Abstract: A medical device clamping assembly includes proximal and distal axially aligned members. The proximal and distal members are movable relative to each other. A channel is defined through the members for receipt of at least a portion of a treatment device therethrough. A clamping member is configured between the proximal and distal members and defines a portion of the channel. The clamping member is actuated between an unclamped configuration and a clamped configuration by moving one of the distal or proximal members relative to the other. In its clamped position, the clamping member clamps upon and restricts axial movement of the treatment device through the assembly; however, the assembling may move on or within the treatment device and does not necessarily limit at least partial retraction of the device from a patient but rather only restricts insertion of the device beyond that point at which the assembly contacts a stopper.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the removal of condensate from an operational gas directing conduit. Unlike prior devices, the apparatus and method of the present invention provide for condensate removal along a gas directing conduit or system at points other than between gas directing conduit connections or at terminal points of the gas directing conduit. Periodic aspiration of accumulated liquid from the apparatus without interruption of gas flow through the gas directing conduit may also be facilitated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the removal of condensate from an operational gas directing conduit. Unlike prior devices, the apparatus and method of the present invention provide for condensate removal along a gas directing conduit or system at points other than between gas directing conduit connections or at terminal points of the gas directing conduit. Periodic aspiration of accumulated liquid from the apparatus without interruption of gas flow through the gas directing conduit may also be facilitated.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed by which a closed ventilating system accommodates multiple access to the respiratory system of an intubated medical patient. Access to the respiratory system is accomplished via one or more access ports through an attached accessory device in order to ventilate the lungs of the patent with gas or gasses, aspirate secretions from the lungs, oxygenate the lungs, visually inspect selected parts of the respiratory system, sample sputum and gasses, sense parameters such as flow rates, pressure, and temperature, flush the respiratory tract with washing solution, and/or administer medication, gasses, and/or lavage. The embodiments of the present invention may have such accessory devices permanently fixed to the adaptor or may be removable and replaceable. Access control means may be provided whereby one or more access ports are selectively aligned with the adaptor in order to allow passage of an attached accessory device therethrough.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed by which a closed ventilating system accommodates multiple access to the respiratory system of an intubated medical patient without comprising the closed character of the system. Access to the respiratory system through one or more access sites of the closed system apparatus is provided at proximal adapter ports to ventilate the lungs of the patient with gas or gases, to aspirate secretions from the lungs, to oxygenate the lungs to eliminate or reduce residual co.sub.2 therefrom, to visually inspect selected parts of the respiratory system, to sample sputum and gases, to sense parameters such as flow rates, pressure, and temperature, to flush with washing solution, and/or to administer medication, gases, and/or lavage.