Abstract: An apparatus for connecting a flexible sleeve to a fitting. At one end of the fitting is a tubular extension configured and dimensioned for insertion into one end of the flexible sleeve. A split collar having semi-circular segments is placed into an operative position tightly surrounding the sleeve end and the tubular extension inserted therein. The segments of the collar are coactively interengaged in an axially and rotationally fixed relationship with respect to the tubular extension.

Abstract: An apparatus for ventilating and aspirating the respiratory system of a patient, the apparatus having a patient module, a disposable center module, and a vacuum module. The patient module includes tubular connecting means connectable to a supply of air and to the trachea of the patient for involuntarily supplying air to and withdrawing air from the lungs of the patient. The center module includes a first end element connected to the patient module, a second end element, an elongated flexible tubular catheter element permanently connected to the second end element and extending slidably and sealingly through the first end element, and an elongated, collapsible, tubular plastic sleeve connected to the first and second end elements and extending therebetween around the catheter element. The vacuum module is connected to the second end element and adapted to be connected to a source of vacuum for applying vacuum to the catheter element.

Abstract: An apparatus for ventilating and aspirating the respiratory system of a tracheostomy patient includes a patient module connectable to a supply of air and to the trachea of a patient, a center module including a first end element connected to the patient module, a second end element, a tubular catheter element extending slidably and sealingly through the first end element, a flexible tubular plastic sleeve extending between the first and second end elements around the catheter element, and a vacuum module connected to the second end element of the center module and connectable to a vacuum source for applying vacuum to the catheter element. The first and second end elements of the center module are releasably connected to the patient module and the vacuum module, respectively, so that the center module, including the catheter element, can be readily replaced without replacing the patient module and/or the vacuum module.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preheating an optical instrument prior to use thereof in a medical procedure, wherein the optical instrument includes an elongated optical shaft portion. The apparatus includes a casing for receiving the optical shaft portion therein and a heater mechanism in the casing for heating the shaft portion. The method includes the steps of assembling the shaft portion in the casing and leaving it therein until the shaft portion has been heated to at least the normal body temperature of a patient.

Abstract: A patient ventilating and aspirating apparatus includes a connector fitting assembly, an elongated tubular flexible aspirating catheter element having a lumen therein, a collapsible sleeve and a closure mechanism which is operative for closing off the lumen in the catheter element. The connector fitting assembly is connectable to a tracheostomy connector installed in a patient and to a respiratory apparatus. The aspirating catheter element is received in the connector fitting assembly, and the collapsible sleeve is sealingly connected to the connector fitting assembly and to the catheter element. The aspirating catheter element is connectable to a source of vacuum, and it is longitudinally slidable in the connector fitting assembly for advancing the catheter element into the trachea of the patient.

Abstract: A gastroenteric feeding tube for the enteral feeding of hospital patients includes a resiliently flexible coil spring as a weighting element. The coil spring which is encased within a flexible casing provides a flexible weighting element which can be installed in and removed from a patient with a minimum of discomfort. Once the feeding tube has been properly installed in the patient, the weighting element end thereof can safely remain in the patient's stomach for an extended period of time without substantial risks. In one embodiment of the feeding tube, a flexible tubular member extends axially through the coil spring weighting element thereof. Hence, a continuous longitudinal passage is provided in the feeding tube which allows the accurate installation of the tube in the gastrointestinal tract of a patient with the aid of a pre-installed guide wire or stylet.