Abstract: A medical device clamping assembly includes proximal and distal axially aligned members. The proximal and distal members are movable relative to each other. A channel is defined through the members for receipt of at least a portion of a treatment device therethrough. A clamping member is configured between the proximal and distal members and defines a portion of the channel. The clamping member is actuated between an unclamped configuration and a clamped configuration by moving one of the distal or proximal members relative to the other. In its clamped position, the clamping member clamps upon and restricts axial movement of the treatment device through the assembly; however, the assembling may move on or within the treatment device and does not necessarily limit at least partial retraction of the device from a patient but rather only restricts insertion of the device beyond that point at which the assembly contacts a stopper.

Abstract: A connector for a respiratory assembly is provided. The connector includes a body that has a first end and a second end. The body has a passage disposed therethrough from the first end to the second end to allow for transport of fluids and objects through the body. The passage changes direction approximately 120° between the first end and the second end. The first end includes a coupling that is configured to rotatably engage a first member of the respiratory assembly. The second end includes a coupling that is configured to rotatably engage a second member of the respiratory assembly.

Abstract: A support arm for use in a respiratory circuit is provided. The support arm includes a plurality of arm segments that are movably connected with one another such that the arm segments are adjustable with respect to another. At least one inflatable bladder is provided. The bladder is operably disposed at a point of connection between at least two of the arm segments. The arm segments are locked into position with respect to one another upon inflation of the bladder. The arm segments are released and positionable with respect to one another upon deflation of the bladder. Also, a respiratory support member is attached to one of the arm segments. The respiratory support member is configured for engaging the respiratory circuit to support the respiratory circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the removal of condensate from an operational gas directing conduit. Unlike prior devices, the apparatus and method of the present invention provide for condensate removal along a gas directing conduit or system at points other than between gas directing conduit connections or at terminal points of the gas directing conduit. Periodic aspiration of accumulated liquid from the apparatus without interruption of gas flow through the gas directing conduit may also be facilitated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the removal of condensate from an operational gas directing conduit. Unlike prior devices, the apparatus and method of the present invention provide for condensate removal along a gas directing conduit or system at points other than between gas directing conduit connections or at terminal points of the gas directing conduit. Periodic aspiration of accumulated liquid from the apparatus without interruption of gas flow through the gas directing conduit may also be facilitated.

Abstract: A support arm for use in a respiratory circuit is provided. The support arm includes a plurality of arm segments that are movably connected with one another such that the arm segments are adjustable with respect to another. At least one inflatable bladder is provided. The bladder is operably disposed at a point of connection between at least two of the arm segments. The arm segments are locked into position with respect to one another upon inflation of the bladder. The arm segments are released and positionable with respect to one another upon deflation of the bladder. Also, a respiratory support member is attached to one of the arm segments. The respiratory support member is configured for engaging the respiratory circuit to support the respiratory circuit.

Abstract: A connector for a respiratory assembly is provided. The connector includes a body that has a first end and a second end. The body has a passage disposed therethrough from the first end to the second end to allow for transport of fluids and objects through the body. The passage changes direction approximately 120° between the first end and the second end. The first end includes a coupling that is configured to rotatably engage a first member of the respiratory assembly. The second end includes a coupling that is configured to rotatably engage a second member of the respiratory assembly.

Abstract: A system to provide inspiratory air to a patient having a humidification mechanism including an inspiratory gas inlet and an inspiratory gas outlet in fluid communication with the inspiratory gas inlet. The humidification mechanism may be adapted to humidify inspiratory air flowing into the inspiratory gas inlet and exiting the humidification mechanism through the inspiratory gas outlet. A patient inspiratory gas tube is provided to extend between the inspiratory gas outlet of the humidification mechanism and a patient, the patient inspiratory gas tube being adapted to provide inspiratory gas to a patient. A patient expiratory gas tube may provide a flow path for expiratory gas from a patient.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed by which a closed ventilating system accommodates multiple access to the respiratory system of an intubated medical patient. Access to the respiratory system is accomplished via one or more access ports through an attached accessory device in order to ventilate the lungs of the patent with gas or gasses, aspirate secretions from the lungs, oxygenate the lungs, visually inspect selected parts of the respiratory system, sample sputum and gasses, sense parameters such as flow rates, pressure, and temperature, flush the respiratory tract with washing solution, and/or administer medication, gasses, and/or lavage. The embodiments of the present invention may have such accessory devices permanently fixed to the adaptor or may be removable and replaceable. Access control means may be provided whereby one or more access ports are selectively aligned with the adaptor in order to allow passage of an attached accessory device therethrough.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed by which a closed ventilating system accommodates multiple access to the respiratory system of an intubated medical patient without comprising the closed character of the system. Access to the respiratory system through one or more access sites of the closed system apparatus is provided at proximal adapter ports to ventilate the lungs of the patient with gas or gases, to aspirate secretions from the lungs, to oxygenate the lungs to eliminate or reduce residual co.sub.2 therefrom, to visually inspect selected parts of the respiratory system, to sample sputum and gases, to sense parameters such as flow rates, pressure, and temperature, to flush with washing solution, and/or to administer medication, gases, and/or lavage.