Abstract: A voice prosthesis comprising a outer cannula and an inner cannula wherein the outer cannula is generally in the shape of a spool and comprises two flanges connected by a hollow annular stem therebetween, and the inner cannula comprises a proximal flange and a stem configured to fit within a passageway of the stem of the outer cannula. The outer cannula comprises a retaining slot on its outer proximal edge which can be used to rotationally secure an obround inner cannula proximal flange. The inner cannula may also comprise windows for use with retaining nubs disposed on the interior of the outer cannula passageway and an insertion tool having a moveable protrusions.

Abstract: A device to monitor movement of a tracheostomy tube is described. The device includes a faceplate that is releasably attached to a tracheostomy collar such that the faceplate may be used without the tracheostomy collar. The tracheostomy collar includes a sensor component and an actuator component each located proximate the faceplate. The actuator component actuates when the sensor component moves from a first position to a second position. The second position is further from the actuator component than the first position. The sensor component transmits a signal to an alarm assembly in response to the actuator component actuating. The alarm assembly produces an alert in response to receiving the signal from the sensor component.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved visual laryngeal mask comprising a tube, an end of the tube is provided with a fixing seat. The fixing seat is provided with an airbag, and the fixing seat has a recess which is provided with an airway opening. An imaging cavity extends longitudinally inside an inner wall of the tube. The imaging cavity has a built-in imaging device, and the imaging cavity protrudes forward relative to the airway opening to form a stopper which prevents an epiglottis from blocking the imaging device. A front end of the stopper is concaved to form a recess, and an opening of the imaging cavity is located at a low point of the recess.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present disclosure, an airway device is disclosed that includes a bite block and a depressor section. The bite block has proximal and distal ends and is configured and dimensioned for positioning between a patient's upper and lower teeth. The depressor section also has proximal and distal ends and extends distally from the bite block. The depressor section includes upper and lower members that are separated by a web as well as a stop. The lower member includes a first portion having a generally linear configuration and a second portion having an arcuate configuration, and the stop depends transversely from the first portion of the lower member.

Abstract: A respiratory access assembly may include a manifold having a first mating surface defining a first port opening. The respiratory access assembly may include a rotatable adapter having a second mating surface defining a second port opening and a seal assembly disposed between the manifold and the rotatable adapter that includes a first seal ring, a second seal ring, and an outer seal ring disposed proximate an outer perimeter of at least one of the manifold or the rotatable adapter. The rotatable adapter may be rotatable relative to the manifold between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The seal assembly may include a connection portion connected between the first seal ring and the second seal ring. The connection portion may form a seal between the first mating surface and the second mating surface between the first seal ring and the second seal ring.

Abstract: An airway adjunct or airway assembly that comprises a gas administration tube and a gas sampling tube can be utilized to improve health care to a patient. The gas administration tube may be connected, for example, to an oxygen source. The gas sampling tube may be connected, for example, to capnography equipment. Internal terminal ends of the gas administration tube and gas sampling tube can be longitudinally offset from one another within the airway assembly, which may reduce diffusion of the exhaled gas to be sampled, thereby increasing monitoring accuracy. Some embodiments of the present disclosure comprise an airway adjunct adaptable to attach into or onto various types of airway devices.

Abstract: An example imaging apparatus that can operate at shortwave infrared (SWIR) wavelengths are provided. An example imaging apparatus may include a fiber optic bundle, a distal lens, an illumination assembly, and an imaging detector. The fiber optic bundle may comprise a plurality of fibers and may be configured to guide light energy at a SWIR wavelength. The distal lens may be disposed on a distal end of the fiber optic bundle and the distal lens configured to focus light energy at the SWIR wavelength. The illumination assembly may be configured to output illumination at the SWIR wavelength adjacent to the distal end of the fiber optic bundle toward an object. The imaging detector may be operably coupled to a proximal end of the fiber optic bundle and configured to receive imaging light energy at the SWIR wavelength reflected from the object and guided through the fiber optic bundle.

Abstract: An introducer for tracheal tube intubation has a proximal section connected to a distal section having an angled bougie tip. The introducer is configurable (i) for use as a bougie in which a tracheal tube is railroaded over the introducer's back end and into a trachea and (ii) for use as a stylet in which a tracheal tube is pre-loaded onto the introducer for insertion into a trachea. In certain embodiments, the introducer has one or more flexible or malleable sections that enable the introducer to bend into different configurations. The flexible/malleable sections have directional bending such that the sections bend in roughly the same plane as the angled bougie tip. This enables an operator always to know the orientation of the bougie tip even after it has been inserted into the trachea. The flexible/malleable sections enable the introducer to be configured with a handle or other type of grip.

Abstract: A method and system for image segmentation systems and related methods of automatically segmenting cardiac MRI images using deep learning methods. One example method includes inputting MRI volume data from a MRI scanner, segmenting the MRI volume data with a whole volume segmentation analysis module, assembling the segmented MRI volume data into a 3D volume assembly with a 3D volume assembly module, determining the 3D volume assembly for anatomic plausibility with an anatomic plausibility analysis module, and outputting a final segmented 3D volume assembly.

Abstract: An articulating stylet usable with a tracheal intubation system is disclosed. Methods for using the articulating stylet and systems that incorporate the articulating stylet are also disclosed. In some examples, a stylet adapted for mounting an endotracheal tube comprises a shaft and a control wire. The shaft comprises a distal shaft portion, a proximal shaft portion, and an expanding connection joining the distal shaft portion to the proximal shaft portion. The proximal shaft portion has a body portion and a tip portion. The tip portion includes a tip and has greater flexibility than the body portion. The control wire is at least partially disposed within both the distal shaft portion and the proximal shaft portion and is configured to cause the tip portion of the proximal shaft portion to deform.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure can include an intubating airway. The intubating airway can include a first component (14) having a first guiding surface and a second articulating component (16) that is attached to the first component via a hinge and has a second guiding surface. In a closed configuration, the first and second guiding surfaces can be flush with one another so that the first and second components collectively define a conduit having an interior passage that is dimensioned to direct a fiber-optic scope or an endotracheal tube extending through the interior passage for tracheal intubation. In an open configuration, the first and second guiding surfaces are not flush with one another so that no such conduit is formed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved visual laryngeal mask comprising a snorkel, an end of the snorkel is provided with a fixing seat. The fixing seat is provided with an airbag, and the fixing seat has a recess which is provided with an airway opening. The inner wall of the snorkel longitudinally extends an imaging cavity and a cleaning channel. The imaging cavity has a built-in imaging device, and the imaging cavity and the cleaning channel protrude forward relative to the airway opening to form a stopper which prevents an epiglottis from blocking the imaging device.

Abstract: Novel airway devices and methods address complications of ventilating a patient with a mask; placing an endotracheal tube in an awake patient; and need for a bite block during flexible bronchoscopy and gastroscopy. The airway device features notches for engaging maxillary and mandibular teeth in a manner protracting the patient's mandible relative to the maxilla to open up the airway. This way, an open airway is easily maintained simply by holding the jaw closed against the device with the same hand used to operate a bag ventilator. A longitudinal channel in the device features a downwardly curved end wall for improved guidance of the endoscope into position. The channel is open sided at the top or bottom to allow rolling of the airway device off the endoscope into an offset position serving as a protective bite block and allowing feeding of the endotracheal tube along the endoscope.

Abstract: In one aspect, this disclosure relates to a laryngoscope having a channel for delivering an endotracheal tube to the trachea and its placement under continuous visualization by a camera and with controlled suction. The laryngoscope may further comprise one or more additional channels, including a suction and camera channel. In another aspect, this disclosure relates to medical systems comprising one of laryngoscopes according to this disclosure and one or more of adapters, tools and/or cameras.

Abstract: An airway stabilization system including an airway device and a securing mechanism or faceplate therefor is provided which includes active stabilizing components on both the airway device and the faceplate which prevent clinically significant movement of the airway device with respect to the patient's vocal cords in response to the application of significant forces in any direction to the device, be they longitudinal, torsional/rotational or bending. The system includes an airway device and an attached retention collar which interacts with a securing device/patient to ensure proper airway insertion depth and provide unparalleled strength and stability against movement.

Abstract: A tracheal tube insertion aid kit (1) assists in inserting a tracheal tube (9) from an oral cavity (B) of a patient (A) into an endotracheal space (E) through a glottis (D) using an indirect glottis viewing type laryngoscope (2) not equipped with the tracheal tube (9). The tracheal tube insertion aid kit (1) includes a guide tube (11) having flexibility and formed to be insertable into the endotracheal space (E) from the oral cavity (B) through the glottis (D), and a guide wire (12) formed to be insertable through the inside of the guide tube (11) and insertable into the endotracheal space (E) from the oral cavity (B) through the glottis (D).

Abstract: The present invention provides an inflatable laryngeal mask airway (LMA) for endoscopic diagnosis and treatment. The inflatable LMA for endoscopic diagnosis and treatment includes a cuff and an airway tube. The cuff is fixedly connected to the airway tube. The airway tube includes a ventilation airway, an endoscope channel and an inflation channel which are arranged in parallel. The ventilation inlet, the endoscope inlet and the inflation inlet are located at the end of the airway tube away from the cuff. The cuff includes a base body and an air bag connected to the base body. The inflation outlet is connected to the air bag. The endoscope outlet is connected to a lower surface of the base body and directed to the front side of the base body. The back surface of the endoscope channel is provided with an expansion port extending from the endoscope inlet to the endoscope outlet.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for monitoring respiration using surface temperature, humidity, air pressure, carbon dioxide gas sensors, pulse oximetry sensors and electromyography sensors, and/or acceleration sensors to obtain information related to respiration rate (RR), exhalation/inhalation strength, exhalation/inhalation volume, exhalation/inhalation acceleration, and/or exhalation/inhalation regularity.

Abstract: A retractor used in inner-oral surgery is provided that includes a maxilla portion configured to maintain a patient's mount in an open state. The retractor also includes a blade that maintains the position of the tongue so that surgical tools are not obstructed. The maxilla portion of one embodiment only extends a portion of the length of the blade.

Abstract: An endopharyngeal airway positive pressure ventilation device and method of use for ventilating a patient through a nasopharyngeal airway in surgical settings that is incapable of normal ventilation with current anesthetic techniques due to a risk for airway obstruction in surgical procedures requiring conscious sedation monitored anesthesia care (MAC). The invention includes a single-lumen endopharyngeal nasal tube with an eye shaped opening at its distal end and a cylindrical proximal end used as an adaptor for anesthetic applications such as positive airway pressure via JACKSON-REES modified ambu-bag or other various anesthesiology applications. Contiguous to the distal end of the nasal tube is an end-tidal CO2 monitoring port (ETCO2). On the distal end of the flexible nasal ventilation tube is an eye opening allowing air flow to the posterior pharynx. The device further includes a modified JACKSON-REES ambu bag which allows for controlled airflow to the patient during a REESE procedure.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for water cycling colonoscopy that includes a colonoscope with a water ejection system and a camera, and a rectal overtube that receives the colonoscope therein. The overtube is placed in the anus and has a vacuum port outside the anus that attaches to a vacuum source. The overtube vacuum port vacuums water emitted by the colonoscope while the colonoscope is moving through the colonic lumen to control the amount of fluid in the colonic lumen. The overtube may be fitted with structures to improve the fit and attachment to the anus, including an inflatable cuff and a flexible skirt.

Abstract: A guided tracheal intubation system using an autonomous modulated light source, outputting modulated illumination at a constant level, and externally applied to the subject's larynx region. An optical imaging system receives a video stream from within the subject's throat, including modulated illumination from the subject's trachea. A display control system performs signal processing on the modulated content of the images, and outputs frames of those images in which the intensity level of illumination from the trachea can be controlled without any need to change the illumination output from the modulated light source. The light source has no connection with the rest of the system, and need contain no more than a battery, a power supply circuit and a light source. It can therefore be of low cost and can be made disposable, such as in the form of an adhesive patch applied to the subject's neck.

Abstract: The invention is a laryngeal mask having a head part and an inlet tube, with a passage formed between a laryngeal opening of the head part and an inlet opening of the inlet tube. The laryngeal mask also includes: (1) a covering element encompassing the annular cushion and connected to the outer part of the head part towards the inlet tube from the connection of the annular cushion, where a releasable connection is formed circumferentially in the covering element or at the connection of the head part and the covering element; and (2) a puller element connected to an inner side of the covering element towards the laryngeal opening, and pullable from the inlet tube through the inlet opening, the puller element adapted for removing at least one part of the covering element through the inlet opening of the inlet tube by releasing the releasable connection.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided an endoscopy system comprising an endoscope guide and an endoscope. The endoscope of the system comprises a proximal end and a distal end. The endoscope guide of the system comprises a proximal end, a mid-section comprising at least one endoscope entry port, a distal end comprising at least one endoscope exit port, a lumen capable of receiving an endoscope extending from the at least one entry port to the at least one exit port and at least one bend located between the at least one entry port and the at least one exit port. The endoscope guide is capable of directing the insertion of the distal end of the endoscope into a body cavity when the distal end of the endoscope exits the endoscope exit port and the distal end of the endoscope guide is also configured so as to be capable to be retained within the body cavity during a surgical procedure so as to control the positioning of the distal end of the endoscope within the body cavity.

Abstract: Disclosed are access devices that can be used to safely guide instruments, such as EP ablation catheters, to a therapy site such one within the pericardial space of the heart. The access devices include integrated visualization, illumination, stabilization, and safety features in a single platform that can, for example, more safely and efficiently identify and ablate several ventricular tachycardia (VT) locations on the left ventricle of the heart.

Abstract: A dental guard (10) for preventing wear of the occlusal surfaces of a user's teeth resulting from bruxism is provided. The dental guard (10) can be can be custom-fitted to the teeth of the wearer. The guard (10) comprises a durable core (14) that is overmolded by a thermoplastic outer layer (12). The outer layer (12) can be softened through exposure to hot, but not boiling, water, and then formed around the user's teeth. The guard (10) may include one or more features (32, 84) that assist the user in proper positioning of the guard within his or her mouth during the custom fitting process.

Abstract: Methods for locating blood vessels, lesions, and other discontinuities in tissue such as, but not limited to, the greater palatine artery (GPA) in the hard palate using an optical imaging process, surgical procedures utilizing the identified locations of discontinuities, and devices suitable for use during surgical procedures. According to one aspect, such a method locates a blood vessel or lesion in tissue by imaging the tissue via a diffuse optical imaging (DOI) process that measures light that travels through the tissue, and then locates the blood vessel or lesion in the tissue based on a difference in absorption of the light between the tissue and the blood vessel or lesion.

Abstract: A declogging assembly (20) is configured for use with a suction conduit (10). The suction conduit has a head (14) at a first end (15) and a vacuum tube connection (16) at a second end (17). The assembly includes a body (30). The body defines a first aperture (32), a second aperture (34), and a third aperture (36). The assembly also includes a plug (40) disposed within the body (30). The plug has a surface (42) configured to contact the head (14) of the suction conduit (10) so as to move the plug from a first position, in which the first aperture (32) is in fluid communication with the second aperture (34), to a second position, in which the first aperture (32) is in fluid communication with the third aperture (36). The assembly (20) also includes a biasing member (50) configured to bias the plug into the first position.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems, methods, and apparatus for intubation where indicators of a bougie's axial orientation and insertion depth into the trachea are not visible. In particular, a bougie having one or more tactile indicators of axial orientation and/or depth of insertion are disclosed. The tactile indicators can include finger grooves and/or a ridge to name two examples.

Abstract: A laryngoscope (10) having a body (20, 42) including a handle, a laryngoscope blade (22) extending from a distal end of the body (20, 42), and a display screen housing (18) extending from a proximal end of the body (20, 42). The laryngoscope (10) has at least one unitary housing component (12) that defines at least a portion of each of the body (20, 42), the laryngoscope blade (22) and the display screen housing (18).

Abstract: The present invention provides medical devices comprising a camera combined with a second device selected from an endotracheal tube, oral airway, supraglottic airway, tracheostomy tube, suction catheter, tubeless intubating device, tool tube and/or stylet. The present invention also provides methods for rapid and accurate placement of a medical device in a patient with a guidance of a bougie and continuous real-time monitoring, including a remote monitoring, of the patient after the placement.

Abstract: An intubation aid (10) for insertion into an endotracheal tube (30) has a cross-sectional shape having at least one vertex defining a longitudinally extending edge. The intubation aid (10) is supported within the endotracheal tube (30), in use, by the longitudinally extending edge.

Abstract: The improved endoscopy mask is a single-use, lightweight, disposable, easy-to-use endoscopy mask that is secured around the patient's head and neck. It contains the spread of any respiratory pathogens during upper G.I. endoscopy and extubation, thereby allowing the gastroenterologist to insert and withdraw the gastroscope (upper G.I. endoscope) through an opening in the mask. The mask can be utilized for airway intervention to contain pathogens in the intensive care unit (ICU), emergency department (ED), operating room (OR), and the G.I. endoscopy suite. It can also potentially be utilized away from the hospital in ambulances, hospice care, and nursing homes. The endoscopy mask confines potentially dangerous airway secretions to a sealed area around the patient's nose and mouth.

Abstract: A nasopharyngeal airway device for receiving a nasal cannula is provided. The device has a flexible tube having first and second open ends and a flexible receptacle open at its upper end and integral with the flexible tube first open end. The flexible receptacle has a diameter greater than a diameter of the flexible tube and contains a lower end opening that communicates with the flexible tube first open end and opposed recesses arranged at an upper edge thereof and configured to receive and retain a nasal cannula. Preferably, the receptacle further includes a bottom wall containing the lower end opening and side wall containing the recesses. When the flexible tube second open end is inserted into a nasal passage of a patient, tubing of a nasal cannula is arranged in the recesses to deliver oxygen to the patient via the receptacle and the flexible tube.

Abstract: A trocar sleeve comprises a flexible hollow shaft comprising a distal end and a proximal end, and a handling head that is formed at the proximal end of the hollow shaft. The trocar sleeve is manufactured from an elastomer material. The hollow shaft comprises an inner contour that is adapted to an outer contour of a trocar mandrel in such a way that the trocar sleeve and the trocar mandrel are arranged to be coupled to one another while generating a defined preload to stabilize the trocar sleeve. A trocar system comprises a trocar sleeve and a trocar mandrel that is arranged to be inserted in the trocar sleeve, while generating a defined preloading in the trocar sleeve. A method of manufacturing a trocar sleeve involves integrally forming a hollow shaft and a handling head in a common mold by molding.

Abstract: A courier airway device includes a tubular structure that defines a central channel through which a medical diagnostic or therapeutic device can be inserted. The tubular structure also defines a ventilation duct for providing gases from a controlled ventilation machine to a patient. A cuff is attached to the central channel. Characteristically, the cuff is an inflatable balloon-like ring.

Abstract: A tricuspid insufficiency treatment device includes a vena cava member (12) implantable in a vena cava of a patient. The vena cava member (12) is formed with a fenestration (14) and further includes a blocking member (16) arranged to block and unblock the fenestration (14).

Abstract: A tracheostomy tube assembly includes an outer tube (1) and an inner cannula (2) inserted in the outer tube. Two lugs (36) and (37) project outwardly from the inner cannula. The outer tube has a connector (15) that is rotatable and has catch members (28) and (29) that can be rotated into alignment with the lugs (36) and (37) on the inner cannula so as to retain the inner cannula in the outer tube. The inner cannula is removed by twisting the connector (15) through 90° so that the catch members (28) (and 29) move out of alignment with the lugs (36) and (37) to enable the inner cannula to be pulled rearwardly out of the outer tube.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube (ETT) system and methods are provided. In at least one example, an ETT system may comprise, a tube, inflatable cuff coupled to the tube, and a restrictor. In at least one example the restrictor may comprise one more cavities. In a further example, a restrictor drainage assembly may be coupled to the restrictor, the restrictor drainage assembly configured to drain secretions that may be collected at a collection point formed by the restrictor when the ETT system is positioned in an airway of a patient and in an inflated state.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and method for use of acoustic reflectometry information in ventilation devices. The system and method includes a speaker to emit sound waves into an intubated endotracheal tube (“ETT”) and a microphone to detect returning acoustic reflections. In addition, the system and method includes a reflectometry device in communication with a ventilation device for analyzing timings and amplitudes of the returning acoustic reflections to determine a size of a passageway around an ETT tip, location and size of ETT obstructions, and relative movement of the ETT tip within a trachea. The reflectometry device is also configured to determine a resistance parameter representative of resistance to actual flow of air through the ETT based upon a function of the diameter of the ETT, length of the ETT, and percent obstruction of the ETT, where the resistance parameter is used to calculate the tracheal pressure.

Abstract: Ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) may be prevented in a patient, or its occurrence reduced in a population of patients, by using an anti-VAP device or an anti-VAP material such as an anti-VAP mouthpiece that absorbs secretions. By reducing the problem of bacterial-containing secretions that otherwise build up in the airway of, and elsewhere in, the intubated patient, VAP can be prevented from occurring in intubated patients, such as patients intubated with an endotracheal tube (ETT) or a nasogastric tube. Anti-VAP mouthpieces also are useable in non-intubated patients to maintain oral hygiene.

Abstract: An endoscopy device (1) for facilitating use of an endoscope, comprising at least one airway tube (2) and a mask (3) having a distal end (4), a proximal end (5) and a peripheral formation ??) capable of conforming to, and fitting within, the actual and potential space behind the larynx of the patient to form a seal around the circumference of the laryngeal inlet, the peripheral formation (6) establishing separation between a laryngeal; chamber side (3a) and a pharyngeal side (3b), the device further comprising a conduit (8) adapted for passage of an endoscope into the oesophagus of a patient when mask (3) is in place, conduit (8) including a distal end for cooperation with the oesophageal sphincter, the conduit having a laryngeal side (8d), a pharyngeal side (8c), a right side (8e) and a left side (8f), and an outlet wherein at the outlet the width between the left side and the right side is smaller than the width of the conduit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the optimal endotracheal tube size for the intubation of a patient based upon both optimal tube length and optimal tube diameter which are determined by using either direct or indirect measurement devices or techniques to measure the patient's glottis aperture and tracheal length. The apparatus may include a maneuverable arm, a fiber optic video guidance system and an introducer guide to maneuver an end of the apparatus around obstructions in a patient who has a difficult airway to facilitate insertion of either an optimally sized endotracheal tube or a standard endotracheal tube into the patient's airway.

Abstract: Embodiments may include an expandable access system having contracted and expanded configurations. The system and methods may include an expandable access device having a helix or wrapped shape. Embodiments may include a cannula, stent, needle, trocar, introducer, fastener, and/or any other devices disclosed herein. Embodiments may also include an expandable trocar positionable in at least a portion of the access device. A sleeve or band may be disposed over at least a portion of the access device and configured to resist radial expansion of the access device. Expansion of the trocar and/or receipt of an object may radially expand the access device between a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration.

Abstract: Oral airway devices having a tubal body curved anteriorly and comprising a central lumen and one or more peripheral hollow passages for hosting a camera and/or one or more tools including a gastric suction tube, including oral airway devices in which the tubal body ends with a tongue and the wall of the tubal body encircles a central lumen. Oral airway devices also include those which comprise three channels, two of which are peripheral channels located in the flanks of the wall of the tubal body, the oral airway devices being compatible with a laryngoscope. Methods for ventilating, intubating and extubating a patient with the medical devices.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a reversible airway device for ventilating a subject. The airway device can comprise a laryngeal tube, an endotracheal tube, and a sealing mechanism. The laryngeal tube can include a tubular guide having a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, and a first passageway extending between the distal and proximal end portions. The laryngeal tube can further include axially spaced apart distal and proximal cuffs coupled thereto. The endotracheal tube can be slidably disposed within the first passageway. The endotracheal tube can have a second passageway that is disposed within the first passageway. The sealing mechanism can be disposed within the first passageway and configured to occlude the flow of gas through the first passageway.

Abstract: Provided is a catheter fixture. The catheter fixture includes: a base plate having a base hole for passing a catheter; and a fixture body formed on a top of the base plate, and the fixture body having a first guide hole connected to the base hole, extending in an open direction of the base hole, and guiding the catheter and a second guide hole extending in a different direction from the first guide hole and guiding the catheter. Since the first guide hole and the second guide hole are formed in different directions in the catheter fixture, a user can extend the catheter in different directions if necessary. Accordingly, it is possible to more stably and simply prevent backflow of food or medicine, using one catheter fixture without a specific component.

Abstract: A tracheostomy tube (1) has a movable and lockable flange (2) by which the tube can be supported about the neck of a patient. The flange has a rotatable locking ring (34), which is threaded with a housing (26) fixed with the wings (22 and 23) of the flange. A resilient sleeve (50) is located in a recess (44) of the locking ring between a compression surface (45) on the locking ring at one end and the floor (46) of the housing at the opposite end. When the locking ring (34) is twisted it is moved forwardly along the housing (26), thereby compressing the resilient sleeve (50) axially. The axial compression causes the sleeve (50) to expand radially against the outside of the tube (1) and the inside of the housing (26), thereby locking the flange (2) in position.

Abstract: Intubation devices and methods of intubating a patient are provided. The intubation devices include a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) component having a mask portion and a tube portion and an endotracheal tube (ETT) component positioned in the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) component having a translatable and/or rotatable endotracheal tube. The endotracheal tube can be translated and/or rotated by a manipulation rod extending through the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) component and mounted to the endotracheal tube (ETT). The intubation devices may include inflatable cuffs adapted to manipulate the positioning or orientation of the endotracheal tube and/or to seal openings about the endotracheal tubes. Various ports, passages, and conduits are provided to enhance the use and manipulation of the intubation device.

Abstract: An accessory device introduction system works in conjunction with an endoscope and enables more than one accessory device to be used at the same time. The system has a plurality of channels which only expand to accommodate said accessory device(s) when introduced. The system further includes an attachment assembly which connects securely to the endoscope by means of a compression friction fit between the endoscope and itself. The attachment assembly also provides at least one accessory port to be presented to an end user to enable the end user to pass an accessory device within said accessory port and channel. The system further includes a multi-channeled endoscope shaft sheath which is connected to the attachment assembly at one end and the distal end of the endoscope shaft at the other end, thereby covering an entire outer shaft diameter length. The shaft sheath has a plurality of channels which correspond to those of the attachment assembly.