part is engaged with the tips of the installation shaft by caps and stoppers, and cellulose sponges and filters are arranged alternately with each other. The mask parts can be classified into a plurality of groups according to functions, i.e those for underwater action without gas permeability and water permeability, those having fine-mesh filters formed of fiber material with gas permeability and excellent hygroscopicity and capable of filtering contaminated air, and those allowing liquid such as chemicals to be impregnated therein.

Abstract: As disclosed herein, the present invention relates to an improved respirator having a respirator mask, respirator bellows, respirator conduits, and mounting straps attached to the torso of an operator. The respirator mask is positioned over a patient's face so as to cover the nose and mouth. The respirator bellows are positioned under the arms of the operator and are attached to the mounting straps, which may be configured as a vest that can be worn by the operator. The respirator bellows communicate with the respirator mask via the respirator conduits. The operator can deliver air or oxygen to the respirator mask by pumping the respirator bellows with his or her arms. Advantageously, the pumping motion is actuated without the use of hands. The hands-free pumping action allows the operator to firmly secure the respirator mask in proper position on the patient's face with both hands.

Abstract: There is described a medicament delivery device which comprises a medicament reservoir, a medicament delivery passage and a metering member adapted to transfer a measured dose of medicament from the medicament reservoir to the delivery passage characterized in that the device is provided with a moisture proof barrier. The medicament delivery device is especially suited for use as an inhaler. There is therefore also described an inhaler which provides improved airflow for the dispersion of medicament, and a method of treating patients suffering from a respiratory disorder.

Abstract: An adapter for disposition in a breathing system circuit between a source of breathable gas and a patient airway circuit, the adapter having: a tube with a side wall defining a breathing passage between a tube inlet and a tube outlet; an injector conduit extending laterally through the tube side wall having: a bore; a nozzle communicating between the bore and the passage; and an external port, where the port includes: syringe connector means for releasably sealing between the bore of the injector conduit and a syringe; and multiple dose inhaler connector means for releasably connecting the bore of the injector conduit and a multiple dose inhaler.

Abstract: A nebulizer uses air or preferably oxygen to aerate and transport an anesthetic for providing topical anesthesia to the airway passages of a patient undergoing analysis or treatment by any of several medical instruments used to traverse the airway passages. The nebulizer is preferably applied in connection with fiberoptical diagnostic and therapeutic instruments, such as bronchoscopes, endoscopes and laryngoscopes, and many variations of these instruments. Other liquid, aerosol, and gaseous drugs may also be administered with the nebulizer.

Abstract: A method for treating a breathing person suffering from diabetes utilizes a valve system that is interfaced to the person's airway and is configured to decrease or prevent respiratory gas flow to the person's lungs during at least a portion of an inhalation event. The person is permitted to inhale and exhale through the valve system. During inhalation, the valve system functions to produce a vacuum within the thorax to increase blood flow back to the right heart of the person, thereby increasing cardiac output and blood circulation in order to treat the person suffering from diabetes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a breathing mask for use in monitoring a patient. The mask can have sensors on the body of the mask and on the associated straps or caps. The mask can be used to monitor breathing problems or to monitor a patient during anesthesia. The data acquired from the mask sensors and related sensors can be stored or fed into a computer to analyze the patient's condition and provide feedback information.

Abstract: A health apparatus for use by individuals. The apparatus is an oxygen inhaler that works in a manner analogous to that of a breath spray and an asthma inhaler. Rather than dispensing asthma medicine, however, the oxygen inhaler disperses a small volume of oxygen through the nose that would be available for inhalation by a user. The present invention could be used for both health reasons and for recreational use.

Abstract: A non-tracheal ventilation tube includes a multi-lumen tube shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, a proximal cuff and a distal cuff. The multi-lumen tube shaft is separated into a ventilation channel extending from a proximal ventilation opening to a distal ventilation opening, a suction channel extending from a proximal suction opening to a distal suction opening, and an inflation channel. The proximal cuff is attached to the tube shaft and is connected to the inflation channel for inflation and deflation. The distal cuff is attached to the tube shaft on the distal side of the proximal cuff and is connected to the inflation channel for inflation and deflation. The proximal suction opening and the proximal ventilation opening are located on the proximal side of the proximal cuff. The distal suction opening is located on the distal side of the distal cuff. The distal ventilation opening is located between the proximal cuff and the distal cuff.

Abstract: An orthopedic knee brace provides an apparatus for accurately prescribing the anatomical motion of the human knee. The orthopedic knee brace is used for treatment and rehabilitation following surgery to the knee, protection for a surgically repaired knee, and protection for an uninjured knee, among other applications. The orthopedic knee brace actively prescribes asymmetric three-dimensional anatomic motion in six degrees of freedom of the wearer's knee. The rigid connections between the thigh and calf engaging members and the medial and lateral hinges provide the ability of the orthopedic knee brace to prescribe asymmetric three-dimensional anatomic motion in six degrees of freedom by actively prescribing flexion and extension, abduction and adduction, internal/external rotation, anterior/posterior translation, medial/lateral translation, and proximal/distal translation between a femur and a tibia of a wearer's leg.