Abstract: A device for insertion in a surgically created orifice after ostomy surgery to provide a tube or flow path for the excretion of body wastes from the body organ. There is an enlarged base portion, a tapered portion adjacent thereto and an integral substantially cylindrical portion extending from the tapered portion. The device terminates in an enlarged flared tip or shoulder which is inserted into the orifice in the skin. The enlarged tip or shoulder is larger in diameter than the diameter of the orifice whereby when the shoulder is inserted the ureter, colon or ileum, as the case may be, will enwrap the shoulder and maintain the device in secured position. A disposable bag is provided to be applied to the base portion of the by-pass device.

Abstract: Equipment for medical or surgical uses is provided for purposes, for example, of withdrawing or draining body liquids from cavities tending to accumulate such liquids, for instance as a result of wounds, surgical procedures or of pathological conditions in the body. The equipment comprises a vacuum chamber adapted to receive a disposable collection bag and control systems are provided for regulating the vacuum in the chamber and thus the suction in the collection bag. The chamber also has a wall structure and a door cooperating to provide a closed but openable vacuum compartment adapted to receive the disposable collection bag. The bag has a liquid inlet tube and the wall structure and door have portions cooperating to form a channel therebetween for receiving the inlet tube, and the inlet tube carries a sealing device insertable into and removable from said channel in a direction transversely of the tube when the door is open.

Abstract: An over-pressure protection device utilized for limiting the fluid pressure applied to a vein which has been removed from the body and which is being tested prior to transplantation within the body. The over-pressure protection device has a port for accepting a fluid under pressure, a tapered fitting for connection of the device to the vein to be tested and a resilient membrane which regulates the pressure of the fluid being applied to the vein. The specific characteristics of the resilient membrane limits the fluid pressure applied to the vein and therefore prevents subsequent deterioration of the vein.

Abstract: A hollow cylindrical sheath has a proximal end and a distal end. An optical viewing device is located in the sheath extending from the distal back to the proximal end. An outflow tube is slidable onto the sheath to surround the sheath and form together with the sheath an intermediate return-flow space between the outer wall of the sheath and the inner wall of the outflow tube, with the outflow tube when in position slid over the sheath tightly surrounding the distal end portion of the sheath. Clear rinsing water is introduced into the proximal end of the sheath. Turbid water is removed from the proximal end of the intermediate space. The outflow tube is provided with apertures at the distal end thereof for the flow of clear rinsing water out of the distal end of the sheath and around the end of the endoscope and then through the apertures into the intermediate space.

Abstract: A hypodermic syringe including a needle and a deformable ampul connected thereto adjacent a neck portion where a rupturable membrane extends across the neck portion sealing a medicament in the ampul.

Abstract: This laryngoscope blade comprises an illuminated, molded tongue retractor, wherein, as viewed by a patient, a suction conduit extends up the left side of the blade, from just short of the distal tip of the blade, to the proximal end of the blade, with means for attachment to a separate suction hose and vacuum pump. A flow of 100% oxygen is provided near the distal tip of the blade through a second conduit, smaller in diameter than the first, extending down the right side of the blade from the proximal end of the blade, with means for attachment to a separate oxygen delivery hose and oxygen source. The improved blade is uniquely shaped to facilitate endotracheal intubation, in a 100% oxygen environment, with high-volume suction immediately available, at the glottis, in the illuminated field of view.

Abstract: A carrier and skin-protecting cover for disposable urine bags comprises one or more pouches and a waist-encircling support belt all made of permanent-press cotton fabric. The pouches are detachably fastened to the belt, and the belt is made adjustable by the use of "VELCRO" fasteners. The pouches desirably have iron-on patches for safety-pinning or otherwise fastening tubes in place, and have paired snaps for attaching the bags. The carrier requires no leg bands and has no skin-facing seams.

Abstract: A surgical retractor of the invention comprises a shaft, an arm connected to one end of the shaft and a blade connected to the arm. The shaft and the arm lie in the same plane. The blade has a portion extending perpendicularly to the aforementioned plane. The axis of a portion of the shaft including the other end thereof is perpendicular to and laterally offset from the aforementioned portion of the blade. The last mentioned end of the shaft is substantially spaced from the plane of the aforementioned blade portion.

Abstract: A conventional cylindrically shaped bed urinal is modified to include an outlet which is conncted by flexible tubing to a collecting vessel positioned below the bed of a bedridden non-ambulatory male patient. Attachment means such as cloth straps are provided to secure the modified bed pan between the legs of the patient to permit the patient to void his bladder as desired. The bed urinal may be shaped to have concave sides dimensioned to conform to the dimensions of the thighs of the patient.

Abstract: A surgical retractor according to the invention comprises a straight shaft, a blade and means for pivotally connecting the blade to the shaft with the blade oriented perpendicularly to the shaft and being free to turn about an axis perpendicular to the shaft. The retractor may further comprise means for telescopically adjusting the length of the shaft and releasably fixing the shaft at the adjusted length. A sole may be formed on the free extremity of the blade most remote from the pivotal connection, the sole being symmetrically formed on the blade and defining surfaces in planes perpendicular to the turning axis of the blade, the surfaces extending equally beyond the thickness of the blade in opposite directions.

Abstract: This invention provides a disposable urinal to be worn by female incontinent patients. It consists of an adjustable belt having a flexible sheet attached thereto. A urine collecting pouch depends from the sheet, with a disposable vaginal pad provided between the wearer's body and the sheet.

Abstract: A laryngoscope blade comprising an essentially straight blade portion have the inner end portion which is curved out of the plane of the straight blade portion, and which curved portion is adapted to be received in the groove defined between the base of the tongue and the epiglottis of a patient whereby the tip end causes the tongue to be moved anteriorly to expose the inlet of the larynx and the straight portion of the blade defines a line of sight directly into the larynx.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for preventing damage to the alveolar ridge and to any teeth, crowns, or dental prosthesis protruding therefrom during the administration of anesthetic and during insertion of rigid instruments into a patient's mouth. A protector is constructed with a removable handle and is arranged to sit astride the maxillary alveolar ridge. The protector is generally "U"-shaped in cross-section, curved to conform to the arc of the maxillary alveolar ridge, and the arms of the "U" are shaped to be located, respectively, within the anterior maxillary labial vestibule and to bear against the hard palate. The depth of the protector prevents the interior thereof from contacting either the maxillary alveolar ridge itself or any protuberances therefrom.

Abstract: A cannula for surgical use comprising a base member having a bore therethrough, a tubular member bounding the bore and extending outwardly from a first side of the base member, and a turret member connected to a second side of the base member and having first and second aperture therein, the turret member being movable relative to the base member to selectively place a selected aperture in or out of alignment with the bore to open or close a passageway through the instrument.

Abstract: A self-contained, combined irrigator and evacuator for closed wounds comprising a housing divided into two sections by a biased divider so that movement of the divider in one direction causes pumping of fluid from one section to a patient for wound irrigation while simultaneously effecting evacuation of fluid from the wound site and collection of the evacuated fluid in the second section.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to an improved laryngoscope blade of the straight blade type, which includes an essentially straight blade portion having a arcuate cross-section and which has connected to a longitudinal edge of the arcuate blade portion an outwardly flared flange so as to reduce the overall height of the blade while maximizing the exposure or vision through the blade to the larynx.

Abstract: A device is described to enable the direct hygienic collection of a urine sample in a specimen tube. The collection aid is formed with a hollow body. A main opening of the hollow body is oriented to receive a female or male voiding stream which is confined in a chamber having specimen and excess urine outlet ports. The specimen outlet is shaped to releasably retain a specimen container such as a centrifuge tube while the excess urine outlet is effectively sized and selectively spaced from the specimen outlet to assure sufficient flow through the specimen outlet for a sample while enabling the remainder to be drained away. In one embodiment the hollow body is formed of relatively rotatable segments shaped to enable the hollow body to be adapted to be used for both male or females. Several embodiments are described.

Abstract: An arcuate frame is sized to fit concentrically at a spaced distance about the head. Retractors, retaining the mouth and lips in open position for vertical and lateral exposure during mouth and jaw surgery, are adjustably suspended from the frame by an adjustable universal connector. The frame is mounted on an upstanding support from the operating table by connecting means providing adjustability thereof for universal spacial orientation. One or more beaded chains control the position and tension on each of the retractors, other than the tongue retractor, by releasably engaging anchors carried by connectors which are adjustably positioned along the frame. A single thumb screw secures and releases each anchor for simultaneous adjustment along the frame and at right angles toward and away from the frame. Other surgical applications requiring adjustable retractors are anticipated for the device.

Abstract: A disposable diaper comprising, an absorbent pad assembly having opposed surfaces, a pair of side edges, and a pair of end edges connecting the side edges. The diaper has a tape fastener comprising, tape means having a first portion secured to one of the surfaces of the pad assembly, a securement portion for attachment to a spaced portion of the diaper, an extensible portion connecting the first and securement portions, and elastic means constraining expansion of the extensible portion.

Abstract: A device for visually examining a generally inaccessible body cavity, such as the larynx or the like, including a mirror mounted upon an elongated support member for insertion and positioning within the cavity, a light transmitting means having a light receiving face positioned adjacent a source of the illumination outside the cavity and a light exit face positioned adjacent to the mirror within the cavity for focusing a small light beam upon a portion of the mirror. A clear aperture is provided in the mirror that is positioned in reference to the incident light beam to allow a portion of the light to pass through the mirror. The region directly behind the mirror is thus illuminated to permit the mirror to be rapidly and accurately positioned by the examiner.