Abstract: An outer catheter so sized and configured so as to extend from a point below the first bifurcation of the trachea through the upper respiratory system of the patient is disposed about an inner catheter having a tip secured in the opening at the distal end thereof with an outer lateral periphery larger in diameter than the outer surface of the inner catheter. A passageway is formed between said outer catheter and said inner catheter. A connector hub assembly, connected to the proximal end of the outer catheter and couplable to a supply of oxygen, allows for oxygen insufflation to take place during the bronchoalveolar lavage procedure. The proximal surface of the tip between the outer lateral periphery and the outer surface of the inner catheter is capable of sealingly engaging the distal end of the outer catheter. In this condition the pair of catheters can be advanced through the upper respiratory system of the patient without contaminating the outer surface of the inner catheter.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to apparatus and methods used in trans-tracheal oxygen therapy to permit a micro-tracheal catheter to be inserted into the throat, so that breathing efficiency may be enhanced through the introduction of a continuous stream of oxygen directly into the patient's lungs. More particularly, this invention relates to an adapter for use on the outer end of the micro-tracheal catheter to connect the micro-tracheal catheter to an oxygen source through an oxygen supply hub while simultaneously and selectively permitting the introduction of a saline solution or other material into the patient's lungs through a second material supply hub. During the introduction of solution into the lungs, no oxygen is lost, and the stream of oxygen remains continuous.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to apparatus and methods used in trans-tracheal oxygen therapy to permit a micro-tracheal catheter to be inserted into the throat, so that breathing efficiency may be enhanced through the introduction of oxygen directly into the patient's lungs. More particularly, this invention relates to an adapter for use on the outer end of the micro-tracheal catheter to connect the micro-tracheal catheter to an oxygen source through an oxygen supply hub while simultaneously and selectively permitting the introduction of a saline solution or other material into the patient's lungs through a second material supply hub.

Abstract: A multi-layered transtracheal catheter. The transtracheal catheter has a multi-layer or double wall construction formed of two materials. One material is resistant to kinking. The other material is resistant to mucous buildup. Together, they form a catheter that can remain within the trachea for an extended period of time without needing to be removed for cleaning.

Abstract: A multi-layered transtracheal catheter. The transtracheal catheter has a multi-layer or double wall construction formed of two materials. One material is resistant to kinking. The other material is resistant to mucous buildup. Together, they form a catheter that can remain within the trachea for an extended period of time without needing to be removed for cleaning. The distal end of the catheter is deflected from the remainder of the catheter so that when the catheter is inside the trachea and held against the wall of the trachea, the distal end of the catheter is deflected from the wall so that the distal end is not in contact with the wall of the trachea. The result is reduced irritation to the trachea wall, reduced occlusion of the distal end by mucous buildup, and a more directed and efficient spray of material from the catheter into the right and left main skin bronchi of the lungs.

Abstract: A device for simultaneous collection of cells from the endocervical canal and the cervical face of the uterus and methods of use. The device is an elongated handle having one cell-collecting member projecting from the handle at an axis perpendicular to the axis of the handle for contacting with the cervical face of the uterus, and one cell-collecting member projecting from the handle along the same axis as the handle for contacting with the endocervical canal of the uterus. Along each member project sets of bristles which, because they are perpendicularly positioned on each member, provide mild abrasive action to the endocervical canal and the cervical face when the device is inserted into the uterus and rotated, so that cells from both regions are collected onto the bristles.

Abstract: An outer catheter extending from a point below the first bifurcation of the trachea through the upper respiratory system of the patient is disposed about an inner catheter having a tip secured in the opening at the distal end thereof with an outer lateral periphery larger in diameter than the outer surface of the inner catheter. The proximal surface of the tip between the outer laterial periphery and the outer surface of the inner catheter is capable of sealingly engaging the distal end of the outer catheter. In this condition the pair of catheters can be advanced through the upper respiratory system of the patient without contaminating the outer surface of the inner catheter. Thereafter the inner catheter is advanced relative to the outer catheter into a wedging position in a bronchiole of the patient so as to allow alternative infusing and aspirating a fluid to the bronchiole.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel system, apparatus and methods for securing the longitudinal position of a diagnostic catheter relative to a patient while maintaining established ventilating parameters within a ventilating circuit or when a patient is intubated and non-mechanically ventilated and it is necessary to deflect exhaled gases from the patient. Disclosed is a tubular elbow having nonlinearly aligned first and second ends connectable to the proximal end of an endotracheal tube adapter and a circuit of a ventilating machine. An access vent is formed through the outer wall of the tubular elbow to enable the diagnostic catheter access to the endotracheal tube adapter. Located at the access vent is a gasket having a centrally located aperture capable of making sealing engagement with the outer surface of the diagnostic catheter when the diagnostic catheter is disposed in the access vent, thereby preventing the loss of established ventilating parameters.

Abstract: The end of a bronchoalveolar lavage catheter is coupled to an adaptor manifold which has a pressure port that allows communication to occur between the lumen at the center of the bronchoalveolar lavage catheter and an air pressure tube leading to a pressure transducer. Air pressure impulses from the air passageways of a patient are then communicated to the pressure transducer and converted into electronic signals capable of providing useful feedback to medical personnel. One form of feedback constitutes real-time pressure waveforms which are monitored to detect the existence at the tip of the bronchoalveolar lavage catheter of significant wedging-related conditions of interest to medical personnel attempting to effect wedging of the distal tip of the bronchoalveolar lavage catheter. The significant wedging-related conditions comprise conditions of correct wedging, ineffectual wedging, precluded wedging and overwedging.