Abstract: Described here are devices, systems, and methods for positioning a suction catheter in the airway of a patient. The systems may comprise a suction catheter, a delivery device, and/or a stylet. The delivery device may comprise an elongate shaft, an atraumatic distal end, an elongate passageway, and a retention element configured to releasably couple to an endotracheal tube. The suction catheter may be positioned in the elongate passageway, and the delivery device may help advance the suction catheter into the airway of a patient. In some variations, the delivery device may comprise elements configured to release the suction catheter in the airway after positioning.

Abstract: Described here are devices, systems, and methods for positioning a suction catheter in the airway of a patient. The systems may comprise a suction catheter, a delivery device, and/or a stylet. The delivery device may comprise an elongate shaft, an atraumatic distal end, an elongate passageway, and a retention element configured to releasably couple to an endotracheal tube. The suction catheter may be positioned in the elongate passageway, and the delivery device may help advance the suction catheter into the airway of a patient. In some variations, the delivery device may comprise elements configured to release the suction catheter in the airway after positioning.

Abstract: Described here are devices and methods for measuring a distance in an airway. In some instances, the devices may comprise an outer shaft and an inner shaft that is slidably disposed in a lumen of the outer shaft. An expandable stopper may be positioned at a distal end of the inner shaft, which may be configured to engage a carina of a patient. The device may comprise one or more alignment markings and one or more displacement markings that may be used to measure a distance between a distal tip of an endotracheal tube and the carina. In some variations, measurement may be facilitated by the use of an alignment guide that may attach to a predetermined portion of an endotracheal tube.

Abstract: Devices and methods for airway management are described herein where a barrier may be delivered and deployed along an endotracheal tube to prevent aspiration or passage of fluids and debris into the trachea in patients who are intubated. Generally, the barrier apparatus may comprise an expandable barrier assembly configured to be positioned over or around an endotracheal tube, a pushing assembly having a handle and a first shaft extending therefrom, and a holding member securable to the endotracheal tube and slidingly engagable with the pushing assembly.

Abstract: Methods for instructing a user to perform head and neck exercises with head and neck apparatuses are disclosed. The apparatus may include a member operatively arranged with a valve mechanism with a threshold pressure. The apparatus may further include an acoustic apparatus, membrane, chromogenic material, or moveable element that may be configured to respond when the pressure within the member is greater in magnitude than the threshold pressure. The head and neck exercise apparatus may also include a member operatively arranged with an acoustic apparatus, membrane, chromogenic material, or moveable element that may be configured, without a valve mechanism, to respond when the absolute pressure within the member is greater in magnitude than a threshold absolute pressure.

Abstract: A head and neck exercise apparatus may include a member operatively arranged with a valve mechanism with a threshold pressure. The apparatus may further include an acoustic apparatus, membrane, chromogenic material, or moveable element that may be configured to respond when the pressure within the member is greater in magnitude than the threshold pressure. The head and neck exercise apparatus may also include a member operatively arranged with an acoustic apparatus, membrane, chromogenic material, or moveable element that may be configured, without a valve mechanism, to respond when the absolute pressure within the member is greater in magnitude than a threshold absolute pressure.

Abstract: Reduced bone fracture fixation devices and methods for using the same are provided. Aspects of the reduced bone fracture fixation devices include a body dimensioned to be positioned in a reduced bone fracture, wherein the body has a wedge shape configuration sufficient to exert a force on bone of the reduced bone fracture and maintain reduction of the reduced bone fracture. The devices, kits and methods of the invention find use in a variety of applications, such as in applications in which it is desired to repair a reduced bone fracture.

Abstract: Reduced bone fracture fixation devices and methods for using the same are provided. Aspects of the reduced bone fracture fixation devices include a body dimensioned to be positioned in a reduced bone fracture, wherein the body includes at least one tension element configured to exert a force on bone of the reduced bone fracture sufficient to maintain reduction of the reduced bone fracture. Aspects of the invention further include kits and methods of using and manufacturing the bone fracture fixation devices. The devices, kits and methods of the invention find use in a variety of applications, such as in applications in which it is desired to repair a reduced bone fracture.

Abstract: Described herein are interlocking surgical tools (e.g., trocars, cannula, etc.) that form a composite surgical device having a handle and a finger grip region that are separate, when the component portions are interlocked. In particular, these tools are configured so that the separate handle and finger grip regions are perpendicular to each other. This arrangement may provide benefits in manipulating these devices.

Abstract: Described herein are devices, systems, and methods for treating bone, particularly for restoring bone dimension in compression fractures. Self-expanding stabilization devices for repairing bone may include two or more continuous curvature of bending struts that extend from a central shaft in the deployed configuration. The stabilization device may be attached to an inserter. An inserter may be used to hold the stabilization device in a collapsed delivery configuration so that it can be inserted into bone. In use, the stabilization device may be part of a system or kit for installing the device into a bone region and allowing it to expand to correct a bone fracture.