Abstract: An occlusion valve with safety relief comprising a manifold block having an inlet and an outlet. A diaphragm connected to the manifold block and for being manually pressed to stop flow between the inlet and the outlet. A pressure relief valve internal to the manifold block and in fluid communication with downstream and upstream pressures and wherein when the diaphragm is pressed and downstream pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure the pressure relief valve opens allowing flow through the occlusion valve with safety relief.

Abstract: A breathing apparatus structure with a two-stage reduced-pressure spare air bottle head is provided, which includes an air bottle head mounted at an outlet end of a spare air bottle and an inhalation mouthpiece, so as to provide an air at a suitable pressure to a diver or drowning person for emergency use. The air bottle head is sequentially provided with an air bottle head switch, a high pressure reducing valve, and a low-pressure valve connected in series on an air passage thereof.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a valved holding chamber suitable for use in an aerosol medication delivery system. The valved holding chamber includes a housing and a mouthpiece coupled to the housing. A one-way valve assembly is coupled to the housing, the mouthpiece, or both so that fluid flows in a first direction from the housing to the mouthpiece passes through the valve assembly but does not pass back into the housing. The valve assembly includes a conical flange disposed such that the conical flange tapers in the first direction to smooth the fluid flow in the first direction toward the patient. In a further embodiment, the mouthpiece includes an exhaust port defined in a conical collar portion of the mouthpiece, and an exhaust valve element is disposed over the exhaust port to provide a one-way flow of fluid from within the mouthpiece to ambient atmosphere via the exhaust port.

Abstract: A closed system suction catheter has a catheter enclosed within a flexible envelope secured between a patient end fitting and a machine end fitting. The patient end fitting has a cleaning chamber with a valve at its patient side and is normally closed so that the cleaning chamber is isolated from the patient. The valve has an outer rigid housing enclosing a one-piece elastomeric moulding of tubular shape. The elastomeric moulding has two pads projecting externally through openings in the outer housing. The elastomeric moulding also has a web extending internally across its diameter with a diametrically-extending slit aligned with the pads. A collar mounted on the housing is slidable along the housing to engage the pads so as to apply pressure across the web and open the slit, thereby allowing the catheter to be advanced to the patient.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for deploying a bronchial isolation device in a bronchial passageway in a lung of a patient. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an outer shaft having a distal end. A housing is coupled to the distal end of the outer shaft and configured to receive the bronchial device. An inner shaft is slidably disposed within the outer shaft. A handle is adapted to move the outer shaft relative to both the inner shaft and the handle while the inner shaft remains fixed relative to the handle so as to eject the bronchial isolation device from the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laryngeal mask (1) comprising at least one airway tube (2) and a mask portion (3), which mask portion (3) comprises a top face (4) and a bottom face (5), said bottom face (5) comprising a lumen (6) that communicates with the tube (2) interior (7), and said top face (4) comprising a closed transition face (8), and said mask portion (3) being at least on the bottom face in the periphery delimited by an inflatable cuff (9), and said mask portion (3) comprising a joint throughout the entire internal circumference of the cuff (9), facing towards the lumen (6) and for providing a closed cuff. Hereby a product is provided which is formed integrally with regard to mask portion and airway tube portion thereby eliminating the risk that the two parts are separated in use.

Abstract: A respiratory valve assembly (1), such as in a manual resuscitator, has a carbon dioxide colour change indicator element (52) in a disc shape housing (50) arranged to clip onto a grove (59) on the valve assembly. Expiratory and inspiratory gas is supplied to the housing via two flexible tubes (60) and (61) extending side-by-side from the valve assembly (1) to the indicator housing (50) so that the indicator can be undipped from the valve and repositioned if desired.

Abstract: A system and method are for monitoring control signals provided to a medical apparatus bases upon tactile feedback from the apparatus. The system and method employ a monitoring signal indicative of a parameter relating to the apparatus or to a condition of a patient associated with the apparatus.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for performing pulmonary procedures, and in particular treating lung disease. A flow control element includes a valve that prevents airflow in the inhalation direction but permits airflow in the exhalation direction. The flow control element is guided to and positioned at the site by a bronchoscope that is introduced into the patient's trachea and used to view the lungs during delivery of the flow control element. The valve may include one, two or more valve elements, and it may be collapsible for easier delivery. A source of vacuum or suction may be used to increase the amount of fluid withdrawn from the lung tissue. A device for measuring hollow structures, such as bronchioles, and a device for removing a previously-placed flow control element are disclosed as well.

Abstract: A breathing circuit for a tracheostomized patient provides respiratory care and pulmonary function testing. The breathing circuit includes a flow control adapter that directs an inspiratory flow of air and an expiratory flow of air. The flow control adapter includes a subject port for coupling to a tracheostomy tube, an inspiratory port for coupling to an incentive spirometer, and an expiratory port. The flow control adapter further includes an adapter body and a one-way valve. The adapter body is configured to define an inspiratory fluid flow path between the inspiratory port and the subject port and to define an expiratory fluid flow path between the subject port and the expiratory port. The one-way valve substantially prevents air that flows generally along the inspiratory fluid flow path from flowing through the expiratory port during inspiration and allows air flowing generally along the expiratory fluid flow path to flow through the expiratory port during expiration.

Abstract: A device for removing bronchopulmonary secretions of a patient provides for a duct, an expansion chamber and means for accelerating the exhaled air.

Abstract: An instrument may continuously monitoring acoustic reflections from within and/or beyond an intubation tube positioned within the mouth of a patient while the patient is breathing. The instrument may include an acoustic reflectometer configured to detect the acoustic reflections. An acoustic flow channel may contain the acoustic reflectometer within it. The acoustic flow channel may be configured to acoustically couple the acoustic reflectometer to an end of the intubation tube, but to substantially block the free flow of expiratory gas from the end of the intubation tube through the acoustic flow channel. A gas flow channel may be separate from the acoustic flow channel and may be configured to allow the free flow of expiratory gas from the end of the intubation tube through the gas flow channel.

Abstract: An HME Filter is provided having with an integral housing having minimal components which eliminating components at the circuit “Y” connector. A closed circuit gas flow is maintained whether an internal filter material is or is not engaged, and with or without a nebulizer aerosolizing medications. The HME SHUTTLE continues to maintain the same closed circuit gas flow during the HME filter materials insertion into the HME SHUTTLE, throughout the course of the HME filter's use in the closed gas flow circuit and during the HME filter materials removal from the HME SHUTTLE. The placement for optimal patient care is to be located between the connection of inhalation and exhalation sides of mechanical ventilator circuit and endotracheal tube of an intubated patient. The HME SHUTTLE also accommodates the docking port for the use of an external nebulizer.

Abstract: A solution for sterilizing one or more hollow components of a device, such as a medical device, is provided. Ultraviolet radiation having one or more predominant wavelength(s) and a sufficient dose is generated and directed to an interior side of the hollow component(s). The predominant wavelength(s) is/are selected to harm one or more target organisms that may be present on the interior side. The ultraviolet radiation can be delivered by a structure that is periodically inserted and retracted into the hollow component. The structure can be configured to provide additional cleaning capability, such as suction, for removing matter that may be present in the hollow component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antimicrobial compositions, methods for the production of these compositions, and use of these compositions with medical devices, such as catheters, and implants. The compositions of the present invention advantageously provide varying release kinetics for the active ions in the compositions due to the different water solubilities of the ions, allowing antimicrobial release profiles to be tailored for a given application and providing for sustained antimicrobial activity over time. More particularly, the invention relates to polymer compositions containing colloids comprised of salts of one or more oligodynamic metals, such as silver. The process of the invention includes mixing a solution of one or more oligodynamic metal salts with a polymer solution or dispersion and precipitating a colloid of the salts by addition of other salts to the solution which react with some or all of the first metal salts.

Abstract: A speech valve comprises a generally cylindrical body and a closure member which is slidably movable within the body between a closed position and an open position. The valve body and the closure member are formed of a rigid, smooth material which is resistant to the growth of biofilm such as a ceramic. A particular suitable ceramic is partially stabilised zirconia. The valve body is provided with an outer sleeve which is provided with radially outward extending annular flanges, which are used to retain the speech valve in a fistula between the oesophagus and the trachea.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a ventilation device and method to be used on a patient during CPR. In one embodiment, the ventilation device comprises a housing having at least one opening for interfacing with a patient's airway, at least one valve configured to permit outflow of respiratory gases/air from the airway to ambient, a release mechanism for opening and closing an inlet passage to permit inflow of respiratory gases/air to the airway, and a control device for controlling the opening/closing of the inlet passage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a respiration valve (401) for performing respiration tests on e.g. humans, consisting of at least three ports, a first mouth port (402) and two breathing ports (403, 404). The breathing ports (403, 404) comprise pneumatic pinch valves consisting of a channel (101) with a flexible wall (201) to be used for the flow of material and molded as an integrated part of a surrounding chamber (102). The flexible wall (201) comprises two opposing angularly interconnected wall segments (202) which are angularly connected at interconnection points (203) and which flexible wall (201) is pinched by a pressure from fluid, such as air, introduced into the chamber (102). The cross sectional shape corresponds in one embodiment approximately to a elongated hexagon. The construction of the respiration valve (401) comprising these pneumatic pinch is valves enables a very small, light, hygienic, and safe yet inexpensive construction with a long life expectancy.

Abstract: Disclosed are various disease indications and treatment methods that benefit from selective lung region isolation. A lung region is bronchially isolated by regulating the flow of fluid to and from the lung region, such as by implanting one or more bronchial isolation devices into one or more bronchial passageways that feed air to the lung region. The bronchial isolation devices can comprise, for example, one-way valves, two-way valves, occluders or blockers, ligating clips, glues, sealants, and sclerosing agents.

Abstract: An outer cannula has a first port for orienting outside the neck of a wearer, a second port for orienting within the trachea of the wearer, a first passageway coupling the first port to the second port to permit the flow of gases from the first port to the second during inhalation by the wearer and from the second port during exhalation by the wearer, and a third port between the first and second ports. An inner cannula is provided for insertion into the first passageway via the first port when the wearer desires to be able to exhale through the wearer's pharynx. The inner cannula includes a fourth port for orienting adjacent the first port, a fifth port for orienting adjacent the second port and a second passageway coupling the fourth port to the fifth port to permit the flow of gases from the fourth port to the fifth during inhalation by the wearer. A first valve controls flow through the third port.

Abstract: A multilumen tracheal tube or catheter is disclosed. The tube has a plurality of suction lumens, each having a suction port. A rotatable suction port collar is provided. The suction port collar has an inlet and an outlet. The collar overlaps each suction port and is capable of selectively occluding a number of the suction ports while enabling unimpeded passage between a remainder of the ports and the outlet.

Abstract: An endobronchial blocker catheter for use in blocking a selected mainstem bronchus under guidance of a bronchoscope. The endobronchial blocker catheter comprises a tubular assembly and an elongated body that receives the tubular assembly. The tubular assembly comprises a tubular member and a loop disposed at a distal end of the tubular member. The loop is sized such that the bronchoscope is passable through the loop. The elongated body has a plurality of lumens therein, and an inflatable blocker balloon disposed about a distal portion of the elongated body. One of the lumens extends to an interior of the balloon to accomplish inflation of the balloon for retaining the blocker catheter in the mainstem bronchus, and another lumen is sized for receiving the tubular assembly in a manner such that the loop extends from a distal end of the elongated body. The blocker catheter is guided by the bronchoscope to the desired inflation site via the loop.

Abstract: A respiratory apparatus includes an instrument introduction section that is adapted for introducing an instrument into an artificial airway of a patient. The instrument introduction section has a distal end and a proximal end with an opening that allows for insertion of the instrument into the instrument introduction section. The instrument is movable through a passageway between the distal and proximal ends. The distal end is configured for releasable attachment with an artificial airway structure that is attached to the patient. Further, a valve is located in the instrument introduction section. The valve has a closed position in which the passageway is at least substantially isolated from the artificial airway of the patient when the instrument is present and is proximal from the valve. The valve at least substantially blocks the passageway of the instrument introduction section when the valve is in the closed position.

Abstract: A tracheostomy is performed using an access device and a separate ventilation device. The access device is introduced through a surgical opening in the tracheal wall and has an anchor which is expanded in situ to hold the access device in place. The ventilation device is introduced through a passage in the access device and has an expandable cuff which is oriented above the access point through the tracheal wall. A concavity in the expandable cuff collects body secretions, and other materials from the oral and nasal cavities and/or gastro-intestinal reflux into the trachea, and the collected secretions are removed by aspiration through a lumen provided in the ventilation device. A one-way valve may be provided in the expandable cuff in order to permit exhalation through the larynx to assist in speech.

Abstract: A closed suction catheter includes a valve assembly and a manifold. A catheter tube is attached to the valve assembly and slidably secured within the manifold. The closed suction catheter may include one or more features for promoting an effective, safe, and efficient process for suctioning mucus and other fluids from a patient's lungs, and for cleaning the various components of the catheter system. For example, the closed suction catheter may include a tube wiper having a reinforced leading ridge and/or an internal ledge for efficiently wiping the catheter tube. The valve assembly may include a locking mechanism having a slider unit, a cam arm, and/or ribs that engage openings in the slider unit for maintaining a valve stem in proper alignment and an actuator on the valve assembly in a locked position. The closed suction catheter may include several other features, as well.

Abstract: Apparatus for assisting phonation in a wearer of a tracheostomy tube having a first end lying outside the trachea of the wearer in the use orientation, a second end lying inside the trachea of the wearer in the use orientation, and a first lumen coupling the first and second ends of the tracheostomy tube. The tracheostomy tube may or may not include a fenestration through a sidewall of the tracheostomy tube coupling the first lumen to the outside of the tracheostomy tube. The apparatus includes a cannula for insertion into the first lumen from the first end of the tracheostomy tube. The cannula includes a first end lying outside the first end of the tracheostomy tube in the use orientation, a second, opposite end, and a second lumen coupling the first and second ends of the cannula.

Abstract: Provided is a device for attachment to tubular connections that serves to ensure the securing of the connection and the avoidance of inadvertent disconnections. Also provided is an endotracheal tube having a releasable locking device component that serves to ensure security of the connection of the endotracheal tube to a breathing system. Also provided is a breathing system having a releasable locking device component that when employed ensures the security of the connection.

Abstract: A tracheostoma cannula mounting, a cannula assembly incorporating such a mounting, and a method of mounting the same within a stoma are described. The mounting includes a generally planar sheet portion (2) provided with an aperture (4) therein of suitable size and shape to engage a channel portion of a tracheostoma cannula (21) in interference fit so as to present a rearward mounting face (18) adapted in use to lie against the skin of the tracheostoma patient in the vicinity of the stoma. The material from which the sheet (2) is fabricated comprises tacky gel material such as silicone gel at least in the vicinity of the mounting face (18), and is preferably made essentially entirely from such material.

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: This invention is a neonatal airway adapter (10) with a sliding internal passage (54), which virtually eliminates void volumes (112) within the bore (76) of the airways, such that mixing of the exhales pages with void gases is reduced, and the waveform of the breath is maintained without undue distortion. Furthermore, the virtual elimination of void volumes reduces the level of re-breathing. The neonatal airway adapter connects to endotracheal tube adapters is such a way as to nullify the effect of the differing internal diameters (20) and internal lengths which are used in ET adapters currently available. The cross section of the internal bore of the airway through which the breath flows from the ET adapter to the connector of the ventilator is maintained almost constant, especially in the region of the gas sampling point (66), to ensure that reasonable conditions of laminar flow, and accurate sampling are maintained.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for supporting the respiration of a patient. The spontaneous respiration of a patient can be detected by sensors and during inhalation an additional amount of oxygen can be administered to the lungs via a jet gas current. If required, during exhalation a countercurrent can be administered to avoid collapse of the respiration paths. This therapy can be realized by an apparatus including a transtracheal catheter, an oxygen pump connected to an oxygen source, spontaneous respiration sensor(s) connected to a control unit for activating the oxygen pump and, if needed, a tracheal prosthesis. The tracheal prosthesis may include a connection for the catheter and the breath sensor(s). The tracheal prosthesis, if used, and the catheter can be dimensioned so the patient can freely breathe, cough, swallow and speak without restriction, and the system can be wearable to promote mobility.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present tracheostomy valves include a flexible diaphragm abutting a rib shaped substantially as a flat plate. Opposite the rib, the diaphragm abuts a boss and forms an uninterrupted seal therewith. As the tracheostomized patient inhales, the diaphragm bends about the rib, interrupting the seal and allowing air to flow smoothly into the valve. The features of the various embodiments contribute to a positive seal at all times except during inhalation, and low resistance to airflow through the valve during inhalation.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for decreasing intracranial pressure and enhancing circulation in a breathing person, as well as for increasing the respiratory rate and encouraging spontaneous respiration. According to such methods, a valve system is interfaced to a person's airway. The valve system has a threshold valve and an airway member that interfaces with the person's airway. The threshold valve is configured to prevent respiratory gas flow to the person's lungs during a portion of an inhalation event until the inspiration equals or exceeds an opening pressure of the threshold valve. Also, a small level of external vacuum is constantly supplied at a juncture between the threshold valve and the airway member.

Abstract: A device for a respirator. A tube is operative to be introduced into a trachea of a patient and supply and discharge gas from the patient's lungs. A first conduit connects the tube to the respirator to discharge exhalation gas. A second conduit extends between the tube and a source of sub-pressure. The second conduit is connected to an exhalation tube of the tube. A third conduit connects the tube to the respirator and supplies inhalation gas. In an active position a valve arrangement keeps the second conduit open and connects the exhalation tube to a source of sub-pressure. In an inactive position the valve arrangement keeps the second conduit closed and the first conduit open. A controller moves the valve arrangement from the inactive position to the active position for a period of time to simulate coughing to cause a gas flow to support transport of secretions.

Abstract: An endotracheal intubation device having a curvable portion and internal optics or a viewing device which facilitate the insertion of an endotracheal tube into a patient. The curvable portion comprises a portion of the tubular element having one or more sets of slits to provide flexibility. The curvable portion curves in a controlled manner from a fully straight configuration.

Abstract: An anchored intra-bronchial apparatus for placement and deployment into selected airways and a method for using the same. When deployed, the apparatus creates a restriction of air flow to one or more targeted lung regions and achieves total lung volume reduction through a collapse or partial collapse of the targeted regions. The air flow valve of the apparatus includes a through lumen that permits drug delivery concurrent with lung volume reduction procedure.

Abstract: A patient ventilating (23) and aspirating system (8) is disclosed that has a suction tube (9) and connector (6) for connecting to a catheter mount that has a scaled passageway (15). The catheter mount passageway (15) is sealed with an elastomeric seal (16) including a perforation or slit (17). A connector (12) with a piercing member is associated with the suction tube (9). When the connector is attached to the catheter mount the piercing member (20) pierces the seal (16) such that the suction tube (9) can pass through the connector (6) and catheter mount.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device, system and method for treating sleep conditions that may include positioning into the mouth of a patient a device including a lower mouthpiece, including a locating device; an upper mouthpiece, including a housing; a valve body, insertable into the housing, including a channel having a slot defined therein for adjustably receiving the locating device in the slot, and at least one passageway; a first valve portion, insertable into the at least one passageway, including a slider; and a port, including a slide guide configured to slide-ably receive the slider.

Abstract: A breathing circuit is described for the supplying of low pressure oxygen to a patient that is at risk of hypoxia. The breathing circuit includes a patent airway maintaining device, a first tube that includes a substantially rigid elbow and connectors and a flexible tubular extension. An inflatable bag is coupled to the first tube and has a pressure relief valve that exhausts into the atmosphere. A second tube has a first end that terminates in proximity to the patent airway maintaining device and a second opposed end that terminates external to the first tube. A third tube connects an external source of oxygen to the second tube. A method for an oxygen breathing circuit is also described that further includes the use of a carbon dioxide monitor and the inflatable bag for assisted breathing. The breathing circuit uses only non-metallic polymer or composite type materials.

Abstract: The invention concerns a valve wherein the valve spool (1) provides selective communications between inner zones (3 5) in the valve body (C) and is mobile between extreme left and right positions under the control of an electric servomotor whereof the spindle (10), connected to the valve spool through a connecting rod assembly (11, 14) whereof the connecting rod (11) is configured to have an abutting ridge (15) co-operating with the spindle (10) in an extreme position (13<SB>III</SB>) countering the action of the return spring (6) thus allowing a mono- and/or bistable operation of the valve. The invention is applicable to onboard systems for supplying breathing mixture to an aircraft occupant.

Abstract: An insufflation system that includes a first tube that inserts into a patient's airway for providing a primary flow of breathing gas to such a patient. At least one insufflation catheter is provided in or within the first tube for delivering a flow of insufflation gas to the patient. In one embodiment, a flow control system is coupled between the first tube, the insufflation catheter, and a source of insufflation gas to control the flow of gas between the patient circuit, the insufflation catheter, and the source of insufflation gas. In another embodiment, a ventilator and tracheal gas insufflation system are provided in a common housing.

Abstract: A long term oxygen therapy system having an oxygen supply directly linked with a patient's lung or lungs may be utilized to more efficiently treat hypoxia caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. The system includes an oxygen source, one or more valves and fluid carrying conduits. The fluid carrying conduits link the oxygen source to diseased sites within the patient's lungs. A collateral ventilation bypass trap system directly linked with a patient's lung or lungs may be utilized to increase the expiratory flow from the diseased lung or lungs, thereby treating another aspect of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The system includes a trap, a filter/one-way valve and an air carrying conduit. In various embodiments, the system may be intrathoracic, extrathoracic or a combination thereof. In order for the system to be effective, an airtight seal between the parietal and visceral pleurae is required. Chemical pleurodesis is utilized for creating the seal.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices for regulating fluid flow in one or more lung regions that are supplied fluid through one or more collateral pathways. An identified region of the lung is targeted for volume reduction or collapse. The targeted lung region is then bronchially isolated to inhibit air from flowing into the targeted lung region through bronchial pathways that directly feed air to the targeted lung region. If the targeted lung region does not collapse after bronchially isolating the targeted lung region, then it is possible that a collateral pathway is feeding air to the targeted lung region, thereby preventing the targeted lung region from collapsing. In such a case, the collateral pathway is identified and air flow into the targeted lung region via the collateral pathway is reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: To provide an access route which is leaktight and at the same time permits mobility and exact positioning of an instillation catheter (6), an arrangement comprising an instillation catheter (6) and a connector piece (1) for attachment to a tracheal or endotracheal tube is proposed. The connector piece (1) has a distal end (1a) for attachment to the tube, and a proximal end (1b) for attachment to a ventilation and/or suction device and comprises a branch (5) which serves for insertion of the catheter (6) and in which a valve (2) is arranged. The valve (2) is made, at least in some areas, from an elastically deformable material and can be opened by insertion of the catheter (6). The valve further comprises a proximal through-opening (21) whose inner wall has a means allowing sealing against axial flow of fluid between catheter (6) and inner wall, and, in the distal direction from the through-opening, it has a beak section (22) which, at its beak tip (23), has a normally closed slit (24).

Abstract: A collateral ventilation bypass trap system directly linked with a patient's lung or lungs may be utilized to increase the expiratory flow from the diseased lung or lungs, thereby treating one aspect of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The system includes a trap, a filter/one-way valve, an air carrying conduit and a retention device for securing system elements in position. The system also includes a flow restriction device for controlling the flow of air through the air carrying conduit.

Abstract: A collateral ventilation bypass trap system directly linked with a patient's lung or lungs may be utilized to increase the expiratory flow from the diseased lung or lungs, thereby treating one aspect of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The system includes a trap, a filter/one-way valve, an air carrying conduit and a retention device for securing system elements in position. The system also includes a flow restriction device for controlling the flow of air through the air carrying conduit.

Abstract: A system to alleviate a symptom of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a lung of a patient by providing a ventilation bypass pathway which allows air to exit the lung via the bronchus or trachea. The system includes a conduit connected by an airway connection device to an artificial opening through a wall of a region of a trachea or bronchus external to the lung. The other end of the conduit is connected by a lung connection device to an opening through a visceral membrane of the lung. A flow-control device such as a filter or valve is connected to the conduit to allow exhalation via the conduit but control flow from the airway to the lung. The conduit creates a direct fluid communication between the lung of the patient and the airway of the patient which permits air to exit the lung and enter the airway via the conduit.

Abstract: A tracheostoma valve adapted to control the flow of air through a tracheostoma comprising a tubular housing having an open first end to be connected to the tracheostoma, and forming at least one side opening in the wall thereof, a shut-off valve member, and a normally closed cough valve member is disclosed. The shut-off valve member comprises a flexible diaphragm mounted in the housing and shaped to normally assume a curled position spaced from the inside surface of the housing wall to allow air flow through the housing and the side opening from trachea to the ambient atmosphere, and to engage said the surface, closing the side opening, at a predetermined air flow rate. The cough valve member controls an open second of the housing to open in response to a particular pressure achieved in the housing and to close automatically at reduction of the air pressure.

Abstract: A method of operating a ventilator assembly having inhalation and exhalation passages communicating with one another, and a respiration assembly that can perform repetitive respiratory cycles. The method includes (a) repetitively cycling the respiration assembly so that during the inhalation phase, gas in the inhalation passage flows to the patient, and during the exhalation phase, an exhalation valve is maintained relatively closed and the exhaled gases flow pass the vocal cords and out of the mouth thereby facilitating the patient's ability to speak, (c) monitoring the pressure within at least one of the passages during the exhalation phase, and (d) determining whether a circuit disconnect or an occlusion exists based on the pressure monitoring.

Abstract: An improved manifold assembly useful in patient ventilation/aspiration systems includes a stop cock valve with a hollow stem and a transverse port arranged to permit the stem to be rotated between open and closed positions. In both positions, a ventilating pathway is maintained through the stem between ventilator and patient connection ports of the manifold. In the open position the stem provides a travel pathway for a catheter between the patient connection port and an access port of the manifold. In the closed condition, the stem seals this travel pathway. The improvement provides an arrangement of structure operable to resist imparting shear damage to an inserted catheter, and to provide enhanced feedback to an attendant, as the stem is manually rotated into contact with the catheter.