Abstract: A humidifier assembly includes a water supply reservoir; and a vessel defining a water holding cavity configured to hold water at a water level, and having an inlet adjacent to the bottom thereof, a respiratory gas inlet, a respiratory gas outlet, a gas pressure equalization port, a water level control port, and a water level control pipe communicating with said water level control port and configured to extend below the water level in the cavity. Tubing directs water from the water supply container to said humidifier vessel. Tubing also extends between the water supply container and gas pressure equalization port and water level control port. A first one-way valve is disposed along a pressure equalization flow path between the reservoir and cavity, which path includes the gas pressure equalization port, with third tubing extending therefrom to an opposite end disposed under the water level in the water holding cavity.

Abstract: Disclosed is an introducer apparatus comprising an sleeve fixation mechanism or introducer member, such as a catheter, introducer, or ring-like structure, which is attached to a protective sleeve comprising a thin flexible material such a polymeric film. The sleeve is inverted into the passageway of a second member, such as a catheter, feeding tube, introducer, etc., that is advanced through the passageway of the introducer member and is introduced into a bodily passage of a patient, such as the bile duct, nasal passages, colon, etc. The sleeve everts from the passageway of the second member during its advancement to lay down a friction-reducing surface. The sleeve prevents frictional contact between the second member and delicate or sensitive tissues.

Abstract: A wire guide has first and second portions with first and second diameters, respectively. A resilient loop positions a distal end of the wire guide adjacent another section of the wire guide. A closure member comprising at least one attachment tab maintains the distal end in a fixed position relative to the remainder of the wire guide. A covering may be positioned around one or more parts of the wire guide.

Abstract: A steerable wire-guide comprises an elongate member having a longitudinal axis. The elongate member comprises a leading portion and a body portion. The leading portion comprises a loop and the body portion comprises a first wire and a second wire. The first and second wires are movable relative to each other such that relative movement of the first wire with respect to the second wire directs the leading portion in a first direction, which is at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis, and relative movement of the second wire with respect to the first wire directs the leading portion in a second direction different from the first direction.