Abstract: A laryngeal mask airway device includes an airway tube and a laryngeal mask placed at a distal end of the airway tube. The distal end of the airway tube opens inside the laryngeal mask. The device includes a connector placed at a proximal end of the airway tube. The connector is in fluid communication with the laryngeal mask through the airway tube and is configured to be connected to a ventilation equipment. The device includes a movable element placed in the laryngeal mask and configured to steer a tip of a catheter passing through the airway tube. The device further includes a control element mounted on the proximal end of the airway tube and a motion transmission device operatively connected to the movable element and to the control element to move the movable element and to steer the tip of the catheter by acting on the control element.

Abstract: Apparatus for enabling speech while a tracheostomy tube is in place includes a tracheostomy tube 1 with a vocalisation gas lumen 15 extending along its length and opening at one end externally of the tube above the sealing cuff 10 in the trachea T. A ventilator 2 is connected to the main bore 3 of the tube 1 to supply ventilation gas cyclically to the patient. The ventilator 2 also has an auxiliary outlet 29 connected to the vocalisation gas lumen 15. The auxiliary outlet 29 supplies vocalisation gas to the vocalisation gas lumen 15 only during the expiratory phases of ventilation. Alternatively, the apparatus includes a separate supply 50 of vocalisation gas connected with the vocalisation gas lumen 15? via a valve 52. The valve 52 is controlled by pressure in the main gas supply tubing 31? so that the valve is opened to enable the supply of vocalisation gas only during the expiratory phases of ventilation.

Abstract: Apparatus for enabling speech while a tracheostomy tube is in place includes a tracheostomy tube 1 with a vocalisation gas lumen 15 extending along its length and opening at one end externally of the tube above the sealing cuff 10 in the trachea T. A ventilator 2 is connected to the main bore 3 of the tube 1 to supply ventilation gas cyclically to the patient. The ventilator 2 also has an auxiliary outlet 29 connected to the vocalisation gas lumen 15. The auxiliary outlet 29 supplies vocalisation gas to the vocalisation gas lumen 15 only during the expiratory phases of ventilation. Alternatively, the apparatus includes a separate supply 50 of vocalisation gas connected with the vocalisation gas lumen 15? via a valve 52. The valve 52 is controlled by pressure in the main gas supply tubing 31? so that the valve is opened to enable the supply of vocalisation gas only during the expiratory phases of ventilation.

Abstract: A tent-like structure has a compact configuration and can be expanded to an expanded configuration large enough totally to enclose a patient. A recirculating gas supply arrangement supplies a mixture of oxygen and helium to the inside of the structure. The structure may contain exercise equipment, such as a static cycle, so that the patient can exercise in the gas mixture. The structure could also be used over a swimming pool. A weight or other means at the lower end of the structure helps to seal it with the floor surface and reduce escape of gas.