Abstract: A tracheostomy tube assembly has a semi-flexible tube that is coupled at its machine end with an adaptor. The tube is inserted into the patient's trachea through an incision while the adapter is located externally of trachea. The tube has a bore through it that opens into the trachea at its patient end and into the main bore of the adaptor at its machine end. The main bore opens to atmosphere via an aperture in the side of the adaptor. A jet tube is coupled to the adaptor via a narrow bore that is aligned with the main bore. When the jet tube is connected to a high-frequency ventilation source, air is entrained in the adaptor that is directed towards the patient end of the assembly.

Abstract: Removal of fluid from a patient's lungs is achieved using a small diameter outer guide tube, the machine end of which is bifurcated into two wings. A small cut is first made into the trachea and a stylet is pushed through the cut. The guide tube is then inserted into the trachea by sliding along the stylet until the machine end of the tube protrudes from the patient's neck. After removal of the stylet the wings of the tube are sutured to the patient's skin. A suction catheter having a set curvature can then be introduced to either of the patient's lungs, via the guide tube, to remove fluid. The diameter of the guide tube is less than that of the trachea so that air passage along the trachea is not impeded.