Abstract: An oral cavity mounted photoacoustic sensing unit is disclosed. The sensing unit may include a light source, a photoacoustic detector, and a support assembly. The support assembly may be configured such that the light source and the photoacoustic detector are fixably located relative to the buccal or sublingual tissue of a subject.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a tracheal tube may include signal sources for providing information at various locations on the tube or in an inflated cuff. The signals from the signal sources may be triangulated to determine the location of the tube in relation to a reference point on the body. The location information may provide an indication as to whether or not the tracheal tube is properly placed within the trachea.

Abstract: Medical sensors configured to provide enhanced patient comfort when worn over a period of time are provided. The medical sensors may include a first padding layer and a second padding layer disposed on either side of an emitter and a detector for measuring a physiological parameter of a patient. The medical sensors may also include an island padding layer secured to a patient-facing side of the second padding layer for reducing localized pressure points that may be caused by protrusions of the sensor. Additionally or alternatively, certain edges of the sensors may be rounded and/or stepped to reduce marking on the patient's tissue and to reduce strain and shear forces produced on the patient's tissue. Still further, certain embodiments provide enhanced light transmission between the emitter and detector of the sensors.

Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring a physiological parameter of tissue in a patient are provided herein. In a first example, tissue interface pad for applying optical signals to tissue of a patient is provided. The tissue interface pad includes a first surface configured to interface with the tissue of the patient and further includes a first guide channel disposed generally parallel to a second guide channel. The first guide channel is configured to route an input optical fiber to a first location and optically couple an end of the input optical fiber to the tissue at the first location. The second guide channel is configured to route an output optical fiber to a second location and optically couple an end of the output optical fiber to the tissue at the second location.

Abstract: Various embodiments of tracheostomy tube assemblies including a cannula and a flange are provided. One of the cannula and the flange includes a pair of slots and the other of the cannula and the flange includes a pair of protrusions adapted to be received by the pair of slots. The pair of slots and the pair of protrusions enable two or more degrees of freedom of movement of the flange with respect to the cannula.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a tracheal tube may employ optical sensing techniques for determining a distance between the inserted tube and an anatomical structure such as a carina. The distance information may provide an indication as to whether or not the tracheal tube is properly placed within the trachea. The optical techniques may include interferometry.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a tracheal tube may employ optical sensing techniques for determining a distance between the inserted tube and an anatomical structure, such as a carina. The distance information may provide an indication as to whether or not the tracheal tube is properly placed within the trachea. The optical techniques may include time of flight techniques.

Abstract: Headbands configured to provide pressure against a medical sensor secured to a patient's forehead are provided. The headbands may include one or more low friction materials to enable an elastic band of a tensioning mechanism to evenly stretch. Additionally or alternatively, the headbands may include two or more bands adapted to secure the headband to various portions of a patient's head. Still further, the headbands may be configured to independently vary the pressure created between two or more sensors and the patient's head.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to sensors for applying pressure to a patient's tissue. According to certain embodiments, the sensors may include one or more deformable elements that hold the optical components of the sensor against the tissue with an appropriate amount of pressure. In additional embodiments, such sensors may include a rigid one-piece sensor body that incorporates a deformable element to facilitate fine-fitting of the sensor against the tissue.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes systems and methods that utilize a multi-lumen tube with an integral visualization apparatus, such as a camera. The multi-lumen tracheal tube system may include a camera apparatus that is positioned to facilitate left or right bronchial intubation. In addition, the camera apparatus may be a unitary assembly that functions to hold and position the camera relative to the tube and provides an acceptable profile for comfortable intubation. The camera apparatus may include additional components, such as integral light sources and flushing or cleaning devices to remove any buildup from the camera or optical components.

Abstract: An inflatable balloon cuff may be adapted to seal a patient's trachea when associated with an endotracheal tube. These cuffs may include indicia that facilitate attachment of the cuff relative to the tube to reduce manufacturing variability for such characteristics as rotational and length alignment. Such indicia may include protrusions that are formed in the wall of the cuff collars or may include visual indicators, e.g., colorimetric or shape-wise indicators. Cuffs with improved attachment relative to the tube may have increased sealing performance.

Abstract: Various embodiments of tracheal tube assemblies disclosed herein may include a tubular body having an open distal end for ventilating a patient and a cuff disposed around the tubular body above the open distal end. The cuff may be adapted to be inflated to seal the cuff against a wall of a trachea of the patient. The cuff may include a first portion that spaces the tubular body a first distance from the tracheal wall when inflated and a second portion that spaces the tubular body a second distance from the tracheal wall when inflated. The second distance may be greater than the first distance.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes systems and methods that utilize a tracheal tube with a reduced profile. An inflatable balloon cuff may be positioned within a recessed portion of an outer wall of the tracheal tube to reduce the overall profile of the tracheal tube. In this manner, protrusion of the inflatable balloon cuff from the tube is minimized, which protects the cuff from damage (e.g., snagging) and eases intubation. In addition, in certain embodiments, the recessed portion may change the outer wall diameter of the tube wall without affecting the inner wall diameter so that the work of breathing for the patient is not increased.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a tracheal tube may employ optical sensing techniques for determining a distance between the inserted tube and an anatomical structure, such as a carina. The distance information may provide an indication as to whether or not the tracheal tube is properly placed within the trachea. The optical techniques may include backscattered intensity measurements.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes systems and methods having a dual-lumen tube with an assembly end. The assembly end may be molded and coupled to an extruded portion of the tube to form a complete dual-lumen tube. The assembly end may form the distal portion of the dual-lumen tube, which may simplify the manufacturing process by eliminating cutting and shaping steps involved in forming the distal ends of the ventilation lumens. The assembly end may be molded or otherwise formed so that the distal portion is not cut to length. In addition, the assembly end may include addition functionality, such as a camera apparatus or one or more sensors.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an intubation system include a tracheal tube and an illumination assembly that is removably couplable to a tubular body of the tracheal tube. The tracheal tube may be a double lumen tracheal tube having a first cuff that is adapted to be inflated to seal against the walls of a patient's trachea and a second cuff that is adapted to be inflated to seal against the walls of the patient's bronchial stem. The illumination assembly may have one or more illumination devices that are adapted to produce light within the patient's trachea, the patient's bronchial stem, or both when the illumination assembly is coupled to the tubular body.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a tracheal tube may employ optical sensing techniques for determining a distance between the inserted tube and an anatomical structure, such as a carina. The distance information may provide an indication as to whether or not the tracheal tube is properly placed within the trachea. The optical techniques may include backscattered intensity measurements.

Abstract: Various embodiments of tracheostomy tube assemblies including a cannula and a flange are provided. One of the cannula and the flange includes a pair of slots and the other of the cannula and the flange includes a pair of protrusions adapted to be received by the pair of slots. The pair of slots and the pair of protrusions enable two or more degrees of freedom of movement of the flange with respect to the cannula.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes systems and methods that utilize a multi-lumen tube with an integral visualization apparatus, such as a camera. The multi-lumen tracheal tube system may include a camera apparatus that is positioned to facilitate left or right bronchial intubation. In addition, the camera apparatus may be a unitary assembly that functions to hold and position the camera relative to the tube and provides an acceptable profile for comfortable intubation. The camera apparatus may include additional components, such as integral light sources and flushing or cleaning devices to remove any buildup from the camera or optical components.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an intubation system include a tracheal tube, a heat source coupled to the tracheal tube, and a temperature sensor disposable in a patient's trachea to detect a temperature within the patient's trachea. The heat source is adapted to generate heat when the tracheal tube is disposed in the airway of the patient. A temperature control system coupled to the heat source is adapted to monitor the detected temperature and to control generation of heat from the heat source based on the detected temperature.