Abstract: An implant device having a proximal end and a distal end, and a suturing fixture offset from the proximal end. The suturing fixture has a profile that extends from the surface of the elongate body. For example, the suturing fixture may have the shape of a cone, or the shape of a disc. The implant device may be used for placement within a salivary gland duct.

Abstract: An implant device for placement within a salivary gland duct having a first end adjacent a parotid gland and a second end adjacent a submandibular gland. The implant device comprises an elongate body having a lumen, and a first and a second plate offset from the proximal end of the elongate body. The first plate is located on one side of the elongate body and the second plate is located on the other side of the elongate body. The first plate includes a first and a second hole operable to suture the first plate to a location adjacent the parotid gland. The second plate includes a first and a second hole operable to suture the second plate to a location adjacent the submandibular gland.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices used in the management of bodily airways including tracheostomy tubes, laryngectomy tubes, bronchial stents, bronchial Y-tubes, bronchial TY-tubes, and nasal stents. The devices may comprise a protective coating to prevent the accumulation of mucus, crusting and granulation on or around airway management devices, as well as prevent adhesion to tissues which can cause bleeding upon removal, and prevent build-up of blood, or blood clots, to the stent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices used in the management of bodily airways including tracheostomy tubes, laryngectomy tubes, bronchial stents, bronchial Y-tubes, bronchial TY-tubes, and nasal stents. The devices may comprise a protective coating to prevent the accumulation of mucus, crusting and granulation on or around airway management devices, as well as prevent adhesion to tissues which can cause bleeding upon removal, and prevent build-up of blood, or blood clots, to the stent.

Abstract: An implant device having a proximal end and a distal end, and a suturing fixture offset from the proximal end. The suturing fixture has a profile that extends from the surface of the elongate body. For example, the suturing fixture may have the shape of a cone, or the shape of a disc. The implant device may be used for placement within a salivary gland duct.

Abstract: Devices used in the management of bodily airways including bronchial and tracheal stents, bronchial Y-tubes, bronchial TY-tubes, nasal septal buttons, and nasal stents. The present invention also relates to devices used to manage the esophagus, such as salivary bypass tubes. These devices may comprise a fiber mesh imbedded in the walls of the device in order to provide integrity to the device wall and permit anchoring and suturing of the device.

Abstract: A cannula for placement within a salivary gland duct having a first end adjacent an oral cavity and a second end adjacent a salivary gland is provided. The cannula includes an elongate body having a lumen and a first and a second plate offset from a proximal end of the elongate body. The first plate is located on one side of the elongate body and the second plate is correspondingly located on the other side of the elongate body and adjacent the first plate. The first plate has a first hole that is operable to suture the first plate to a location adjacent the first end of the salivary duct adjacent the oral cavity, whereby upon placement of the cannula within the salivary gland duct, saliva flows through the elongate body's lumen from the salivary gland to the oral cavity.

Abstract: Device for delivering an airway stent to patients and methods of using the stent. The device may comprise a sheath to position the stent in the airway, and a fiber scope or ventilator to assist in delivering the stent. The device may be used to deliver, for example, a tracheal or nasal stent. Further, a device for folding stents and a device for loading folded stents into a stent delivery device.

Abstract: A cannula for placement within a salivary gland duct having a first end adjacent an oral cavity and a second end adjacent a salivary gland is provided. The cannula includes an elongate body having a lumen and a first and a second plate offset from a proximal end of the elongate body. The first plate is located on one side of the elongate body and the second plate is correspondingly located on the other side of the elongate body and adjacent the first plate. The first plate has a first hole that is operable to suture the first plate to a location adjacent the first end of the salivary duct adjacent the oral cavity, whereby upon placement of the cannula within the salivary gland duct, saliva flows through the elongate body's lumen from the salivary gland to the oral cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for implanting a surgical apparatus including a first flange having an opening, a second flange having an opening, and a shaft having a lumen connecting the first and second flange openings. The surgical apparatus is inserted into a stoma formed in the trachea of a patient. The surgical apparatus receives and secures an oxygen supply line for patients who have difficulty breathing.

Abstract: A pharyngometer or similar wavetube-based apparatus which includes a wavetube which is detachable from the electronic platform. As the wavetube includes no electronic components, the wavetube can be sterilized thermally or chemically between patients without damaging the electronics of the electronic platform. The wavetube is attached to the electronic platform by a tab in the electronic platform which fits into a lateral groove within the wavetube. Similarly, a threaded member in the electronic platform engages a threaded aperture in the wavetube.

Abstract: A cannula is described for insertion within the nose of a patient to provide drainage or to allow for postoperative suction of the sinus after surgery. The cannula is formed as an elongated tubular section with an anchoring end for insertion into the sinus. At the anchoring end of the cannula reinforced leaflets are provided as drainage channels and to serve as the anchoring aspect of the cannula.

Abstract: A device for dilating nasal passageway which includes a resilient bar having pads on opposite ends for insertion into respective nasal passageways and the bar when bent causes a biasing outward force on the pads to dilate the anterior section of the nasal cavity with said bar having notches thereon which can be selectively cut to reduce the bearing force on the pads.