Abstract: An adjustable prosthetic device for a vocal cord includes an actuator member for locating a paralyzed vocal cord in a predetermined phonation position. The device further includes a support member for supporting the actuator member in a predetermined position proximate the paralyzed vocal cord. A fluid input/withdrawal station for introducing or removing fluid from engagement with the actuator member enables the actuator member to change the location of the paralyzed vocal cord from a first predetermined phonation position to another selected position. In several embodiements of the invention the actuator member is a fluid expandable shell. In other embodiments of the invention the actuator member is a piston-expandable bellows and a movable ratchet member. The support member that supports the actuator member can be hung onto a thyroid cartilage or passed through the thyroid cartilage.

Abstract: The nasal packing device includes a splint portion, an airway member secured to the splint portion and a flexible expandable membrane secured to the airway member. An inflation chamber is thus defined between the flexible expandable membrane and the airway member. Under this arrangement, expansion of the membrane is in a direction away from the airway member enabling the membrane to provide a substantially uniform pressure against the splint portion and against any portions of the nose which the membrane comes into contact with. A uniform compressive force provided by the expandable membrane is thus attainable within the nasal passageway to arrest intranasal bleeding, while the splint supports the septum and the airway member allows nasal breathing.

Abstract: An otological vent tube is supported on an apparatus that performs a myringotomy and substantially simultaneously positions the vent tube in the resulting myringotomy incision. The vent tube has proximal and distal ends and includes a central lumen that extends the full length of the tube. In all embodiments of the invention the distal end includes a distal flange in the form of a truncated cone. In some embodiments a proximal flange is provided at the proximal end, and in other embodiments the proximal flange is eliminated. The myringotomy and positioning apparatus includes an immovable outer hollow sleeve and an axially displaceable inner shaft. The distal end of the shaft is conical in form and supports the vent tube such that the distal conical end of the shaft member forms a substantial continuation of the truncated conical surface of the vent tube distal flange.

Abstract: An otological vent tube is supported on an apparatus that performs a myringotomy and substantially simultaneously positions the vent tube in the resulting myringotomy incision. The vent tube has proximal and distal ends and includes a central lumen that extends the full length of the tube. In all embodiments of the invention the distal end includes a distal flange in the form of a truncated cone. In some embodiments a proximal flange is provided at the proximal end, and in other embodiments the proximal flange is eliminated. The myringotomy and positioning apparatus includes an immovable outer hollow sleeve and an axially displaceable inner shaft. The distal end of the shaft is conical in form and supports the vent tube such that the distal conical end of the shaft member forms a substantial continuation of the truncated conical surface of the vent tube distal flange.