Abstract: A laryngeal mask of the type used to facilitate lung ventilation and the insertion of endo-tracheal tubes or related medical instruments through a patient's laryngeal opening as used during general anesthesia, intensive care, or critical patient care is described that includes an inflatable positioning and a respiratory tube. The inflatable positioning shield is formed to fit within a patient's oropharynx, and has an inflatable, hollow peripheral portion, a pliable base in fluid communication with the peripheral portion, a shield recess formed after inflation of the peripheral portion, and a rear portion formed between the posterior base and the peripheral portion after inflation of the peripheral portion, wherein the posterior base has a recessed front portion.

Abstract: A supraglottic airway of the type used to facilitate lung ventilation and the insertion of endo-tracheal tubes or related medical instruments through a patient's laryngeal opening including a guide structure for use in deploying an esophageal blocker into the patient's esophagus and additionally or alternatively including a bite block for inhibiting a patient from biting an internal passageway in the respiratory tube of the airway closed.

Abstract: A method of making a laryngeal airway of the type that includes a respiratory tube and an inflatable positioning shield having a base and an inflatable, hollow peripheral portion is described herein. The method includes introducing at least one molding material into a mold, wherein the mold has a cavity defined by internal walls, wherein the internal walls conform to external walls of the laryngeal mask, and wherein the mold has a core within its cavity that is adapted to form the hollow portions of the laryngeal airway.

Abstract: A spine fixation device is described that includes an alignment plate having top and bottom surfaces for temporary attachment to a pair of adjacent vertebrae on a body, at least two surgical screws, and at least one spacer. The alignment plate is adapted not to move transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the spine. The plate includes at least two openings spaced from each other a distance such that at least two of the openings open onto adjacent vertebrae, and has a predetermined angle formed therein so as to position adjacent vertebrae at a predetermined angle. The adjacent vertebrae are thus fixedly secured at the predetermined angle by the plate.