Abstract: There is provided a method of making a balloon having a differential thickness. The method uses a raw tube composed of a thermoplastic polymer which is placed in an asymmetrical mold. The tube is preheated in the mold to a temperature sufficient to soften the material of the tube and inflated with a gas to generally uniformly stretch the material of the tube while allowing the tube to retract lengthwise, thus forming a balloon. The resulting completed balloon has a differential wall thickness wherein the upper region has a thickness of from about 15 to about 30 micrometers and the lower region has a thickness of from about 5 to about 15 micrometers.

Abstract: A multilumen tracheal tube or catheter is disclosed. The tube has a plurality of ingress and egress lumens, each having a suction or discharge port as appropriate. At least one rotatable collar is provided. The collar overlaps each port and is capable of selecting various combinations of suction and discharge ports without increasing the likelihood of cross contaminating any others.

Abstract: A suction device includes an elongated suction tube having a suction tip at a distal end thereof, and a proximal end that is connectable to a suction source. A collar is slidable along the suction tube from a retracted position to a deployed position. A sleeve is provided having a proximal end fixed relative to the proximal end of the suction tube, and a distal end configured with the collar so as to move therewith and cover the suction tube in the deployed position of the collar. An ergonomic handle member is provided for connecting the suction tube to a suction source. An optional wiper seal is contained within collar in sliding frictional engagement around the suction tube.

Abstract: A suction device includes an elongated suction tube having a suction tip at a distal end thereof, and a proximal end that is connectable to a suction source. A collar is slidable along the suction tube from a retracted position to a deployed position. A sleeve is provided having a proximal end fixed relative to the proximal end of the suction tube, and a distal end configured with the collar so as to move therewith and cover the suction tube in the deployed position of the collar. A wiper seal is contained within collar in sliding frictional engagement around the suction tube.

Abstract: An adapter for use on a suction lumen of a catheter is disclosed. The adapter is capable of extending the suction capabilities of the catheter to a point distal to a suction port in the catheter. The adapter is at least partially inserted into the catheter. The adapter contains a plug and a duct. The duct has an inlet and an outlet. The duct effectively extends the reach of a suction source and the plug is adapted to seal the catheter between the adapter and the distal end.