Abstract: A medical device includes a hollow needle having a distal end and a proximal end, and a substantially flexible storage chamber for storing a medical preparation. The storage chamber is disposed spaced apart from the proximal end of the needle. The medical device further includes a needle shield, means operable to advance the storage chamber toward the proximal end of the needle and enabling fluid communication thereof with the medical preparation in the storage chamber, and means operable to decommission the needle substantially immediately using the needle shield after injecting the medical preparation with the needle.

Abstract: A medical device includes a hollow needle having a distal end and a proximal end, and a substantially flexible storage chamber for storing a medical preparation. The storage chamber is disposed spaced apart from the proximal end of the needle. The medical device further includes a needle shield, a mechanism operable to advance the storage chamber toward the proximal end of the needle and enabling fluid communication thereof with the medical preparation in the storage chamber, and a mechanism operable to decommission the needle substantially immediately using the needle shield after injecting the medical preparation with the needle.

Abstract: An endotracheal intubation assistance device is disclosed. The device is placed under the head and shoulders of a patient in a supine position. The device comprises a first chamber being inflatable to raise the shoulders of the patient relative to the head of the patient thereby facilitating insertion and proper placement of a laryngoscope blade into the mouth of the patient. The device also comprises a second chamber coupled to the first chamber, the second chamber being inflatable to raise the head of the patient relative to the shoulders of the patient thereby facilitating visualization of the patient's glottis for insertion of an endotracheal tube. The device may also comprise a pressure applicator to apply pressure to a cricoid cartilage of the patient. The pressure applicator may comprise a pressure chamber which may be inflated to apply additional pressure.

Abstract: An endotracheal intubation assistance device is disclosed. The device is placed under the head and shoulders of a patient in a supine position. The device comprises a first chamber being inflatable to raise the shoulders of the patient relative to the head of the patient thereby facilitating insertion and proper placement of a laryngoscope blade into the mouth of the patient. The device also comprises a second chamber coupled to the first chamber, the second chamber being inflatable to raise the head of the patient relative to the shoulders of the patient thereby facilitating visualization of the patient's glottis for insertion of an endotracheal tube. The device may also comprise a pressure applicator to apply pressure to a cricoid cartilage of the patient. The pressure applicator may comprise a pressure chamber which may be inflated to apply additional pressure.

Abstract: A patient positioning assistance device is disclosed. The patient positioning assistance device is placed under the head of a patient in a supine position during endotracheal intubation of the patient. The device comprises a base and an inflatable chamber slidably coupled to the base to facilitate positioning of the chamber under the head of the patient and being operable to adjust a tilt position of the head of the patient to facilitate insertion and proper placement of a laryngoscope blade into the mouth of the patient.

Abstract: An endotracheal intubation assistance device is disclosed. The device is placed under the head and shoulders of a patient in a supine position. The device comprises a first chamber being inflatable to raise the shoulders of the patient relative to the head of the patient thereby facilitating insertion and proper placement of a laryngoscope blade into the mouth of the patient. The device also comprises a second chamber coupled to the first chamber, the second chamber being inflatable to raise the head of the patient relative to the shoulders of the patient thereby facilitating visualization of the patient's glottis for insertion of an endotracheal tube. The device may also comprise a pressure applicator to apply pressure to a cricoid cartilage of the patient. The pressure applicator may comprise a pressure chamber which may be inflated to apply additional pressure.

Abstract: A medical device includes a hollow needle having a distal end and a proximal end, and a substantially flexible storage chamber for storing a medical preparation. The storage chamber is disposed spaced apart from the proximal end of the needle. The medical device further includes a needle shield, means operable to advance the storage chamber toward the proximal end of the needle and enabling fluid communication thereof with the medical preparation in the storage chamber, and means operable to decommission the needle substantially immediately using the needle shield after injecting the medical preparation with the needle.

Abstract: A painless injection apparatus includes a first injector having a first storage chamber storing a numbing agent, a first needle, and a first plunger, and a second injector having a second storage chamber storing a medication, a second needle, and a second plunger. The injection apparatus further includes a plunger actuation device coupled to the first and second plungers and the second storage chamber. The plunger actuation device is adapted to sequentially advance the first plunger, the second storage chamber, and then the second plunger to inject the numbing agent and then the medication painlessly into a patient's tissues at the desired depths. The needles and medicine storage chambers are enclosed in a disposable portion of the injection apparatus which can be disposed of properly.

Abstract: The sight of a large I.V. needle makes one shiver with fright due to one's association of an I.V. needle with pain. An apparatus and method of anesthetizing the intended site for I.V. needle insertion is provided to reduce or eliminate the pain. In addition, apparatus and method may be used for diagnostic testing purposes to reduce the amount of pain associated with this procedure. The apparatus (10) comprises a storage chamber (12) containing an anesthetizing agent (22) and coupled to a seat member (14). The seat member (14) further holds a needle (16) in place and pierces the storage chamber (12). Alternate embodiments of the apparatus (10) include a seat member (46, 56) which allows the needle (52, 68) to penetrate the storage chamber (40, 62) just prior to use. The apparatus pierces the skin, injects the anesthetizing agent and induces a skin wheal at the intended I.V. site.

Abstract: The sight of a large I.V. needle makes one shiver with fright due to one's association of an I.V. needle with pain. An apparatus and method for anesthetizing the intended site for I.V. needle insertion is provided to reduce or eliminate the pain. The apparatus (10) comprises a storage chamber (12) containing an anesthetizing agent (22) and coupled to a seat member (14). The seat member (14) further holds a needle (16) in place and pierces the storage chamber (12). Alternate embodiments of the apparatus (10) include a seat member (46,56) which allows the needle (52,68) to penetrate the storage chamber (40,62) just prior to use. The apparatus pierces the skin, injects the anesthetizing agent and induces a skin wheal at the intended site.