Abstract: A flow indicating system that includes a conduit that contains a substance, wherein the conduit defines a path along which the substance primarily flows and a viewing port attached to the conduit and the viewing port prevents substantially non-ambient atmosphere gases and substances from escaping therefrom and allows visualization of an internal space defined by the viewing port. A flow indicator that is positioned within the conduit so as to be viewed via the viewing port and is positioned so as to not to substantially interfere with a flow of the substance along the path.

Abstract: A method for splinting rib injuries is disclosed. A pair of anchor strips having a plurality of fasteners on their exposed surfaces are attached to the skin of the chest cavity by an adhesive, the strips being more or less vertically oriented and equidistantly spaced from the injury. Elastomeric straps having a plurality of fastener receivers are removably fastened to the anchor strips across the injury so as to produce a stabilizing/reducing force at the injury. Tension in the straps and orientation of the straps are adjusted to maximize patient comfort. In another embodiment a pad is placed between the elastomeric straps and the chest wall. In other embodiments the pad is a hot or cold compress. In yet another embodiment the pad is connected to a cold therapy machine.

Abstract: A low pressure hyperbaric chambers and methods of using same are disclosed. The present invention provides means for designing, building, and using low pressure chambers suitable for use in managing pain associated with medical conditions.

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: In one embodiment, the invention provides a device for decreasing intracranial or intraocular pressures. The device comprises a housing having an inlet opening and an outlet opening that is adapted to be interfaced with a person's airway. The device further includes a valve system that is operable to regulate respiratory gas flows through the housing and into the person's lungs during spontaneous or artificial inspiration. The valve system assists in lowering intrathoracic pressures during each inspiration to repetitively lower pressures in the venous blood vessels that transport blood out of the head to thereby reduce intracranial or intraocular pressures.

Abstract: A feed system for an aerosolizer utilizes an ampoule containing a liquid and includes a housing having an ampoule region into which the ampoule is held, and a liquid receiving region that is adapted to receive liquid dispensed from the ampoule. An interface is used to couple the liquid receiving region to an aerosol generator, whereby liquid from the liquid receiving region is permitted to flow to the aerosol generator for aerosolization.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for modulating a person's autonomic function comprises interfacing a valve system to the person's airway, the valve system being configured to decrease or prevent respiratory gas flow to the person's lungs during at least a portion of an inhalation event. The person is permitted to inhale and exhale through the valve system, wherein during inhalation the valve system functions to produce a vacuum within the thorax to transiently decrease intrathoracic pressure and thereby modulate the person's autonomic function.

Abstract: A respiratory suction catheter apparatus includes a suction catheter that has a tubular portion with a distal end. The suction catheter may be adapted for removing fluids from a patient by insertion of the tubular portion into an artificial airway of the patient and application of negative pressure to a lumen of the tubular portion. A catheter attachment section is present and has a proximal end that is attached to the suction catheter, and has a distal end that is configured for releasable attachment with an artificial airway structure that is attached to the patient. A valve is located in the catheter attachment section. The valve has a closed position that at least substantially blocks the passageway of the catheter attachment section which causes the tubular portion to be substantially isolated from the artificial airway of the patient.

Abstract: An improved nebulizer breathing system wherein a supplemental gas may be introduced into the nebulizer head at a position after the liquefied medication has been fractured or nebulized, so that the introduction of the supplemental gas does not effect the rate at which the nebulized liquefied medication is applied to the user, and the mixture of gases to be administered to a patient is added to the breathing system at a position removed from the point at which the gas mixture is administered to the patient.

Abstract: Provided is a snorkel having a whistler. In one embodiment, the whistler is mounted on a breathing tube. A swimmer wearing the snorkel may seize the whistler by the mouth prior to making a clear, shrill sound by activating the whistler.

Abstract: A continuous high-frequency oscillation breathing device delivers therapy during both inhalation and exhalation in order to assist in clearings secretions the lungs. A fixed shrouded-venturi patient interface circuit is combined with medicated aerosol to deliver continuous high-frequency oscillation therapy. Fixed open apertures in the patient interface circuit allow ingress and egress of flow, and are calibrated to allow exhalation and prevent stacking of successive breaths.

Abstract: A ventilation interface and system is described which can be adapted to be connected to a source of ventilation. The ventilation interface and system may include variable exhaust ports. The ventilation interface system may optionally include feed tubes, y-connector, tube holder, and headgear.

Abstract: The ventilation interface for sleep apnea therapy interfaces a ventilation device to the patient's airways. The ventilation interface includes a pair of nasal inserts made from flexible, resilient silicone which are oval shaped in cross-section and slightly tapered from a base proximal the ventilation supply to the distal tip end. A bead flange is disposed about the exterior of each insert at the distal end of the insert. A bleed port for release of exhaled air is defined through a conical vent projecting normally to the path of the incoming air flow, and continues through a nipple extending to the exterior of the air conduit. In one embodiment, a pair of nasal inserts are integral with a nasal cannula body, with bleed ports axially aligned with each insert. In another embodiment, each insert is independently connected to a separate, thin-walled, flexible supply line.

Abstract: A portable ventilator uses a ROOTS-type blower as a compressor to reduce both the size and power consumption of the ventilator. Various functional aspects of the ventilator are delegated to multiple subassemblies having dedicated controllers and software that interact with a ventilator processor to provide user interface functions, exhalation control and flow control servos, and monitoring of patient status. The ventilator overcomes noise problems through the use of noise reducing pressure compensating orifices on the ROOTS-type blower housing and multiple baffling chambers. The ventilator is configured with a highly portable form factor, and may be used as a stand-alone device or as a docked device having a docking cradle with enhanced interface and monitoring capabilities.

Abstract: A filtering face mask 10 that has a mask body and a new exhalation valve 14. The mask body is adapted to fit at least over the nose and mouth of a person to help define an interior gas space when the mask is worn. The exhalation valve 14 permits fluid communication between the interior gas space and an exterior gas space. The exhalation valve 14 has a valve seat 20 and a flap 22. The valve seat 20 includes a resilient seal surface 24 and an orifice 30 through which exhaled air may pass to leave the interior gas space. The flap 22 is mounted to the valve seat 20 such that the flap 22 makes contact with the resilient seal surface 24 when the valve is in its closed position and such that the flap 22 can move away from the seal surface 24 in response to an exhalation to allow exhaled air to pass through the orifice 30 to ultimately enter the exterior gas space.

Abstract: A hinge for orthopedic braces includes a pair of support arms, a pair of pivot pins and a hinge plate. The arms are coupled to the hinge plate through the pivot pins and are rotateable between an extension position and a flexion position. The hinge plate has a plurality of adjustment apertures for selective reception of an extension limit pin and a flexion limit pin to selectively restrain rotation of the arms beyond an extension limit and a flexion limit. The pins are retained on the hinge by flexible retainers and are individually positionable among the apertures to adjust the range of motion of the arms. A pair of cover elements pivotally moveable in a plane parallel to the hinge plate provide an open position accommodating access to the pins and a closed position preventing inadvertent displacement of the pins from the apertures.

Abstract: A headgear for securing and positioning a mask suitable for the treatment of sleep disordered breathing is constructed from a composite including polyurethane foam. It includes a back portion with upper and lower straps connected to the back portion. The straps have relatively narrow strap ends the lower straps are displaced downward with respect to the back portion. A quick release mechanism near the front of the face attaches the headgear to the mask. Additional components can be attached to the straps to alter their elasticity and stiffness.

Abstract: A patient gas delivery apparatus includes a mask structured to communicate with a patient's airway, a gas flow generator structured to supply pressurized gas, a gas delivery conduit having first and second opposing ends, the first opposing end being connected to the gas flow generator, and a connecting assembly including an anti-asphyxia valve member. The connecting assembly is connected in series between the conduit and the mask. The connecting assembly has a distal end and a proximal end with the distal end being configured and positioned to connect to the second opposing end of the conduit and the proximal end being configured and positioned to connect to the mask. The mask and the conduit are not adapted for direct interconnection without the connecting assembly.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a minimum effective dose of an inhaled drug for an individual patient at a given time. The system includes an apparatus to measure a performance measurement of the patient and a data processor capable of communication with the apparatus. The data processor provides a computed minimum effective dose for the individual patient by applying a predetermined rule the performance measurement. The method includes measuring a performance measurement of the patient, communicating the performance measurement to a data processor and computing a minimum effective dose for the patient by applying a predetermined rule to the performance measurement within the data processor.

Abstract: A foot splint for the prevention and rehabilitation of plantar fasciitis by maintaining a wearer's foot and, hence, his plantar fascia, in a preselected amount of dorsiflexion. The foot splint includes a footplate for supporting the wearer's foot, a lateral strut extending along the lower leg of the wearer and having a strap for releaseably attaching the strut to the wearer's leg, and a wrap for wrapping around the foot of the wearer. A soft insole may be provided to cushion the wearer's foot from the footplate. The wrap, insole and footplate provide a comfortable “slipper-like” feel for the wearer. Moreover, the foot splint is particularly suited for use during sleep since it is light-weight and open configuration allows for the wearer to move unimpeded between sleep positions, resulting in a more restful sleep. Moreover, the lateral placement of the strut keeps the rigid portions of the foot splint from inadvertently abrading, striking, or otherwise interfering with the wearer's other leg.