Abstract: A dual-lumen suction catheter is disclosed consisting of a longitudinally extending pliable tube having separate and independent suction and vent lumens. The proximal end of the catheter has a first open end for the suction lumen and a second, separate open end, for the vent lumen. The catheter is provided with an opening at its distal end through which fluids to be withdrawn from the organ of a patient enter the suction lumen. A plurality of spaced-apart apertures situated in the distal portion of the catheter extend from within the vent lumen through the wall of the pliable tube to the outside surface of the catheter, the apertures being longitudinally displaced from each other and from the distal tip of the catheter. The plurality of apertures are independent of and separate from the suction lumen.

Abstract: A self-illuminating introducer (10) that is inserted into an endotracheal catheter to aid in the intubation of the catheter into the laryngeal and tracheal passageway of a patient. The introducer (10) features a chemiluminescent vial (20) that is attached into and projects from the distal end of an elongated pliable tube (12) or is enclosed within the distal portion of an elongated pliable tube. The vial (20) is made of a pliable plastic having a glass liner (28). The vial contains a liquid reactant (34) and encloses a glass ampule (30) that contains an oxidizer. When the tube (12) is bent or pressed around the area encompassing the vial (20), the vial is also depressed which causes the ampule (30) to break allowing the oxidizer to mix with the reactant to produce a chemiluminescent light that is emitted from the front end of the tube (12). The introducer (10) can also be designed to include an inflatable sheath (50) that when inflated, allows a safer and more comfortable intubation.

Abstract: An introducer for guiding an endotracheal catheter or the like incorporates a malleable introducer tube with a smooth, inflatable introducer tip. In order to provide intubation with least trauma and greatest catheter configuration and tip control, an introducer is provided having a malleable and shape-retaining tube along at least a portion of the length intermediating the smooth, inflatable sheath at the tip of the introducer and the clamp or other fluid flow control means maintaining the inflated state of the sheath. In one embodiment, intermediation of the length between the sheath and the clamp is made almost entirely by a malleable tube made of a ductile metal such as aluminum. The tube may be thick-walled to reduce the volume necessary to inflate the sheath. In another embodiment, only the introducer tip may be of a malleable metal, such as copper. Significant advantages are offered by the use and inclusion of resilient, malleable portions in the introducer.

Abstract: A transnasal conduit for transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) probe insertion. A transnasal conduit has a relatively large inner diameter with relatively thin pliable walls. A normally closed or closeable distal end facilitates insertion of the transnasal conduit into the patient during intubation. Pinch clamp means in the form of a thumbscrew or the like may be used to secure a probe temporarily to the transnasal conduit both during and after intubation. A patient flange having ears or lobes may be adjacent the pinch clamp and serve to temporarily secure the transnasal conduit along with any accompanying probe to the patient by means of an elastic strap, string, or the like. The open proximal end of the transnasal conduit may be bell shaped, or flared, to facilitate introduction of the probe. By providing a transnasal conduit that allows atraumatic of a TEE probe, conscious ICU or ambulatory patients may be monitored using TEE thereby enhancing patient diagnosis and monitoring.

Abstract: A fenestrated nasopharyngeal airway providing fluid flow and pressure release from sinus ostia and the like. A fenestrated nasopharyngeal airway has lateral fenestrations along the central third of the nasopharyngeal tube. The fenestrations are generally two to three inches long and may be divided by separators into three sections to preserve stiffness and to hold open the fenestrations. Fluids produced by adjacent sinus ostia and the like may migrate into the lumen of the nasopharyngeal tube through the lateral fenestrations. Fluid collection is avoided, and fluid pressure arising from such fluid accumulation is relieved. Such fluids generally travel to the open distal end of the nasopharyngeal airway where it may be collected or otherwise disposed of by the body or health-care attendants. Additionally, probes and other diagnostic instruments may pass through the nasopharyngeal airway which protects the adjoining nasal mucosa.

Abstract: A flexible, cylindrical endotracheal tube is disclosed employing an axially slidable, hollow, cylindrical connector concentrically mounted upon the outer surface of the endotracheal tube near its proximal end. The proximal tip of the endotracheal tube is provided with an annular flange having an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the hollow output section of the slidable connector and smaller than the inner diameter of the hollow input section of the connector. A breathing circuit connector may be attached to the hollow input section of the slidable connector for coupling to the hoses of a conventional anesthesiology machine. The slidable connector is axially positionable over the outer surface of the proximal end portion of the endotracheal tube without loss of the airtight seal. The annular, flanged tip of the endotracheal tube may pass into and through the bore of the breathing circuit connector during positioning of the slidable connector.

Abstract: A breathing circuit connector for intercoupling between the flexible hoses of an anesthesiology machine and the input connector of an endotracheal tube is disclosed. The breathing circuit connector consists of a hollow body of relatively rigid material having a cylindrical male input section and a cylindrical female output section. A cylindrical bore within the hollow body extends between the cylindrical input and output sections. The bore within the cylindrical output section consists of a series of two or more cylindrical portions having different internal diameters. The internal diameter of the first bore portion adjacent the output end of the cylindrical output section is slightly larger than the internal diameter of the bore portion situated within the cylindrical output section. The breathing circuit connector may be formed as an elbow with the longitudinal axis of the bore of the cylindrical output section being inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the bore of the cylindrical input section.

Abstract: A soft, inflatable introducer, having a closed, rounded, distal-tipped sheath, is disclosed for insertion into the open proximal end of and through a hollow, cylindrical catheter. The closed, rounded, distal-tipped sheath protrudes partway beyond the open distal end of the catheter. The introducer includes a long, hollow, pliable tube having an open proximal end and having a distal end portion enclosed by the round, distal-tipped sheath. After insertion and placement of the introducer with sheath adjacent the distal end of the catheter, the sheath is inflated by applying air under pressure to the open proximal end of the hollow, pliable tube. A clamp or valve means closes and seals the proximal end of the hollow, pliable tube to maintain the sheath in its expanded, inflated condition while the catheter is being intubated. The inflated sheath, protruding partway beyond the distal end of the catheter, enhances the ease with which the catheter may be intubated into the passageway of a patient.

Abstract: A measuring attachment for use with a variety of sizes of esophageal stethoscopes is disclosed for enabling the measurement of a number of patient body conditions while monitoring a patient's body sounds in the region of the esophagus. The measuring attachment includes a coupling adapter having an input opening for coupling to the open end of an esophageal stethoscope, an output opening for coupling to an acoustically-responsive instrument, and a central bore extending through the coupling adapter between the input and output openings for the passage of the patient's body sounds. A lateral passageway is provided from an outside surface of the coupling adapter and through the adapter for entry into the open end of the stethoscope. The lateral passageway enables a pair of electrically-conductive wires to slidably pass from the outside of the coupling adapter through the adapter to an adjustably-positionable sensing probe.

Abstract: An improved connector is disclosed for coupling the output breathing circuit connection from a conventional anesthesiology machine to the open proximal end of a conventional endotracheal tube. The connector includes a cylindrical input section, a central flange portion, a cylindrical output section, and a bore extending concentrically therethrough. The input section is provided with a stepped outer cylindrical surface for coupling to the breathing circuit connection. The flange portion is provided with sides or faces to facilitate manual gripping of the connector between the thumb and fingers. Openings are provided through a part of the flange portion to permit the connector to be physically tied to the breathing circuit connection. The inner cylindrical wall of the bore of the cylindrical output section is provided with a narrow ridge or annular ring projecting radially inward.

Abstract: A sterilized medical appliance is disclosed, consisting of a preassembled catheter or endotracheal tube with connector, guide, stop, and handle, packaged within a sealed envelope and ready for immediate use in case of emergency. The assembled and packaged appliance is gas-sterilizable within the sealed envelope. The guide positioned within the endotracheal tube serves to provide structural support and protection for the endotracheal tube during handling and shipping. The endotracheal tube surrounding the guide serves to reduce the risk of penetration of the sealed envelope by the distal tip portion of the guide. The envelope is composed of a tough, flexible, transparent, plastic material to permit visual inspection and to enable the manual configuration of the endotracheal tube, with guide inserted, into a desired shape for intubation without danger of rupture of the envelope and without loss of sterility.

Abstract: An adjustable stop is disclosed for use with endotracheal tube or catheter guides for setting the depth of penetration of the distal end of the guide into the endotracheal tube or catheter. The adjustable stop is composed of a body of resilient material having a central bore extending completely through the body. A surface portion of the body is provided for abutment against the opening to the endotracheal tube or catheter. At least one hole, laterally displaced from the central bore, extends partially into the resilient body from the rear surface. The guide is inserted into the adjustable stop through the central bore, and the stop is manually positioned along the length of the guide with respect to its distal end to set the desired depth of penetration. The proximal end portion of the guide is formed into a suitable handle and the end is manually inserted into the laterally displaced hole.

Abstract: An adjustable frame assembly for attachment to the sides of a hospital operating table is disclosed for supporting a removable surgical tray above the operating table and over the patient in a variety of positions for the convenience of personnel. The frame assembly consists of two upright supporting columns, one attached to each side of the operating table at an appropriate position. A horizontal bar is mounted between the upper ends of the upright supporting columns and extends across the operating table from one side to the other. A rectangular open frame member is supported by mechanical linkages to a pair of vertically-extending posts adjustably mounted, respectively, upon two slidable blocks carried by the horizontal bar. A removable surgical tray may be placed upon the open rectangular frame and clamped into position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a guide in stylet form for aiding the insertion of catheters into, for instance, mucous canals of the living body for withdrawal of fluid from a cavity thereof, characterized by a core of solid, flexible metal completely encased in a self-lubricating material and an adjustable stop which also may be used as a grip for manipulation of the guide and an anchor for forming a handle by an end of the guide.