Abstract: A gastroenteric feeding tube comprises a tubular shaft having distal and proximal ends, an enlarged intermediate portion which extends from the distal end of the shaft, and a weighted bolus which extends from the intermediate portion. The shaft has an imperforate sidewall and a side aperture in the intermediate portion communicates with the interior of the shaft for dispensing a feeding formula from the tube. The feeding tube is constructed so that it is sufficiently flexible to permit the passage thereof through a nostril of a patient during intubation of the tube, but nevertheless sufficiently rigid to permit the intubation of the tube without the use of a stylet therein.

Abstract: A surgical gravity drain includes biologically inert medical grade silicone rubber extruded to generally parallel longitudinally extending planar surfaces having transversely aligned and longitudinally extending capillary drainage channels. A ribbon of silicone rubber including integrally formed longitudinally extending and laterally spaced ribs defining transversely aligned capillary drainage channels on external ribbon surfaces is disclosed in one embodiment; and a flattened tube of silicone rubber including integrally formed longitudinally extending and laterally spaced ribs defining transversely aligned capillary drainage channels on internal and external tube surfaces is disclosed in a further embodiment. The novel drain of the present invention is substantially clogging-free, collapse-proof, and provides effective long term in situ drainage.

Abstract: A device for draining wounds comprises an elongated catheter member having first and second lumens, an antibacteria filter received in communication with the second lumen adjacent the proximal end thereof and a check valve which is interposed between the proximal end of said second lumen and the filter. The distal end of the catheter member is receivable in a wound for draining the wound via suction applied to the proximal end of the first lumen, and a venting effect is provided by the second lumen through the filter and the check valve. The check valve prevents the backflow of liquids through the second catheter member into the filter to prevent the clogging thereof.

Abstract: A drainage collector capable of draining and collecting fluid especially blood from the cardiopulmonary system during and after a surgical operation. A drainage sump is provided with a liquid seal to prevent outside air from entering the cardiopulmonary space. A dry suction control means with a built in positive pressure relief valve and high negative relief valve is incorporated within the drainage collector. Further, a blood transfer adapter is provided such that collected blood can be readily transferred to either a blood bag or to an autotransfusion device for recirculation of processed blood back into the patient.

Abstract: A suction control device for an aspirator system includes a generally T-shaped body having a main lumen and a passage which extends outwardly from the lumen to the exterior of the body through a vent or chimney portion of the body, and a resiliently deformable closure cap having one or more apertures therethrough which is received on the end of the chimney portion. The chimney portion is preferably formed with a flared terminal end, and the cap is resiliently depressible to a closed position wherein the apertured portion thereof is urged against the inner surface of the flared chimney portion end to obstruct the apertures in the cap and thereby close off the chimney portion. When the device is in the open position thereof, suction communication in the main lumen is interrupted by a venting effect through the chimney portion; and when the device is in its closed position, suction or negative pressure may be transmitted through the main lumen.

Abstract: A surgical suction drain extruded from biologically inert medical grade silicone rubber includes first and second spaced flanges and a web integrally formed between and abutting the flanges defining first and second longitudinally extending and laterally directed exudate receiving channels. A longitudinally extending lumen is provided in the web that is directly connectable to a vacuum source. A plurality of transversely extending apertures are provided through the flanges each of which defines an exudate receiving passageway in communication with the central lumen, the exterior surfaces of both flanges, and with a corresponding one of the longitudinally extending and laterally directed channels. Tissue standoffs are provided on the flanges. An X-ray opaque strip is co-extruded on one of the flanges. Tabs are insert molded in the channels to provide structural strength for securing the drain to the body.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel and improved thoracic drainage device characterized by drainage directly into an open collection bottle with an inlet connectable to receive air and fluid from the thoracic cavity, an outlet from the bottle connected to a negative pressure relief valve, positive pressure relief valve, a one-way valve, and an adjustable means of suction control. A negative pressure indicator will indicate a rise, fall, or holding pressure within the intra pleural cavity. An air leak detector positioned downstream of the negative pressure indicator and combined with a common baffled reservoir prevents excessive splashing during air leak detection. Both the negative pressure and positive pressure relief valves are located downstream of the reservoir to relieve any pressure build up with the reservoir. The one-way valve is provided after the pressure relief valves to permit the escape of air, but preventing any backflow of air to enter the device.

Abstract: A flexible body fluid drain tube has substantially flat cross section with a pair of parallel longitudinal internal ribs along one substantially flat wall which are spaced apart a distance greater than their respective distances from the adjacent edges of the flat wall, a central internal longitudinal rib along the opposite substantially flat wall, and a pattern of drain holes along both flat walls in line with the parallel ribs. The ribs prevent the tube from collapsing even when the tube is subject to a very high vacuum and/or strong lateral compression forces due to body movements of the patient and the healing process at the drainage site. The central rib can wipe back and forth across the opposite wall to keep the tube passageway and drain holes clear when the flat tube walls are moved laterally relative to one another by body movements of the patient and the healing process.

Abstract: A clip for retaining a flexible body fluid drain at a drainage site in a medical patient and preventing movement of the drain is disclosed. The clip has an upper portion containing a longitudinal slot into which the drain may be inserted sideways after placement of the drain in the drainage site, and a base portion, by which the clip may be taped or otherwise secured to the body surface of the patient at the drainage site.

Abstract: A respiratory exercising device including an upright structure having a continuous precalibrated air flow column, air inhalation means in pneumatic communication with the air flow column and an air flotation element which may be moved within the air flow column to measure inhalation rates.

Abstract: An air inhalation flow rate measuring device for exercising the respiratory musculature and increasing the lung capacity of the user, including an air flow column having a plurality of column segments with individual air flow indicators residing in each segment which move to indicate air intake flow rates when a user inhales air through the device.

Abstract: An inhalation device which induces respiratory exercise and which is inexpensive, safe and easy to handle and operate. The device includes a flow measurement container having a chamber in which is housed a flow rate indicator, such as a light-weight article or ball that normally rests at the bottom of the chamber. Extending into the container are opposing openings, one of which connects the chamber to a passageway through which a person inhales to remove air from the chamber, and the other of which connects the chamber to atmosphere for lifting the indicator upon inhalation.In one embodiment the opposed openings extend through the top wall of the container. A restricted opening or port connects the chamber to atmosphere and a larger opposing opening or port to the passageway.In another embodiment the openings are provided in the upper and lower portions of the container.

Abstract: An incentive inhalation device which induces respiratory exercise and which is inexpensive, safe and easy to handle and operate. The device includes a container having a plurality of flow measurement chambers which are vertical when the device is in its upright position. In each chamber is housed a flow rate indicator, such as a light-weight article and ball, that normally rests at the bottom thereof. The bottom of each chamber is open to surrounding atmosphere and the top of each chamber is open to a passageway. In operation, the patient or user withdraws air from the air passageway and chambers. When the patient achieves the precalibrated flow rate or rates, the indicators will sequentially rise to the top of each chamber. In one embodiment of the invention the emphasis of the device is on duration by making the precalibrated rate of flow essentially the same for each chamber.

Abstract: An inhalation device which induces respiratory exercise and which is inexpensive, safe and easy to handle and operate. The device includes a flow measurement container in which is housed a flow rate indicator, such as a light-weight article or ball, that normally rests at the bottom of the container. Extending through the top wall are opposed ports. A restricted port connects the chamber to atmosphere and a large opposing port to a passageway through which a person inhales. With the inhalation device of the invention, the user, nurse, or therapist can readily measure the amount inspired. A predetermined amount of inhalation for a given time is required to raise the indicator to the top of the container and predetermined additional amounts of inhalation for a given additional times are required to maintain the article at the top thereof.

Abstract: An incentive inhalation device which induces respiratory exercise and which is inexpensive, safe and easy to handle and operate. The device includes a container having a plurality of flow measurement chambers which are vertical when the device is in its upright position. In each chamber is housed a flow rate indicator, such as a light-weight article and ball, that normally rests at the bottom thereof. The bottom of each chamber is open to surrounding atmosphere and the top of each chamber is open to a common passageway. In operation, the patient or user withdraws air from the common air passageway and chambers. When the patient achieves a precalibrated flow rate the indicators sequentially rise to the top of each chamber. To prevent disruption of air flow into the passageway and surprise or shock to the user, means are provided in the last chamber to prevent the indicator from closing the last chamber to the common air passageway.