Abstract: A medical pump comprising an intake/discharge nozzle, a fluid circulator, an elongate barrel extending between and joining the nozzle and circulator, a flushing path and an efflux path peripherally about the flushing path connecting the circulator and nozzle, non-return valves within the paths providing for uni-directional flow from the nozzle through the efflux path to the circulator and from the circulator through the flushing path to the nozzle. A debris-collecting filter element is disposed within the efflux path within the barrel. The filter element and valves may be in the form of a replaceable cartridge. The valves may be constructed as a shuttle with joined oppositely operating valve plates. The valves may also comprise a resilient flap member with a flap formed therein, both the flap member and flap being independently operable and defining the two valves.

Abstract: A tracheostomy tube assembly has a tube the forward end of which is located within the trachea and supports an inflatable sealing cuff. The rear end of the assembly supports a soft, semi-flexible flange having slots which receive a tape by which the assembly is secured about the patient's neck. The assembly also carries a second inflatable plastics cuff mounted on the flange, which encircles the tube and has a raised portion on opposite sides of the tube. The volume of the second cuff, when inflated, is sufficient to accommodate the space between the flange and the neck without elastic deformation of the cuff.