Abstract: A tracheostomy tube (1) has an inflatable sealing cuff (13) and an array of one or more RFID pressure sensors (120) around the cuff. A leakage unit (30) interrogates the sensors (120) to determine any regions around the cuff having incomplete contact with the tracheal wall indicative of potential leakage between the cuff and the wall of the trachea.

Abstract: A tracheostomy tube assembly includes an outer tracheostomy tube (1) and a removable inner cannula (3). The inner cannula (3) is made by helically winding PTFE tape (40) on a mandrel (42) and applying a reinforcing strip (34) of PTFE or other materials longitudinally along the outside of the wound tape. The tape and strip are then heated to sinter and bond them together and convert the PTFE to ePTFE and form an inner layer. An outer layer (46) is extruded along the outside of the inner layer. The shaft (30) is cut between the ends of adjacent reinforcing strips (34) to leave a short unreinforced portion (35) at the patient end (32) of each shaft.

Abstract: An introducer (2) for a curved tracheostomy tube (1) has a patient end tip (33) that projects beyond the patient end of the tube to help insertion. The patient end tip (33) is divided into two hinged portions (36) and (37). The hinged portions (36) and (37) bend outwardly to fill the gap created when the tube 1 is deformed to an oval section caused by straightening it by loading on the introducer.

Abstract: Tracheostomy tubes (1) of different sizes or of other different characteristics are marked on their flange (20) with a band (22) of differing colours or patterns. Similarly, inner cannulae (30) for use with tubes of specific sizes have a marking (33) of the same colour or pattern. The tube (1) and inner cannula (30) are contained in a sealed pack (40) having a tray (41) with a peel-off seal sheet (42) that also bears a marking (43) of the same colour or pattern. The sealed pack (40) is contained within an outer cardboard carton (50) having an end flap (51) which is sealed by a label (54) of the same colour or pattern so that tubes of the desired characteristic can be easily selected.

Abstract: A laryngoscope (10) includes a video camera ((13) at the patient end of its blade (11) that supplies video signals to a processor (14) in the handle (12). The processor (14) supplies signals to a display (15) supported on the handle (15). The laryngoscope also has a connector (17) on its handle (12) to which is connected the output of a video bougie guide (20) used with the laryngoscope. A switch (18) on the handle (12) enables the user to select which video output is shown on the display (15). Alternatively, images from both the bougie (20) and the laryngoscope (10) can be shown at the same time side-by-side on the display (15).

Abstract: A video bougie 1 for use in inserting a medical tube 3 includes a bendable rod 10 with a camera unit 11 mounted at its forward end and connected by a cable 13 with an electrical connector 14 at the machine end of the bougie. A brass ferrule 30 has its forward end 32 attached to an external recess 24 around the machine end of the rod 10, the rear end 33 of the ferrule supporting the electrical connector 14.

Abstract: A respiratory valve assembly (1), such as in a manual resuscitator, has a carbon dioxide color change indicator element (52) in a disc shape housing (50) arranged to clip onto a grove (59) on the valve assembly. Expiratory and inspiratory gas is supplied to the housing via two flexible tubes (60) and (61) extending side-by-side from the valve assembly (1) to the indicator housing (50) so that the indicator can be undipped from the valve and repositioned if desired.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube is introduced into the trachea using a video introducer in the form of a bendable rod having a camera and light source at one end and connected to a display monitor via a cable and connector at the other end. The introducer is initially inserted to the trachea carrying a guide sleeve extending along its outside. When correctly inserted, the video introducer is removed by pulling rearwardly to leave the guide sleeve in position. The endotracheal tube is then slid into position along the guide sleeve, following which the guide sleeve is removed to leave the endotracheal tube in position. The guide sleeve could be stiffened after removing the video introducer and before inserting the tube by inserting a stylet or filling the sleeve with a substance.

Abstract: A tent-like structure has a compact configuration and can be expanded to an expanded configuration large enough totally to enclose a patient. A recirculating gas supply arrangement supplies a mixture of oxygen and helium to the inside of the structure. The structure may contain exercise equipment, such as a static cycle, so that the patient can exercise in the gas mixture. The structure could also be used over a swimming pool. A weight or other means at the lower end of the structure helps to seal it with the floor surface and reduce escape of gas.

Abstract: A respiratory valve assembly (1), such as in a manual resuscitator, has a carbon dioxide colour change indicator element (52) in a disc shape housing (50) arranged to clip onto a grove (59) on the valve assembly. Expiratory and inspiratory gas is supplied to the housing via two flexible tubes (60) and (61) extending side-by-side from the valve assembly (1) to the indicator housing (50) so that the indicator can be undipped from the valve and repositioned if desired.

Abstract: An intubation detector for an endotracheal tube has a resilient bellows and a carbon dioxide, color-change indicator mounted at the machine end of the tube. Compressing and releasing the bellows indicates whether or not the patient end of the tube is occluded. When the patient end of the tube is not occluded, gas is drawn into the indicator by the bellows to provide an indication of carbon dioxide level. The detector may be mounted at the machine end of a stiff introducer tube extended along the endotracheal tube. Alternatively, the detector may be mounted by a stem directly into the bore at the machine end of the endotracheal tube.

Abstract: An HME for a tracheostomy tube has a flexible outer housing of a gas-permeable material containing an HME element of discrete particles, granules or the like of a hygroscopic material. The particles are contained between the outer housing and an inner wall of a foam. The inner wall has a ciliated surface facing the end of the tube, which acts to distribute gas over the surface of the HME element. The HME is attached to a flange on an inner cannula by means of a removable adhesive. The HME may include a suction port through a self-closing aperture, which makes a wiping seal with a suction catheter inserted in the tube.

Abstract: A face mask comprises a sealing collar (1) extending around the mouth with a shelf (4) extending under the nose supporting a gel insert (7) that makes sealing contact between the nostrils and a passage (6) through the shelf. A curved, rigid window (30) is a push fit in a central opening (2) of the collar (1) and has a gas inlet (33) attached with it so that the window can be removed or connected with the sealing collar as necessary. The collar (1) supported on the head by a harness (20) having two triangular portions (21) on opposite sides encircling respective ears.

Abstract: A squeeze bag resuscitator has a flow diverter push fitted onto its exhaust outlet in any desired orientation. The diverter has a color change carbon dioxide indicator strip fixed to the inside surface of a transparent deflector plate. The indicator is protected from light externally by an opaque elastomeric strip attached by engaging surface formations to the outside of the plate. The indicator is also protected on the interior of the plate by an opaque strip, which projects from the diverter so that it can be removed by pulling on the free end.

Abstract: A ventilation device has a flexible adhesive sheet that can be sealed around the patient's nose and mouth. A fitting extending through the sheet in the region of the mouth enables the patient to be ventilated by means of a vent tube inserted through the fitting.

Abstract: An HME for a tracheostomy tube has a flexible outer housing of a gas-permeable material containing an HME element of discrete particles, granules or the like of a hygroscopic material. The particles are contained between the outer housing and an inner wall of a foam. The inner wall has a ciliated surface facing the end of the tube, which acts to distribute gas over the surface of the HME element. The HME is attached to a flange on an inner cannula by means of a removable adhesive. The HME may include a suction port through a self-closing aperture, which makes a wiping seal with a suction catheter inserted in the tube.

Abstract: A face mask comprises a sealing collar (1) extending around the mouth with a shelf (4) extending under the nose supporting a gel insert (7) that makes sealing contact between the nostrils and a passage (6) through the shelf. A curved, rigid window (30) is a push fit in a central opening (2) of the collar (1) and has a gas inlet (33) attached with it so that the window can be removed or connected with the sealing collar as necessary. The collar (1) supported on the head by a harness (20) having two triangular portions (21) on opposite sides encircling respective ears.

Abstract: A laryngeal mask has a tube and mount integrally molded from polyurethane as a single piece. A sealing cuff is attached to the mount separately. An inflation line extends in a groove along the outside of the tube and opens at one end into the cuff so that it can be inflated and deflated.

Abstract: A face mask has a relatively soft canopy and a more rigid reinforcement member moulded together from different plastics as two shots in a dual-shot moulding process. The peripheral sealing edge of the canopy is tapered to a reduced thickness to increase its flexibility. The reinforcement member is a frame with radially-extending arms supporting respectively a gas port by which gas can enter the mask, a valve that allows air into the mask when there is an inadequate supply at the gas port and a selectively closable vent. The mask is secured to the patient's head by a harness attached to ends of the harness arms.

Abstract: A squeeze bag resuscitator has a flow diverter push fitted onto its exhaust outlet in any desired orientation. The diverter has a colour change carbon dioxide indicator strip fixed to the inside surface of a transparent deflector plate. The indicator is protected from light externally by an opaque elastomeric strip attached by engaging surface formations to the outside of the plate. The indicator is also protected on the interior of the plate by an opaque strip, which projects from the diverter so that it can be removed by pulling on the free end.