Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a novel method and apparatus for improving the efficacy of a medical treatment or diagnostic procedure by coordinating such treatment or procedure with at least one physiological cycle of a patient. In a specific embodiment, the subject invention pertains to a novel method of coordinating a chest x-ray with a patient's ventilatory cycle. In a specific example, this invention concerns a novel device for interfacing a ventilator and an x-ray machine to ensure that an x-ray chest image can be taken at peak insufflation of the patient. The subject invention also relates to other medical procedures including, but not limited to, cardiac output measurement, chest imaging, inhalation therapy, oxygen delivery, blood pressure measurement, extracorporel shock wave lithotripsy, and pulse oximeter optoplethysmograms.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a device and a method for use with medical and surgical tubing and is designed to effectively reduce the discomfort associated with the use or removal of a tube from a patient's body. The device is designed to fit around a chest tube or other medical tube so that a medication, such as ah anesthetic, can be instilled at the site the tube enters the patient's body. In one embodiment, the tube collar is cylindrical in shape having a cylinder wall defining an inner surface and an outer surface, such that the outer surface contacts the body tissue when the tube and collar are in place. The medication can be delivered to the tissue in contact with the collar through channels imbedded within the cylinder wall that have openings to the outer surface or via channels that are present on the outer surface of the cylinder wall.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a novel method and apparatus for improving the efficacy of a medical treatment or diagnostic procedure by coordinating such treatment or procedure with a patient's breathing cycle. In a specific embodiment, the subject invention pertains to a novel method of coordinating a chest x-ray with a patient's ventilatory cycle. In a specific example, this invention concerns a novel device for interfacing a ventilator and an x-ray machine to ensure that an x-ray chest image can be taken at peak insufflation of the patient. The subject invention also relates to other medical procedures including, but not limited to, cardiac output measurement, chest imaging, inhalation therapy, oxygen delivery, blood pressure measurement, and pulse oximeter optoplethysmograms. By coordinating certain medical treatments and diagnostic procedures with a patient's breathing cycle, the subject invention improves the quality of medical care received by the patient.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a novel method and apparatus for improving the efficacy of a medical treatment or diagnostic procedure by coordinating such treatment or procedure with a patient's breathing cycle. In a specific embodiment, the subject invention pertains to a novel method of coordinating a chest x-ray with a patient's ventilatory cycle. In a specific example, this invention concerns a novel device for interfacing a ventilator and an x-ray machine to ensure that an x-ray chest image can be taken at peak insufflation of the patient. The subject invention also relates to other medical procedures including, but not limited to, cardiac output measurement, chest imaging, inhalation therapy, oxygen delivery, blood pressure measurement, and pulse oximeter optoplethysmograms. By coordinating certain medical treatments and diagnostic procedures with a patient's breathing cycle, the subject invention improves the quality of medical care received by the patient.

Abstract: A device and method for infection-resistant blood sampling from a patient which inhibits passage of microorganisms. The device includes a blood collection mechanism having a one-way valve between a blood collection port and a cannula. The device further includes a second channel with its upstream end in fluid communication with the cannula and its downstream end in communication with the blood collection mechanism.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to devices that are specifically designed to safely and efficiently administer alcohol vapor for innocuous insufflation or inhalation, and to related methods of administering alcohol in this manner. The subject invention is preferably used to treat a patient suffering from post-operative nausea or vomiting that are side effects that often accompany the use of anesthetics for surgical applications.