Abstract: A video introducer (2) is inserted in an endotracheal tube (1) and is retained by engagement of a connector (28) at the rear end of the introducer with a connector (16) inserted in the rear end (13) of the tube. The introducer (2) includes a shaft (21) integral with the connector (28) and having a channel (22) along its length. A cable (34) connected to a video camera (33) at the patient end of the shaft extends along the channel (22) to an electrical connector (35). The forward end (25) of the shaft (21) projects from the forward end (10) of the tube to provide a leading extension for inserting the tube in the trachea.

Abstract: A laryngoscope (10) includes a video camera ((13) at the patient end of its blade (11) that supplies video signals to a processor (14) in the handle (12). The processor (14) supplies signals to a display (15) supported on the handle (15). The laryngoscope also has a connector (17) on its handle (12) to which is connected the output of a video bougie guide (20) used with the laryngoscope. A switch (18) on the handle (12) enables the user to select which video output is shown on the display (15). Alternatively, images from both the bougie (20) and the laryngoscope (10) can be shown at the same time side-by-side on the display (15).

Abstract: Heating elements for respiratory tubing (73) comprise an electrically-insulating substrate (22, 45, 50) with a printed looped track (21, 31, 41) of carbon extending along the substrate between two metal terminals (25, 26, 43, 44, 74, 75) at one end. The heating elements are preferably made by printing several looped tracks (51 to 59) side by side on an insulative substrate (50), applying a metal bus bar (60) along one edge (61) of the sheet over the free ends of the track loops. The bus bar is cut between the free ends of the tracks (51 and 59) to form isolated terminal pads connected with opposite ends of the tracks. The sheet is cut (63) between the tracks (51 to 59) to divide it into separate heating elements.

Abstract: A tracheostomy tube assembly includes an outer tracheal tube (1) and a removable inner cannula (20). The inner cannula (20) has a corrugated outer surface (23) but a smooth inner surface (22). At its patient end the inner cannula (20) has an integral tip (26) with a smooth outer surface that forms a close sliding fit with the inside of the outer tube (1). At its rear, machine end the inner cannula has an integral hub (30) that fits in a hub (18) on the outer tube. The smooth inner surface (22) of the inner cannula (20) allows non-turbulent gas flow along the assembly and facilitates insertion of devices along the cannula.

Abstract: A video viewing device 10, such as for use in inserting medical tubes 3, has an outer bendable sleeve 80 and an inner assembly comprising an electrical assembly 20 of a camera 11, cable 13 and connector 14 secured in a channel-shape support member 40. The inner assembly 20, 40 is threaded along the outer sleeve 80 so that the camera 11 is positioned at one end 12 and the connector 14 at its opposite end. The support member 40 is preferably made of two lengths 40A and 40B of different stiffness joined end to end with an angled butt join 42, the length towards the patient end 12 being more flexible so that the rear end of the viewing device 10 is stiffer than its patient end.

Abstract: Apparatus for warming medical infusion fluids includes a heat pipe (12) warmed by an electrical heater (17) at one end. A replaceable fluid flow path (20) of helical configuration extends along the heat pipe (12) and is formed between an inner, thermally-conductive sleeve (21) with a helical profile and an outer insulative sleeve (26). An inlet (3) to the flow path (20) is located adjacent the heater (17), the outlet (4) being at the opposite end of the heat pipe (12). The inlet (3) is connected to a suspended saline bag (1) and the outlet (4) connects via tubing (5) to a catheter (6) inserted in a blood vessel. A temperature sensor (18) in the outlet tubing (5) provides a feedback output to a control unit (11) that controls operation of the heater (17) to maintain a stable temperature.

Abstract: A gas flow sensor (1), such as for a respiratory tube (120) or a convective warming blanket (40), includes a stiff, flexible rectangular substrate (10) supporting a piezoelectric element (11). The substrate (10) is mounted at its downstream end (15) and aligned in the gas flow (2) so that its free end (16) is vibrated up and down by gas flow. This flexes the substrate (10) and the piezoelectric element (11) so that it provides an alternating output to a processor (20) with an amplitude dependent on the rate of gas flow. The processor (20) provides an output to a display (3) indicative of the gas flow rate.

Abstract: Apparatus for enabling speech while a tracheostomy tube is in place includes a tracheostomy tube 1 with a vocalisation gas lumen 15 extending along its length and opening at one end externally of the tube above the sealing cuff 10 in the trachea T. A ventilator 2 is connected to the main bore 3 of the tube 1 to supply ventilation gas cyclically to the patient. The ventilator 2 also has an auxiliary outlet 29 connected to the vocalisation gas lumen 15. The auxiliary outlet 29 supplies vocalisation gas to the vocalisation gas lumen 15 only during the expiratory phases of ventilation. Alternatively, the apparatus includes a separate supply 50 of vocalisation gas connected with the vocalisation gas lumen 15? via a valve 52. The valve 52 is controlled by pressure in the main gas supply tubing 31? so that the valve is opened to enable the supply of vocalisation gas only during the expiratory phases of ventilation.

Abstract: An inspiratory exerciser apparatus has a loop shape housing with a mouthpiece 1, an air inlet 2, an outlet 3 and a spring-loaded valve 4 that provides a restriction to inhalation through the inlet. The apparatus includes an electronics unit 60 that records use of the apparatus for download to a remote computer, such as via a connector port 65 or by wireless means. The electronics unit 60 also causes lamps 63 in a translucent part of the housing 11 to flash during the prescribed exercise period to encourage the patient to inhale and exhale at a prescribed rate and for a prescribed time.

Abstract: A video bougie 1 for use in inserting a medical tube 3 includes a bendable rod 10 with a camera unit 11 mounted at its forward end and connected by a cable 13 with an electrical connector 14 at the machine end of the bougie. A brass ferrule 30 has its forward end 32 attached to an external recess 24 around the machine end of the rod 10, the rear end 33 of the ferrule supporting the electrical connector 14.

Abstract: A medical syringe pump has a first processor (21) responsible for controlling infusion and a second processor (22) that functions as a watchdog to monitor operation of the first processor. A data communication connector (27) is located in the pump battery compartment (25) so that the batteries (24) have to be removed before external access can be made using an external connector (4). Removing the batteries (24) disables the infusion function of the first processor and ensures that the pump is prevented from infusing medication. When the external connector (4) is connected the first processor (21) can reprogram the second processor (22) or information about historical operation of the pump can be downloaded.

Abstract: A fenestrated tracheostomy tube has a shaft (1) made of a silicone or other soft material. The fenestrated region (10) located in the trachea (20) has two rows of several openings (11) along the centre line of the tube. The openings (12) are formed in a separate plate (12) of a stiffer material bonded or moulded in an aperture (13) in the shaft (1) of the tube to give the shaft extra stiffness in this region.

Abstract: A needle assembly comprises a metal needle (1) with a hub (13) and a marker in the form of a bubble-filled plastics rod (2) inserted within the needle. The rod (2) makes the assembly more visible under ultrasound observation when confirming correct placement of the needle (1) and is subsequently removed when correct placement has been confirmed. A fluid (3) is placed between the outside of the rod (2) and the inside of the needle (1) to improve acoustic coupling between the needle and the rod. Alternatively, a rod (72) is stretched during insertion and allowed to expand into close contact with the inside of the needle after insertion.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube is introduced into the trachea using a video introducer in the form of a bendable rod having a camera and light source at one end and connected to a display monitor via a cable and connector at the other end. The introducer is initially inserted to the trachea carrying a guide sleeve extending along its outside. When correctly inserted, the video introducer is removed by pulling rearwardly to leave the guide sleeve in position. The endotracheal tube is then slid into position along the guide sleeve, following which the guide sleeve is removed to leave the endotracheal tube in position. The guide sleeve could be stiffened after removing the video introducer and before inserting the tube by inserting a stylet or filling the sleeve with a substance.

Abstract: Video apparatus, particularly for use in intubation of an endotracheal tube, has a bendable rod (10) with a camera unit (11) mounted at its forward, patient end (12). The camera unit (11) is retained by a sleeve (30) with at least a transparent window at its forward end (31). The sleeve (30) extends along the camera unit (11) and is bonded to the outside of the rod (10) at its forward end (12). The rod (10) has a bore (17) extending along its length through which a cable (24) from the camera unit (11) extends to a low profile connector (13) at the rear, machine end (14) of the rod.

Abstract: Breathing apparatus includes a hood enclosing the patient's head and having a gas inlet and outlet located on the hood in the region of the patient's nose and mouth. Inlet tubing connects the gas inlet on the hood with an outlet of a gas supply unit; outlet tubing connects the gas outlet on the hood with an inlet of the gas supply unit. A pump in the gas supply unit draws gas extracted from the outlet tubing through a scrubber to remove carbon dioxide from gas extracted from the enclosure. A mixer valve mixes gas from the scrubber with fresh gas from an oxygen and helium cylinder for supply back to the inlet tubing.

Abstract: A tent-like structure has a compact configuration and can be expanded to an expanded configuration large enough totally to enclose a patient. A recirculating gas supply arrangement supplies a mixture of oxygen and helium to the inside of the structure. The structure may contain exercise equipment, such as a static cycle, so that the patient can exercise in the gas mixture. The structure could also be used over a swimming pool. A weight or other means at the lower end of the structure helps to seal it with the floor surface and reduce escape of gas.

Abstract: An endobronchial tube assembly for selective ventilation of the left or right lung has an endobronchial tube (1) with two passages opening into the left and right lungs. A selector (2) mounted at the machine end (20) of the tube (1) has a rotatable plate (70) with apertures (73, 74, 75) which can be positioned to allow gas to flow along a selected passage of the tube (1). A lock mechanism (90, 81, 82, 83) retains the plate (70) in the selected position until a button (61) is depressed to release the plate, which can then be moved to one side or the other by displacing a knob (77).

Abstract: An introducer for an endotracheal tube (50) has a bendable rod (10) with a video camera (15) and light source (16) mounted at its patient end (12) and connected by a cable (17) to an electrical connector (2) fixed at the machine end of the rod. The connector (2) has a narrow profile to allow the endotracheal tube (50) to be slid over it. In use, the camera (15) is connected to a video display (4) via a cable (5) and a mating connector (6), the rod (10) is bent to the desired shape and inserted into the trachea. The mating connector (6) is then disconnected to enable the endotracheal tube (50) to be slid to the correct position in the trachea along the rod (10) and over the connector (2) mounted at the machine end of the rod. The rod (10) is then removed to leave the tube (50) in position.

Abstract: Sleep apnoea treatment equipment has a housing containing a blower connected to the housing outlet via a duct. A length of flexible breathing tubing connects the housing outlet with a face mask worn by the patient so that he receives a flow of air at elevated pressure. An acoustic sensor is mounted in the duct close to the blower and supplies an output to a processor. The processor supplies an output to a loudspeaker or other acoustic source mounted downstream of the sensor, between it and the outlet. The processor drives the source to produce anti-noise in anti-phase with the blower-generated noise so as to reduce the noise level outside the equipment.