Abstract: A patient respiratory mask includes a face mask that in use defines an enclosed space, an oxygen reservoir bag in fluid communication with the enclosed space via a one-way intake valve, an out-flow port positioned on the face mask allowing for the exhaust of expired air. A source of oxygen is in fluid communication with the reservoir bag via an oxygen delivery tube, and a nasal cannula is positioned within the enclosed space and is connected to the source of oxygen by a nasal cannula delivery tube that is in fluid communication with the oxygen delivery tube. An in-line flow restrictor is positioned in the nasal cannula delivery tube and allows high-flow oxygen into the reservoir bag, while at the same time limiting oxygen flow into the nasal cannula.

Abstract: A light transmitting medical instrument provides for the enhanced performance of medical procedures. The light transmitting medical instrument comprises a light pipe having a first end operatively coupled to a light source and a second end having a functional tip having at least two arms. A sliding closure sleeve is mounted about the light pipe. The sliding closure sleeve has a first end portion at which the sliding closure sleeve is fixed to the light pipe in a manner such that relative movement therebetween is prevented and a second end proximate the functional tip of the light pipe. The sliding closure sleeve further comprises a spring-like actuator finger grip that, when forced radially inward, causes the second end of the sliding closure sleeve to move toward the functional tip, thereby forcing the arms of the functional tip towards one another.

Abstract: A lighted suction device comprises a light pipe member extending from a proximal end to a tip so as to allow light to travel down the light pipe member from the proximal end to the tip, and a suction channel integral to the light pipe member or a suction catheter member that is affixed to the light pipe member having an opening at the tip of the light pipe member and a connector at its proximal end for connection to a source of vacuum. The tip of the light pipe member is introduced into a body orifice, suction is applied wax, debris, a foreign object, or the like in the body orifice, and the light pipe member is withdrawn to remove the wax, debris, and/or foreign object.

Abstract: A device and method for removing residual water from the external ear canal of an individual comprise using a portion of dry, pre-compressed, absorbent sponge material that is die-cut or otherwise fashioned to have a bluntly pointed tip on at least one end. The bluntly pointed tip is placed into the external ear canal of an individual, and this bluntly pointed tip is held in place until there is visible and/or tactile evidence of water absorption by the sponge material, as indicated by swelling and/or softening of the bluntly pointed tip. These steps may be repeated as necessary to remove further residual water from the individual's ear canal.

Abstract: A method of positioning electrodes on a patient for detecting a cardiac waveform and/or a respiratory waveform includes providing a plurality of electrodes having an upper and lower surface, the lower surface having electrically conductive properties suitable to detecting a cardiac and/or respiratory waveform and substantially no adhesive properties, and the upper surface being covered in part with a material having adhesive or affixative properties. A first electrode is placed under a garment worn by the patient in the region of the left lower abdomen/inguinal region, such that the adhesive surface thereof affixes to the underside of the garment. A second electrode is placed under a garment in the region of the right lower abdomen/inguinal region, such that the adhesive surface thereof affixes to the underside of the garment.

Abstract: A swaddling blanket comprises a continuous sheet of fabric material having a generally “T”-shaped configuration and being substantially light-transmissive for light having a wavelength in the range of 350 nm to 500 nm. An infant undergoing a course of phototherapy is swaddled in the sheet of fabric material so that the infant is snugly wrapped in the sheet of fabric material, the sheet of fabric material limiting arm and leg movement of the infant, with only a single layer of the sheet of fabric material between a phototherapy lamp and the infant.

Abstract: A method of removing cerumen or a foreign body from an ear canal utilizes an articulating ear curette.

Abstract: A vacuum patient positioning cushion includes an integrated rigid or semi-rigid positioning element located within a gas-impermeable outer cover, making it possible to easily and correctly position a patient for a radiation therapy or other procedure without the need or use of external positioning devices. The gas-impermeable outer covering defines an airtight enclosure having a valve stem and closeable vacuum control valve in selective fluid communication with the enclosure. The enclosure houses a filler material and a rigid or semi-rigid positioning element. A method of positioning a patient using the vacuum patient positioning cushion is also provided.

Abstract: A method of removing cerumen or a foreign body from an ear canal utilizes an articulating ear curette.

Abstract: A device and method for removing residual water from the external ear canal of an individual comprise using a portion of dry, pre-compressed, absorbent sponge material that is die-cut or otherwise fashioned to have a bluntly pointed tip on at least one end. The bluntly pointed tip is placed into the external ear canal of an individual, and this bluntly pointed tip is held in place until there is visible and/or tactile evidence of water absorption by the sponge material, as indicated by swelling and/or softening of the bluntly pointed tip. These steps may be repeated as necessary to remove further residual water from the individual's ear canal.

Abstract: An articulating ear curette comprises a curette tip connected to a first actuator arm through a first molded-in living hinge and to a second actuator arm through a second molded-in living hinge. The actuator arms are slidably connected to one another such that relative movement of the first and second actuator arms in opposite directions causes movement of the tip about the first and second living hinges. The articulating ear curette may be utilized to remove cerumen or a foreign body from an ear canal.

Abstract: A combination applicator is able to deliver heat and radiation, either simultaneously or sequentially, for the treatment of cancer or other disease. The combination applicator is flexible and able to conform to contoured anatomy of the patient. The combination applicator comprises a flexible, dielectric containing compartment having a tissue-engaging surface and an opposite, non-tissue-engaging surface. A heating surface comprising one or more RF or microwave antennas or ultrasound transducers is supported adjacent to the non-tissue-engaging surface. In addition, a plurality of conduits are also supported on the dielectric containing compartment, the conduits being adapted to communicate with at least one brachytherapy source. Additional conduits may be located on the tissue contacting surface of the dielectric containing compartment to accommodate moving or stationary temperature monitoring sensors.

Abstract: A disposable mask system for positioning a patient relative to a patient restraint board during radiation therapy includes a piece of low-melt thermoplastic material affixed to a rigid, non-thermoplastic frame. A lock-down mechanism is integrally incorporated into the rigid, non-thermoplastic frame, such that a manipulable portion of the lock-down mechanism extends upward from the surface of the rigid frame so that it is accessible by the user. An engagement member extends downward from the underside of the rigid frame such that it can engage corresponding holes in a patient restraint board, such that when the rigid frame is pushed down so that its engagement members fully engage the corresponding holes of the patient restraint board, then the thermoplastic mask system may by tightly secured to the patient restraint board by activating the lock-down mechanism.