Abstract: A system selectively delivers either breath-synchronized, flow-targeted ventilation (BSFTV) or closed-system positive pressure ventilation (CSPPV) to augment respiration of a patient with a standard tracheal tube. A removable adaptor has a cap that can be removably attached to the proximal connector of the tracheal tube in BSFTV mode, and an inner cannula that extends within the tracheal tube to effectively divide it into two lumens. The adaptor includes a ventilator connector for removably engaging a ventilator hose to deliver air/oxygen through the adaptor and one lumen of the tracheal tube with a flow rate varying over each respiratory cycle in a predetermined waveform synchronized with the patient's respiratory cycle to augment the patient's spontaneous respiration. The adaptor also includes a port allowing the spontaneously-breathing patient to freely inhale and exhale in open exchange with the atmosphere through the other lumen.

Abstract: A system selectively delivers either breath-synchronized, flow-targeted ventilation (BSFTV) or closed-system positive pressure ventilation (CSPPV) to augment respiration of a patient with a standard tracheal tube. A removable adaptor has a cap that can be removably attached to the proximal connector of the tracheal tube in BSFTV mode, and an inner cannula that extends within the tracheal tube to effectively divide it into two lumens. The adaptor includes a ventilator connector for removably engaging a ventilator hose to deliver air/oxygen through the adaptor and one lumen of the tracheal tube with a flow rate varying over each respiratory cycle in a predetermined waveform synchronized with the patient's respiratory cycle to augment the patient's spontaneous respiration. The adaptor also includes a port allowing the spontaneously-breathing patient to freely inhale and exhale in open exchange with the atmosphere through the other lumen.

Abstract: A system selectively delivers either breath-synchronized, flow-targeted ventilation (BSFTV) or closed-system positive pressure ventilation (CSPPV) to augment respiration of a patient with a standard tracheal tube. A removable adaptor has a cap that can be removably attached to the proximal connector of the tracheal tube in BSFTV mode, and an inner cannula that extends within the tracheal tube to effectively divide it into two lumens. The adaptor includes a ventilator connector for removably engaging a ventilator hose to deliver air/oxygen through the adaptor and one lumen of the tracheal tube with a flow rate varying over each respiratory cycle in a predetermined waveform synchronized with the patient's respiratory cycle to augment the patient's spontaneous respiration. The adaptor also includes a port allowing the spontaneously-breathing patient to freely inhale and exhale in open exchange with the atmosphere through the other lumen.

Abstract: An open system provides breath-synchronized, flow-targeted ventilation to augment respiration by a self-breathing patient. A sensor detects a physical property of a patient's respiratory cycle. A processor monitors the sensor and controls a gas source to deliver oxygen-containing gas through a tube extending into the patient's airway with the flow rate varying over each respiratory cycle in a predetermined non-constant waveform synchronized with the respiratory cycle to augment the patient's spontaneous respiration. Gas is delivered at a flow rate sufficient to significantly mitigate the airway pressure the patient must generate during spontaneous breathing and thereby reduce the patient's work of breathing.

Abstract: A system selectively delivers either breath-synchronized, flow-targeted ventilation (BSFTV) or closed-system positive pressure ventilation (CSPPV) to augment respiration of a patient with a standard tracheal tube. A removable adaptor has a cap that can be removably attached to the proximal connector of the tracheal tube in BSFTV mode, and an inner cannula that extends within the tracheal tube to effectively divide it into two lumens. The adaptor includes a ventilator connector for removably engaging a ventilator hose to deliver air/oxygen through the adaptor and one lumen of the tracheal tube with a flow rate varying over each respiratory cycle in a predetermined waveform synchronized with the patient's respiratory cycle to augment the patient's spontaneous respiration. The adaptor also includes a port allowing the spontaneously-breathing patient to freely inhale and exhale in open exchange with the atmosphere through the other lumen.

Abstract: An open system provides breath-synchronized, flow-targeted ventilation to augment respiration by a self-breathing patient. A sensor detects a physical property of a patient's respiratory cycle. A processor monitors the sensor and controls a gas source to deliver oxygen-containing gas through a tube extending into the patient's airway with the flow rate varying over each respiratory cycle in a predetermined non-constant waveform synchronized with the respiratory cycle to augment the patient's spontaneous respiration. Gas is delivered at a flow rate sufficient to significantly mitigate the airway pressure the patient must generate during spontaneous breathing and thereby reduce the patient's work of breathing.

Abstract: An open system provides breath-synchronized, flow-targeted ventilation to augment respiration by a self-breathing patient. A sensor detects a physical property of a patient's respiratory cycle. A processor monitors the sensor and controls a gas source to deliver oxygen-containing gas through a tube extending into the patient's airway with the flow rate varying over each respiratory cycle in a predetermined non-constant waveform synchronized with the respiratory cycle to augment the patient's spontaneous respiration. Gas is delivered at a flow rate sufficient to significantly mitigate the airway pressure the patient must generate during spontaneous breathing and thereby reduce the patient's work of breathing.

Abstract: An open system provides breath-synchronized, flow-targeted ventilation to augment respiration by a self-breathing patient. A sensor detects a physical property of a patient's respiratory cycle. A processor monitors the sensor and controls a gas source to deliver oxygen-containing gas through a tube extending into the patient's airway with the flow rate varying over each respiratory cycle in a predetermined non-constant waveform synchronized with the respiratory cycle to augment the patient's spontaneous respiration. Gas is delivered at a flow rate sufficient to significantly mitigate the airway pressure the patient must generate during spontaneous breathing and thereby reduce the patient's work of breathing.

Abstract: An open system provides breath-synchronized, flow-targeted ventilation to augment respiration by a self-breathing patient. A sensor detects a physical property of a patient's respiratory cycle. A processor monitors the sensor and controls a gas source to deliver oxygen-containing gas through a tube extending into the patient's airway with the flow rate varying over each respiratory cycle in a predetermined non-constant waveform synchronized with the respiratory cycle to augment the patient's spontaneous respiration. Gas is delivered at a flow rate sufficient to significantly mitigate the airway pressure the patient must generate during spontaneous breathing and thereby reduce the patient's work of breathing.

Abstract: An open system provides breath-synchronized, flow-targeted ventilation to augment respiration by a self-breathing patient. A sensor detects a physical property of a patient's respiratory cycle. A processor monitors the sensor and controls a gas source to deliver oxygen-containing gas through a tube extending into the patient's airway with the flow rate varying over each respiratory cycle in a predetermined non-constant waveform synchronized with the respiratory cycle to augment the patient's spontaneous respiration. Gas is delivered at a flow rate sufficient to significantly mitigate the airway pressure the patient must generate during spontaneous breathing and thereby reduce the patient's work of breathing.

Abstract: An open system provides breath-synchronized, flow-targeted ventilation to augment respiration by a self-breathing patient. A sensor detects a physical property of a patient's respiratory cycle. A processor monitors the sensor and controls a gas source to deliver oxygen-containing gas through a tube extending into the patient's airway with the flow rate varying over each respiratory cycle in a predetermined non-constant waveform synchronized with the respiratory cycle to augment the patient's spontaneous respiration. Gas is delivered at a flow rate sufficient to significantly mitigate the airway pressure the patient must generate during spontaneous breathing and thereby reduce the patient's work of breathing.

Abstract: An open system provides breath-synchronized, flow-targeted ventilation to augment respiration by a self-breathing patient. A sensor detects a physical property of a patient's respiratory cycle. A processor monitors the sensor and controls a gas source to deliver oxygen-containing gas through a tube extending into the patient's airway with the flow rate varying over each respiratory cycle in a predetermined non-constant waveform synchronized with the respiratory cycle to augment the patient's spontaneous respiration. Gas is delivered at a flow rate sufficient to significantly mitigate the airway pressure the patient must generate during spontaneous breathing and thereby reduce the patient's work of breathing.

Abstract: A laryngeal mask airway has a curved tubular guide for insertion through the patient's mouth and oropharynx. After insertion of the guide, the beveled distal opening of the guide abuts the laryngeal inlet, while the guide's proximal opening remains outside the patient's mouth. A laryngeal mask surrounds the distal opening of the guide to substantially seal the laryngeal inlet about the distal opening of the guide. A ventilation port adjacent to the proximal opening of the guide supplies air/oxygen through the guide into the patient's lungs. An endotracheal tube can then be advanced along the length of guide and through the patient's larynx without interrupting ventilation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for endotracheal intubation with simultaneous oxygenation/ventilation employs a curved guide and a light wand to ensure proper placement of the endotracheal tube in the patient's airway. The light wand has an elongated flexible member with a light source at its distal tip. The wand is inserted through an endotracheal tube until the light is adjacent to the distal end of the endotracheal tube. A curved guide is inserted into the patient's mouth and upper airway so that its distal end is positioned above the larynx. The wand and endotracheal tube are then advanced along the guide until the distal end of the endotracheal tube passes through the larynx and the light source is externally observable at a predetermined location through the anterior tracheal wall.

Abstract: An endoscope has a removable suction tube to facilitate cleaning and reduce the risk of patient infection. The endoscope includes an elongated flexible probe with a housing at its proximal end to control the direction and operation of the probe and for viewing images carried by optical fibers from the distal end of the probe. A recess or slot extending along either the suction tube or probe enables the suction tube to be removably secured to the probe. A suction tube connector at the proximal end of the suction tube allows the suction tube to be removably secured to the housing and also provides a connector for removable attachment to an external suction line. In the preferred embodiment, the suction tube connector includes means for regulating suction through the suction tube, such as a vent opening that can be manually sealed by a healthcare provider.

Abstract: A laryngeal mask airway has a curved tubular guide for insertion through the patient's mouth and oropharynx. After insertion of the guide, the beveled distal opening of the guide abuts the laryngeal inlet, while the guide's proximal opening remains outside the patient's mouth. A laryngeal mask surrounds the distal opening of the guide to substantially seal the laryngeal inlet about the distal opening of the guide. A ventilation port adjacent to the proximal opening of the guide supplies air/oxygen through the guide into the patient's lungs. An endotracheal tube can then be advanced along the length of guide and through the patient's larynx without interrupting ventilation.

Abstract: A laryngeal mask airway has a curved tubular guide for insertion through the patient's mouth and oropharynx. After insertion of the guide, the beveled distal opening of the guide abuts the laryngeal inlet, while the guide's proximal opening remains outside the patient's mouth. A laryngeal mask surrounds the distal opening of the guide to substantially seal the laryngeal inlet about the distal opening of the guide A ventilation port adjacent to the proximal opening of the guide supplies air/oxygen through the guide into the patient's lungs. An endotracheal tube can then be advanced along the length of guide and through the patient's larynx without interrupting ventilation.

Abstract: An endoscope has a removable suction tube to facilitate cleaning and reduce the risk of patient infection. The endoscope includes an elongated flexible probe with a housing at its proximal end to control the direction and operation of the probe and for viewing images carried by optical fibers from the distal end of the probe. A recess or slot extending along either the suction tube or probe enables the suction tube to be removably secured to the probe. A suction tube connector at the proximal end of the suction tube allows the suction tube to be removably secured to the housing and also provides a connector for removable attachment to an external suction line. In the preferred embodiment, the suction tube connector includes means for regulating suction through the suction tube, such as a vent opening that can be manually sealed by a healthcare provider.