Abstract: A vent cycle indicator for a suction catheter formed by a sleeve connected between a collar having a wiper seal and a crosspiece. The suction catheter includes a vacuum connection member having a normally closed valve. A catheter tube is connected to the vacuum connection member and extends through the collar and crosspiece. The crosspiece is for connection to a ventilator such that during ventilation the indicator sleeve expands and contracts during the inspiration and expiration cycles. The protective sleeve may be provided between the collar and the vacuum connection member to keep the catheter tube enclosed.

Abstract: A syringe tip cap and a method for purging air from a syringe-like container containing air and hazardous liquid. The cap contains a hydrophilic filter which, when dry, allows air to pass through the filter. When the air is purged from the syringe, liquid from the container is pushed or drawn to the filter. The filter expands when wetted, seals the cap, and prevents further fluid flow. A flow restrictor may be included within the cap to concentrate the flow to only a portion of the filter to prevent premature sealing of the filter.

Abstract: A suction catheter includes a multilumen catheter tube that contains a primary lumen for removing undesirable fluid from a patient upon application of a vacuum, and a secondary lumen contiguous with the primary lumen suitable for providing liquid to the interior of the primary lumen and to a patient; means for providing liquid to the interior of the secondary lumen; a patient connecting member; a vacuum connecting member; and a protective sleeve extending between the patient connecting member and the vacuum connecting member.

Abstract: A liquid-filled sealing cuff of a surgical ventilating device is protected from laser-effected damage during laser surgery by a liquid-containing barrier cuff positioned between an area of the laser surgery and the liquid-filled sealing cuff. The body of the surgical ventilating device is formed of a matte-finished flexible metal tube in the area of the laser surgery to resist damage by laser beam impact and to disperse highly unfocused light when a surgical laser beam is directed against the outer surface of the metal tube.

Abstract: A blood containment device including a housing with an opening through which an adhesive ply of multi-ply material is exposed. Blood is expelled from a syringe onto the exposed material. The housing has two chambers, one for the clean material and one for containing a take-up reel onto which the bvlood stained material is wound. A removable tension plate is supported within the housing to hold the absorbent material taut beneath the opening in the housing.

Abstract: A blood containment device including a housing with an opening through which absorbent material is exposed. Blood is expelled from a syringe onto the exposed material. The housing has two chambers, one for the clean material and one containing a take-up reel onto which the blood stained material is wound.

Abstract: A liquid-filled sealing cuff of an airtight surgical ventilating device is protected from laser-effected damage during laser surgery by a liquid-containing barrier cuff positioned between an area of the laser surgery and the liquid-filled sealing cuff. The body of the surgical ventilating device is formed of a matte-finished flexible metal tube in the area of the laser surgery to resist damage by laser beam impact and to dispose highly unfocused light when a surgical laser beam is directed against the outer surface of the metal tube. A locking ferrule prevents disengagement of an atraumatic insertion tip of the device from the flexible metal tube.

Abstract: A liquid-filled sealing cuff of a surgical ventilating device is protected from laser-effected damage during laser surgery by a liquid-containing barrier cuff positioned between an area of the laser surgery and the liquid-filled sealing cuff. The body of the surgical ventilating device is formed of a matte-finished flexible metal tube in the area of the laser surgery to resist damage by laser beam impact and to disperse highly unfocused light when a surgical laser beam is directed against the outer surface of the metal tube.

Abstract: A self-sealing check valve is disclosed for use in the inflation of a catheter cuff. The valve includes a valve housing and a valve element sealingly positioned within the housing. The valve housing has a transversely located fitting for receiving a Luer tip device. A valve element is cylindrical and preferably hollow. A circumferential rim at each end of the element is maintained in a state of compression so that it presses against the inner wall of the housing to form a seal. The element also includes a circumferential channel which is aligned with the Luer fitting. Insertion of the Luer tip device into the fitting depresses the valve element and breaks the seal between the rims and the valve housing wall. This allows fluid flow in either direction through the valve. Resiliency of the valve element causes resealment at the rims when the Luer tip device is removed.