Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, an accessory for an aerosol inhalation system includes a main conduit body having an outlet end for placement close to a mouth of a patient, and first and second leg conduits that are in fluid communication with the main conduit body. The accessory further includes a holding chamber having a first compartment and a second compartment separated from the first compartment, with the first compartment being sealingly and fluidly coupled to the one port associated with the first leg conduit and the second compartment being sealingly and fluidly coupled to a port associated with the second leg conduit. An arrangement of valves is provided such that when the patient exhales, the first leg conduit is sealingly closed off from the main conduit body and the second leg conduit resulting in the aerosol particles flowing into and being held in the first compartment of the holding chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating the safe removal of a mass from within a body cavity. The apparatus has a membrane that can be selectively placed in a) an expanded state wherein the membrane defines an internal space for reception of a mass to be removed from the cavity and b) a collapsed state wherein the membrane occupies less space than it does in its expanded state. The membrane has an entryway that is in communication with the internal space defined by the membrane with the membrane in its expanded state. Structure is provided for closing the membrane entryway from a location remote drom the entryway.

Abstract: A cannula for extension through a tissue into a cavity and having: a cylindrical sleeve defining a hollow passageway through which a surgical instrument can be directed, with the sleeve having a) a proximal end to be manipulated by a user in directing the sleeve into an operative position through the body tissue into the body cavity, b) a distal end which projects into the body cavity with the sleeve in its operative position, and c) a cylindrical outer surface; expandable structure at the distal end of the sleeve for preventing withdrawal of the sleeve from the tissue with the expandable structure in an expanded state, the expandable structure being collapsible from its expanded state, wherein it projects radially beyond the outer surface of the sleeve sufficiently to prevent passage of the distal end of the sleeve and expandable structure thereon through an incision having a diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the outer cylindrical surface of the sleeve, to a collapsed state in which the expanda

Abstract: A probe system for removable attachment to a patient in which the probe containing light emitter and detector elements is separable from a fastener for securing the probe to the skin of a patient to enable the fastener to be discarded and the probe reused. Apertures in the fastener complementary to the probe housings enable secure stabilization of the probe system on the skin and maintain a fixed relationship between the light emitter and detector elements.

Abstract: A connection component suitable for use with an enteral fluid delivery set is arranged in the form of a replacement for the cap of a pre-filled, foil sealed fluid container. The connection component includes a fluid outlet passage which is arranged in the form of a projecting spike which penetrates and opens the foil seal as the connection component is attached to the pre-filled container.

Abstract: A connection component suitable for use with an enteral fluid delivery set is arranged in the form of a replacement for the cap of a pre-filled, foil sealed fluid container. The connection component includes a fluid outlet passage which is arranged in the form of a projecting spike which penetrates and opens the foil seal as the connection component is attached to the pre-filled container.

Abstract: An improved venipuncture device comprises a catheter having a catheter hub at one end, with a needle having a needle hub at one end and a sharpened tip at the second end extending through the catheter and catheter hub. The needle is adapted for insertion and removal from the catheter. A fin extends substantially vertically from the needle hub and is constructed and arranged for gripping the device in a manner which facilitates venipuncture.

Abstract: Carrier comprising a unitary polystyrene container having posts extending divergently out from the container in nonvertical directions and a carrying strap or handle affixed to each post substantially perpendicular to the axis thereof. The carrier is useful as an emergency medical kit.