Abstract: Urine bags and kits containing a urine bag are disclosed. Methods of making and using urine bags are also disclosed.

Abstract: Condom catheters and condom catheter systems containing a condom catheter are disclosed. The condom catheter systems utilize suction to attach a condom catheter to a patient's penis. Methods of making and using condom catheters are also disclosed.

Abstract: A feeding tube with an inflatable balloon component and at least one of (1) a carbon dioxide (CO2) sampling line, (2) a suction tube component, (3) a pH sensor, and (4) an electromagnetic sensor is disclosed. A kit containing the feeding tubing and at least one of (1) a carbon dioxide (CO2) sampling line, (2) a suction tube component, (3) a pH sensor, and (4) an electromagnetic sensor, and a method for intubating a patient to deliver the feeding tube to a desired location for delivering nutrients and/or medication to the patient are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of inserting a tube through the nasopharynx of a patient are disclosed. The methods of inserting a tube through a nasopharynx of a patient includes the steps of inserting the tube through a naris of the patient; and when a distal end of the tube is proximate a rear surface of the nasopharynx, pulling on or holding in place a thread-like member attached to a tube portion of the distal end of the tube so as to alter an initial direction of the distal end of the tube and point the distal end of the tube towards a throat of the patient. Kits for inserting a tube through the nasopharynx of a patient are also disclosed. The kits include a tube sized so as to move through a nasopharynx of a patient; and a thread-like member that is attachable to a tube portion of a distal end of the tube and can be tensioned so as to alter an initial direction of the distal end of the tube and point the distal end of the tube towards a throat of the patient.

Abstract: Methods of inserting a tube through the nasopharynx of a patient are disclosed. Kits for inserting a tube through the nasopharynx of a patient are also disclosed. Methods of making kits for inserting a tube through the nasopharynx of a patient are further disclosed.

Abstract: Condom catheters and condom catheter systems containing a condom catheter are disclosed. The condom catheter systems utilize suction to attach a condom catheter to a patient's penis. Methods of making and using condom catheters are also disclosed.

Abstract: A feeding tube with an inflatable balloon component, a kit containing the feeding tubing, and a method for intubating a patient to deliver the feeding tube to a desired location for delivering nutrients and/or medication to the patient are described herein.

Abstract: Cast-forming kits and casts are disclosed. Methods of making and using cast-forming kits and casts are also disclosed.

Abstract: A feeding tube with an inflatable balloon component, a kit containing the feeding tubing, and a method for intubating a patient to deliver the feeding tube to a desired location for delivering nutrients and/or medication to the patient are described herein.

Abstract: An inexpensive, endo-tracheal intubation device is disclosed. Methods of making and using the inexpensive, endo-tracheal intubation device are also disclosed.

Abstract: An inexpensive, endo-tracheal intubation device suitable for single patient use by emergency health care workers, which comprises a stylet having a tube which is scored in such a way that it can be bent using a wire encased in the tube. The wire is attached to both the stylet's end distal from a stylet-holder and to the short arm of a bell crank pivotally mounted in the holder. Grasping the stylet holder in one hand, the operator can move the bell crank's trigger arm with his finger(s), thereby causing the stylet to bend in a controlled manner. In use, a conventional airway tube is mounted on the stylet holder so as to encase the portion of the stylet which protrudes outwardly therefrom. A light on the stylet's tip allows visualization of the patient's vocal cords. After the user gently pushes the airway tube/stylet combination between them, the stylet is then removed for ventilation.

Abstract: One or more external magnets that are suitable for placement on the back or front of a patient's neck and methods for using the external magnet(s) to guide a feeding tube containing one or more internal magnets through the esophagus are described herein. The external magnet is applied to the back or the front of the patient's neck and the feeding tube is inserted into the patient's nose and advanced within the patient's body. The magnetic field of the external magnet combines with the magnetic field of the internal magnet to produce a sufficient magnetic force to pull or push the feeding tube apparatus against the posterior wall of the esophagus to prevent placement of the stylet in the patient's trachea or windpipe to prevent insertion into the patient's lungs.

Abstract: A feeding tube apparatus, a kit containing the feed tube apparatus and method for intubating a patient to deliver the feeding tube apparatus to the desired location for delivering nutrients and/or medication are described herein. The feeding tube apparatus (10) contains at least a catheter (20) and a removable stylet (30), where the removable stylet contains one or more magnetic materials (32 a-j). In one embodiment, the stylet contains more than one magnetic material in the form of a magnet stack (33). The feeding tube apparatus is used in combination with a suitable external magnet (40) which a medical practitioner can use to guide the feeding tube apparatus (10) through the intestinal tract. Optionally, the feeding tube apparatus contains additional components, such as a spring wire guide.

Abstract: A catheter having a distal end portion including a sensor responsive to the presence of a magnetic field or flux of a predetermined strength is provided. Also provided is a catheter system which further includes an external magnet. The sensor in the distal end portion is selected to respond when the distal end portion of the catheter is exposed to a magnetic field, such as provided by the external magnet, sufficient to capture and maneuver the distal end of the catheter. A catheter having a distal end portion that includes a steering portion for maneuvering the distal end of the catheter during intubation of a patient is also provided. A method for intubating a patient using the catheter systems provided, including an external magnet, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for duodenal intubation of a patient is provided by establishing a force couple between a permanent magnet in the catheter tip and a hand held permanent magnet. The force couple is sufficiently great to impart a traction force to the catheter tip for advancing movement in the direction of bolus in the stomach beyond the pyloric sphincter and into the duodenum. Both magnets have an intense field of magnetic flux as formed by neodymium, iron, boron and dysprosium. The hand held magnet is of a size that can be grasped between the outstretched figures of a person performing the intubation procedure.