Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing hydration fluids. The invention allows for a ‘background’ rate of providing a hydration fluid to be automatically supplied by an apparatus to a patient, for example intravenously, and for the patient to receive an extra amount of hydration fluid, or ‘bolus dose’, to be provided when the patient sends a signal to the apparatus. In preferred embodiments the background supply rate, the volume and rate of supply of the bolus dose and the maximum extra volume that can be provided as bolus doses in a given time can be set, for example, by a nurse.

Abstract: A tracheostomy instrument (1) used for inserting a tracheostomy tube has a needle (10) with colored bands (13) along its length and connected with a syringe (14) at its machine end. The syringe (14) is used to detect when the trachea (3) has been penetrated; the depth of penetration is indicated by observing which colored band (13) aligns with the skin surface (5). The machine end of the tracheostomy tube shaft (20) has a number of colored bands (26) corresponding to the bands (13) on the needle (10). A flange (24) is movable along the tube (2) and is locked in position against the colored band (26) corresponding to the band (13) on the needle (10) aligned with the skin surface (5).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing hydration fluids. The invention allows for a ‘background’ rate of providing a hydration fluid to be automatically supplied by an apparatus to a patient, for example intravenously, and for the patient to receive an extra amount of hydration fluid, or ‘bolus dose’, to be provided when the patient sends a signal to the apparatus. In preferred embodiments the background supply rate, the volume and rate of supply of the bolus dose and the maximum extra volume that can be provided as bolus doses in a given time can be set, for example, by a nurse.

Abstract: A tracheostomy instrument (1) used for inserting a tracheostomy tube has a needle (10) with coloured bands (13) along its length and connected with a syringe (14) at its machine end. The syringe (14) is used to detect when the trachea (3) has been penetrated; the depth of penetration is indicated by observing which coloured band (13) aligns with the skin surface (5). The machine end of the tracheostomy tube shaft (20) has a number of coloured bands (26) corresponding to the bands (13) on the needle (10). A flange (24) is movable along the tube (2) and is locked in position against the coloured band (26) corresponding to the band (13) on the needle (10) aligned with the skin surface (5).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining the difference between a regional CO2 partial pressure of a selected body organ of a mammalian subject, such as the gut, and a systemic CO2 partial pressure of the subject. The regional CO2 partial pressure value is tonometrically obtained at body temperature using a gaseous sampling medium. A systemic CO2 partial pressure value is obtained from the blood. The systemic CO2 partial pressure value can be that for the body temperature or for a standard temperature. If the systemic CO2 partial pressure value is that for the body temperature, the regional CO2 partial pressure value is compared to the systemic CO2 partial pressure value and the difference therebetween is provided as a CO2 partial pressure gap measurement.