Abstract: An embryo transfer catheter or other medical device has a shaft extruded with two layers. The outer layer is relatively thick and contains gas bubbles sufficient to increase the visibility of the catheter under ultrasound observation but with a density that allows material within the catheter to be viewed by the eye. The inner layer is relatively thin and is free of bubbles so that it provides a smooth bore to the catheter.

Abstract: An embryo transfer catheter or other medical device has a shaft extruded with two layers. The outer layer is relatively thick and contains gas bubbles sufficient to increase the visibility of the catheter under ultrasound observation but with a density that allows material within the catheter to be viewed by the eye. The inner layer is relatively thin and is free of bubbles so that it provides a smooth bore to the catheter.

Abstract: A tracheostomy tube assembly has a tube (1) and a flange assembly (2) that can be moved along the machine end region (10) of the tube. The flange assembly has a screw clamp (36) that can be tightened to apply a compressive force to the outside of the tube to lock the flange assembly in position. The machine end region of the tube has a non-circular section that is wider along the axis (15) along which the screw clamp applies a force. In this way, when the screw clamp (36) is tightened to lock the flange assembly (2) in position the tube (1) in the region of the clamp is deformed to a more circular shape. This avoids gripping any inner cannula (20) within the tube (1).

Abstract: A video viewing device 10, such as for use in inserting medical tubes 3, has an outer bendable sleeve 80 and an inner assembly comprising an electrical assembly 20 of a camera 11, cable 13 and connector 14 secured in a channel-shape support member 40. The inner assembly 20, 40 is threaded along the outer sleeve 80 so that the camera 11 is positioned at one end 12 and the connector 14 at its opposite end. The support member 40 is preferably made of two lengths 40A and 40B of different stiffness joined end to end with an angled butt join 42, the length towards the patient end 12 being more flexible so that the rear end of the viewing device 10 is stiffer than its patient end.

Abstract: An embryo transfer catheter or other medical device has a shaft extruded with two layers. The outer layer is relatively thick and contains gas bubbles sufficient to increase the visibility of the catheter under ultrasound observation but with a density that allows material within the catheter to be viewed by the eye. The inner layer is relatively thin and is free of bubbles so that it provides a smooth bore to the catheter.

Abstract: Breathing apparatus includes a hood enclosing the patient's head and having a gas inlet and outlet located on the hood in the region of the patient's nose and mouth. Inlet tubing connects the gas inlet on the hood with an outlet of a gas supply unit; outlet tubing connects the gas outlet on the hood with an inlet of the gas supply unit. A pump in the gas supply unit draws gas extracted from the outlet tubing through a scrubber to remove carbon dioxide from gas extracted from the enclosure. A mixer valve mixes gas from the scrubber with fresh gas from an oxygen and helium cylinder for supply back to the inlet tubing.

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.

Abstract: The rear end of a dual lumen oocyte recovery needle is sealed in a plastics hub by means of two polyurethane seals compressed between the outside of the needle and opposite ends of a bore through the hub. The needle has an outer tube and an inner tube with a suction lumen along its length and which is deformed to provide a flushing lumen between its outside and the inside of the outer tube. A suction tube is joined to the rear end of the needle at the rear end of the hub in communication with the suction lumen. A flushing tube is joined in a side bore opening into the interior of the hub and communicating via a slot in the side of the needle with the flushing lumen.

Abstract: An embryo transfer catheter or other medical device has a shaft extruded with two layers. The outer layer is relatively thick and contains gas bubbles sufficient to increase the visibility of the catheter under ultrasound observation but with a density that allows material within the catheter to be viewed by the eye. The inner layer is relatively thin and is free of bubbles so that it provides a smooth bore to the catheter.

Abstract: The rear end of a dual lumen oocyte recovery needle is sealed in a plastics hub by means of two polyurethane seals compressed between the outside of the needle and opposite ends of a bore through the hub. The needle has an outer tube and an inner tube with a suction lumen along its length and which is deformed to provide a flushing lumen between its outside and the inside of the outer tube. A suction tube is joined to the rear end of the needle at the rear end of the hub in communication with the suction lumen. A flushing tube is joined in a side bore opening into the interior of the hub and communicating via a slot in the side of the needle with the flushing lumen.

Abstract: An electrical heating apparatus, for example, a fan heater, comprises at least an electrical heating element (14) and a motor (14) for driving a fan. The apparatus also comprises a switch device arranged to provide the apparatus with two operating modes. In the first mode the heating element and the motor are connected in parallel, and in the second mode the heating element and the motor are connected in series. The first mode provides a relatively high heat output and/or high airflow to distribute the heat quickly. The second mode provides quieter operation at a similar or lower output power level, for example, to maintain a given temperature while causing less disturbance to people in the vicinity of the fan heater. A further heating element may be arranged in parallel with the motor in the second mode of operation so as to provide a potential divider for supplying the motor.