Abstract: An implantable device used in treating glaucoma includes a movable plate shaped and sized to fit in a single quadrant of an eye to provide maximum surface area. A drainage tube is attached to the plate and has a distal end for insertion into the anterior chamber of the eye to drain fluid. A valve is disposed in the tube to control the fluid pressure within the eye and prevent hypotony. The plate is made of soft surgical grade polymeric material to prevent extrusion from the body.

Abstract: A nasal splint is described to separate the mucoperiosteum within a nasal cavity. The splint includes an elongate base sized and shaped to separate the inferior conchae. A flexible wing extends away from the base to separate the walls of the middle conchae when the splint is in place within the nasal cavity. A hollow tube is also provided on the base for defining an air passage.

Abstract: Disclosure is made of an improvement in the T-shaped tracheal stents and in the tracheal cannulas of the prior art, permitting one to conveniently have a complete and unitary unit including a closure member affixed to the device of the invention. Unidirectional retention sleeves are also described, which may be used in conjunction with the cannulas and the stents of the invention.

Abstract: Disclosure is made of an improvement in the T-shaped tracheal stents and in the tracheal cannulas of the prior art, permitting one to conveniently have a complete and unitary unit including a closure member affixed to the device of the invention. Unidirectional retention sleeves are also described, which may be used in conjunction with the cannulas and the stents of the invention.

Abstract: A stoma stent system for treating patients after tracheostomy and maintenance of a tracheastomy tract includes a tubular stent for insertion in the trachea and several plug components which may be inserted into the open, free end of the stent for several functions. For example, a plug may have several inserts for progressively constricting air flow through the stent to wean the patient off the stent. The same, or another plug may include a vapor source for transferring moisture from exhaled air to inhaled air. A third plug may include a check valve which blocks exhaled air and redirects the air toward the vocal cords to permit the patient to speak and cough.

Abstract: Disclosure is made of an improvement in the T-shaped tracheal stents and in the tracheal cannulas of the prior art, permitting one to conveniently have a complete and unitary unit including a closure member affixed to the device of the invention. Unidirectional retention sleeves are also described, which may be used in conjunction with the cannulas and the stents of the invention.

Abstract: An improved tracheobronchial stent has a T-Y shape with specific curves at the T and the Y intersections to minimize insult to the tracheal and bronchial tissues when used as a long-term prosthetic device.