Abstract: An endotracheal tube assembly (10) is disclosed which suctions away bacteria multiplying mucus before such mucus can accumulate on the inside walls of the endotracheal tube (14). In the preferred embodiment, one or more suctioning tubes (20, 21) are formed into the walls of an endotracheal tube so that they extend along length of the endotracheal tube. A plurality of mucus slurping holes (34) are then formed at or near the distal end of the endotracheal tube and connected to the suctioning tubes. In operation, suctioning through the mucus slurping holes is preferably performed intermittently during patient expiration. By timing this intermittent suctioning with patient expiration, the suctioning flow will be in the same direction as patient breathing.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube assembly (10) is disclosed which suctions away bacteria multiplying mucus before such mucus can accumulate on the inside walls of the endotracheal tube (14). In the preferred embodiment, one or more suctioning tubes (20, 21) are formed into the walls of an endotracheal tube so that they extend along length of the endotracheal tube. A plurality of mucus slurping holes (34) are then formed at or near the distal end of the endotracheal tube and connected to the suctioning tubes. In operation, suctioning through the mucus slurping holes is preferably performed intermittently during patient expiration. By timing this intermittent suctioning with patient expiration, the suctioning flow will be in the same direction as patient breathing.

Abstract: A tracheal tube ventilation apparatus to more effectively remove expired gases. In one preferred embodiment, one or more leak holes are created in the side walls of an endotracheal tube so that expired gases can leak out of the endotracheal tube above the larynx, such as into the back of the mouth (i.e., oropharynx). Each leak hole might advantageously have a diameter between 0.5 and 4.0 mm. In another preferred embodiment, a tube is attached to a proportionately larger leak hole (e.g., up to 8.0 mm) so that the expired gases can be directed away from the leak hole to a specific location, such as directed out of the mouth. In the case of mechanically controlled ventilation, a positive end expiratory pressure can be applied to this tube to mechanically assist with the process of exhaling. In each of these embodiments, it is preferred, but not required, that the endotracheal tube be an ultra-thin walled, two stage tube so as to further assist in the reduction of resistance to the flow of oxygen/air.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube cleaning apparatus 10 which can be periodically inserted into the inside of an endotracheal tube 30 to shave away mucus deposits. In a preferred embodiment, this cleaning apparatus 10 comprises a flexible central tube 12 with an inflatable balloon 40 at its distal end. Affixed to the inflatable balloon are one or more shaving rings 70, each having a squared leading edge 72, to shave away mucus accumulations 60. In operation, the uninflated cleaning apparatus 10 is inserted into the endotracheal tube. The balloon 40 is then inflated by a suitable inflation device, such as a syringe 14, until the balloon's shaving rings are pressed against the inside surface of the endotracheal tube. The cleaning apparatus is then pulled out of the endotracheal tube to shave off mucus deposits.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube cleaning apparatus 10 which can be periodically inserted into the inside of an endotracheal tube 30 to shave away mucus deposits. In a preferred embodiment, this cleaning apparatus 10 comprises a flexible central tube 12 with an inflatable balloon 40 at its distal end. Affixed to the inflatable balloon are one or more shaving rings 70, each having a squared leading edge 72 to shave away mucus accumulations 60. In operation, the uninflated cleaning apparatus 10 of the present invention is inserted into the endotracheal tube until its distal end is properly aligned with or slightly beyond the distal end of the endotracheal tube. After proper alignment, the balloon 40 is inflated by a suitable inflation device, such as a syringe 14, until the balloon's shaving rings are pressed against the inside surface of the endotracheal tube.

Abstract: A spontaneous breathing apparatus and method. The apparatus includes: a source of oxygen containing gas (7); a catheter (5) in flow communication with the source of oxygen containing gas (7) and configured to be introduced into a subject's trachea (1) through a tracheostomy for delivering oxygen containing gas therein; a tracheostomy tube (9) disposed adjacent the catheter (5) and having one end configured to be disposed in the subject's trachea (1); and a pressure actuated threshold valve (32) connected to another end of the tracheostomy tube (9), the valve (32) being configured for venting a gas existing within the subject's trachea (1) at the one end of the tracheostomy tube (9) when the gas exceeds a threshold pressure of the valve (32), the valve (32) thereby being effective for reducing pressure within the subject's trachea 1) when the pressure within the subject's trachea (1) exceeds the threshold pressure.

Abstract: A tracheal tube ventilation apparatus to more effectively remove expired gases. In one preferred embodiment, one or more leak holes are created in the side walls of an endotracheal tube so that expired gases can leak out of the endotracheal tube above the larynx, such as into the back of the mouth (i.e., oropharynx). Each leak hole might advantageously have a diameter between 0.5 and 4.0 mm. In another preferred embodiment, a tube is attached to a proportionately larger leak hole (e.g., up to 8.0 mm) so that the expired gases can be directed away from the leak hole to a specific location, such as directed out of the mouth. In the case of mechanically controlled ventilation, a positive end expiratory pressure can be applied to this tube to mechanically assist with the process of exhaling. In each of these embodiments, it is preferred, but not required, that the endotracheal tube be an ultra-thin walled, two stage tube so as to further assist in the reduction of resistance to the flow of oxygen/air.

Abstract: A highly elastic, adjustable helical coil stent (10) has a helical coil (20) which can be contracted around a small diameter catheter (12) for percutaneous insertion into a human body and then can be remotely expanded back to its original shape when positioned at the desired location within the human body. The helical coil is preferably formed of a metal alloy (25) with high elasticity, such as superelastic Nitinol, encased within an elastomer (26). The helical coil is affixed at its distal end to a catheter and affixed at its proximal end to a control tube (30). By rotating the control tube in one direction relative to the catheter (e.g., clockwise), the helical coil contracts and by rotating the control tube in the opposite direction (e.g., counterclockwise), the helical coil expands. The adjustable helical coil stent of the present invention is particularly useful for total or partial heart assist during heart bypass procedures.

Abstract: An ultra thin walled wire reinforced endotracheal tubing includes a thin walled tubing comprising a polymeric material having a spring material incorporated therewith. Utilization of the spring wire material in combination with polymeric material results in a reduced wall thickness which results in a significant decrease in resistance to air flow through the endotracheal tubing. The endotracheal tubing of the present invention is made by depositing a dissolvable polymeric material on a rotating mandrel in successive layers. A spring material is also applied around the mandrel to produce the ultra thin walled wire reinforced endotracheal tubing. By controlling the rate of deposition of polymeric material along the length of the mandrel, different wall thicknesses of tubing may be achieved.

Abstract: An ultra thin walled wire reinforced endotracheal tubing includes a thin walled tubing comprising a polymeric material having a spring material incorporated therewith. Utilization of the spring wire material in combination with polymeric material results in a reduced wall thickness which results in a significant decrease in resistance to air flow through the endotracheal tubing. The endotracheal tubing of the present invention is made by depositing a dissolvable polymeric material on a rotating mandrel in successive layers. A spring material is also applied around the mandrel to produce the ultra thin walled wire reinforced endotracheal tubing. By controlling the rate of deposition of polymeric material along the length of the mandrel, different wall thicknesses of tubing may be achieved.

Abstract: A passive continuous positive airway intratracheal pulmonary ventilation system which includes an inspiration limb and an expiration limb which are pressure balanced by inflatable bags. An intratracheal pulmonary ventilation system is provided which includes a catheter having a tip which is positioned through a low resistance endotracheal tube at or near a patient's carina. A constant source of an oxygen-containing gas flows through the catheter. The catheter has a tip which deflects and reverses the flow direction of the oxygen-containing gas.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube apparatus (10) which can efficiently impart air to the lungs of a human or animal while preventing the harmful build up of mucus deposits on critical parts of the apparatus. This endotracheal tube apparatus features an endotracheal tube (12) and a catheter (14) which are together inserted into the trachea (16) of a human or animal to a point slightly above the carina (28) of the lungs. Humidified air entrained with water or saline droplets from reservoir (56) is pumped into and through the catheter. The catheter features a reverse thrust catheter (RTC) tip (60, 62, 64, 80) at its distal end (24) which reverses the direction of humidified air flow away from the lungs. The RTC tip serves to protect the lungs from accumulation of water or saline droplets while the water or saline droplets continually clean both the catheter and endotracheal tube by dissolving and expelling any mucus which might otherwise accumulate.

Abstract: An ultra thin walled wire reinforced endotracheal tubing includes a thin walled tubing comprising a polymeric material having a spring material incorporated therewith. Utilization of the spring wire material in combination with polymeric material results in a reduced wall thickness which results in a significant decrease in resistance to air flow through the endotracheal tubing. The endotracheal tubing of the present invention is made by depositing a dissolvable polymeric material on a rotating mandrel in. successive layers. A spring material is also applied around the mandrel to produce the ultra thin walled wire reinforced endotracheal tubing. By controlling the rate of deposition of polymeric material along the length of the mandrel, different wall thicknesses of tubing may be achieved.

Abstract: An ultra-thin wire reinforced endotracheal tube which includes a novel sealing design adapted to fit in a complementary manner in a subject's larynx. The endotracheal tube includes a laryngeal section which has a cross sectional shape and size that are complementary to a subject's glottis. Preferably, the laryngeal section has an oval or egg-shaped cross section. A plurality of thin, pliable sealing "gills" are provided on the surface of the laryngeal section. The gills provide a fluid tight seal which does not harm a subject's larynx. The endotracheal tube is reinforced with a metallic spring material. In a preferred embodiment, the metallic spring material is a shape memory alloy. The use of a shape memory alloy prevents damage to the endotracheal tube caused by distortion, such as kinking, crushing, etc.

Abstract: A sealing element for a tubular member such as an endotracheal tube which includes a circular collar portion and a pliable flange or gill. One or more of the sealing elements are positioned on a tubular member such as an endotracheal tube. When the tubular member is inserted into a lumen such as a trachea, the pliable flange(s) or gill(s) forms a seal between the outer wall of the tubular member and the inner wall of the lumen. In the case of endotracheal tubes the sealing elements replace conventional inflatable cuffs and allow for tubes having diameters less than 5 mm.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for intratracheal ventilation (ITV) and intratracheal pulmonary ventilation (ITPV) in which a catheter positioned in a patient's trachea at the carina supplies a constant supply of fresh oxygen containing gas to flush anatomical dead space. By positioning the catheter in the patient's trachea, the dead space of the trachea is bypassed and the trachea is only utilized for expiration. By providing a timed expiratory valve in the ITPV mode, lower pressures and fresh oxygen flow rates may be utilized with respiratory rates from 10 to 120 breaths per minute or higher. The catheter has a diffuser tip, and the patient is ventilated at a flow rate between 0.54 to 4 times the anatomical dead space per breath.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for intratracheal ventilation (ITV) and intratracheal pulmonary ventilation (ITPV) in which a catheter positioned in a patient's trachea at the carina supplies a constant supply of fresh oxygen containing gas to flush anatomical dead space. By positioning the catheter in the patient's trachea, the dead space of the trachea is bypassed and the trachea is only utilized for expiration. The catheter includes a catheter tip which directs the constant supply of fresh oxygen containing gas in a manner so as to create sub-atmospheric pressures near the carina and thus allows control of intratracheal airway pressures during the entire respiratory cycle and prevents overinflation of the lungs.

Abstract: Long term closed chest partial and total cardiopulmonary bypass by peripheral cannulation for severe right and/or left ventricular failure is achieved by the use of a percutaneous coil positioned in the pulmonary artery across the pulmonary artery valve to decompress the left heart.

Abstract: A monolithic multi-channel integrated flow circuit comprising a support matrix sheet or plate impressed or embossed with the desired circuitry; the desired circuit elements such as transfer conduit and separation columns are integral with and defined by the support matrix, which conveniently comprises a first deformable support sheet embossed with the circuits elements by thermoforming techniques, and bonded to a support blank or correspondingly embossed second support sheet to complete and define the circuit.

Abstract: A centrifugal blood component separator with a spiral helically inclined rotor chamber. The apparatus uses continuous blood flow-through without rotating seals. At the lower end of the helical rotor chamber there are terminals for blood input and packed red blood cell output, whereas at the higher end there is a terminal for plasma. Intermediate outlet terminals may be provided for white blood cells and platelets.