Abstract: Proximal end connector units, by which medico-surgical tubes may be attached to breathing circuits or like fluid flow devices in a manner that mitigates interference with operations being performed on patients intubated with the MS tubes, comprising a straight, rigid, cylindrical distal end portion, a straight, rigid, cylindrical proximal end portion, a central tubular portion joining the distal end portion to the proximal end portion, the central tubular portion being bendable in an arc of at least 180.degree. without diminution of its effective lumen, such proximal end portion, distal end portion and central tubular portion all being integral and formed of the same thin, plastic material, the central tubular portion comprising a plurality of circumferential, angular segments each consisting of a pair of sides that are of unequal length, the central tubular portion being compressed lengthwise by having the shorter side in each segment folded back under its longer side.

Abstract: Closed system, combined suction and ventilation medico-surgical tube devices include (1) a suction catheter, (2) a suction control valve positioned at the distal end of the system, (3) a multi-port coupling unit through which the catheter is fed for aspiration of a patient, (4) a flexible tubular sheath providing a sterility protective enclosure for the catheter fixed at its distal end to the proximal end of the coupling unit and (5) a sheath relief valve. The coupling units (4) have two separate members, one of which is fitted axially into the other so they may rotate relative to each other about their longitudinal axes to close and open access of the catheter from the sheath through the coupling unit into the patient. The suction control valves (2) have first and second substantially identical parts positioned together along a longitudinal side in sliding engagement with each other for movement between an open and a closed position of the valves.

Abstract: Thoracic catheters to be implanted in the chest or other body portion of a patient by withdrawal of the proximal end through a secondary incision at a suitable site are improved by having a tapered proximal end portion thereon which has a smoothly contoured nose through which a small lumen extends that permits the surgeon to securely grasp the catheter with a Kelly clamp by having one jaw of the clamp inside the nose lumen and the other jaw on the outside of the nose.

Abstract: Conventional endotracheal tubes are provided with improved proximal end connector units by which the endo tubes may be attached to breathing equipment or like fluid flow devices in a manner that mitigates interference with operations being performed on patients intubated with the endo tubes, such units comprising a straight, rigid, cylindrical distal end portion, a straight, rigid, cylindrical proximal end portion, a central tubular portion joining the distal end portion to the proximal end portion, the central tubular portion being bendable in an arc of at least 180.degree.

Abstract: An inflation valve includes a valve body formed of a suitable rigid material and having a longitudinal passage therethrough. Internally the valve body includes an inwardly extending annular member for supporting the valve element and providing a valve seat. This annular member has a predetermined longitudinal dimension between a transverse wall at one end and the base of the valve seat at the other end. The valve includes a valve element made of such size as to move freely within the aforementioned longitudinal passage. It includes a nose portion for engaging the valve seat at one side of the aforementioned annular member on the valve body and an enlarged portion for engaging the transverse wall. The valve element is dimensioned so that the distance between the nose portion of the valve element and the enlarged portion thereof is slightly less than the aforementioned longitudinal dimension of the valve body between the transverse wall and the base of the valve seat.

Abstract: Suction catheters are provided with improved suction control valves that have no open ports and that are normally closed providing advantages over the conventional control valves that are normally open. The valve comprises a resilient member having a distal end of chisel point design that is slit at the tip enabling the slit to be pinched open through an enveloping sheath to apply suction to the catheter and return to a closed position upon release of pinch pressure. The catheter may include vents to release vacuum if its distal end openings become occluded.

Abstract: Provision is made for evenly controlling the cooling of the inner die pin of an extrusion die assembly so that the hot plastic coming in contact therewith is frosted. A conduit extends through the inner die pin to a point near the tip of the inner die pin. A cap is mounted on the end of the conduit and spaced from the front face thereof to provide an annular discharge opening. At least the tip portion of the inner die pin is formed of a material of good heat conductivity, such as brass, and the cooling air is directed through the discharge opening relatively evenly over the inner portion of the inner die pin to effect uniform inside frosting of a plastic tube formed in the apparatus. The inside of the plastic tube is open to the atmosphere.

Abstract: Endotracheal tubes of the permanently curved, plastic, disposable type are improved for nasal intubation by intubation direction control means which comprises a pull-cord carried in a lumen formed in the tube wall along the inside of the curve in the tube.

Abstract: A stylet for use in intubating an endotracheal tube, catheter or like medico-surgical tube comprises a bendable metal rod hermetically sealed in a tubular plastic sheath so the rod is closely encircled by the sheath, but so the two can flex longitudinally independently of each other. The ends of the sheath are molded in a smoothly rounded closed shape and it has a frosted finish on its external surface.

Abstract: Tracheostomy tubes are provided with means that permits them to be held firmly in proper position upon a person on whom the device is installed. Such means comprises a fixed flange member, a slideable flange member and a plurality of slideable and separately removeable ring members positioned between the fixed and slideable flange members.