Abstract: A method for providing assisted ventilation which avoids hypoxia and hypocapnia is disclosed, in which a predetermined dead space in an assisted ventilation system is provided external to the patient. The method may also be used to create normocapnia or moderate hypercapnia without causing hypoxia during assisted ventilation. Preferably, hypoxia can be avoided while inducing and/or maintaining the arterial carbon dioxide tension between about 35 and 95 mmHg. Dead space volumes as small as 10 ml and exceeding 150 ml are utilized in the method. An improved proximal terminal, tubular attachments, and coaxial filter are disclosed, which are safer and less expensive to use than prior art unilimb assisted ventilation systems; the devices of the present invention also reduce medical wastes in comparison to prior art assisted ventilation systems.

Abstract: A tracheostomy tube assembly comprises an outer tracheostomy tube and an inner cannula of a flexible material preformed to the shape of the outer tube and smooth on its inside and outside. The outer tube is straight at its patient end and has a short straight machine end with a coupling. The patient and machine ends are separated by a curved intermediate region divided along its length into two sub-regions. The first sub-region closer the machine end has a small radius of curvature; the other sub-region closer to the patient end has a radius of curvature at least three times that of the first sub-region. This shape enables the patient end of the assembly to be aligned with the patient's trachea.

Abstract: A method for providing assisted ventilation which avoids hypoxia and hypocapnia is disclosed, in which a predetermined dead space in an assisted ventilation system is provided external to the patient. The method may also be used to create normocapnia or moderate hypercapnia without causing hypoxia during assisted ventilation. Preferably, hypoxia can be avoided while inducing and/or maintaining the arterial carbon dioxide tension between about 35 and 95 mmHg. Dead space volumes as small as 10 ml and exceeding 150 ml are utilized in the method. An improved proximal terminal, tubular attachments, and coaxial filter are disclosed, which are safer and less expensive to use than prior art unilimb assisted ventilation systems; the devices of the present invention also reduce medical wastes in comparison to prior art assisted ventilation systems.

Abstract: A method for providing assisted ventilation which avoids hypoxia and hypocapnia is disclosed, in which a predetermined dead space in an assisted ventilation system is provided external to the patient. The method may also be used to create normocapnia or moderate hypercapnia without causing hypoxia during assisted ventilation. Preferably, hypoxia can be avoided while inducing and/or maintaining the arterial carbon dioxide tension between about 35 and 95 mmHg. Dead space volumes as small as 10 ml and exceeding 150 ml are utilized in the method. An improved proximal terminal, tubular attachments, and coaxial filter are disclosed, which are safer and less expensive to use than prior art unilimb assisted ventilation systems; the devices of the present invention also reduce medical wastes in comparison to prior art assisted ventilation systems.

Abstract: A substantially tubular body includes an open first end adapted for connection to a ventilator. The body further includes an open second end opposite the first end and adapted for connection to an endotracheal tube. An injection tube has a primary end and a secondary end. A pre-pierced, self-sealing injection port is disposed at the primary end of the injection tube and is adapted for insertion of the needle there-through and into the injection tube. The secondary end is connected to the body between the first end and the second end, whereby medication delivered through a needle inserted through the primary end will flow through the injection tube, into the body, then into the endotracheal tube, and will be atomized into a patient's lungs when the ventilator forces air through the endotracheal tube.

Abstract: An oro/nasopharyngeal airway comprises an arcuately shaped tubular member adapted for insertion into a patient's pharynx, either through the mouth or nasal passage, to prevent obstruction during the administration of anesthesia. According to a preferred embodiment, an inhalant gas, typically oxygen (O.sub.2), is delivered to the airway via a gas line connected to the proximal end of the tubular member, while expired carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) is sampled in the patient's pharynx via a second gas line connected to the tubular member in the vicinity of its distal end. Preferably, the respective inhalant and expired gas lines are positioned within the interior of the tubular member and are integral parts thereof Alternatively, the airway defines two discrete and parallel lumens or conduits, one being adapted to be connected to an inhalant gas supply, and the other being adapted to be connected to a gas level-sensing device.

Abstract: The cuff on the patient end of a tracheal tube is attached at one end to the inside of the tube and at the opposite end to the outside of the tube. The cuff encloses an axial sleeve that is slidably mounted within the patient end of the tube and is urged forwardly by a resilient collar. The sleeve can be retracted by applying vacuum to the cuff and, when released, extends forwards to prevent the cuff occluding the patient end of the tube.

Abstract: A therapeutic gas delivery device includes a monitor having an inlet and an outlet, a source of therapeutic gas in fluid communication with the monitor inlet, and a gas delivery tube in fluid communication with the monitor outlet. The monitor includes a control valve having a normally open port, a normally closed port, and a common port. The common port is connected to the monitor outlet over a gas line and the normally open port and normally closed port are connected to the monitor inlet and atmosphere. The valve is switchable between a first position wherein the therapeutic gas passes through the monitor and a second position wherein atmospheric air or gas passes through the monitor. A flow sensor is placed in the gas line to measure the flow of gas through the second line and produces a signal indicative of the flow of gas through the gas line. A sensor by-pass tube extends around the flow sensor to allow a predetermined portion of the gas to by-pass the flow sensor.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) is provided for controlled delivery of gas to a patient. The apparatus is particularly useful for delivery of anaesthetic gases in circumstances where the patient is conscious and able to receive gas upon demand and also where ventilation is poor. The apparatus (10) includes an outlet duct (40) for conveying gas from a gas supply (25) to the patient. A waste gas inlet duct (60) is also provided for receiving gas exhaled by the patient. This is connectable to a suction source (at 35) for scavenging the waste gas. The waste gas inlet duct (60) is arranged so that it can receive gas exhaled by the patient with the outlet duct (via a valve or other diverting means (80)) and around the outlet duct (as guided by shroud (70)).

Abstract: A laryngeal mask assembly has a mask portion formed by a flexible bag enclosing a mount attached to the patient end of a tube. The bag is sealed to the mount around an opening at the patient end of the tube. The neck of the bag is sealed to the tube rearwardly of an opening from a inflation lumen by which the bag can be inflated to form a cushion on the forward surface of the mount. The mount is curved rearwardly around its outer edge and the bag also inflates away from the rear surface of the mount to provide an expandable cushion on the rear of the mount.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube holding device for holding a tube inserted into a patient's mouth and into the trachea. The tube is held in position by the device which has been adhesively secured to the patient's face by a foam strip with an adhesive backing to comfortably, yet securely attach the holding device. The strip is arcuate-shaped and positioned along the upper lip and attached on each end to the patient's cheeks. A support fixture with a lipped support tab extends therefrom and is attached to the foam strip. An adhesive tape strip extends from each side of the support tab and wraps around the positioned ETT. The lip prevents the tape strip from slipping off the support tab thereby providing a secure attachment of the ETT to the support fixture. An accessory port may be included in the support holder to allow for insertion of items above or below the ETT tube without removal of the device from the patient's face.

Abstract: The invention features a component which is part of a breathing circuit for directing flow of air to and from a patient, the breathing circuit including an inspiratory tube defining an inspiratory lumen for flow of air to the patient and an expiratory tube defining an expiratory lumen for flow of air from the patient, the tubes being joined via a common wye piece to the component. The component includes each of inner and outer coaxial tubes, the inner tube defining an inner lumen in communication with the inspiratory lumen, the outer tube defining an outer lumen in communication with the expiratory lumen, wherein the outer tube is made from a collapsible and expandable tubing which is sufficiently flexible to assume a bent configuration and sufficiently stable to retain the bent configuration, and thus is virtually unlimited in its positionability with respect to the patient and the bulky portions of the breathing circuit.

Abstract: A transpharyngeal tube (10), especially for intubation anaesthesia, has a tube shaft (13) on which an inflatable primary cuff (18) for blocking the pharynx (19) and an inflatable secondary cuff (16) for blocking the esophagus (12) are disposed. At least one application channel (20) is formed on or in the tube shaft (13) which has an application opening (21), located below the primary cuff (18), for application of substances into the trachea (14). The secondary cuff (16) surrounds a tube tip (11) of the tube shaft (13) which seats in the entrance region of the esophagus (12) on an inner wall (15) thereof when the transpharyngeal tube (10) is inserted. This configuration of the transpharyngeal tube (10) facilitates a safe, reproduceable, and directed insertion into the esophagus (12) with which a safe and painless securing of the transpharyngeal tube (10) and controlled application of the application substance into the trachea (14) are guaranteed.

Abstract: A neck flange supports a tracheostomy tube inserted into the neck and has a neck engaging portion of a molded thin flexible flat sheet of a transparent polymer. An interconnection positioned centrally within the neck engaging portion and carried thereby has a ring shaped body with an opening and a pair of opposed pivot pins extending inwardly into the opening for carrying the tube passing therethrough. The pair of opposed pins fit for movement within recesses in the tube to permit limited swivel motion. The interconnection is molded of a transparent polymer material that is less flexible than the neck engaging portion and has a stepped cross section so the pair of opposed pivot pins are raised relative to the ring shaped body. The neck engaging portion is molded about the interconnection so the raised pair of opposed pins remain exposed.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube stabilizer includes an elongate frame having a transverse tube channel with an opening sized to radially receive an endotracheal tube. Straps are provided for securing the frame to the head of a patient with the frame bridging and the tube adjacent to the patient's mouth. A clamp has a body and a distal foot. The clamp body is attached to the frame with the distal foot traveling in a arcuate path relative to the frame from an open position remote from the opening of the transverse tube channel to a select operative position blocking the opening of the tube channel. In this manner, with an endotracheal tube received in the channel, the distal foot, when in an operative position, clamps the endotracheal tube in fixed position relative to the frame within the slot.

Abstract: An endotracheal catheter assembly and method for deep intrapulmonary, aerosol delivery of liquid drugs and other liquid therapeutic agents. The invention can deliver a bolus dose of liquid drugs into the lungs of a patient which is at least bioequivalent in terms of physiological effect to a similar drug dose delivered intravenously. The catheter assembly includes a first, gas-bearing tube and a second, liquid bearing tube, preferably concentrically nested within the gas-bearing tube. The tubes are inserted in an airway of the patient, preferably by threading the tubes into a lumen of an endotracheal tube, to position a terminal nozzle formed by distal tips of the tubes near a carina of the patient. At the nozzle, the lumen of the first tube has a comparative cross-sectional area relative to that of the second tube's lumen of between about 0.4:1.0 and 4.0:1.0.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube holder or positioner is disclosed having a collar member formed from at least two body portions engaged together to form a central orifice extending axially therethrough. The body portions are engaged together by a hinge member and a clasp. Each body portion includes a radially deflective clamping member, the clamping member forming an adjustable clamping orifice designed to accommodate and grip endotracheal tubes of varying diameters.

Abstract: A method for providing assisted ventilation which avoids hypoxia and hypocapnia is disclosed, in which a predetermined dead space in an assisted ventilation system is provided external to the patient. The method may also be used to create normocapnia or moderate hypercapnia without causing hypoxia during assisted ventilation. Preferably, hypoxia can be avoided while inducing and/or maintaining the arterial carbon dioxide tension between about 35 and 95 mmHg. Dead space volumes as small as 10 ml and exceeding 150 ml are utilized in the method. An improved proximal terminal, tubular attachments, and coaxial filter are disclosed, which are safer and less expensive to use than prior art unilimb assisted ventilation systems; the devices of the present invention also reduce medical wastes in comparison to prior art assisted ventilation systems.

Abstract: A ventilator system and a tracheal tube, inserted into a patient's trachea to carry gas to and from the lungs, permit a gas mixture containing endogenous NO, which is present in the upper respiratory tract, to be supplied to the lungs. The tracheal tube has a input port which forms a connection between the interior of the tracheal tube and the upper respiratory tract. The input port draws or forces an amount of the gas containing endogenous NO into the tracheal tube and this gas accompanies the respiratory gas into the lungs during inspiration.

Abstract: A tracheostoma valve includes a shut-off valve member (1) capable of shutting off the valve in response to an egressive air thrust. The valve includes a blow-off valve member (2) of a design such that the valve can open in response to an overpressure in the trachea which exceeds a given value. This blow-off valve member limits the maximum achievable overpressure behind the valve. Coughing is possible without prior operation of the valve and leakage due to excessive overpressure in the trachea is prevented. The valve may contain a tissue connector and a housing to be connected thereto.

Abstract: A pharyngeal airway tube, without inserting any foreign matters in the trachea (T), can be easily inserted through the oral cavity (O) in the lower pharynx (P), and is capable of hermetically sealing a transitional region from the lower pharynx to the esophagus (E) and the periphery of the laryngeal opening (AL) to secure an airway for positive pressure artificial ventilation. The pharyngeal airway comprises an airway tube (1) having a closed, round distal end and provided in its side wall with ventilating holes (2), and a balloon (3) attached to the edge of the ventilating part and around the ventilating part of the airway tube and capable of being inflated so as to surround a part of the airway tube near the distal end of the same. A small bore gas passage (4) is formed in the wall of the airway tube so as to open into the balloon, and a small bore tube (5) fitted with a connector (7) is connected to the proximal end of the gas passage.

Abstract: Device to be connected to a tracheostoma, comprising a filter housing (10) for receiving a moisture and heat exchanging filter (11) said filter housing having a first opening (12) to be connected to the patient's stoma and at least one second opening (14) at the opposite side of the filter (11).According to the invention there is provided at said second opening (14) of the filter housing (10) a valve member for closing said second opening, said valve member being spring biased to an open position and being adapted to be manually closed by means of a finger against the spring bias.

Abstract: An improved unilimb anesthesia tube assembly includes a rotatable end fitting at the patient end and inner and outer cylinders to which inner and outer unilimb tubes are secured with gas-tight seals. The invention also includes a tool and method for checking the gas-tight seals of the assembly.

Abstract: An ultra thin walled wire reinforced endotracheal tubing includes a thin walled tubing comprising a polymeric material having a spring material incorporated therewith. Utilization of the spring wire material in combination with polymeric material results in a reduced wall thickness which results in a significant decrease in resistance to air flow through the endotracheal tubing. The endotracheal tubing of the present invention is made by depositing a dissolvable polymeric material on a rotating mandrel in successive layers. A spring material is also applied around the mandrel to produce the ultra thin walled wire reinforced endotracheal tubing. By controlling the rate of deposition of polymeric material along the length of the mandrel, different wall thicknesses of tubing may be achieved.

Abstract: A tracheal guide (10) for positioning a medical device (11) such as an endotracheal or intubation tube in the trachea (12) of a human patient (13). The tracheal guide includes an elongated member (14) with a generally U-shaped passage (17) extending therethrough. Ears (18, 33) are disposed laterally about the passage and, in particular, the distal end (15) thereof. These ears are shaped for conformance with and placement in the piriform fossa (19, 34), which are located in the vicinity of the glottic opening (39) of the trachea. A tongue (25) extends distally from the distal end of the elongated member and into the esophagus (32) of the patient when the ears of the guide are positioned in the piriform fossa. The passage of the elongated member includes first and second surfaces (20, 24) that form an edge (26) that extends anterior to the cricoid cartilage and, in particular, the transverse arytenoid when the edge and ears are properly positioned in the patient's airway.

Abstract: Filtration and closure barriers are disclosed which prevent passage of gas-carried contamination between the atmosphere and a collapsible sheath, which surrounds a catheter tube, during insertion and/or removal of the catheter tube from the respiratory tract of a medical patient.

Abstract: In a breathing circuit such as a ventilator circuit, a heating element is used to provide improved temperature characteristics of the inspired air or breathing gas. An heating element retainer is disclosed which is operative to provide a central location of the heating element within the breathing circuit lumen.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube can be inserted into a patient's trachea during resuscitation by using a face mask and a curved guide. The guide is inserted through a flexible port in the face mask and has a curved distal portion that extends into the patient's mouth and hypopharynx. The patient is initially resuscitated by supplying a flow of air/oxygen through the mask. An endotracheal tube is inserted over the distal end of a fiber optic probe. Resuscitation, oxygenation, or artificial ventilation continue without interruption while the fiber optic probe and endotracheal tube are inserted through a flexible port at the proximal end of the curve guide and then advanced along the guide into the patient's airway. The direction of the distal tip of the fiber optic probe can be controlled by the physician. This allows the physician to carefully guide the fiber optic probe and endotracheal tube to a position past the larynx while resuscitation continues.

Abstract: A nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and nasal cannula device, e.g. NCC device, with modular components and a mean airway pressure (MAP) measurement port. The NCC device includes a comfortable foam securement strip which adhesively attaches to the upper lip of an individual. The securement strip includes adhesive tape strips extending therefrom with removable backings for attaching the NCC device to the individual's face with the nasal prongs sealably positioned in the nose. The MAP measurement port can be located near the nasal prongs for accurate pressure readings or further away for convenience in reading the pressure. Extensions or tapping fixtures can also be used to provide a MAP measurement port at a convenient location away from the face. The NCC device could be used with modular connections including, for instance, ventilator circuit attachments and/or cannula flow-meter attachments.

Abstract: A fenestrated nasopharyngeal airway providing fluid flow and pressure release from sinus ostia and the like. A fenestrated nasopharyngeal airway has lateral fenestrations along the central third of the nasopharyngeal tube. The fenestrations are generally two to three inches long and may be divided by separators into three sections to preserve stiffness and to hold open the fenestrations. Fluids produced by adjacent sinus ostia and the like may migrate into the lumen of the nasopharyngeal tube through the lateral fenestrations. Fluid collection is avoided, and fluid pressure arising from such fluid accumulation is relieved. Such fluids generally travel to the open distal end of the nasopharyngeal airway where it may be collected or otherwise disposed of by the body or health-care attendants. Additionally, probes and other diagnostic instruments may pass through the nasopharyngeal airway which protects the adjoining nasal mucosa.

Abstract: The endotracheal device comprises a common slave unit and an endobronchial tube. The endobronchial tube is preformed for either left curvature or right curvature. The common slave unit includes a tracheal lumen and an endobronchial lumen. The endobronchial tube is inserted through the endobronchial lumen and into either the left or right bronchus. A first inflatable cuff secures the common slave unit with respect to the trachea. A second inflatable cuff secures the endobronchial tube with respect to the endobronchial lumen.

Abstract: Disposable antibacterial filter particularly applicable to lines for connection to spirometric devices, including a filter body which is substantially bag-shaped and is connected, at its open end, to a sleeve that can be coupled to the connecting hose of a spirometric device and acts as mouthpiece for the user.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube holder or positioner is disclosed having a collar or clamp member formed from at least two body portions engaged together to form a central orifice extending axially therethrough. The body portions rotate relative to each other to radially adapt to accommodate and grip endotracheal tubes of varying diameters.

Abstract: The improved endotracheal bite block includes an elongated bite tube having a central endotracheal tube-receiving cavity extending therethrough to the front and rear ends of the bite tube. The bite tube is relatively inflexible and has an elongated post extending rearwardly thereof. The post has a strap-receiving slot therein and a rear retaining wall extending laterally outwardly for releasably holding an adhesive strip in place on the bite block, which tape also is used to hold an endotracheal tube against the bite block. The bite block further includes an elongated flexible strap with a strap retainer at one end and an opposite free end which can be passed through the slot and around an endotracheal tube and then can be cinched up to anchor the endotracheal tube and bite block together. Preferably, the bite tube is C-shaped in cross-section and single walled.

Abstract: A humidifier conduit has an enclosed helical passageway in the wall thereof to provide an insulating barrier against heat transfer from the inside of the conduit to the outside of the conduit. The conduit may include at least one heating means hectically disposed between the inner wall and outer wall of the conduit to assist in the retention of a desired gases temperature in the humidified air flow which is to flow through the conduit in use. The conduit preferably is constructed by helical winding of a unit profile and bonding of adjacent turns of the helically wound profile to form the conduit, the unit profile including complementary connecting means so that adjacent turns of the helically wound profile are securely connected to form the conduit. The unit profile may include an overlapping member to overlap adjacent turns of the profile and act in an armadillo-like fashion to ensure flexibility of the conduit, while retaining the insulative properties of the double wall and enclosed helical passageway.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for preventing heat loss from the inhalent gas in a recirculatory aided breathing circuit thereby reducing internal vapor condensation commonly associated with such breathing circuits while also stabilizing the relative temperature and humidity within such breathing circuits. A thin flexible partially longitudinally compressed casing is provided to surround a thicker corrugated tube to provide an insulating dead air space therebetween. In another arrangement selected enlarged corrugations are provided in spaced relation along the corrugated tube to engage the inner surface of the casing in a preselected spaced arrangement with respect to said corrugated tube to compartmentalize insulating dead air spaces between the tube and the casing.

Abstract: A tubing assembly is disclosed for use between an exhalation valve and a ventilator for providing assisted breathing to a patient. The ventilator has a patient air outlet, a exhalation valve control outlet and a sensor outlet connected to a sensing mechanism. The exhalation valve has a first outlet to a tracheotomy connector, a second outlet to ambient atmosphere, an inlet and a control air inlet. The exhalation valve is switched between an inhalation position and an exhalation position by air pressure at the control air inlet. The tubing assembly comprises an exhalation valve connection, a ventilator-sensor connection, an intermediate tube, a sensor tube and an exhalation valve control tube assembly. The exhalation valve connection is attached at one end to the intermediate tube and at the other end to the inlet. The ventilator-sensor connection is attached at one end to the patient air outlet and at the other end to the intermediate tube.

Abstract: A high-frequency fan ventilator having a rotating fan fixed via its central shaft to the base of a ventilator chamber. The chamber has separate openings for incoming pressurized air/oxygen and other openings for expelling exhaled gas rich with carbon dioxide originating from the lungs. Using the high-frequency fan ventilator, gas exchange between the lungs and the atmosphere is achieved by rotation of the fan. This rotation creates a negative pressure zone around the fan's center and leads to helical gas waves moving towards the fan's center (away from the lungs), simulating expiration of gas from the lungs. The rotation of the fan's arms also produces helical gas waves directed from the fan, to the periphery of the chamber and towards the lungs through the connector of the ventilation chamber and the endotracheal tube, which is inserted into the trachea, simulating inspiration of gas into the lungs.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube holder or positioner is disclosed having a collar member formed from at least two body portions engaged together to form a central orifice extending axially therethrough. The body portions are engaged together by a hinge member and a clasp. Each body portion includes a radially deflective clamping member, the clamping member forming an adjustable clamping orifice designed to accommodate and grip endotracheal tubes of varying diameters.

Abstract: Device for respiratory assistance, comprising a tube (4) which forms a main channel (5) and which is intended to be connected via its distal end (3) to the respiratory tract of a patient so that said main channel (5) connects the respiratory system of said patient to the outside, with said device moreover comprising at least one auxiliary channel (8) formed in the wall of said tube (4) and permitting the insufflation of a respirable gaseous jet into said respiratory system and opening into said main channel (5) in the vicinity of the distal end (7) of the latter.According to the invention, this device is distinguished by the fact that it comprises a controlled valve (21) capable of closing at least partially the proximal end of said main channel (5), at least during insufflation of said gaseous jet.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube holder that includes a face plate assembly which is attached to a patient's head by an adjustable headband. The face plate assembly is formed with a face plate adapted to be positioned over the mouth of the patient and is formed with an open end channel terminating with a V-shaped notch over which is superposed a tube holding block that is affixed to the outer surface of the face plate, and also includes a matching V-shaped notch in which an endotracheal tube can be fixedly positioned by a thumb screw, a bite block being integrally secured to the inner surface of the face plate which is also provided with an aligned V-shaped notch. The face plate also includes an opening for ready access to the patient's mouth, as might be required.

Abstract: A tracheotomy valve including a housing defining a chamber therein. The housing having a first opening located in a first plane at one end of the chamber and a second opening located in a vertical plane at another end of the chamber. The vertical plane and said first plane are angled with respect to one another such that a central axis of the first opening and a central axis of the second opening intersect and are angled with respect to one another. The tracheotomy valve also includes a displaceable element disposed in the chamber and movable therein. The displaceable element effects closing of the first opening when in a first position and moves from the first position during inspiration whereby the displaceable element is spaced apart from the first opening and air flows through the housing.

Abstract: An airway for both sole esophageal obturator ventilation and for combined endotracheal and esophageal obturator ventilation of a patient. The airway has two lumens one of which has an open distal end and the other of which has a closed distal end. The airway further has an inflatable distal cuff and an inflatable pharyngeal cuff. Communicating with the lumen having the closed distal end is at least one air outlet located in the airway wall between the two inflatable cuffs. To determine the position and orientation of the airway within a patient, the airway is provided with an X-ray opaque stripe that preferably axially extends in the wall, but is interrupted by at least one air outlet between the inflatable cuffs. An X-ray opaque shaft may also be present between the inflatable cuffs and is preferably attached to the wall. The airway may also be provided with monitoring lumens and deflector means in communication with the lumen that has the open distal end.

Abstract: A respiration catheter has a sealing cuff (12) which encircles the catheter tube (10) and can be connected through a separate tube (13, 14) with a source of compressed air with a substantially constant pressure. This tube accommodates a cut-off valve (19, 20, 21) which is controlled by the pressure of the respiration air and is adapted to prevent air in the sealing cuff from escaping when this pressure exceeds the pressure in the source of compressed air. The position of this cut-off valve in the vicinity of the free end of the catheter tube obviates the disadvantageous effects of pressure drops in the catheter tube, which may occur when the valve is placed at the injection end of the catheter tube, as is the case in a known respiration catheter.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube attachment device for positively securing an endotracheal tube to a patient and allowing selective lateral positioning and locking of the tube without removing the device or tube from the patient is disclosed. The device comprises an elongated strip of flexible material adapted to be adhesively attached to an upper lip region of a patient and a tube holder which is slideably mounted upon the strip. The tube holder has an arm extending in a direction perpendicular to and away from the strip and a securement strap is provided for positively securing the tube along the length of the arm. Positioning and locking mechanisms are provided for allowing selective lateral positioning of the tube holder along the length of the strip and positively locking the tube holder and tube in a selected position. The tube holder also allows for efficient and easy longitudinal adjustment of the endotracheal tube in the patient's trachea which is often required soon after initial placement of the tube.

Abstract: A versatile medical device for securely positioning naso-tracheal tubes during a medical intervention such as maxillofacial surgery, wherein a comfortable naso-tracheal tube positioning device is provided, with the positioning device comprising a partial mask including a base that overlies at least a segment of the upper portion of the face of the patient, and a top portion comprising a tube holder means that securely positions the naso-tracheal tube in such a way as to permit the formation of a loop, wherein the loop is configured so as to avoid impediment or occlusion of the passage of the content thereof due to a kink in the tube while keeping the mouth area of the patient unhindered.

Abstract: A tracheostomy tube assembly including an outer cannula having a hollow tube-shaped body with an interior passage therethrough, an open distal end, and a proximal end zone including an open proximal end; an inner cannula having a hollow tube-shaped body having an air flow channel therethrough, a first open end and an opposite second end zone including an open second end, the inner cannula being structured for fitted, sliding receipt within the inner passage of the outer cannula such that the second end zone protrudes from the open proximal end of the outer cannula.

Abstract: A device for holding an endotracheal tube in various positions in alignment with the mouth of a patient. The tube holder has a tube holding support engaged on a frame for the holder in alignment with the mouth of a patient. The support is adjustable along the frame to position the support in various locations along the frame while still in alignment with the patient's mouth. The frame is shaped to engage the chin of a patient, and is pliant in order to conform to the chin.

Abstract: A tracheostomy system having a neckplate, a tracheostomy tube having an end adapted for insertion into a patient's breathing passage and an end provided with a trach head for swivel connection to the neckplate and a connection mechanism for swivelly connecting the trach head to the neckplate without deformation of the trach head or neckplate and without thermal processing. The present invention also relates to a method for swivelly connecting a trach head to a neckplate without deformation of the trach head or neckplate and without thermal processing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sputum trap for an aspiration a respiratory support system which includes a sleeved suction catheter device, a suction control valve, and a ventilator manifold. The sputum trap allows collection of sputum directly from a patient through a suction catheter without causing a loss of PEEP in the respiratory support system. The sleeved suction catheter device includes a sputum trap/suction control valve end connector having a valve therein which prevents air flow through the catheter until the sputum trap or suction control valve is attached thereto. The manifold includes a one-way check valve which is opened upon insertion of the manifold end connector of the sleeved suction catheter therein. The suction control valve includes an actuator which is linearly movable between a first position in which suction therethrough is prevented, to a second position in which the valve is open to suction therethrough.