Abstract: A system for performing a medical procedure on a patient, includes an articulating probe assembly and at least one tool. The articulating probe assembly comprises an inner probe comprising multiple articulating inner links, an outer probe surrounding the inner probe and comprising multiple articulating outer links, and at least two working channels that exit a distal portion of the probe assembly. The at least one tool is configured to translate through one of the at least two working channels An introducer introduces the articulating probe into the patient, the introducer including an elongated opening.

Abstract: A system for performing a medical procedure comprises a robotic introducer assembly including: a base unit, the base unit including a proximal base portion and a base extension extending from the proximal base portion; and a probe assembly operably and removably coupled to the base unit. The probe assembly includes an articulating probe. The base unit is constructed and arranged to control a movement of the articulating probe. The system further comprises a sterile barrier system positioned over at least a portion of the robotic introducer assembly, the sterile barrier system providing isolation between any non-sterile portion of the robotic introducer assembly and the sterile field or any sterile operators (e.g. to prevent exposure of any non-sterile portion to the sterile field and/or sterile operators).

Abstract: A system for performing a medical procedure at a target location of a patient, including: an articulating probe including at least a distal portion; a feeder configured to advance, retract, and steer the articulating probe; a first introducer attached to the feeder and configured to slidingly receive the articulating probe; and a second introducer for providing access to an internal location of the patient. The first introducer operably attaches to the second introducer, such that the articulating probe can be advanced through the second introducer to the target location. The system further includes at least one sealing element configured to maintain insufflation pressure at the target location.

Abstract: A respiratory access assembly includes a distal plate having a port, the port adapted to be positioned in operable communication with an artificial airway of a patient. The assembly also includes a proximal plate including a first port and a second port and, when the distal plate is positioned against the proximal plate in a stacked configuration, each plate is configured to move relative to the other. There is a clutch positioned between the plates, the clutch cooperating with both plates to substantially prevent movement of the plates when the port of the distal plate is positioned in an alignment with at least one port of the proximal plate and an object is positioned through the aligned ports of the plates.

Abstract: A respiratory access assembly includes a distal plate having a port, the port adapted to be positioned in operable communication with an artificial airway of a patient. The assembly also includes a proximal plate including a first port and a second port and, when the distal plate is positioned against the proximal plate in a stacked configuration, each plate is configured to move relative to the other. There is a clutch positioned between the plates, the clutch cooperating with both plates to substantially prevent movement of the plates when the port of the distal plate is positioned in an alignment with at least one port of the proximal plate and an object is positioned through the aligned ports of the plates.

Abstract: A respiratory access assembly includes a distal plate having a port, which is adapted to be positioned in operable communication with an artificial airway of a patient. The assembly includes a distal plate having a port and a proximal plate which has a first port and a second port. The distal plate is positioned against the proximal plate in a stacked configuration, and each plate is configured to move relative to the other. The assembly has an actuator which is positioned adjacent to at least one plate. The actuator cooperates with both plates to substantially prevent movement of the plates when the port of the distal plate is positioned in an alignment with at least one port of the proximal plate and an object, such as a suction catheter, is positioned through the aligned ports of the plates. The actuator cooperates with at least one plate to permit movement of at least one plate when (a) no object is positioned through aligned ports, and (b) when no ports are aligned.

Abstract: A flow restrictor is provided to reduce pressure in the flow of a fluid, such as a hydrocarbon-based fuel. The flow restrictor takes the form of a capillary that is void of any abrupt flow disruptions. The flow restrictor may be used in place of an orifice and provides the advantage that it has a larger diameter than an orifice of similar function. Precipitation is less likely to form on the restrictor and any precipitation is less likely to have an adverse affect on performance.

Abstract: A respiratory access assembly includes a distal plate having a port, which is adapted to be positioned in operable communication with an artificial airway of a patient. The assembly includes a distal plate having a port and a proximal plate which has a first port and a second port. The distal plate is positioned against the proximal plate in a stacked configuration, and each plate is configured to move relative to the other. The assembly has an actuator which is positioned adjacent to at least one plate. The actuator cooperates with both plates to substantially prevent movement of the plates when the port of the distal plate is positioned in an alignment with at least one port of the proximal plate and an object, such as a suction catheter, is positioned through the aligned ports of the plates. The actuator cooperates with at least one plate to permit movement of at least one plate when (a) no object is positioned through aligned ports, and (b) when no ports are aligned.

Abstract: A respiratory access assembly includes a distal plate having a port, which is adapted to be positioned in operable communication with an artificial airway of a patient. The assembly includes a distal plate having a port and a proximal plate which has a first port and a second port. The distal plate is positioned against the proximal plate in a stacked configuration, and each plate is configured to move relative to the other. The assembly has an actuator which is positioned adjacent to at least one plate. The actuator cooperates with both plates to substantially prevent movement of the plates when the port of the distal plate is positioned in an alignment with at least one port of the proximal plate and an object, such as a suction catheter, is positioned through the aligned ports of the plates. The actuator cooperates with at least one plate to permit movement of at least one plate when (a) no object is positioned through aligned ports, and (b) when no ports are aligned.

Abstract: There is provided a port sealing cartridge that allows for insertion of a catheter or other medical device into an endotracheal tube and thence the patient's lungs through an available access port. The port sealing cartridge has a primary and a secondary seal or collar that sequentially provide a pressure seal as a medical device is inserted through them and into the system. An optional tethered dust cover may also be used on the proximal end of the port seal cartridge. The port seal cartridge may desirably be fitted with a quick-connection so that it may be easily removed, disposed of and replaced. The port seal may be used for access to a patient's lungs with a bronchoalveolar catheter, bronchoscope or other medical device for treatment or sampling of the respiratory tract.

Abstract: A flow restrictor is provided to reduce pressure in the flow of a fluid, such as a hydrocarbon-based fuel. The flow restrictor takes the form of a capillary that is void of any abrupt flow disruptions. The flow restrictor may be used in place of an orifice and provides the advantage that it has a larger diameter than an orifice of similar function. Precipitation is less likely to form on the restrictor and any precipitation is less likely to have an adverse affect on performance.