Abstract: A system with an inflatable member (10) configured for being arranged in part of the patient's respiratory tract, comprising a catheter (20) carrying an inflatable member (10) to be arranged in the respiratory tract, said catheter being provided with a fluid line (25) for filling 5 the inflatable member (10) with a fluid; said catheter having a first end (21) intended for being located outside of the patient's body and a second end (22) intended for being located in the patient's respiratory tract; an imaging device (30) attached to or integrated with the second end (22) of the catheter.

Abstract: A system with at least one inflatable member configured for being arranged in a part of the patient's respiratory tract includes a catheter carrying the at least one inflatable member. The catheter includes a fluid line for filling the inflatable member with a fluid; and a pressure monitoring and control member to be arranged outside the patient's body. The pressure monitoring member is in fluid communication with the inflatable member and is configured to receive, during operation, fluid from the inflatable member when the pressure increases above a predetermined threshold pressure and to return the received fluid when the pressure decreases below said predetermined threshold pressure. The pressure monitoring and control member is an elastically expandable balloon made from a material configured to expand elastically when the pressure in the balloon increases above a predetermined threshold pressure and to contract when the pressure decreases below said predetermined threshold pressure.

Abstract: A system with at least one inflatable member configured for being arranged in a part of the patient's respiratory tract includes a catheter carrying the at least one inflatable member. The catheter includes a fluid line for filling the inflatable member with a fluid; and a pressure monitoring and control member to be arranged outside the patient's body. The pressure monitoring member is in fluid communication with the inflatable member and is configured to receive, during operation, fluid from the inflatable member when the pressure increases above a predetermined threshold pressure and to return the received fluid when the pressure decreases below said predetermined threshold pressure. The pressure monitoring and control member is an elastically expandable balloon made from a material configured to expand elastically when the pressure in the balloon increases above a predetermined threshold pressure and to contract when the pressure decreases below said predetermined threshold pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for ultrasonic imaging of an organ in a patient's body through a part of the patient's respiratory tract, including: arranging an ultrasonic imaging device in or on the patient's body; introducing a flexible catheter carrying at least one inflatable member into the respiratory tract; positioning the inflatable member at a predetermined location in the respiratory tract; filling the inflatable member with an ultrasonic transmission fluid through the flexible catheter; and transmitting ultrasonic waves from the imaging device through the transmission fluid in the inflatable member to the organ to be imaged. The inflatable member is positioned in the respiratory tract by manipulating guide means that are attached to or integrated with the flexible catheter. The invention further relates to an ultrasonic imaging system for carrying out this method and to an assembly means for use in such an ultrasonic imaging system.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ultrasonic imaging system having an ultrasound intra-esophageal endoscope device for scanning a patient's organs, for use in particular with transesophageal echocardiography, and an intratracheal transmission device defining a transmission path for sound waves originating from the endoscope device. A transmission device is specially adapted for use with an endoscope device in an ultrasonic imaging system having a flexible balloon member connected to a supply line for a sound wave transmission fluid medium.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for selective ventilation, comprising an endotracheal tube, an endobronchial tube connected thereto both tubes having a proximal and a distal end, the distal end of the endobronchiol extends beyond the distal end of the endotracheal tube, and means for positioning by feel the distal end of the endobronchial tube in longitudinal and peripheral direction of the trachea. The positioning means can be arranged close to the distal end of the endobronchial tube and can extend so far outside the periphery thereof during use that they come to lie on the carina of the patient. The positioning means can also be asymmetrical relative to the periphery of the endotracheal and/or endobronchial tube and can be adapted for co-action with the trachea wall. The positioning means can comprise a balloon or a resiliently deformable member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for ultrasonic imaging of an organ in a patient's body through a part of the patient's respiratory tract, including: arranging an ultrasonic imaging device in or on the patient's body; introducing a flexible catheter carrying at least one inflatable member into the respiratory tract; positioning the inflatable member at a predetermined location in the respiratory tract; filling the inflatable member with an ultrasonic transmission fluid through the flexible catheter; and transmitting ultrasonic waves from the imaging device through the transmission fluid in the inflatable member to the organ to be imaged. The inflatable member is positioned in the respiratory tract by manipulating guide means that are attached to or integrated with the flexible catheter. The invention further relates to an ultrasonic imaging system for carrying out this method and to an assembly means for use in such an ultrasonic imaging system.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ultrasonic imaging system having an ultrasound intra-esophageal endoscope device for scanning a patient's organs, for use in particular with transesophageal echocardiography, and an intratracheal transmission device defining a transmission path for sound waves originating from the endoscope device. A transmission device is specially adapted for use with an endoscope device in an ultrasonic imaging system having a flexible balloon member connected to a supply line for a sound wave transmission fluid medium.