Abstract: A respiratory access assembly includes a movable manifold and a closed suction catheter assembly with a shuttle movable by actuator between the manifold and the closed suction catheter assembly. The assembly includes a flap positioned adjacent the shuttle and the closed suction catheter assembly which is moveable between an open position which permits passage of a suction catheter therethrough and a closed position, which prevents a passage of a suction catheter. The respiratory access assembly permits operable communication with the artificial airway to permit suctioning when in an un-locked position, and prevents the entrance of a suction catheter when in the locked position. A method for using a respiratory access assembly.

Abstract: A respiratory access assembly inctudes a distal pJate having one port and cuff and an axially aligned proximal plate including a first port and first cuff and a second port and second cuff. The distal plate is configured to move relative to the proximal plate. The respiratory access assembly includes an actuator, which has a plurality of predetermined positions. When the actuator is positioned in a movement-enabling position, it permits movement of the plates while simultaneously blocking the first port of the proximal plate. When the actuator is positioned in a first or second locked (open) position, it locks the plates together and aligns the port of the distal plate with the respective first or second port of the proximal plate and un-blocks the first port of the proximal plale so that an object, such as a suction catheter, may be positioned through the aligned ports.

Abstract: There is provided a novel fitting having male and female ends and a tapered internal luer-type seal. The male fitting end has a periphery upon which is mounted at least one boss. The female fitting end has a slot into which the boss may be inserted. At the bottom of the slot is a stop to limit the insertion depth of the boss. The male and female ends may then be rotated relative to each other to move the boss into a window on the female end. The window has a frame and the upper frame is angled slightly, corresponding to the boss, which serves to draw the male end farther in to the female end. The window has a side frame that stops the rotational movement of the boss. When the movement of the boss is stopped, the male and female tapers are in substantially leak-free contact. There is also provided a closed suction catheter using the novel fitting, such that the catheter may be easily and quickly removed and replaced.

Abstract: A respiratory access assembly includes a distal plate having one port and cuff and an axially aligned proximal plate including a first port and first cuff and a second port and second cuff. The distal plate is configured to move relative to the proximal plate. The respiratory access assembly includes an actuator, which has a plurality of predetermined positions. The actuator can lock the plates together such that the distal port is aligned with either port of the proximal plate or so that the distal port is not aligned with either port of the proximal plate. A method of using a respiratory access assembly is provided.

Abstract: A respiratory access assembly includes a movable manifold and a closed suction catheter assembly with a shuttle movable by actuator between the manifold and the closed suction catheter assembly. The assembly includes a flap positioned adjacent the shuttle and the closed suction catheter assembly which is moveable between an open position which permits passage of a suction catheter therethrough and a closed position, which prevents a passage of a suction catheter. The respiratory access assembly permits operable communication with the artificial airway to permit suctioning when in an un-locked position, and prevents the entrance of a suction catheter when in the locked position. A method for using a respiratory access assembly.

Abstract: There is provided a port sealing cartridge that allows for insertion of a catheter or other medical device into an endotracheal tube and thence the patient's lungs through an available access port. The port sealing cartridge has a primary and a secondary seal or collar that sequentially provide a pressure seal as a medical device is inserted through them and into the system. An optional tethered dust cover may also be used on the proximal end of the port seal cartridge. The port seal cartridge may desirably be fitted with a quick-connection so that it may be easily removed, disposed of and replaced. The port seal may be used for access to a patient's lungs with a bronchoalveolar catheter, bronchoscope or other medical device for treatment or sampling of the respiratory tract.

Abstract: A respiratory access assembly includes a distal plate having one port and cuff and an axially aligned proximal plate including a first port and first cuff and a second port and second cuff. The distal plate is configured to move relative to the proximal plate. The respiratory access assembly includes an actuator, which has a plurality of predetermined positions. When the actuator is positioned in a movement-enabling position, it permits movement of the plates while simultaneously blocking the first port of the proximal plate. When the actuator is positioned in a first locked (open) position, it locks the plates together and aligns the port of the distal plate with the first port of the proximal plate and un-blocks the first port of the proximal plate so that an object, such as a suction catheter, may be positioned through the aligned ports.

Abstract: There is provided a novel fitting having male and female ends and a tapered internal luer-type seal. The male fitting end has a periphery upon which is mounted at least one boss. The female fitting end has a slot into which the boss may be inserted. At the bottom of the slot is a stop to limit the insertion depth of the boss. The male and female ends may then be rotated relative to each other to move the boss into a window on the female end. The window has a frame and the upper frame is angled slightly, corresponding to the boss, which serves to draw the male end farther in to the female end. The window has a side frame that stops the rotational movement of the boss. When the movement of the boss is stopped, the male and female tapers are in substantially leak-free contact. There is also provided a closed suction catheter using the novel fitting, such that the catheter may be easily and quickly removed and replaced.