Abstract: A wash system for cleaning the exposed surfaces of a contaminant collection device that includes a source of pressurized cleaning solution and a rinse appliance. The rinse appliance includes a first flow path that is adapted to direct the pressurized cleaning solution against a plurality of interior surfaces of a sampling head of the contaminant collection device and a vacuum tube that couples the sampling head to a collection chamber of the contaminant collection device. The rinse appliance may also include a second flow path that is adapted to direct the pressurized cleaning solution against a plurality of interior surfaces of the collection chamber and a separator filter installed therein. The rinse appliance further includes a dipping tank adapted to receive the cleaning solution after passing through one of the first and second flow paths.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for sampling contaminants from a soft test surface that includes a vacuum sampling device. The vacuum sampling device includes a spray port that is in fluid communication with source of sterilized sampling fluid, and which delivers a quantity of sampling fluid onto the soft test surface, a suction head having an outer casing surrounding an open-faced suction cavity that is in communication with a vacuum source and which retrieves the sampling fluid from the test surface, and a storage container for holding the retrieved sampling fluid. The system further includes a retention screen positioned between the test surface and the suction head, and which prevents the soft test surface from substantially occluding suction and reducing mobility of the suction head when engaging the soft test surface.

Abstract: A wash system for cleaning the exposed surfaces of a contaminant collection device that includes a source of pressurized cleaning solution and a rinse appliance. The rinse appliance includes a first flow path that is adapted to direct the pressurized cleaning solution against a plurality of interior surfaces of a sampling head of the contaminant collection device and a vacuum tube that couples the sampling head to a collection chamber of the contaminant collection device. The rinse appliance may also include a second flow path that is adapted to direct the pressurized cleaning solution against a plurality of interior surfaces of the collection chamber and a separator filter installed therein. The rinse appliance further includes a dipping tank adapted to receive the cleaning solution after passing through one of the first and second flow paths.

Abstract: A heat and moisture exchanger (HME) adaptor for a closed suction catheter assembly having one end in communication with a closed suction catheter assembly and another end configured to rotationally engage and releasably hold the HME is disclosed herein. The adaptor may include a retainer having an aperture that engages projections on the HME to releasably secure the adaptor to the HME. The adaptor may include a retaining ring that may be deformed or rotated to engage or disengage projections on the HME. The adaptor may be used with extended use closed suction catheter assemblies.

Abstract: A heat and moisture exchanger (HME) adaptor for a closed suction catheter assembly having one end in communication with a closed suction catheter assembly and another end configured to rotationally engage and releasably hold the HME is disclosed herein. The adaptor may include a retainer having an aperture that engages projections on the HME to releasably secure the adaptor to the HME. The adaptor may include a retaining ring that may be deformed or rotated to engage or disengage projections on the HME. The adaptor may be used with extended use closed suction catheter assemblies.

Abstract: A heat and moisture exchanger (HME) adaptor for a closed suction catheter assembly having one end in communication with a closed suction catheter assembly and another end configured to engage and releasably hold the HME is disclosed herein. The adaptor may include a retainer having an aperture that engages projections on the HME to releasably secure the adaptor to the HME. The adaptor may include a retaining ring or retaining arms that may be deformed or rotated to engage or disengage the projections from the HME.

Abstract: An adaptor is used to connect a closed suction catheter assembly to an artificial airway, such as a tracheostomy tube. The adaptor includes a housing, the internal chamber of which includes structure to allow a patient to breathe through the adaptor when attached to artificial airway. The adaptor may further contain a release assembly for separating the housing of the adaptor from the tracheostomy tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for cleaning a medical device tube, for example a catheter tube. The distal end portion of the tube has a distal opening and at least one side opening adjacent to the distal opening. The distal end of the tube is disposed in a closed chamber with the distal opening generally opposite from a first orifice defined in the chamber. A liquid is introduced into the chamber and is drawn into the distal opening in the tube, for example by a suction force. A different fluid medium, such as air, is drawn through the first orifice and into the distal opening in the tube. A turbulent flow path is established with the fluid medium wherein the medium is drawn through the first orifice, into the distal opening in the tube, out the side opening in the tube, and back into the distal opening in the tube. This turbulent flow path enhances the cleaning action of the liquid introduced into the chamber for cleaning the distal end portion of the tube within the chamber.

Abstract: An endotracheal suction catheter apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a distal end that is configured for allowing a catheter to be moved through the distal end and into the respiratory tract of a patient. The distal end defines a cleaning chamber where the catheter may be cleaned. A flap is located in the distal end and is located on one end of the cleaning chamber. The flap effects fluid flow within the cleaning chamber during cleaning of the catheter. A connection member is present and is attached to the distal end. The connection member is configured for releasably engaging a heat and moisture exchanger so that the catheter may be advanced through the distal end into the heat and moisture exchanger.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for cleaning a medical device tube, for example a catheter tube. The distal end portion of the tube has a distal opening and at least one side opening adjacent to the distal opening. The distal end of the tube is disposed in a closed chamber with the distal opening generally opposite from a first orifice defined in the chamber. A liquid is introduced into the chamber and is drawn into the distal opening in the tube, for example by a suction force. A different fluid medium, such as air, is drawn through the first orifice and into the distal opening in the tube. A turbulent flow path is established with the fluid medium wherein the medium is drawn through the first orifice, into the distal opening in the tube, out the side opening in the tube, and back into the distal opening in the tube. This turbulent flow path enhances the cleaning action of the liquid introduced into the chamber for cleaning the distal end portion of the tube within the chamber.

Abstract: A digital amniotome with a directional indicator, having an elastomeric finger sheath configured to fit over a user's finger, and a membrane rupturing unit having a sharp-tipped element extending from a base. The sharp-tipped element is directionally oriented, such that it has a cutting edge for rupturing an amniotic membrane and a smooth edge. In one embodiment, the base is secured to the interior surface of the distal end of the finger sheath such that the sharp-tipped element passes through the opening in the distal end of said finger sheath. The base and/or the opening of the finger sheath are shaped to facilitate visual identification of the directional orientation of the sharp-tipped element. The finger sheath is color contrasted with the base to further facilitate visual identification of directional orientation of the sharp-tipped element.