Abstract: An endotracheal tube can be inserted into a patient's trachea during resuscitation by using a face mask and a curved guide. The guide is inserted through a flexible port in the face mask and has a curved distal portion that extends into the patient's mouth and hypopharynx. The patient is initially resuscitated by supplying a flow of air/oxygen through the mask. For example, a resuscitation bag can be connected to a rotatable ventilation port on the face mask. An endotracheal tube is inserted over the distal end of a fiber optic probe. Resuscitation, oxygenation, or artificial ventilation continue without interruption while the fiber optic probe and endotracheal tube are inserted through a flexible port at the proximal end of the curve guide and then advanced along the guide into the patient's airway. The direction of the distal tip of the fiber optic probe can be controlled by the physician.

Abstract: A catheter mount incorporates a filter pleated along its length in zig-zag fashion. Opposite edges of the filter are sealed between identical upper and lower parts of a housing between teeth extending along opposite sides.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling gas delivery to a patient is disclosed, wherein delivery is adapted to maintain a physiological sleep state. The apparatus includes a monitoring device that monitors EEG, EOG, EMG, patient position and patient breathing. The apparatus also contains a microprocessor, which is programmed to derive sleep state specific indicators from the data received by the monitoring device and to determine if the sleep state is in a stable or deteriorating phase, where upon gas pressure will be automatically adjusted to maintain the sleep state if desired. The microprocessor is programmed with a unique automatic sleep staging algorithm and a gas pressure seek algorithm which work together to automatically adjust delivered respiratory gas pressure to a user based upon the determined sleep state and the sleep states condition.

Abstract: An open- or closed-loop method and corresponding medical ventilator for providing breathing gas to a patient such that the patient exerts a desired work of breathing during pressure support ventilation, and such that the work of breathing of the patient is monitored and the pressure and/or flow rate of the breathing gas provided to the patient is controlled throughout the inspiratory phase to provide a pressure support ventilation level that provides the desired work of breathing in the patient.

Abstract: A system for controlling the temperature and relative humidity of the interior chamber of a respirator is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, the system includes a body configured to conform to the face of a user and form an interior chamber defined by the respirator body and the face of the user. The system includes a sight region in the upper portion of the body through which the user can see. A thermoelectric module having a first temperature plate and a second temperature plate is interposed in the lower portion of the body so that the first temperature plate contacts the interior chamber and the second temperature plate contacts the external environment. A power source provides DC current to the thermoelectric module causing a temperature differential between the first temperature plate and the second temperature plate. Preferably, the plates of the thermoelectric module include heat exchangers and fans for maximizing the efficiency of the thermoelectric module.

Abstract: An air-impermeable hood having first and second substantially airtight seals adapted to encircle a portion of a wearer's body below the head, typically the neck. Continuously exhaled air from the wearer of the hood is channeled between the first and second seals pressurizing a space there between creating a continuously pressurized purge zone to the introduction of ambient air into the hood. When the pressure in the purge zone exceeds the resistance of the second seal, air taking the path of least resistance flows out of the second seal. The effect is that exhaled air from the wearer creates a pressurized barrier against ambient air yet also prevents the accumulation of excess carbon dioxide and moisture within the ocular area.

Abstract: A supplied air snorkeling device is provided. This device includes a flotation vest coupled with a tank holder. This flotation vest contains flotation material that cannot be deflated and substantially prohibits a user from submerging. A tank cover is positioned within the tank holder for holding an air tank. Still further, a hose retainer is coupled with the vest. In use, an air tank is placed within the tank cover which is then placed within the tank holder. A hose extends from the air tank through the hose retainer and is connected to a regulator that is connected to a mouthpiece which fits into a user's mouth. The hose retainer keeps the mouthpiece in close proximity to the user's mouth. Another aspect of the present invention is a method of making this supplied air snorkeling device. This method includes coupling a tank holder with a flotation vest.

Abstract: A flow probe for use in a humidification system is disclosed. The flow probe is adapted to be positioned in a humidified gases flow (for example oxygen or anaesthetic gases) such as that which is provided to a patient in a hospital environment. The flow probe is designed to provide both temperature and flow rate sensing of the gases flow by incorporating two sensors (preferably thermistors) and the shape and alignment of the probe enables accurate readings by reducing the occurrence of condensation on the sensors.

Abstract: An inhalant medicator comprises a medicator body formed at one axial end with a capsule housing hole and at another axial end with an inhalant port, an inflow air passageway having an axial inflow passage extending in an axial direction of the medicator body and a first pin insertion hole extending in a radial direction of the medicator body for communicating the capsule housing hole with the atmosphere, an outflow air passageway having an outflow passage extending in the axial direction of the medicator body and a second pin insertion hole extending in the radial direction of the medicator body for communicating the capsule housing hole with the inhalant port, and a boring tool having pins insertable toward a capsule through the first and second insertion holes for pricking holes in the capsule accommodated in the capsule housing hole with the pins.

Abstract: A balanced breathing loop for a rebreather is disclosed which includes a system of components that interact to provide substantial safety and alarm awareness benefits over existing methodology in recirculating breathing apparatus loops. The device relies on a specific arrangement of components to create both automatic alternate delivery of gas to replace metabolized oxygen in case of single component failures and breathing characteristic changes that warn the user that a component failure has occurred. The breathing characteristic changes allow the user to identify which specific component has failed, thus allowing for immediate corrective action.

Abstract: A catheter introducing system includes an introducer catheter comprising a flexible sheath having a hemostasis valve and an obturator having a steering mechanism operated by a proximal actuator handle. The catheter introducer system will usually be introduced with the obturator inside of the flexible sheath so that the obturator can effect steering by laterally deflecting the distal end of the combined sheath and obturator. Such catheter introducing systems are particularly useful for large diameter sheaths which are not readily introduced over guide wires. A first exemplary hemostasis valve comprises a compressed foam insert having an axial lumen therein. A second exemplary hemostasis valve comprises an elastomeric insert which receives and seals over the catheter.

Abstract: A new treatment and apparatus for acute and chronic treatment is described here which incorporates nasal ventilation, with or without concomitant drug therapy, using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or bi-level pressure treatment or variants thereof, including devices which automatically set their pressures based on physiologic data inputs.

Abstract: A filtration face mask 10 that comprises a mask body 20 and a band 30. The mask body is adapted to cover the nose and mouth of a wearer and that comprises polyolefin containing fibers. The band 30 comprises an elastic constituent and a fibrous thermoplastic constituent. The fibrous thermoplastic constituent has a melting point of about 250° C. or less and is a polyolefin or a substituted polyolefin. The band is attached to the mask body by heat and pressure at securement points 23.

Abstract: A heat and moisture exchanger including a gas-permeable element, preferably a fibrous media, adapted to be warmed and to trap moisture from a patient's breath during exhalation and to be cooled and to release the trapped moisture for return to the patient during inspiration to effectively conserve the humidity and body heat of the patient's respiratory tract, wherein the media comprises a hydrophilic nylon polymer. The gas-permeable element can be formed entirely of monocomponent fibers of the hydrophilic nylon polymer or, preferably, fibers comprising at least a sheath of the hydrophilic nylon polymer can be bonded at their points of contact by a bonding agent, such as a polyester.

Abstract: An inhaler for administering powder by inhalation and a method of constructing the same, the inhaler including a member that defines a chamber for containing desiccant, the member including first and second parts which when fitted together define the chamber for containing desiccant. The first part has an outer surface provided with at least one of an internal or external spline and the second part has an inner surface provided with at least one of the other of an internal or external spline, where the splines (28, 36) are dimensioned and/or spaced so as, on fitting together the first and second parts (14, 16), rotationally to fix the first and second parts and define spaces therebetween.

Abstract: Inhalation device comprising a body (55) defining a reservoir (56) for medicament in the form of a powder, an outlet (57) through which a user can inhale, and a dosing member (53) with at least one metering recess formed therein. The dosing member (53) is moveable between a first position in which the at least one metering recess communicates with the reservoir (56) to receive a dose of powder therefrom and a second position in which the at least one metering recess communicates with the outlet (57) to permit the user to inhale the dose. The at least one metering recess is formed in a face of the dosing member which is urged into contact against a similar mating face of the body at the lower end of the reservoir to form a dynamic seal. At least one of the faces (51) is made of a flexible material having a hardness of less than 80 Shore A.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for dispensing medication in the respiratory system, with provision for breath-activation; open and closed-mouth technique; recording and control of dosage; and enhanced atomization of liquid medication. This is accomplished with a device that uses a medication canister with an integral battery and circuitry, the battery providing power for electro-mechanical activation, counting medication dosage used or remaining, and controlling device activation. The invention has capability for use with dry and wet medication, and is easily cocked with a simple manual action.

Abstract: An artificial airway device (also known as a Laryngeal Mask Assembly, “LMA,” or Disposable Laryngeal Mask Assembly, “DLMA”) used to facilitate lung ventilation in an unconscious patient and methods for using an artificial airway device. The device includes a curved but flexible airway tube and a hollow mask support at one end of the airway tube. The mask support includes a fairly rigid support base and a flexible, generally annular peripheral skirt which is attached to the support base. A distal tip of the mask support is narrowed and projects outwardly, thereby providing a nose portion which is used to easily locate the distal tip of the mask in the entrance into the esophagus. The skirt is capable of conforming to the space behind the larynx so as to form a seal around the circumference of the laryngeal inlet without penetrating into the interior of the larynx. The skirt surrounds a hollow interior space or lumen of the mask base into which the airway tube opens.

Abstract: Treatment of pulmonary disorders associated with hypoxemia and/or smooth muscle constriction comprises administering into the lungs as a gas a compound with an NO group which does not form NO2/NOx in the presence of oxygen or reactive oxygen species at body temperature. Treatment of cardiac and blood disorders, e.g., angina, myocardial infarction, heart failure, hypertension, sickle cell disease and clotting disorders, comprises administering into the lungs as a gas, a compound which reacts with cysteine in hemoglobin and/or dissolves in blood and has an NO group which is bound in said compound so that it does not form NO2/NOx in the presence of oxygen or reactive oxygen species at body temperature. Exemplary of the compound administered in each case is ethyl nitrite.

Abstract: A laryngeal airway device for scaling against the laryngeal opening includes an air tube with proximal and distal ends and a sealing member attached to the distal end. The sealing member includes a coupler for coupling the device to an introducer. Complementing the laryngeal airway device is an introducer that includes a track for receiving the coupler of the laryngeal airway device and guiding the sealing member to a sealing position with respect to the laryngeal inlet. The introducer may include an epiglottic engager on a distal end to engage the epiglottis and retain it while the sealing member is being tracked to engagement with the laryngeal inlet.