Abstract: An apparatus for performing a balloon dilation procedure at the site of a stenosis or for deploying a stent in a patient, the apparatus including a single lumen catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, and a high pressure balloon attached to the distal end of the catheter. The high pressure balloon is fabricated from a semi-compliant material that has an average rated burst pressure of between about 15 and about 27 atmospheres of pressure and exhibits a dumbbell-shaped outer periphery when inflated to a first atmospheric pressure and a substantially linear outer periphery when inflated to a second atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a balloon dilation procedure at the site of a stenosis or for deploying a stent in a patient, the apparatus including a single lumen catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, and a high pressure balloon attached to the distal end of the catheter. The high pressure balloon is fabricated from a semi-compliant material that has an average rated burst pressure of between about 15 and about 27 atmospheres of pressure and exhibits a dumbbell-shaped outer periphery when inflated to a first atmospheric pressure and a substantially linear outer periphery when inflated to a second atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a balloon dilation procedure at the site of a stenosis or for deploying a stent in a patient, the apparatus including a single lumen catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, and a high pressure balloon attached to the distal end of the catheter. The high pressure balloon is fabricated from a semi-compliant material that has an average rated burst pressure of between about 15 and about 27 atmospheres of pressure and exhibits a dumbbell-shaped outer periphery when inflated to a first atmospheric pressure and a substantially linear outer periphery when inflated to a second atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: An improved tracheostomy tube providing a decreased tendency to produce rubbing, pressure necrosis, ulceration and scarring of the tracheal mucosa. The tube typically includes a rigid proximal section, a flexible intermediate section, a rigid distal section, and a beveled distal tip. The flexible intermediate section has a smooth surface and bends easily in response to pressure asserted by the tracheal walls, allowing the distal rigid section of the tube to remain in a parallel orientation relative to the tracheal lumen. The distal tip of the tube is beveled to provide a greater cross-sectional area at the tube's distal section. This beveled distal tip prevents the distal section of the tube from becoming obstructed by the back wall of the trachea or causing erosion of the tracheal mucosa. The distal tip also has a beaded or rounded edge, which further minimizes the risk of damage to the tracheal mucosa and provides a guide to the clinical care specialist during suctioning.

Abstract: A medical apparatus for widening a stenosis or for deploying a stent in a patient. The apparatus has a central axis and an inflatable outer dumbbell-shaped balloon. The apparatus is insertable into a lumen of a patient for movement of the balloon therein between a deflated configuration and an inflated configuration. The balloon stays in position over the stenosis or the area in need of the stent when it is inflated. The apparatus can include a flexible support member mounted on the external surface of the balloon with at least one microsurgical blade, which forms an effective cutting edge upon inflation of the outer balloon. The apparatus can also include one or more inner balloons that allow higher dilation pressures to be generated from inside the outer balloon. The apparatus can also include a hollow central core that may permit ventilation of the airway during the dilation process.

Abstract: A medical apparatus for widening a stenosis in the airway of a patient which includes a central hollow core, an inflatable outer balloon, and at least one inner balloon inside the outer balloon. The apparatus also can include a flexible support member mounted on the external surface of the outer balloon with at least one microsurgical blade. The outer balloon can be dumbbell-shaped to keep the balloon in position over the stenosis when the balloon is inflated. The hollow core allows the patient to be ventilated during the procedure, the inner balloon(s) allow higher dilation pressures to be generated from inside the outer balloon, and the blade can form an effective cutting edge upon inflation of the outer balloon.

Abstract: An improved tracheostomy tube providing a decreased tendency to produce rubbing, pressure necrosis, ulceration and scarring of the tracheal mucosa. The tube typically includes a rigid proximal section, a flexible intermediate section, a rigid distal section, and a beveled distal tip. The flexible intermediate section has a smooth surface and bends easily in response to pressure asserted by the tracheal walls, allowing the distal rigid section of the tube to remain in a parallel orientation relative to the tracheal lumen, The distal tip of the tube is beveled to provide a greater cross-sectional area at the tube's distal section. This beveled distal tip prevents the distal section of the tube from becoming obstructed by the back wall of the trachea or causing erosion of the tracheal mucosa. The distal tip also has a beaded or rounded edge, which further minimizes the risk of damage to the tracheal mucosa and provides a guide to the clinical care specialist during suctioning.

Abstract: A medical apparatus for widening a stenosis or for deploying a stent in a patient. The apparatus has a central axis and an inflatable outer dumbbell-shaped balloon. The apparatus is insertable into a lumen of a patient for movement of the balloon therein between a deflated configuration and an inflated configuration. The balloon stays in position over the stenosis or the area in need of the stent when it is inflated. The apparatus can include a flexible support member mounted on the external surface of the balloon with at least one microsurgical blade, which forms an effective cutting edge upon inflation of the outer balloon. The apparatus can also include one or more inner balloons that allow higher dilation pressures to be generated from inside the outer balloon. The apparatus can also include a hollow central core that may permit ventilation of the airway during the dilation process.

Abstract: A tracheotomy valve unit for use with a tracheotomy tube inserted into a patient's trachea comprises a first end for connection to the tracheotomy tube, a second end comprising a valve unit inlet, a first valve that permits airflow to the tube when the patient inhales and blocks airflow from the tube when the patient exhales thereby permitting speech, and a second valve that permits airflow from the tube back out the valve unit when the intrathoracic pressure during expiration is greater than about 12 cm of water. The second valve functions as a pressure release valve that increases tolerance and wearing comfort. In one embodiment, the second valve comprises a slit valve or an umbrella valve.

Abstract: A flexible tracheotomy endotracheal tube comprises a short distal section of tubing, an intermediate section of tubing, a pre-formed obtuse-angle bend in the tube between the distal and intermediate sections, an elongated proximal section of tubing, a pre-formed abrupt bend in the tube between the intermediate and proximal sections, and an inflatable cuff integrated into the distal section of tubing.

Abstract: An airways stent containing a hollow flexible tube and a plurality of domed pegs on the outer surface of at least the distal end of the tube to lift the tube off the airway passage wall. Also disclosed are intratracheal stents that have additional domed pegs on the outer surface of the proximal end of the tube, and suprastomal stents that have a removable plug in the proximal end of the tube to restrict airflow through the lumen of the tube.

Abstract: A tracheotomy valve unit for use with a tracheotomy tube inserted into a patient's trachea comprises a first end for connection to the tracheotomy tube, a second end comprising a valve unit inlet, a first valve that permits airflow to the tube when the patient inhales and blocks airflow from the tube when the patient exhales thereby permitting speech, and a second valve that permits airflow from the tube back out the valve unit when the intrathoracic pressure during expiration is greater than about 12 cm of water. The second valve functions as a pressure release valve that increases tolerance and wearing comfort. In one embodiment, the second valve comprises a slit valve or an umbrella valve.

Abstract: A flexible tracheotomy endotracheal tube comprises a short distal section of tubing, an intermediate section of tubing, a pre-formed obtuse-angle bend in the tube between the distal and intermediate sections, an elongated proximal section of tubing, a pre-formed abrupt bend in the tube between the intermediate and proximal sections, and an inflatable cuff integrated into the distal section of tubing.