Abstract: A cuffed tracheostomy tube has a shaft (10) with an inflation lumen (16) extending longitudinally along the shaft and opening at its patient end into a sealing cuff (13). The tube also includes a reinforcement member provided by a metal wire (25) wound into two sets of loops (26A) and (26B) of different widths. The loops (26) extend part way around the shaft (10) up to but without crossing the inflation lumen (16).

Abstract: Embodiments relate to subcutaneous insertion systems comprising a surface device to be applied to a patient's skin and an insertion system for applying the surface device to the patient, wherein the applying can include subcutaneous insertion of a cannula or other element, and related devices and methods. The surface device comprises a surface for application to the skin of a patient and a subcutaneous element, such as a cannula, wire, filament or other device, extending from the skin's surface at an angle greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to subcutaneous insertion systems comprising a surface device to be applied to a patient's skin and an insertion system for applying the surface device to the patient, wherein the applying can include subcutaneous insertion of a cannula or other element, and related devices and methods. The surface device comprises a surface for application to the skin of a patient and a subcutaneous element, such as a cannula, wire, filament or other device, extending from the skin's surface at an angle greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to subcutaneous insertion systems comprising a surface device to be applied to a patient's skin and an insertion system for applying the surface device to the patient, wherein the applying can include subcutaneous insertion of a cannula or other element, and related devices and methods. The surface device comprises a surface for application to the skin of a patient and a subcutaneous element, such as a cannula, wire, filament or other device, extending from the skin's surface at an angle greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees.

Abstract: A medication pump includes a housing including an external wall and a plurality of internal adjoining housings, including a first housing enclosing a cartridge. The pump includes a primary vent for venting the medication pump to atmosphere, the primary vent including a primary liquid barrier allowing passage of gas therethrough while preventing passage of liquid therethrough. The pump includes a secondary vent on the first housing, the secondary vent including a secondary liquid barrier allowing passage of gas therethrough to an interior of the housing while preventing passage of liquid therethrough.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a medication pump for use with a medication cartridge that is loaded using a drive rod of the medication pump. In one embodiment, the drive rod includes an interface structure defining a first channel where the first channel has an axial portion disposed parallel to an axis of the drive rod and a locking portion disposed in a circumferential direction around an outer surface of the drive rod. In another embodiment of the invention, the drive rod includes a visual indicator at an interface end of the drive rod, so that when the interface structure of the drive rod is coupled to a plunger of a medication cartridge, the visual indicator will not be seen, to provide a way to check for secure coupling of the drive rod to the plunger. In its embodiment, the outer housing of the medication pump includes a window into a cartridge housing to allow a view of the visual indicator if it is not attached to the plunger.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a medication pump, a cartridge for use in a medication pump, a pump cap for use with a medication pump, components of the cartridge and methods of use of these devices. A cartridge includes a plunger having a tab that projects from an interior wall of the plunger. The tab can be used to lock the plunger into engagement with a drive rod of the pump. The drive rod defines a channel for receiving the tab of the plunger, where the channel includes an axial portion disposed parallel to an axis of the drive rod and a locking portion disposed in a circumferential direction around an outer surface of the drive rod. A similar channel structure can be provided on a removable fill rod used while filling the cartridge. The cartridge axially inserted into a cartridge chamber and then is rotated into engagement with the drive rod. The cartridge may also include axial guides at one end that interface with a guides on pump cap.

Abstract: Sensors are described that may be provided in a medication pump. A magnetic sensor detects rotation of an element that is rotated by a motor, where a magnet covers a portion of the element. A light sensor may also be provided that detects if a cartridge is present in a cartridge chamber. A medication cartridge includes an opaque area at its open end for use with the light sensor. Methods of using these sensors to operate the pump area also described.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a medication pump, a cartridge for use in a medication pump, a pump cap for use with a medication pump, components of the cartridge and methods of use of these devices. A cartridge includes a plunger having a tab that projects from an interior wall of the plunger. The tab can be used to lock the plunger into engagement with a drive rod of the pump. The drive rod defines a channel for receiving the tab of the plunger, where the channel includes an axial portion disposed parallel to an axis of the drive rod and a locking portion disposed in a circumferential direction around an outer surface of the drive rod. A similar channel structure can be provided on a removable fill rod used while filling the cartridge. The cartridge axially inserted into a cartridge chamber and then is rotated into engagement with the drive rod. The cartridge may also include axial guides at one end that interface with a guides on pump cap.

Abstract: Reusable cassettes for a drug pump are disclosed to house a fluid reservoir and tubing extending from the reservoir across a tubing support surface of the pressure plate of the cassette. A hinged housing provides reversible access to the fluid reservoir. Reuse of a portion of the pressure plate is also disclosed.