Abstract: A filler for an anaesthetic vaporizer used for veterinary surgery. The filler is attached to a cylindrical bucket portion of the vaporizer. The filler is curved in shape and having a concave mounting surface that is obverse to the cylindrical bucket portion. The filler having fluid conduits therein interconnecting first apertures on the concave mounting concave surface and a filler-port unit, the first apertures on the mounting surface aligning with associated second apertures on said bucket. A gasket with a plurality of first holes aligned with first and second apertures is disposed between the bucket and the filler.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating delivery of conditioned air across a barrier in a cage for holding an animal patient to a blanket arrangement providing the conditioned air to the patient. The apparatus comprising a first duct part, a second duct part and a mounting mechanism arranged to mount the first duct part on one side of the barrier and the second duct part on the other side of the barrier opposite thereto, to provide a duct for ducting conditioned air across the barrier. The barrier comprising bars or mesh, and the apparatus further comprising a seal arrangement to provide at least a partial seal across the bars or mesh. The mounting mechanism comprises a fastening mechanism for fastening the first and second duct parts to each other across the barrier, wherein the fastening mechanism is a keyhole-style fastening arrangement utilising a plurality of headed projections on a flange of the first duct part engagable with respective keyhole-style apertures on a flange of the second duct part.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved mask apparatus for veterinary applications. The mask may be used for dogs in particular. Most prior art masks are conical. This leads to problems in comfort and effectiveness. The present mask has a cross sectional profile and an opening shaped similar to an animal's muzzle. It has a flat top and a flat bottom, slightly wider than the top, and rounded sides. It also extends backwardly from the top of the opening to the bottom of the opening, so as to comfortably cover the commissure of the animal's lips.

Abstract: A patient warming blanket comprising at least two layers capable of forming a hollow air space between the two layers for receiving warm air from a heating unit via an inlet port at or near an end of the blanket. The two layers being arranged so that the hollow air space forms at least one tubular portion disposed longitudinally there within, and one of the two layers has at least a portion of its surface formed of porous material so that warmed air is delivered to said patient by diffusion through said porous material. The tubular portion has non-parallel sides such that the sides of the tubular portion are further apart from each other at a first end of the tubular portion closer to the inlet port than at a second end of the tubular portion remote from the inlet port.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for delivering medicated fluid or anaesthetic to a patient. An issue, particularly with small patients, is the issue of dead space in an anaesthetic circuit which can lead to hypoxia and difficulty with achieving anaesthesia. An apparatus in accordance with the present invention minimises or eliminates dead space by introducing fresh gas (e.g. containing anaesthetic) proximal to a respiratory opening of the subject's respiratory tract, and inducing a fluid flow to reduce re-breathing of fluid exhausted from the respiratory tract.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for facilitating anaesthesia, particularly in Re-Breather anaesthetic circuits. A problem with Re-Breather circuits is that their dynamic response can be relatively slow. The dynamic response is the response of the circuit to delivering changes of anaesthetic concentration. In current circuits, Fresh Gas containing anaesthetic is delivered into the circuit and may be substantially diluted by the gas already present in the circuit. It is therefore difficult to achieve a rapid increase of anaesthetic concentration for delivery to the patient. In the present invention, an accumulator is placed in the Re-Breather circuit to accumulate Fresh Gas containing anaesthetic as it is introduced into the circuit, adjacent an inhalation conduit to the patient. Fresh Gas containing high concentrations of anaesthetic is therefore immediately available to the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for facilitating anaesthesia, particularly in Re-Breather anaesthetic circuits. A problem with Re-Breather circuits is that their dynamic response can be relatively slow. The dynamic response is the response of the circuit to delivering changes of anaesthetic concentration. In current circuits, Fresh Gas containing anaesthetic is delivered into the circuit and may be substantially diluted by the gas already present in the circuit. It is therefore difficult to achieve a rapid increase of anaesthetic concentration for delivery to the patient. In the present invention, an accumulator is placed in the Re-Breather circuit to accumulate Fresh Gas containing anaesthetic as it is introduced into the circuit, adjacent an inhalation conduit to the patient. Fresh Gas containing high concentrations of anaesthetic is therefore immediately available to the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for maintaining patient temperature during an anaesthetic procedure. Patients, particularly small patients, can lose body temperature when undergoing surgery or other procedures where they are anaesthetized. The process of breathing the cool anaesthetic gas contributes to the temperature loss of the patient. An anaesthetic apparatus is arranged to warm the gas being provided for the patient to breathe, to facilitate maintaining body temperature. An inspired limb of an anaesthetic circuit comprises tubing with a heating conductor for heating the inspired gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for treating pain in a patient, such as a veterinary patient. The method comprises the step of administering an inhalation anaesthetic at sub-anaesthetic levels to the patient during anaesthesia of the patient. A suitable agent may be methoxyflurane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved mask apparatus for veterinary applications. The mask may be used for dogs in particular. Most prior art masks are conical. This leads to problems in comfort and effectiveness. The present mask has a cross sectional profile and an opening shaped similar to an animal's muzzle. It has a flat top and a flat bottom, slightly wider than the top, and rounded sides. It also extends backwardly from the top of the opening to the bottom of the opening, so as to comfortably cover the commissure of the animal's lips.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a light source apparatus for a laryngoscope. The light source apparatus is remotely operated. In an embodiment, it comprises a magnetically operated reed switch. A co-operating magnet in the laryngoscope blade actuates the reed switch when the blade is brought into proximity with the light source apparatus mounted in the laryngoscope handle.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating delivery of a fluid, such as an anaesthetic fluid, to the respiratory tract of a subject. It includes a fluid line substrate, in the form of a block having conduits formed therein for delivery and removal of an anaesthetic. A subject port is formed to receive the anatomy of the patient. A mask apparatus is arranged for mating with the subject port, and having an opening to receive the nose and mouth of the subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for keeping a patient warm, particularly a veterinary patient, during care. An apparatus is provided for delivering conditioned air across a barrier, such as a wire cage, to a blanket arrangement for providing conditioned air to the patient. A first duct and a second duct part are provided either so side of the barrier mounted together across the barrier, so a duct is provided for ducting conditioned air across the barrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for facilitating blood pressure measurement. An additional fluid reservoir is arranged to be connected in fluid communication with the blood pressure cuff. The fluid reservoir provides an additional, compliant volume to the fluid volume of the cuff, facilitating blood pressure measurement, particularly for small volume cuffs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for keeping a patient warm, particularly a veterinary patient, during care. An apparatus is provided for delivering conditioned air across a barrier, such as a wire cage, to a blanket arrangement for providing conditioned air to the patient. A first duct and a second duct part are provided either side of the barrier mounted together across the barrier, so a duct is provided for ducting conditioned air across the barrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for maintaining patient temperature during an anaesthetic procedure. Patients, particularly small patients, can lose body temperature when undergoing surgery or other procedures where they are anaesthetised. The process of breathing the cool anaesthetic gas contributes to the temperature loss of the patient. An anaesthetic apparatus of the present invention is arranged to warm the gas being provided for the patient to breathe, to facilitate maintaining body temperature. An inspired limb of an anaesthetic circuit comprises tubing with a heating conductor for heating the inspired gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for facilitating anaesthesia, particularly in Re-Breather anaesthetic circuits. A problem with Re-Breather circuits is that their dynamic response can be relatively slow. The dynamic response is the response of the circuit to delivering changes of anaesthetic concentration. In current circuits, Fresh Gas containing anaesthetic is delivered into the circuit and may be substantially diluted by the gas already present in the circuit. It is therefore difficult to achieve a rapid increase of anaesthetic concentration for delivery to the patient. In the present invention, an accumulator is placed in the Re-Breather circuit to accumulate Fresh Gas containing anaesthetic as it is introduced into the circuit, adjacent an inhalation conduit to the patient. Fresh Gas containing high concentrations of anaesthetic is therefore immediately available to the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for facilitating blood pressure measurement. An additional fluid reservoir is arranged to be connected in fluid communication with the blood pressure cuff. The fluid reservoir provides an additional, compliant volume to the fluid volume of the cuff, facilitating blood pressure measurement, particularly for small volume cuffs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for facilitating delivery of a fluid, such as an anaesthetic fluid, to the respiratory tract of a subject. It comprises a fluid line substrate, in the form of a block having conduits form therein for delivery and removal of an anaesthetic. A subject port is formed to receive the anatomy of the patient. A mask apparatus is arranged for mating with the subject port, and having an opening to receive the nose and mouth of the subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a patient warming system and in particular a patient warming blanket for warming patients undergoing medical care. The patient warming blanket is particularly for use in veterinary medicine. The warming blanket includes a porous surface from which warmed air can escape over the entire porous surface, evenly warming the patient.