Abstract: A breath-actuated jet nebulizer is provided, having a body enclosing a gas jet that creates a Venturi effect. The Venturi requires a baffle in close proximity to the gas jet. The baffle is movable in response to the inhalation of the patient, such that the baffle has a default (resting) position distal to the gas jet such that no Venturi effect is created, and no nebulization occurs. During the inhalation phase of a breathing cycle, a diaphragm flexes and pushes the baffle into close proximity with the Venturi gas jet, such that a Venturi effect is created that causes a low pressure zone in proximity to one or more liquid orifices that draw a drug solution into the Venturi, where the solution is nebulized. Also disclosed is an exhalation filter to prevent infectious particles from the patient from escaping and endangering nearby caregivers.

Abstract: A breath actuated nebulizer for administration of an inhaled medication to a patient is provided with a generally cylindrical body in a horizontal orientation to the patient. Within the body is a Venturi configured to nebulizer a liquid medication in a reservoir. Within the body is a shaft integrated with a baffle and diaphragm that slides horizontally in response to the breathing of a patient. During inhalation by the patient, the diaphragm flexes shifting the baffle over the Venturi, allowing nebulization to occur. When the patient exhales, the diaphragm flexes to a default position in which the baffle is distal to the Venturi, thereby stopping the nebulization. The diaphragm is biased to rest in this default position until the patient inhales again.

Abstract: A breathing mask for use in administering inhalable medications to a patient in need of an inhaled drug is provided. The mask disclosed herein is particularly useful for use with very young children. The mask is made from a flexible molded plastic silicone or elastomeric material, and has an anthropometrically/anatomically/ergonomically contoured shape to provide a good seal, a comfortable fit, and minimal dead space within the mask. The airway is aligned with nose. There may be an orifice for use with a soother device to calm a child using the mask. Also provided is a visual flow indicator to provide an indication of the quality of the seal of the mask on the face.

Abstract: A breathing mask for use in administering inhalable medications to a patient in need of an inhaled drug is provided. The mask disclosed herein is particularly useful for use with very young children. The mask is made from a flexible molded plastic silicone or elastomeric material, and has an anthropometrically/anatomically/ergonomically contoured shape to provide a good seal, a comfortable fit, and minimal dead space within the mask. The airway is aligned with nose. There may be an orifice for use with a soother device to calm a child using the mask. Also provided is a visual flow indicator to provide an indication of the quality of the seal of the mask on the face.

Abstract: A breathing mask for use in administering inhalable medications to a patient in need of an inhaled drug is provided. The mask disclosed herein is particularly useful for use with very young children. The mask is made from a flexible molded plastic silicone or elastomeric material, and has an anthropometrically/anatomically/ergonomically contoured shape to provide a good seal, a comfortable fit, and minimal dead space within the mask. The airway is aligned with nose. There may be an orifice for use with a soother device to calm a child using the mask. Also provided is a visual flow indicator to provide an indication of the quality of the seal of the mask on the face.

Abstract: A breathing mask for use in administering inhalable medications to a patient in need of an inhaled drug is provided. The mask disclosed herein is particularly useful for use with very young children. The mask is made from a flexible molded plastic silicone or elastomeric material, and has an anthropometrically/anatoinically/ergonomically contoured shape to provide a good seal, a comfortable fit, and minimal dead space within the mask. The airway is aligned with nose. There may be an orifice for use with a soother device to calm a child using the mask. Also provided is a visual flow indicator to provide an indication of the quality of the seal of the mask on the face.

Abstract: A breath actuated nebulizer for administration of an inhaled medication to a patient is provided with a generally cylindrical body in a horizontal orientation to the patient. Within the body is a Venturi configured to nebulizer a liquid medication in a reservoir. Within the body is a shaft integrated with a baffle and diaphragm that slides horizontally in response to the breathing of a patient. During inhalation by the patient, the diaphragm flexes shifting the baffle over the Venturi, allowing nebulization to occur. When the patient exhales, the diaphragm flexes to a default position in which the baffle is distal to the Venturi, thereby stopping the nebulization. The diaphragm is biased to rest in this default position until the patient inhales again.

Abstract: A breathing mask for use in administering inhalable medications to a patient in need of an inhaled drug is provided. The mask disclosed herein is particularly useful for use with very young children. The mask is made from a flexible molded plastic silicone or elastomeric material, and has an anthropometrically/anatoinically/ergonomically contoured shape to provide a good seal, a comfortable fit, and minimal dead space within the mask. The airway is aligned with nose. There may be an orifice for use with a soother device to calm a child using the mask. Also provided is a visual flow indicator to provide an indication of the quality of the seal of the mask on the face.

Abstract: A breath actuated nebulizer for administration of an inhaled medication to a patient is provided with a generally cylindrical body in a horizontal orientation to the patient. Within the body is a Venturi configured to nebulize a liquid medication in a reservoir. Within the body is a shaft integrated with a baffle and diaphragm that slides horizontally in response to the breathing of a patient. During inhalation by the patient, the diaphragm flexes shifting the baffle over the Venturi, allowing nebulization to occur. When the patient exhales, the diaphragm flexes to a default position in which the baffle is distal to the Venturi, thereby stopping the nebulization. The diaphragm is biased to rest in this default position until the patient inhales again.

Abstract: A breathing mask for use in administering inhalable medications to a patient in need of an inhaled drug is provided. The mask disclosed herein is particularly useful for use with very young children. The mask is made from a flexible molded plastic silicone or elastomeric material, and has an anthropometrically/anatomically/ergonomically contoured shape to provide a good seal, a comfortable fit, and minimal dead space within the mask. The airway is aligned with nose. There may be an orifice for use with a soother device to calm a child using the mask. Also provided is a visual flow indicator to provide an indication of the quality of the seal of the mask on the face.

Abstract: A bipolar medical device for extracting tissue including a handle, and an outer tube projecting from the handle, the outer tube extending along a longitudinal axis and including a proximal end connected with the housing and a distal end spaced from the proximal end. The medical device includes a split tube disposed within the outer tube, the split tube having a distal end including a first cutting element and an opposing second cutting element, a motor coupled with the split tube for selectively rotating the split tube and the first and second cutting elements about the longitudinal axis, and an electrosurgical generator coupled with the split tube, whereby the first cutting element is connectable with a first pole of the electrosurgical generator and the second element is connectable with a second pole of the electrosurgical generator for passing electrical current between the first and second cutting elements.

Abstract: A breath actuated nebulizer for administration of an inhaled medication to a patient is provided with a generally cylindrical body in a horizontal orientation to the patient. Within the body is a Venturi configured to nebulize a liquid medication in a reservoir. Within the body is a shaft integrated with a baffle and diaphragm that slides horizontally in response to the breathing of a patient. During inhalation by the patient, the diaphragm flexes shifting the baffle over the Venturi, allowing nebulization to occur. When the patient exhales, the diaphragm flexes to a default position in which the baffle is distal to the Venturi, thereby stopping the nebulization. The diaphragm is biased to rest in this default position until the patient inhales again.

Abstract: A breathing mask for use in administering inhalable medications to a patient in need of an inhaled drug is provided. The mask disclosed herein is particularly useful for use with very young children. The mask is made from a flexible molded plastic silicone or elastomeric material, and has an anthropometrically/anatomically/ergonomically contoured shape to provide a good seal, a comfortable fit, and minimal dead space within the mask. The airway is aligned with nose. There may be an orifice for use with a soother device to calm a child using the mask. Also provided is a visual flow indicator to provide an indication of the quality of the seal of the mask on the face.

Abstract: This invention discloses a chamber adapted for the administration of medication from a source of aerosolized drug, such as a metered dose inhaler (MDI) or nebulizer, comprising a conduit with an oval cross section, a mounting for the MDI at the rear, an annular one-way valve at the front in fluid communication with the inhalation airway of the patient that permits air to flow out of the chamber during an inhalation by the patient, but prevents exhaled air from entering the chamber, an exhaust valve in the front section that provides an effective seal during inhalation, and a solid state whistle, wherein the whistle is adapted to making a sound if the air pressure within the chamber is below a predefined threshold. The inventive chamber may be used to directly administer inhaled medication to the mouth of a patient, or it may be used with an inhalation mask.

Abstract: A bipolar medical device for extracting tissue including a handle, and an outer tube projecting from the handle, the outer tube extending along a longitudinal axis and including a proximal end connected with the housing and a distal end spaced from the proximal end. The medical device includes a split tube disposed within the outer tube, the split tube having a distal end including a first cutting element and an opposing second cutting element, a motor coupled with the split tube for selectively rotating the split tube and the first and second cutting elements about the longitudinal axis, and an electrosurgical generator coupled with the split tube, whereby the first cutting element is connectable with a first pole of the electrosurgical generator and the second element is connectable with a second pole of the electrosurgical generator for passing electrical current between the first and second cutting elements.

Abstract: A device and method is provided for simulating a tubular body part having a mechanism for resisting fluid flow therethrough, such as the urethra. The device includes a housing having a having a first end, a second end, and a channel therethrough extending between an inlet at the first end of the housing and an outlet, and a plug member positioned within the channel and being sized and shaped to substantially occlude the channel at a predetermined location when a predetermined force is exerted on a first side thereof. The plug member is further movable within the channel so that, when a fluid force within the channel and exerted on a second opposite side of the plug member exceeds the predetermined force, the plug member no longer occludes the channel.

Abstract: An ergonomically superior endoscopic suction-irrigation instrument for surgery comprises a telescope sheath connected at an adjustable angle, preferably approximately 30°, to a vertically elongated handle having thumb-operated irrigation and suction valves and a hook for supporting the handle from the surgeon's hand when the surgeon's grip on the handle is loosened. The instrument is especially suited for sinus surgery.

Abstract: An ergonomically superior endoscopic suction-irrigation instrument for surgery comprises a telescope sheath connected at an adjustable angle, preferably approximately 30°, to a vertically elongated handle having thumb-operated irrigation and suction valves and a hook for supporting the handle from the surgeon's hand when the surgeon's grip on the handle is loosened. The instrument is especially suited for sinus surgery.