Abstract: A dressing includes a transparent film layer having a top side, an opposite bottom side, and an insertion site viewing portion. The bottom side has an adhesive portion and an adhesive-free portion. The adhesive-free portion is disposed within the viewing portion. An antimicrobial member having a top side and an opposite bottom side is disposed in the viewing portion. A portion of the antimicrobial member is adhered to the film layer adhesive portion, and a portion of the antimicrobial member is disposed in the adhesive-free portion. The antimicrobial member includes an outer edge and an opening disposed within the outer edge. The opening is disposed in the adhesive-free portion. A catheter extending from an insertion site is receivable through the opening in the antimicrobial member. The antimicrobial member surrounds the insertion site when the dressing is applied to a patient.

Abstract: A device for opening and/or exercising a jaw can include first and second bite members configured for opening the jaw and an anatomically bent portion configured for positioning a pivot member adjacent to the TMJ. The device may be configured such that the bite members may be capable of opening and closing along an axis of rotation in common with an axis of rotation of the temporomandibular joint.

Abstract: A laryngoscope (10) is disclosed, the laryngoscope (10) comprising a unitary body (11) formed of a first material and having portions shaped to define a handle (18) and a blade (28) of the laryngoscope (10), the body (11) having a recess (44) therein shaped to receive one or more electrical components (12,13,14,15) for operation of a light mounted in the blade portion (28), wherein blade (28) comprises a first surface (32) which faces away from the handle portion (18); and a cover material (17) moulded over a portion of the first surface (32), said cover material (17) being softer than the first material so as to provide a resilient portion (17) which can be pressed against a patient's teeth during use of the laryngoscope (10).

Abstract: A speculum blade extender apparatus including a body composed of semi-rigid reusable material with first and second walls separated from and coupled together to form a cavity and extending laterally to form opposing lateral lips and extending distally to form a distal lip, such that the contact surface area of the speculum blade is increased, resulting in more efficient and accurate examinations and addressing patient and medical practitioner concerns, collectively.

Abstract: A system and method for endotracheal intubation of airways are disclosed. A malleable stylet having a distal end and a proximal end, a charged coupled device (CCD) at the distal end and a transmitter, at or near the proximal end or connected to the proximal end of the stylet with connectors, transmits video to a visualization device comprising a receiver means, a display means, and a display support adapted to be worn on an operator in a position so that the operator can view the display with one eye while simultaneously viewing the airway directly. The display support is typically worn on the head of a physician. A second display can be worn by a student or observer. In some instances, the transmitter means and receiver means are wireless.

Abstract: The collapsible laryngoscope includes a substantially U-shaped frame having an open proximal end and a closed distal end, the proximal and distal ends being raised with respect to a central portion thereof to form a substantially saddle-shaped frame. A bite block is secured to the proximal end of the frame, fixing the proximal end. A distal end of a flexible rib is secured to the distal end of the frame, the proximal end of the flexible rib being positioned adjacent the bite block. An elastomeric sheath is secured to and covers the substantially U-shaped frame and the upper surface of the central portion of the flexible rib. A strap or the like is secured to the proximal end of the flexible rib for lifting the central portion of the flexible rib with respect to the substantially U-shaped frame. The flexible rib is then selectively locked in this deployed, lifted position.

Abstract: A medical tube securing device for a patient is disclosed, comprising at least one bite block and a support frame integral with said bite block, said support frame comprising a protruding extension with at least one inwardly recessed portion so as to avoid contact with the patient's mouth, said protruding extension operable to receive an adjustable medical tube retaining device without contacting the face of the patient.

Abstract: A dental protection device for a laryngoscope includes an elongated pad with a top surface and a bottom surface, an adhesive applied to the bottom surface and a pull-tab attached to the pad.

Abstract: An improved laryngoscope. In one embodiment a laryngoscope blade includes a main blade portion and blade tip and a blade base. The main blade portion has a posterior surface, a distal end and proximal end. The blade tip extends from the distal end of the main blade portion. The blade tip also has a width that is flared wider in a first direction than a width of the main blade portion. The blade tip is further positioned at a select angle with relation to the posterior surface of the main blade portion. The blade base coupled to the proximal end of the blade.

Abstract: A dual bladed laryngoscope for quickly and easily intubating a patient. The invention has two blades pivotally hinged on one side while the opposing side is open allowing the laryngoscope to be easily removed after intubating a patient. The proximal end of the upper blade has a grip portion which can be moved closer to or farther away from the handle attached to the proximal end of the lower blade to open or close the distal ends of the lower and upper blades. The lower blade of the invention has a distal end adapted as an esophageal obturator for obstructing the esophagus. An arytenoid bumper to prevent the laryngoscope from penetrating too far into the esophagus is preferably secured to the distal end of the lower blade. The arytenoid bumper may have a ramp or wedge shape adapted to deflect an intubation tube through a patient's larynx and into the trachea.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of medical devices used in the procedures of orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation. Oral or nasal endotracheal intubation procedures are commonly employed to secure a controlled airway and to deliver inhalant oxygen, anesthetic gases, and other therapeutic agents into the trachea and lungs of human and veterinary patients. Such intubation procedures carry a significant risk of dental injury resulting from contact between the laryngoscope blade used for visualization during intubation. The present invention provides an apparatus to reduce dental injury including a modified laryngoscope blade and a disposable insert which is designed to be received and retained in a single step by the modified laryngoscope blade. The disposable insert may be quickly secured by the user, and reduces both direct pressure and shear forces on the maxillary incisor teeth when the laryngoscope blade is placed in a patient's mouth during intubation.

Abstract: A coated laryngoscope blade is provided wherein the coating is permanently affixed to a blade body and provides a resilient cushion to reduce the possibility of damage to a patient's teeth and/or soft tissue in the mouth and throat area. The coating may be applied by a method not requiring an expensive mold or tooling and is adapted for application to any size or shape of currently existing laryngoscope blade without the necessity of making tooling.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of medical devices used in the procedures of orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation. Oral or nasal endotracheal intubation procedures are commonly employed to secure a controlled airway and to deliver inhalant oxygen, anesthetic gases, and other therapeutic agents into the trachea and lungs of human and veterinary patients. Such intubation procedures carry a significant risk of dental injury resulting from contact between the laryngoscope blade used for visualization during intubation. The present invention provides an apparatus to reduce dental injury including a modified laryngoscope blade and a disposable insert which is designed to be received and retained in a single step by the modified laryngoscope blade. The disposable insert may be quickly secured by the user, and reduces both direct pressure and shear forces on the maxillary incisor teeth when the laryngoscope blade is placed in a patient's mouth during intubation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of medical devices used in the procedures of orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation. Oral or nasal endotracheal intubation procedures are commonly employed to secure a controlled airway and to deliver inhalant oxygen, anesthetic gases, and other therapeutic agents into the trachea and lungs of human and veterinary patients. Such intubation procedures carry a significant risk of dental injury resulting from contact between the laryngoscope blade used for visualization during intubation. The present invention provides an apparatus to reduce dental injury including a modified laryngoscope blade and a disposable insert which is designed to be received and retained in a single step by the modified laryngoscope blade. The disposable insert may be quickly secured by the user, and reduces both direct pressure and shear forces on the maxillary incisor teeth when the laryngoscope blade is placed in a patient's mouth during intubation.

Abstract: An improved laryngoscope of the type having a handle for grasping and a blade being rigid and extending from the handle for inserting into the mouth of a patient during use. The improvement includes the blade being so shaped for contacting, supporting, and displacement of the bottom of the mouth of the patient and not bearing on the lower teeth of the patient so as to avoid damage to the lower teeth of the patient during use and so as to allow the lower jaw of the patient to be opened during use and being so shaped for contacting the front of the lower jaw of the patient so as to allow the lower jaw of the patient to be thrust forwardly during use.

Abstract: Instrumentation comprising an automatic positioning and retracting laryngoscope, detachable periscope, and method of endotracheal intubation are disclosed. The device comprises an anterior blade which contacts the tongue and a posterior blade which contacts the hard palate. The blades are moveable apart in a prescribed manner according to the shape of an arm. Manually opening the device causes the airway soft tissue retraction and epiglottic lifting required for visualization of the trachea. The blades remain open via a releasable racheting device. An illuminating periscope can be snapped onto the device allowing indirect tracheal visualization. The entire assembly is sized to fit beneath an airway mask to allow ventilation during the entire intubation process.

Abstract: A laryngoscope blade assembly comprising a unitary blade structure provided with a cutout or recess in the vertical portion of the tongue deflector and a resilient protective insert removably and pivotably coupled to the tongue protector at its proximal and distal ends such the that insert may deflect as a force, such as that applied by a patient's teeth during intubation procedures, vertically deflects the insert into the recess.

Abstract: A speculum comprises a pair of elongated blades having elongated hollow bills therein. Each bill is at least partly covered by a flexible expandable bladder. One or more ports communicate between the interior of each bill and the interior of the bladder. Gas lines are connected to each bill for supplying compressed gas to a valve to each bill to expand each bladder. A second valve can be activated for deflating each bladder. For use, the speculum blades are inserted into a body cavity and the bladders inflated to gently expand the body cavity. Blades can then be moved apart to perform an examination. When the examination is completed, the blades are moved toward each other and the bladders are deflated before the blades are withdrawn from the body cavity.

Abstract: A replaceable pressure sensing system for detecting undue pressure applied to a patient's teeth by a laryngoscope. The system includes a cushioned, elongated pressure sensor electrically connectable to a battery and an alarm, such as an audible or visible alarm. The sensor is of the type wherein pressure applied at any point along the length thereof activates the sensor. In one embodiment, the sensor is a linear membrane switch including first and second flexible, elongated strip members carrying conductive ribbons in spaced, face-to-face relation. In a second embodiment, a piezoelectric film is sandwiched between first and second flexible, elongated strip members. Pressure applied to the strip members activates the sensor which signals the alarm. The battery and the alarm may be carried by the flexible elongated members or the laryngoscope to which the sensor is adapted to be releasably attached.