Abstract: An improved incentive spirometer having a modular goal recording counter (GRC) releasably attached thereto for enabling a patient to view the number of times a predetermined respiratory therapy inhalation exercise has been properly performed. The GRC also includes a coaching lamp to facilitate the patient's maintaining the desired flow rate of inspiratory air for a predetermined time period. The GRC is operational in one mode to initiate a count of the number of successful exercise completions beginning with “0”, and in another operational mode to retain and recall the count of the number of successful exercises previously completed. The operation of the GRC is controlled by a microcontroller which controls the operation of the GRC and the electrical circuit connected thereto is designed to minimize the power requirements of the components when the GRC is placed in the retain and recall mode of operation.

Abstract: A cloud chamber for use with a source of pressurized medication in a MDI system wherein the cloud chamber has a unique one-way inspiratory air and one-way expiratory air valving system which utilizes the same valve body to provide both functions through utilization of different parts of the same valve body for performing the different and mutually exclusive functions. The present invention also provides for the storage of the pressurized medication container within the cloud chamber so that the medication can be conveniently and safely stored when the device in not in use.

Abstract: An improved incentive spirometer adapted to introduce a flow of oxygen across the inlet for inspiratory air so that the oxygen may be drawn thereinto without requiring any change in the calibration of the device or the monitoring of the patient's usage. The device also features an integral information display receptacle in the base for storage of operational instructions. A portion of the base is transparent to that the information contained in the storage receptacle can be viewed by a patient while the device is in use, thereby permitting a patient to observe such things as the instructions for proper use of the incentive spirometer while using the device. The spirometer structure can be utilized for different patient groupings by changing a venturi plate to present a flow restricting orifice designed to accommodate the respiratory therapy and exercise needs for the particular patient grouping.

Abstract: A removable single-user tongue shield that is releasably attachable to the dispensing opening of a metered dose inhaler. The tongue protector is shaped to conform to the upper surface of the tongue to cover the taste sensor areas, and to minimize contact of the medication spray with the tongue's surface. In this manner the user is protected from objectionable medication taste while the delivery of the medication into the trachea is unaffected by the protector.

Abstract: A hemostasis valve for a catheter such as a catheter sheath introducer comprises an elastomeric partition extending across an aperture in a hub carried by a catheter. The partition defines an annular, peripheral area which is secured to the hub. The partition further defines a second area positioned radially inwardly from the peripheral area. The second area is of substantially less thickness than the peripheral area. The partition further defines a central area positioned radially inwardly from the second area, the central area being of substantially greater thickness than the second area, and defining a slit therethrough to permit passage of the elongated member.

Abstract: A wound closure apparatus and a method for its use are described. The apparatus includes a trilumen tubular member dimensioned to be positioned within a blood vessel through a conventional catheter sheath introducer. A mesh assembly extends longitudinally through the center lumen of the tubular member to position an expandable mesh portion within the vessel. The expandable mesh portion can be configured between a collapsed condition and an expanded condition by the attending surgeon or other medical personnel. Sutures are deposited into the blood vessel by a pair of medical needles inserted through the vessel wall adjacent the wound so that the leading ends of the sutures are deposited directly into the expandable mesh portion and are captured therein. The leading ends of the sutures can be withdrawn from the vessel through the center lumen of the trilumen body and pulled outside of the wound area where the surgeon can tie the ends thereof to close and seal the vessel wound.

Abstract: A catheter introducer comprises a tubular sheath having an axis, and a housing carried on one end of the sheath. The housing encloses a fluid-filled chamber and carries a pair of valves aligned along the axis, the valves being at opposed ends of the fluid-filled chamber and communicating therewith. The valves serve to substantially retain the fluid within the housing, while allowing a catheter to pass through the valves and through the tubular sheath. The fluid of the chamber is preferably a gel or high viscosity liquid. The valves and fluid-filled chamber prevent the backflow of blood both in the presence and the absence of a catheter or the like extending through the valves and chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for delivering a vessel plug into a wound or incision in a living patient are described. The apparatus includes an expandable porous mesh mounted at the distal end of an elongate catheter. The expandable mesh may be positioned within a blood vessel or a target organ and expanded. When the mesh member is in an expanded condition, the mesh can be positioned adjacent the opening within the vessel or organ and a vessel plug can be inserted into the wound. The expanded mesh prevents the advancement of the vessel plug into the vessel or target organ, thereby avoiding possible thrombosis or stenosis within the vessel at the wound or incision site. Occlusion of the blood vessel during treatment is avoided by providing the expandable mesh with a porous construction which allows blood or other body fluids to flow therethrough while the apparatus is being used within the body of the patient.

Abstract: A valve comprises an elastomeric partition member having first and second opposed faces, the valve being adapted for securement in a housing. Typically, one or both of the faces define a recess of substantially rectangular cross section to reduce the central thickness of the partition member, the recesses being wider than they are deep. The elastomeric partition is typically made of an elastomer having an elongation of 900 to 1500 percent, a tensile strength of at least 11.5 megapascals, a Shore `A` durometer of preferably 45 to 70, and a tear strength of at least 150, as determined by tests described herein. Significant improvements are achieved by slit partition valves which utilize the elastomeric partition member of this invention.

Abstract: A hemostasis valve for a catheter or the like may be a self-sealing, penetrable barrier which comprises an elastomeric partition made of an integral piece. A first slit is cut on the first side of the partition, while a second slit is cut in a second, opposite side of the partition. The first and second slits are in intersecting relation to each other, each slit having a depth sufficient to permit physical interaction with each other but insufficient to extend through the entire thickness of the partition.