Abstract: A balloon catheter device with a fluid management system includes a source of balloon fill media and a balloon catheter in fluid communication with the source of balloon fill media. A first conduit is provided for delivering the balloon fill media from the source to the balloon catheter for inflation of a balloon of the catheter device. A second conduit is provided for returning the balloon fill media from the balloon catheter to the source for deflating the balloon. A first pump is disposed along one of the first conduit and the second conduit for pumping the balloon fill media through the respective conduits.

Abstract: A pressure controller 1 supplies fluid to a cuff and controls an internal pressure of the cuff. The pressure controller 1 has a housing 10 having a flattened shape. In the housing 10, a pump 31 having a discharge port 33 through which the fluid is discharged and which is directed in a thickness direction of the housing 10, and a control module 20 which controls the pump 31 such that the internal pressure of the cuff falls within a predetermined range, are disposed. A filter 39 which has elasticity and has lower thermal conductivity than the housing 10 is disposed at a side opposite to the discharge port 33 and between the pump 31 and an inner surface of the housing 10.

Abstract: A rotary occlusion valve for tracheotomy is described, used in the medical field, which allows the function of occluding the flow, both inspiratory and expiratory, of a particular patient, depending on his or her clinical condition or ventilatory limitations, thus permitting the execution of the two steps of respiration, inspiration and expiration. The valve consists in a device composed of a main body in the form of a cylinder inside which is a bearing, a safety grille, a tab, and an oxygen connection port. Said main body is joined to a rotary one-way valve containing a spherical ball, an orifice in its center, windows, pillars, and a tab. Finally, the one-way valve contains a membrane consisting of a grip port and a diaphragm.

Abstract: A system for controlling and monitoring flow in a cuffed endotracheal tube device is disclosed. The system comprises: a connector panel having at least three connectors adapted for establishing fluid communication with proximal ends of at least a first fluid line, a second fluid line and a cuff inflation line of the endotracheal tube device. The system can further comprise a processing unit and a control unit, wherein the processing unit is configured to instruct the control unit to execute various operations, including at least a rinsing procedure, a suctioning procedure, a cuff inflation procedure, a leak detection procedure and a venting procedure, and to select any of the first and the second fluid lines for any of the rinsing, suctioning, leak detection and venting procedures. In some embodiments, the system exploits the cuff as sensor to sense pulmonary data.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally a manufacturing process which results in a completely hydrogel polymer device that maintains lumen patency which allows for numerous applications. One or more physical post-implantation dimensions of the device can be controlled by placing it in a solution that has a predetermined osmolarity and/or pH. In addition, the device can deliver an absorbed therapeutic agent to a target anatomical site. Alternatively, the device can function as a selective membrane to selectively absorb one or more target molecules from a body fluid.

Abstract: Nasal respiratory assembly includes flexible tubing connected to a fluid source. The flexible tubing includes a pair of receptacles through which the fluid is dispensed, a pair of posts, and a connector with a central opening sized and shaped to cooperate with one of the receptacles. Each post includes a flange sized and shaped to fit over the nostril of a patient; a main body comprising a passageway configured therein.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an auxiliary visible light rod for multisource end-expiratory CO2 monitoring. The auxiliary visible light rod comprises a handle, a pump body, a medicine compartment, a rod body and a bracket. The handle is separately connected with the medicine compartment, the pump body and the rod body, and one end of the rod body is connected with a rod head. A lamp and an atomizing head are arranged in the rod head. A circuit tube is connected with the external wall of the rod body, one end of the circuit tube is connected with a display screen, and the other end of the circuit tube is connected with a camera in the rod head. The bracket sleeves the rod body and is fixed to the outer side of an oral cavity or a chin of a patient, and thus the stability of the rod body is improved.

Abstract: A bite block includes a hollow oral cavity insert part, a plate and a hollow outside part. The hollow oral cavity insert part is in contacts with an oral cavity of a subject at the time of attaching the bite block to the subject. The plate is formed in a flange shape extending from the oral cavity insert part. A hollow outside part includes an exposed portion which is exposed to an outside of the oral cavity at the time of attaching, and communicates with a hole of the oral cavity insert part. In the bite block, the hollow outside part includes at least one through hole with which an external device is attached to the bite block, on the exposed portion.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems are provided for occluding a collateral flow channel between a target lung compartment and an adjacent lung compartment. A video-assisted thoracoscopic device is inserted into a thoracic cavity of a patient and positioned at a fissure between a target lung compartment and an adjacent lung compartment. A collateral flow channel between the target lung compartment and the adjacent lung compartment is then identified using the video-assisted thoracoscopic device and an agent is injected into the collateral flow channel, thereby reducing the collateral flow channel.

Abstract: A device for targeted delivery of a substance to an airway may include a conduit and at least two applicators. The conduit may include a proximal end and a bifurcated distal portion having two distal ends. Each applicator may be coupled with one of the distill ends of the conduit and may be configured to direct the substance out of the applicator toward one of two sides of an airway. A method for targeted delivery of a substance to an airway may involve advancing a substance delivery device into the airway, contacting two sides of the airway with at least two applicators of the substance delivery device, such that each applicator contacts the airway near a glossopharyngeal nerve and/or a superior laryngeal nerve on each of the two sides of the airway, and delivering the substance through the applicators to contact the airway along the two sides.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube assembly with a plurality of curved portions is provided. A first curved portion in the endotracheal tube assembly is located adjacent to an insertion end thereof with a curvature that matches the curvature of a video laryngoscope (e.g., Glidescope®). A second curved portion in the endotracheal tube assembly is located in a central portion of the endotracheal tube assembly. The curvature of the first curved portion is greater than the curvature of the second curved portion. The first curved portion is bent at an angle of between about 120° and about 150° with respect to a straight portion of the endotracheal tube assembly. The second curved portion is bent at an angle of between about 30° and about 60° with respect to the straight portion of the endotracheal tube assembly.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an adaptor or attachment which is suitable for integration into the patient circuit of a ventilation system, such as a non-invasive open ventilation system, is configured for attachment to any standard ventilation mask, and is outfitted with a jet pump which creates pressure and flow by facilitating the entrainment of ambient air. The adaptor comprises a base element and a nozzle element which are operatively coupled to each other. The base element further defines a throat and at least one entrainment port facilitating a path of fluid communication between the throat and ambient air. The nozzle element includes a jet nozzle, and a connector which is adapted to facilitate the fluid coupling of the nozzle element to a bi-lumen tube of the patient circuit. The connector includes both a delivery port and a sensing port.

Abstract: A cuff pressure management device (10) for a tracheal breathing tube (54) with an inflatable cuff (90), comprises a volume displacement subsystem (36), a pressure transducer (44), a compliance determination circuit (34), and a cuff pressure controller (24). The volume displacement subsystem provides (i) a measured volume of pressurized gas to and from the cuff and (ii) a cuff gas volume signal. The pressure transducer provides a cuff gas pressure signal. The compliance determination circuit is configured to calculate cuff compliance and an estimated tracheal airway compliance based on the gas volume signal and the gas pressure signal. The cuff pressure controller is in controlling communication with the volume displacement subsystem and the compliance determination circuit to maintain cuff pressure based on the calculated cuff compliance.

Abstract: A suction device for use with a medical device may include a suction device body and an extension. The suction device body may include a first lumen positioned therein and including a plurality of holes. The extension may include a second lumen positioned therein and may be coupled to the suction device body and configured to facilitate connection of the suction device body to a suction line. The second lumen may be in communication with/open to the first lumen and the suction line may be adapted for connection to a pump configured to apply a negative pressure to the first and second lumens. The suction device may evacuate fluids and/or solids from a patient in an area proximate to the suction device.

Abstract: Airway devices, systems, and methods are provided that can achieve ventilation of lungs through a mask that seals around the glottis and connects to a flexible airway channel, while also providing evacuation of gastric and/or pharyngeal body fluid and/or blood during upper airway surgeries or procedures.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for in-situ and instantaneous measurement of a pressure gradient by real-time localized pressure measurement with two or more pressure sensors, operating with respect to blood pressure gradient across the aortic valve, or other heart valves, and associated regurgitation of blood flow due to leakage resulting from insufficient valve closure. The system includes a multi-sensor catheter, with sensors arranged along the length of the distal segment of the catheter body, spaced apart to provide simultaneous pressure measurement on either side of the valves of the heart, in addition to one or more lumina in the core of the catheter that will provide a path for introduction of diagnostic fluids which flow out through a multitude of holes in the body of the distal segment of the catheter body.

Abstract: An add-on device and method for an Endo-Tracheal Tube (ETT), the add-on device including a lengthy body having a major arc-shaped cross section sized and shaped to tightly fit over an ETT, at least one longitudinal cavity passing along the lengthy body, including a distal suction cavity ending with a suction inlet at a distal end of the lengthy body; and a distal suction outlet channel extending from a proximal end of the lengthy body, the channel is a continuous extension of the distal suction cavity and configured to provide suction to the distal suction cavity. The add-on device senses moisture at a distal end of the add-on device, and in case of detection of excessive wetness, provides suction to the distal end of the device through a cavity passing along the device, the suction is provided via a suction outlet channel extending from a proximal end of the device.

Abstract: A ventilator conduit for a reversible airway device (RAD) is provided. The RAD can include a supra-glottic support member connected to a tubular guide (TG) having oppositely disposed proximal and distal end portions and TG lumen, which extends between the ends and is defined by an inner surface. The RAD can be physically free of an endotracheal tube. The ventilator conduit can include a hollow tube having first and second ends, and a ventilator conduit lumen extending between the ends. The first and second ends can be adapted for connection to a ventilator circuit and insertion into the TG lumen, respectively. At least the second end of the hollow tube can be sized and dimensioned so that, upon insertion into the TG, an outer surface of the second end is brought into direct contact with a portion of the inner surface to form an air-tight seal therebetween.

Abstract: An assembly for an autoinjector device, the assembly including a syringe support for supporting a syringe by limiting forward axial movement of the syringe relative to the syringe support, and a guard element attachable to the syringe support by an attachment so that the guard element is axially restrained both axially forwardly and axially rearwardly relative to the syringe support by the attachment. Forwardly directed axial loads received by the guard element are transmitted to the syringe support via the attachment.

Abstract: A catheter assembly may include an over-the-needle catheter and introducer needle. The catheter may include a distal tip and an elongate tubular portion proximate the distal tip of the catheter. The distal tip may be constructed of a first material and may include at least a portion of a stepped surface. The tubular portion may be constructed of a second material having a harder durometer than the first material. The introducer needle may include a needle feature having another stepped surface configured to abut the stepped surface of the catheter when the introducer needle is in an insertion position such that proximal movement of the distal tip of the catheter relative to the introducer needle is inhibited.

Abstract: An endovascular apparatus, including an elongated catheter having an inner lumen extending therethrough; a balloon affixed to the catheter for expansion into the inner lumen of the catheter when the balloon is inflated; and a tube secured relative to the balloon, wherein the tube is configured to enable selective inflation and deflation of the balloon, and wherein an outer diameter of a portion of the catheter adjacent the balloon is substantially the same when the balloon is inflated and when the balloon is deflated.

Abstract: A medical appliance for the treatment of one or more sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea in a patient, the appliance comprising: a biasing member for inserting behind and exerting a force upon the patient's soft palate or tongue, wherein the biasing member is inserted in a reduced or minimized form and then expanded or firms once in place to exert the force. The appliance may be nasally inserted or be placed through the mouth. In a particular configuration, both the soft palate and tongue are biased to prevent obstruction of the flow of air in the nasopharyngeal airway.

Abstract: There is provided an LMA mask integrated for robotic surgery with ventilation or anesthesia tubes and for receiving the robot head with medical instruments through the mask. The inflatable cuff of the mask surrounds the robot head and ventilation so that the items necessary for surgical procedures are contained within a compact defined area. Increased maneuverability and visibility for the medical professional. Integration of the mask with processes for ventilation or anesthesia by accessories is also provided.

Abstract: A delivery sheath includes an outer tubular layer and an initially folded inner tubular layer. When an implant passes therethrough, the outer tubular layer expands and the inner tubular layer unfolds into an expanded lumen diameter. The sheath may also include selectively placed longitudinal support rods that mediate friction between the inner and outer tubular layers to facilitate easy expansion, thereby reducing the push force needed to advance the implant through the sheath's lumen.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a device and method for managing urinary incontinence. The device includes a platform, a balloon, and a valve. The platform and balloon can include a silicone material, a thermoplastic material, and an adhesive and/or a cement for sealing the urethra. The thermoplastic and silicone materials can soften at the body temperature so that their shape can be adapted to fit the three-dimensional contour of surfaces of the urethra. The balloon seals the internal orifice of the urethra, and the platform can block the leakage associated with the balloon. The valve permits selective urine voiding. The method includes inserting the device into the urethra and the bladder. The method can also include inflating the balloon. The method can further include pulling the balloon so that the balloon is in sealing contact with the neck of the bladder and moving the platform to a suitable position for sealing the urethra.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an airway maintenance device, such as an endotracheal tube, tracheostomy tube, or supraglottic airway device, and in particular to an airway maintenance device having a sensor for measuring capillary blood flow and/or pressure. The device includes an airway maintenance device with an airway lumen having a proximal end and a distal end, a distal end portion incorporating an optical sensor configured to measure capillary blood flow in tissue surrounding the distal end when in position within a patient's airway. The optical sensor may include a portion of an optical fibre extending to the distal end portion along the lumen.

Abstract: Example neurostimulation induced medicine devices and methods of use are described herein. An example endotracheal device can include an elongate tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end, an inflatable cuff arranged between the proximal and distal ends of the elongate tubular member, and an electrode array disposed in proximity to an exterior surface of the inflatable cuff. The inflatable cuff can be configured to expand to contact a subject's tracheal wall. Additionally, the electrode array can include a plurality of flexible electrodes, where a set of the flexible electrodes anatomically align with a region of the subject's tracheal wall for selectively targeting vagus nerve activity.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a device for the sealing occlusion and/or for the space-filling tamponade of hollow organs or other cavities in the human body, comprising a preferably fully and residually formed balloon (2) which applies a sealing pressure that is as constant as possible to the wall of the organ to be occluded or tamponaded. The device comprises an isobarically acting regulator (3) for the filling pressure within the interior of the balloon, the regulator having a volume reservoir (3) situated extracorporeally outside of the body, and a feed line (6) for communicatively connecting the extracorporeal volume reservoir of the regulator to the interior of the balloon. The connecting feed line between the balloon and the regulator has a flow-directing one-way valve (26) that prevents backflow from the balloon to the volume reservoir of the regulator, while a nonflow-directing throttle element (27) is provided which allows a slow volume compensation between the balloon and the volume reservoir.

Abstract: A catheter having a selectively inflatable external balloon and an internal balloon, where the internal balloon is operable as a valve to control fluid flow through a channel.

Abstract: A method for guiding suction of an obstruction may comprise emitting sound waves from a sound generator into a tube, detecting returning acoustic reflections with at least one sound receiver, analyzing, using a processor, timings and amplitudes of the returning acoustic reflections to determine a location and size of an obstruction within the tube and a location of a tip of a suction catheter, and guiding the suction catheter to the obstruction.

Abstract: The invention relates to medical technology, and more particularly to a device for the conservative treatment of nasal and paranasal sinus diseases. The present device comprises obturators for the posterior and anterior nasal openings, each obturator being in the form of an expandable sheath made of a resilient material and provided with a feed tube. The distal end of the tube is in communication with the cavity below the sheath, and the proximal end is provided with an adapter having a valve mechanism. The obturator sheath for the posterior nasal opening is hermetically fastened to the distal portion of its feed tube. The obturator sheath for the anterior nasal opening is hermetically fastened to a cuff. The cuff is provided with two channels, one of which holds the feed tube of the obturator sheath for the posterior nasal opening in such a way that the cuff can move along the entire length of the feed tube.

Abstract: An airway status evaluation apparatus includes a respiration monitoring unit, a data processing unit, an inflation/deflation unit, and an inflation/deflation control unit. The data processing unit is electrically connected to the respiration monitoring unit, collects a respiration parameter of a patient from the respiration monitoring unit when a cuff meets an evaluation state, and evaluates an airway status of the patient according to the respiration parameter. The inflation/deflation control unit is connected to the inflation/deflation unit and controls the inflation/deflation unit to inflate and deflate the cuff so as to enable the cuff to meet an evaluation state. In the present disclosure, inflation and deflation of the cuff are implemented in a full-automatic or semi-automatic control manner, the respiration parameter can be automatically monitored, and the evaluation result is automatically calculated, thereby achieving the automatic evaluation for the airway status of a patient.

Abstract: An oral medical apparatus includes a flexible tube with a first portion adjacent a proximal end of the tube and a second portion adjacent to the first portion. A support is located within the upper portion to prevent compression or collapse of the upper portion of the tube. The oral medical apparatus can accommodate a rigid connector that may be directly coupled to an anesthesia breathing circuit or a medical breathing device.

Abstract: A prosthesis having a radially expanded configuration and a radially compressed configuration includes a frame with a plurality of infolding longitudinal segments. Each of the infolding longitudinal segments of the frame extend an entire length of the frame and is configured to deform radially inward when the prosthesis is in the radially compressed configuration such that a series of longitudinally aligned apices of each infolding longitudinal segment is disposed radially inward of the remainder of the prosthesis. In an embodiment, the frame also includes a plurality of outfolding longitudinal segments. Each of the outfolding longitudinal segments of the frame extend an entire length of the frame and is configured to deform radially outward when the prosthesis is in the radially compressed configuration such that a series of longitudinally aligned apices of each outfolding longitudinal segment is disposed radially outward of the remainder of the prosthesis.

Abstract: A larynx mask is provided that comprises a dorsal cover plate with an inflatable cuff integrally formed thereon and a tube connecting connector having an insertion section for connecting to an insertion tube. Two separate lumens are provided in the region of the insertion section, these being the esophageal lumen and a respiration lumen. These two lumens are separated from each other by a separating and supporting, wall. The separating and supporting wall extends from the insertion section to the tip of the larynx mask. While the esophageal lumen opens into an esophageal outlet at the proximal end of the mask, the respiration lumen opens in the ventral direction and is closed in the proximal direction close to the tip of the mask. Such a larynx mask is produced in one piece by way of injection of molding and is reinforced by the separating or supporting wall to prevent kinking.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are aspects of a tracheal breathing tube that provides for accurate and reliable control of cannula cuff pressure. Such a tracheal breathing tube include a pressure controller through which a fluid is supplied to a cannula cuff of a tracheal breathing tube and which enables reliable indication of a level of pressure of fluid within the cannula cuff. The pressure controller serves to achieve a proper interface between the cannula cuff and a patient's trachea, thereby addressing important clinical considerations such as anesthesiologist control. Moreover, the pressure controller serves to ensure that proper force is being applied on the patient's tracheal walls by the cannula cuff to thereby limit the potential for post-surgical complications resulting from, for example, inadequate blood supply to an organ or part of the body. swelling of the patient's tracheal walls that can lead to difficulty in breathing, and the like.

Abstract: An oropharyngeal glove for use with a rigid bronchoscope is provided for use during a rigid bronchoscopy procedure. When the oropharyngeal glove is in its installed state, it conforms to the patient's mouth and throat. The oropharyngeal glove includes upper and lower teeth guards that protect the patient's upper and lower front teeth, respectively, when the glove is in the installed state. A first opening is formed in the oropharyngeal glove in its proximal end that allows the rigid bronchoscope to enter glove. The oropharyngeal glove has a second opening formed in its distal end through which the rigid bronchoscope passes to enter the patient's trachea. The portions of the glove that conform to the patient's mouth and throat comprise a protective lining that protects the mouth, throat and vocal cords from being damaged by the rigid bronchoscope.

Abstract: A device (1) for the tracheal intubation of and the administration of ventilation to a patient for rapid volume-compensating sealing of the trachea, wherein the sealing surfaces of a preferably fully and residually formed balloon-like film body (4) abut the wall of the trachea with a sealing pressure of the balloon (4) which is as constant as possible and follow the thoracic pressure acting on the balloon with the least possible time latency with regard to corresponding fluctuations of the balloon inflation pressure, and the trachea is kept sealed under such dynamic fluctuations or respiration synchronously alternating fluctuations of the balloon inflation pressure. This is enabled by a defined large lumen (7, 5) supply of the balloon inflation medium, the supplying lumen being measured in such a way that a sealing pressure-maintaining extracorporeal volume compensation that works in a time synchronous manner can be achieved in the sealing balloon element.

Abstract: A system for measuring cardiovascular data includes an elongate member having a channel, a first expandable member carried by the elongate member and movable between a collapsed state and an expanded state by adjustment initiated externally of a subject, a first sensor disposed on a surface of the elongate member, second and third sensors disposed on a surface of the first expandable, a first optical sensor located at a first location in relation to the distal end of the elongate member and configured for obtaining photoplethysmographic data, and wherein the first expandable member in its expanded state is configured to interface with the subject's larynx for delivery of at least oxygen gas into the respiratory system of the subject, and the second and third sensors are configured to contact tissue in proximity to the larynx when the first expandable member is in its expanded state.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring EMG signals of a patient's laryngeal muscles includes an endotracheal tube having an exterior surface, and a tube coating applied to the exterior surface via spraying of a homogeneous solution onto the endotracheal tube or immersion of the endotracheal tube in the homogeneous solution. A conductive electrode is formed on the tube coating. The conductive electrode is configured to receive the EMG signals from the laryngeal muscles.

Abstract: A method of treating a sinus cavity of a subject includes advancing a distal portion of a light source through a drainage pathway of a sinus cavity and into the sinus cavity and visually observing a transdermal light emitted from the light source. A distal portion of a substantially rigid inner guide member of a balloon dilation catheter is advanced into the drainage pathway, the balloon dilation catheter including a movable shaft including a balloon that is slidably mounted on the substantially rigid inner guide member. The movable shaft and balloon are advanced distally over the substantially rigid inner guide member to place a portion of the balloon in the drainage pathway whereby the balloon is inflated.

Abstract: A device, system, and method for performing a variety of treatment procedures safely with a single treatment device. For example, a system is provided that includes a treatment device with a highly conformable balloon that is inflated at a constant pressure and that remains “soft” during use, which enhances balloon-tissue contact, treatment efficacy, and patient safety. In one embodiment, a system for ablating tissue comprises: a treatment device including a highly conformable balloon; a control unit including a fluid supply reservoir in fluid communication with the highly conformable balloon, the control unit being configured to deliver fluid from the fluid supply reservoir to the highly conformable balloon such that the highly conformable balloon is maintained at a balloon pressure of between 0.2 psig and 3.0 psig.

Abstract: There is provided a cervical canal dilator device having a hollow shaft having proximal and distal ends. The shaft is covered on an end portion of the distal end by a slidable protective sleeve. There is at least one inflatable dilating balloon formed on the distal end of the shaft. There is at least one tube extending internally along the shaft and connected to the at least one balloon for inflation thereof, the tube having a connection port on the proximal end of the shaft. A camera is situated at the tip of the distal end of the shaft and a plurality of ejection orifices are formed on the shaft, adjacent to the camera, and anywhere else along it.

Abstract: A tracheostomy tube introducer (1) has a patient end region (10) on which the tube (2) is mounted and that is curved in one sense. The introducer has a machine end region (11) projecting from the rear end of the tube (2) to provide a handle that curves in the opposite sense to the patient end region (10) so that the introducer has an S shape along its length. A bore (24) for a guide member extends from the patient end tip (14) of the introducer and opens in the machine end region (11) through a side opening (25). The introducer 1 is provided in a kit (200) with the tracheostomy tube (2) and a dilator (202) having the same general S shape as the introducer.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to an endotracheal intubation system that provides for differential ventilation of lungs and lung lobes. Certain aspects are directed to an assembled device having three lumens: (1) a tracheal lumen that provides for ventilation of the upper lobes of the lung, (2) a first lobular lumen that provides for ventilation of a first lower lobe of the lung, and (3) a second lobular lumen that provides for ventilation of a second lower lobe of the lung.

Abstract: Provided is a multi-cap for connecting a catheter and the multi-cap includes: a body having an internal hole formed in a longitudinal direction and having an end connected to a catheter; a cover portion disposed on an outer side of the body in the longitudinal direction of the body and spaced from the body such that the catheter is partially inserted between the outer side of the body and the cover portion. Further, a spout is formed at a second end of the body to transmit an injection substance from the outside to the hole and a capping part is connected to a side of the body to selectively close the inlet of the spout.

Abstract: An airway management device (10) for a human or animal subject (20) includes an airway tube (101) having a first end for disposal external to the subject (20) and a second end (102) for disposal in a portion of an airway of the subject (20). A light emitting element (108) and a photo-sensing element (109) may be disposed at the second end (102) of the airway tube (101). The light emitting element (108) may be configured to transmit light to tissue adjacent to the light emitting element (108). The photo-sensing element (109) may be configured to receive reflectance spectra (204) from the tissue. The location of the second end (102) of the airway tube (101) may be determined from characteristics of the reflectance spectra (204) of the tissue.

Abstract: Percutaneous devices and methods for releasably engaging a guidewire against an inner surface of a tubular member are disclosed. A percutaneous device can include a tube member, a push member, and a fixation mechanism such as a fixation balloon. The tube member can define a lumen sized and shaped to receive one or more interventional medical devices therethrough and can have an outer diameter smaller than a lumen of a guide catheter. The push member can be attached at least to a proximal end portion of the tube member for slidably positioning a distal end portion of the tube member within and beyond a distal end of the guide catheter. The push member can include a lumen in fluid communication with an interior of the fixation balloon for delivering inflation fluid to, or removing fluid from, the balloon. The fixation balloon can be positioned on a portion of the push member and can be configured to engage a guidewire against the inner surface of the guide catheter or the tube member when inflated.

Abstract: A pulmonary secretion clearing airway structure and related airway management system is disclosed that has a double lumen portion which each lumen of the double lumen portion operably secured to an airway management system so that inspiratory fluid (air/oxygen mixtures, with or without added water vapor) is delivered to the distal end of the ventilation catheter through one of the two lumens and expired inspiratory fluid, pulmonary secretions, and pulmonary fluids are removed from the patient through the other lumen. The expiratory fluid pathway preferably includes a secretion collection system for removing the pulmonary secretions and the like from the pathway, thereby improving operation and safety of the system. The airway structure can be a ventilation catheter or a supraglottic airway system such as laryngeal mask and the like.

Abstract: A double lumen endotracheal tube capable of being fixed to the trachea carina. The double lumen endotracheal tube includes: a first tube extended in one direction; a second tube extended while being adjacent to the first tube and having an extended portion bent toward one side thereof and extended longer than the first tube; a first balloon extended while passing through the first tube so as to expand or contract a first cuff connected to the end thereof; a second balloon extended while passing through the second tube so as to expand or contract a second cuff connected to the end thereof; and a third balloon extended while passing through between the first tube and the second tube so as to expand or contract a third cuff connected to the end thereof.