Abstract: A gonadal shield for shielding at least a portion of radiation emitted during an x-ray procedure from the gonads of the patient is provided. The gonadal shield comprises a radiopaque protective cover and a radiolucent handle attached to the cover and extending away from the cover radially and/or axially. A plate attached to the handle can be removably attached to the protective cover to allow for selective and removable attachment with the protective cover. A radiologic technologist or other user of the gonadal shield can hold the handle at a location remote to the patient while positioning the protective cover over the gonads of the patient. The gonadal shield can have a radiopaque indicator spaced from the protective cover configured to allow the user to easily indicate the position of the patient and/or the identity of the radiologic technologist on the x-ray.

Abstract: The combination of a transparent medical tube and a flexible light conductor slidably and removably disposed therein, and the method of use of that combination. The medical tube is formed of relatively soft, highly-flexible, thermoplastic material and has an open proximal end and a distal end wall with sidewall openings adjacent thereto. The light conductor fits closely within the lumen of the medical tube, with its distal end disposed adjacent to the tube's distal end wall and a handle at its proximal end coupled to the proximal end of the tube. Because of its greater stiffness, the conductor facilitates insertion of the tube/conductor combination without buckling or independent twisting of the tube; however, because the two are secured together at their proximal ends, torquing forces applied to the handle of the conductor are transmitted to the tube for aiding in directing and advancing the tube/conductor combination.

Abstract: An improvement in catheters and other medical tubes and in the method of use thereof, which facilitates the precise positioning of the tips of such tubes within body passages. The improved method and device are particularly useful in the care and treatment of premature infants. The medical tube has a fiberoptic light conductor extending lengthwise through the wall thereof, the conductor ending in a light emitting and redirecting terminus adjacent the tube's free or distal end. The opposite end of the conductor is operatively connected to an external source of high-intensity light in the visible range. Light emitted laterally from the tip of such an indwelling tube may be visually and externally observed through the body wall of the patient for accurately and quickly determining the anatomical location of that tip.