Abstract: A nebulizer assembly for engagement in a ventilator circuit is provided in which the nebulizer can be used, maintained and serviced without breaking the ventilation circuit or causing turbulence in the system or loss of pressure. The assembly includes a coupler having two end ports and a lateral port. The coupler defines a chamber in communication with each of the ports. Each of the two end ports are engageable to ventilator circuit hose segments. A tubular housing defines a first opening at a first end and a second opening at an opposite end. The housing defines a passageway between the ends that is in communication with the first opening and the second opening. The first end of the housing is engageable to the lateral port of the coupler. The housing has a bend adjacent the first end of the housing. A valve is disposed within the housing adjacent the first end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sputum trap for an aspiration and respiratory support system which includes a manifold attachable to a specimen collection vial that is interposed between, and attached to, a suction control device and suction catheter device. The sputum trap allows for the collection of sputum directly from a patient through a suction catheter without causing a loss of Positive End Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) in the respiratory support system. The manifold includes a manifold body that has a first connector and a second connector for attachment to the suction control device and suction catheter, respectively, and an open port for secure attachment to the specimen collection vial. The manifold body further includes tethered first and second caps adapted for sealing the first and second connectors respectively from fluid flow communication once sufficient sputum has been collected in the specimen collection vial.

Abstract: A filter for a respiratory circuit has a housing with an inlet port and an outlet port for connection to respective breathing tubes. A gases space lies between the inlet and outlet ports and gases pass across the gases space from the inlet port to the outlet port in use. A filter media spans the gases space, dividing the gases space into an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber. Gases passing from the inlet port to the outlet port pass through the filter media. A surrounding outer wall surrounds the housing apart from the inlet port and outlet port and is spaced from the wall of the housing. One or more air pockets are created between the outer wall and the housing. The air pockets insulate the housing from ambient conditions.

Abstract: A device for securing a nasal cannula to a patient's head is disclosed. The device utilizes a thin round elastic band placed behind the patient's head and is attached to the cannula gas supply tube by cord couplers. The cord couplers are slidably attached to the gas supply tubes to allow fast and easy adjustment to size. The device is light, comfortable, inexpensive and simple to use. It prevents painful hair entanglement and allows single handed deployment and adjustment of a nasal cannula, while affording secured placement of the cannula during patient movement or sleep. Additionally, a nosepiece having a downwardly oriented U shape or arcuate fold in its center portion is disclose to prevent the cannula nosepiece from exerting excessive pressure against the patient's septum. A method of use is also disclosed.

Abstract: A connector for attachment of a breathing tube to a respirator. The connector includes a first conduit and a transition conduit that form a connector body. A cantilevered snap latch extends from the connector body. A connector assembly including a recessed receiving structure on a respirator helmet adapted for receiving the connector.

Abstract: A resuscitator having a collapsible bag with an inlet for attachment to a source of oxygen. The collapsible bag has a major outlet and a minor outlet. The major outlet is connected to a first arm of a three-armed connector. The minor outlet is attached to a flexible tube which, in turn, may either be connected to an adapter that is connected to the second arm of the three-armed connector or to a nebulizer or aerosolizer that is attached to the second arm of the three-armed connector. The third arm of the three-armed connector is connected to a housing containing a one-way valve to permit the flow of oxygen away from the collapsible bag and to preclude the flow of liquids and gases toward the collapsible bag. Preferably, the housing also contains, between the one-way valve and the second end of the housing, an exhaust aperture; and the exhaust aperture is preferably covered by a filter.

Abstract: A tubular respiratory assistance device which forms the wall of a main channel and is intended to be connected by its distal end to a patient's airway, so that the main channel connects the patient's respiratory system to the outside, and which has at least one auxiliary channel which is associated with deflection means for injecting a respiratory gas jet which is deflected toward the interior of the main channel and is intended to ventilate the patient. The tubular respiratory assistance device also has an annular chamber arranged at the periphery of it, coaxially with it on its distal end, and a distal annular orifice, the annular chamber communicating with the patient's respiratory system by means of the distal annular orifice and being provided with means for connection to the outside. Also, a respiratory assistance mask intended to be fitted to a patient's face which has this tubular respiratory assistance device for inlet and outlet of respiratory gas.