Abstract: A nebulizer in accordance with the present invention comprises a nebulizing chamber including a vibratable micro micron mesh grid having a plurality of precision openings and passageways therethrough disposed in said chamber with a liquid pharmaceutical product contained in said nebulizing cartridge and passing through said openings in said vibratable micro micron mesh grid for producing particle sizes of said pharmaceutical product of about two (2) to five (5) microns; and an entrainment port for drawing air into and through the entrainment port into the nebulizing chamber and through the grid. A control circuit, a source of electrical energy in said circuit such as two 1.5 volt nickel cadmium batteries connected to said grid for producing vibration.

Abstract: A pulmonary delivery system includes an elongated body having an openable and closeable portion thereof for receiving an insertable and replaceable container such as a cartridge of pure medical product disposed in a saline solution. The medical product may be epinephrine, insulin or nicotine disposed in a saline solution. The system also incorporates a penetrating element that is disposed in the cylinder to pierce the cartridge and release the nicotine solution into the cylinder and into or on a micron mesh grid. A flow of air created by inhaling through a mouthpiece draws air into an individual's lungs from an entrainment port and onto a grid for atomizing a mist of micron droplets through the grid. It is recognized that the air from the entrainment port further dilutes the concentration of the medical product. The grid is connected to a source of electrical power to vibrate the mesh grid.

Abstract: A kink resistant silicon endotracheal tube includes an inflatable cuff for positioning the endotracheal tube in a patient's trachea. The cuff is folded over onto itself to provide a cavity for accumulating bacteria and secretions that are then removed by suction. The cuff in the lower part of the endotracheal tube is also folded over onto itself for centering the endotracheal tube in the center of an airway. A suction catheter is also positioned in a portion of the tube under tension as opposed to a portion under compression to reduce the likelihood of kinking. A kink resistant endotracheal tube also includes a thickened and/or reinforced area of the curved portion of the endotracheal tube in an area under compression.

Abstract: A kink resistant silicon endotracheal tube includes an inflatable cuff for positioning the endotracheal tube in a patient's trachea. The cuff is folded over onto itself to provide a cavity for accumulating bacteria and secretions that are then removed by suction. The cuff in the lower part of the endotracheal tube is also folded over onto itself for centering the endotracheal tube in the center of an airway. A suction catheter is also positioned in a portion of the tube under tension as opposed to a portion under compression to reduce the likelihood of kinking. A kink resistant endotracheal tube also includes a thickened and/or reinforced area of the curved portion of the endotracheal tube in an area under compression.

Abstract: A method for optimizing the breathing ability of an intubated patient is based on an evaluation of the expirational flow characteristics of an endotracheal tube connector. It has been found that an increase in the amount of work required for the expirational portion of the breathing cycle while minimizing the inspirational work of a patient improves the patient's blood chemistry and the absorption of oxygen and/or medication by the lung.The method may be obtained by using an improved connector which includes an annular gas inlet and an annular gas outlet which share a common longitudinal axis. The inlet has an inside diameter which is about 2-1/2 to 3 times greater than the inside diameter of the outlet and is adapted to receive a flexible tube having an outside diameter which is approximately the same as the inside diameter inserted therein.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube construction includes an elongated kink resistant flexible tubular member having distal and proximal ends with a curved portion therebetween. The tubular member defines a major passageway or airway and a relatively small cuff inflating lumen which is parallel to the major passageway and disposed in the wall of the tubular member. The cuff inflating lumen is positioned within a portion of the wall which is subjected to tension as the tubular member is bent as opposed to being positioned in that portion of the wall which is under compression. In addition, the portion of the wall adjacent to the lumen is thicker than the wall in other portions of the tube so that the tube is less likely to kink or collapse during intubation of a patient. The endotracheal tube includes a beveled tip and is constructed and arranged so that the beveled tip can be rotated by twisting a portion of the tube which extends out of a patient's mouth or nose without kinking or collapsing the tube.

Abstract: Endotracheal apparatus including an endotracheal tube having unique physical characteristics so that it will not kink or collapse during intubation or while in place. A novel cuff or balloon is on the distal end region of the tube to accurately center the tube end in the trachea without danger that the open distal end of the tube will contact the trachea wall, and to permit the minimum length tube to be used. A novel bite piece and retainer is used to secure the tube in the patient's mouth with optimum comfort.

Abstract: An improved connector for coupling an endotracheal tube or the like to a source of gas is disclosed. The connector has an inside diameter which is 21/2 to 3 times greater than the inside diameter of the outlet and is adapted to receive a flexible tube therein. The connector also includes an intermediate portion defining a radially flared outwardly extending annular passageway and a shoulder adjacent to the larger end of the radially flared passageway. The shoulder has a width which is approximately equal to the wall thickness of the flexible tube.

Abstract: A method and kit for measuring the effectiveness of various bronchodilators on an individual patient are disclosed. For example, the kit includes a plurality of bronchodilator test solutions and a nebulizer for providing a dose of each solution for introduction into a patient's lungs. A spirometer or other type of flowmeter is also provided for measuring the flow characteristics of a patient's forced expiratory flow before and after inspiration of each of the bronchodilator solutions. A test panel is also provided for recording and comparing the patient's flow data before and after inspiration of each of the test solutions. And, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the patient's lungs are rechallenged to verify the best treatment for the patient. And, a second embodiment includes instructions and a peak flow meter in place of a spirometer, so that the tests may be self-administered in a patient's home.

Abstract: Endotracheal apparatus including an endotracheal tube having unique physical characteristics so that it will not kink or collapse during intubation or while in place. A novel cuff or balloon is on the distal end region of the tube to accurately center the tube end in the trachea without danger that the open distal end of the tube will contact the trachea wall, and to permit the minimum length tube to be used. A novel bite piece and retainer is used to secure the tube in the patient's mouth with optimum comfort.