Abstract: A stoma dilation device that includes a tubular support defining a continuous pathway through the device; at least one inflatable dilation balloon and at least one inflatable retention balloon located on the tubular support; and inflation lumens for each balloon. The inflatable dilation balloon forms at least a first portion of the device and the inflatable retention balloon forms at least a second portion of the device. The inflatable retention balloon is configured to have a diameter upon full, unrestrained inflation that is greater than the largest diameter of the inflatable dilation balloon upon inflation.

Abstract: A stoma dilation device that includes a tubular support defining a continuous pathway through the device; at least one inflatable dilation balloon and at least one inflatable retention balloon located on the tubular support; and inflation lumens for each balloon. The inflatable dilation balloon forms at least a first portion of the device and the inflatable retention balloon forms at least a second portion of the device. The inflatable retention balloon is configured to have a diameter upon full, unrestrained inflation that is greater than the largest diameter of the inflatable dilation balloon upon inflation.

Abstract: A stoma dilation device that includes a tubular support defining a continuous pathway through the device; an inflatable dilation balloon located on the tubular support, the inflatable dilation balloon including a dilation region forming a first portion of the device and a retention region forming a second portion of the device; and a balloon inflation lumen. The retention region of the balloon is configured to have a diameter upon full, unrestrained inflation that is greater than the diameter of the dilation region.

Abstract: A pressure indicator for cuffed tracheal tubes is provided. This indicator uses an indicator balloon on the proximal end of the inflation lumen and in fluid communication with the tracheal tube cuff. As the pressure in the cuff changes, the balloon will inflate and deflate. An indicator needle rests on the balloon and moves in response to the inflation and deflation of the balloon, thus showing the state of inflation of the cuff.

Abstract: An improved endotracheal tube that has a modified surface coating that can elute active agents is described. The coated surface and the use of the device according to a new method or regime for a healthcare worker to care for patients can help reduce the likelihood of ventilator acquire pneumonia or other infections in a patient's respiratory passages.

Abstract: A multilumen tracheal tube or catheter is disclosed. The tube has a plurality of suction lumens, each having a suction port. A rotatable suction port collar is provided. The suction port collar has an inlet and an outlet. The collar overlaps each suction port and is capable of selectively occluding a number of the suction ports while enabling unimpeded passage between a remainder of the ports and the outlet.

Abstract: A respiratory apparatus includes an instrument introduction section that is adapted for introducing an instrument into an artificial airway of a patient. The instrument introduction section has a distal end and a proximal end with an opening that allows for insertion of the instrument into the instrument introduction section. The instrument is movable through a passageway between the distal and proximal ends. The distal end is configured for releasable attachment with an artificial airway structure that is attached to the patient. Further, a valve is located in the instrument introduction section. The valve has a closed position in which the passageway is at least substantially isolated from the artificial airway of the patient when the instrument is present and is proximal from the valve. The valve at least substantially blocks the passageway of the instrument introduction section when the valve is in the closed position.

Abstract: A clamp for use with a flexible tube is disclosed. The clamp has a first and a second body portion each having a channel positioned upon a surface of the body portion. A detent mechanism is provided for securing the first and second body portions together such that the channel in one body portion aligns with the channel in the other body portion forming a passage through the clamp.

Abstract: A multilumen tracheal tube or catheter is disclosed. The tube has a plurality of ingress and egress lumens, each having a suction or discharge port as appropriate. At least one rotatable collar is provided. The collar overlaps each port and is capable of selecting various combinations of suction and discharge ports without increasing the likelihood of cross contaminating any others.

Abstract: A suction device includes an elongated suction tube having a suction tip at a distal end thereof, and a proximal end that is connectable to a suction source. A collar is slidable along the suction tube from a retracted position to a deployed position. A sleeve is provided having a proximal end fixed relative to the proximal end of the suction tube, and a distal end configured with the collar so as to move therewith and cover the suction tube in the deployed position of the collar. An ergonomic handle member is provided for connecting the suction tube to a suction source. An optional wiper seal is contained within collar in sliding frictional engagement around the suction tube.

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 adapter for use on a suction lumen of a catheter is disclosed. The adapter is capable of extending the suction capabilities of the catheter to a point distal to a suction port in the catheter. The adapter is at least partially inserted into the catheter. The adapter contains a plug and a duct. The duct has an inlet and an outlet. The duct effectively extends the reach of a suction source and the plug is adapted to seal the catheter between the adapter and the distal end.

Abstract: A respiratory apparatus includes an instrument introduction section that is used for introducing an instrument into an artificial airway of a patient. The instrument introduction section has a distal end and proximal end with an opening which allows for insertion of the instrument into the instrument introduction section. The instrument is movable through the passageway in the instrument introduction section between the proximal and distal ends. A valve is located in the instrument introduction section and has a closed position in which the instrument may be isolated from the artificial airway of the patient. The valve at least substantially blocks the passageway of the instrument introduction section when in the closed position. The valve also has an open position that allows for the instrument to be advanced through the instrument introduction section. A manifold is attached to the distal end of the instrument introduction section. The manifold is in communication with the artificial airway of the patient.

Abstract: A respiratory suction catheter apparatus includes a suction catheter that has a tubular portion with a distal end. The suction catheter may be adapted for removing fluids from a patient by insertion of the tubular portion into an artificial airway of the patient and application of negative pressure to a lumen of the tubular portion. A catheter attachment section is present and has a proximal end that is attached to the suction catheter, and has a distal end that is configured for releasable attachment with an artificial airway structure that is attached to the patient. A valve is located in the catheter attachment section. The valve has a closed position that at least substantially blocks the passageway of the catheter attachment section which causes the tubular portion to be substantially isolated from the artificial airway of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved flap valve or other internal component for use with respiratory suction catheter and manifold assemblies. This flap valve or other internal component provides the assembly with an improved mechanism for cleaning the tip of the catheter without drawing an excessive amount of air from the respiration circuit to which the endotracheal catheter is attached. More specifically, the present invention relates principally to a closed suction endotracheal catheter system which provides improved cleaning of the catheter while minimizing air drawn from the patient's ventilation circuit by providing at least one protrusion on at least one surface of the flap valve or other internal component. By using a flap valve or other internal component with at least one protrusion, the flap valve or other internal component is strengthened and designed to prevent the flap from scraping mucus or other secretions from the catheter onto the distal surface of the flap during retraction.

Abstract: A connector for a respiratory assembly is provided. The connector includes a body that has a first end and a second end. The body has a passage disposed therethrough from the first end to the second end to allow for transport of fluids and objects through the body. The passage changes direction approximately 120° between the first end and the second end. The first end includes a coupling that is configured to rotatably engage a first member of the respiratory assembly. The second end includes a coupling that is configured to rotatably engage a second member of the respiratory assembly.

Abstract: An improved respiratory suction apparatus catheter includes a manifold for attachment to the distal hub of an endotracheal tube to form a respiration circuit, a catheter tube which is displaceable through the manifold and into the endotracheal tube to suction secretions from the tube and lungs, and a valve mechanism disposed adjacent the respiration circuit to minimize the draw of air from the respiration circuit of a patient while the catheter tube is being cleaned. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the catheter tube is cleaned more thoroughly than in the prior art while simultaneously drawing little or no air from the patient's respiration circuit.

Abstract: A respiratory suction catheter apparatus includes a suction catheter that has a tubular portion with a distal end. The suction catheter may be adapted for removing fluids from a patient by insertion of the tubular portion into an artificial airway of the patient and application of negative pressure to a lumen of the tubular portion. A catheter attachment section is present and has a proximal end that is attached to the suction catheter, and has a distal end that is configured for releasable attachment with an artificial airway structure that is attached to the patient. A valve is located in the catheter attachment section. The valve has a closed position that at least substantially blocks the passageway of the catheter attachment section which causes the tubular portion to be substantially isolated from the artificial airway of the patient.

Abstract: A respiratory apparatus includes an instrument introduction section that is used for introducing an instrument into an artificial airway of a patient. The instrument introduction section has a distal end and proximal end with an opening which allows for insertion of the instrument into the instrument introduction section. The instrument is movable through the passageway in the instrument introduction section between the proximal and distal ends. A valve is located in the instrument introduction section and has a closed position in which the instrument may be isolated from the artificial airway of the patient. The valve at least substantially blocks the passageway of the instrument introduction section when in the closed position. The valve also has an open position that allows for the instrument to be advanced through the instrument introduction section. A manifold is attached to the distal end of the instrument introduction section. The manifold is in communication with the artificial airway of the patient.

Abstract: A respiratory apparatus includes an instrument introduction section that is adapted for introducing an instrument into an artificial airway of a patient. The instrument introduction section has a distal end and a proximal end with an opening that allows for insertion of the instrument into the instrument introduction section. The instrument is movable through a passageway between the distal and proximal ends. The distal end is configured for releasable attachment with an artificial airway structure that is attached to the patient. Further, a valve is located in the instrument introduction section. The valve has a closed position in which the passageway is at least substantially isolated from the artificial airway of the patient when the instrument is present and is proximal from the valve. The valve at least substantially blocks the passageway of the instrument introduction section when the valve is in the closed position.