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: 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: 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: 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 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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.

Abstract: A method involves using a camera tube in connection with a laryngeal mask. The camera tube cooperates with an intubation stylet. The camera tube is an elongate member having a length extending between opposite distal and proximal ends. The distal end of the camera tube has a camera. The camera tube has an exterior surface and an intubation stylet guide support surface extending radially outward from the exterior surface along a portion of the length adjacent to the distal end. The intubation stylet guide support surface is configured to cooperate with an intubation stylet. The user may manipulate the proximal end of the camera tube to change the orientation of the intubation stylet with in the laryngeal mask while using the camera to visualize the patient's laryngeal opening. Once the intubation stylet is aligned with the patient's laryngeal opening, the intubation stylet may be advanced therethrough.

Abstract: An airway management device comprising a body having a proximal end for receiving an oxygen supply tube and an distal end for insertion into a trachea of a patient; said body including a linear portion adjacent to the proximal end and a curved portion adjacent to the distal end; said body including an external shell and having a first bore through said shell for receiving the oxygen supply tube; wherein flexural strength for said airway management device is provided by said shell.

Abstract: A laryngeal mask apparatus to ventilate a patient and also suck in fluids and secretions in the patient's hypopharyngeal region. The laryngeal mask apparatus has a mask, a flexible breathing tube in communication with the mask and a suction tube which has a plurality of suctioning ports that face the back of the patient's throat when the mask is inserted into the patient's throat. When suction is created within the suction tube, fluids and secretions in the patient's hypopharyngeal region are sucked into the plurality of suction ports. The laryngeal mask apparatus also has a flexible air capillary tube positioned within the interior of the suction tube to provide an air flow that decreases the direct suction forces on the mucosa of the patient's throat that are caused by the suction of the plurality of suction ports.

Abstract: A bi-directionally articulable endotracheal tube includes an articulator with a lever, pivoted on a bite block that, via two attached diametrical wires threaded through the tube wall, controls an articulee with two asymmetric notches sequestrated by three nested, specialized cuffs. A connector having an oval cross-section can effectively house and stopper a video stylet whose flexible tip is nimbly responsive to the articulator. The endotracheal tube can be partially styletted for routine intubation in a direct or video laryngoscopy, or video styletted as a ubiquitous alternative to intubative fiber optic bronchoscope and in combination with a video laryngoscope for dual imaging intubation.

Abstract: A method for intubation of a patient comprising: providing an LMA and an endotracheal tube, wherein the endotracheal tube comprises a visualization device and wherein the endotracheal tube is adapted for passing through the LMA; positioning the LMA in the patient; and guiding the endotracheal tube with the aid of the visualization device through the LMA for positioning in the trachea of the patient. The method preferably further comprises removing the LMA from the patient following the positioning of the endotracheal tube while leaving the endotracheal tube in position.

Abstract: A bougie for insertion in a patient, the bougie including: (i) a main shaft having proximal and distal ends and a bore extending axially therein; (ii) a movable tip having proximal and distal ends, the proximal end of the movable tip being connected to the distal end of the main shaft; (iii) a control member having proximal and distal ends, the control member being mounted for sliding movement in the bore of the main shaft; and (iv) the distal end of the control member being coupled to the distal end of the movable tip, the arrangement being such that an operator can slide the control member relative to the main shaft so as to cause displacement of the tip relative to the axial direction of the main shaft.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method to facilitate insertion of the endotracheal tube into the patient's trachea.

Abstract: A novel nasogastric tube, that when properly inserted within a person, blocks the esophagus of the person to prevent gastric contents from being aspirated. The tube can be left in place during direct langroscopy and the device can include a preferably inflatable balloon for obstructing the person's esophagus. This balloon can be preferably provided on a slidable tube that allows for head movement/flexion without movement of the balloon placement. The tube can be a dual or single lumen device. With a duel lumen device, a first lumen can be connected to a suction tubing to suction gastric contents from the distal end of the tube, while the other lumen can open up above the cuff to allow for easier ventilation with a bag valve mask/BVM.

Abstract: A video laryngoscope and elongate laryngoscope insertion section for a video laryngoscope, comprising a viewing port through which an imaging device within the insertion section can obtain images of a larynx, the insertion section extending between a distal end for insertion into a subject and an opposite proximal end, and having an inferior surface and an opposed superior surface, wherein the insertion section comprises a proximal region where the insertion section extends through a subject's teeth in use, a distal region extending to the distal end and an intermediate region therebetween, wherein the inferior surface of the insertion section comprises or consists of a curved region which extends from the proximal region through the intermediate region to the distal region, wherein the curved region of the inferior surface is continuously longitudinally curved along the length of the longitudinally curved region and wherein the longitudinal curvature of the curved region of the inferior surface varies in the

Abstract: A valve (2) comprising: (a) membrane (50) and (b) a frame (10) in communication with the membrane so that the frame expands the membrane, the frame including: (i) a rod (4), (ii) a plurality of struts (12) connected to the rod at a distal end and extending generally radially outward as the struts extend away from the distal end and towards a proximal end; (iii) a plurality of anchors (30) that are in direct communication with the struts between the distal end and the proximal end, each of the plurality of anchors extending through an exit location (52) in the membrane.

Abstract: An insertion guide facilitates insertion of an endotracheal tube (ETT) into the trachea of a patient instead of the esophagus of the patient. The ETT includes an elongated, somewhat flexible, generally hollow tube and the insertion guide includes an elongated, solid and relatively rigid shaft that is configured to be positioned within the hollow tube of the ETT. The shaft is provided with a radiused portion and/or an angled portion adjacent a distal end of the insertion guide that protrudes outwardly beyond a distal end of the ETT. The radiused portion and/or the angled portion of the shaft facilitate insertion of the distal end of the ETT past the epiglottis and into the trachea of the patient instead of into the esophagus of the patient.

Abstract: A retainer includes a first arcuate wall and a second arcuate wall that together define a channel designed to receive a medical article. The retainer has an open configuration wherein a first end of the first arcuate wall is spaced away from a first end of the second arcuate wall, and a closed configuration wherein the first end of the first arcuate wall is adjacent the first end of the second arcuate wall. A second end of the first arcuate wall opposite the first end of the arcuate wall may be spaced away from the base in the open configuration and pressed against the base in the closed configuration. The retainer also may include a first support and a second support fixed to the base, and a first and second flexible coupling connecting the first and second supports to the first and second arcuate walls.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods of using medical devices are described herein. More particularly, the disclosure relates to introducers suitable for providing access to a body vessel and methods of using introducers. An example introducer comprises a sheath and a dilator moveably disposed within the sheath. The distal end of the dilator has a closed configuration and an open configuration and movement between the open and closed configurations can be accomplished by applying a proximally-directed force on the sheath such that the sheath moves in a proximal direction relative to the dilator.

Abstract: A catheter mount is configured to be attached to a respiratory apparatus. The catheter mount includes a plurality of ports in fluid communication with each other. The plurality of ports include an interface poll configured to connect to an interface tube, a conduit port configured to connect to a conduit tube, and at least one suction port configured to allow insertion of a suction catheter. The at least one suction port can be positioned to allow the suction catheter, when inserted, access to both the interface port and conduit port.

Abstract: An oropharyngeal airway for use during diagnostic and surgical procedures, comprising a body with a proximal and a distal end. The distal end is sized for insertion through a protective bite block disposed in a patient's mouth. Both sides of the distal end are tapered to a curved distal edge. A flange is transversely opposed at the proximal end, preventing the proximal end from moving through the protective bite block and into the patient's mouth. An elliptically-arched channel in the shape of a lingual contour extends from the proximal end to the distal end. The channel includes a pair of tapered upstanding walls that guide the passage of a surgical instrument through the space between them. The oropharyngeal airway can be constructed of recyclable or biodegradable materials and is compatible with protective bite blocks of all sizes.

Abstract: A stabilization clip for use in securing an orogastric feeding tube to an endotracheal tube, including a base having a first end and a second end, wherein the base includes an orogastric feeding tube holder and an endotracheal tube holder such that the endotracheal tube holder is located adjacent to the orogastric feeding tube holder, a hinge operatively connected to a first end of the base, a flexible arm having a first end and a second end such that the first end of the flexible arm is operatively connected to the hinge, a locking mechanism located on the second end of the base, and an extension located on the second end of the flexible arm, wherein when the extension is located within the locking mechanism, the clip secures the orogastric feeding tube to the endotracheal tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to a urine flow control system (50) including a catheter device (10, 100) for insertion into a urethra, the catheter device (10, 100) having: a proximal end portion (14) and an opposite distal end portion (16, 102), a conduit (C) between said proximal end portion (14) and said distal end portion (16) having a urine inlet opening (2) at said proximal end portion (14) and a urine outlet opening (4, P) at said distal end portion (16, 102), and a magnetically actuatable valve located at said distal end portion (16, 102) for controlled discharge of urine from said catheter device (10, 100) through said outlet opening (4, P), and a magnetic actuator device with an actuator magnet (201), separate from said catheter device (10, 100), for operating said valve, characterized in said magnetic actuator device (200) comprising a housing (205) for receiving urine discharged from said catheter device (10, 100), said housing (205) having a first open end (202) configured for receiving said distal end po

Abstract: A saliva injector appliance that includes an elongate member having a scoop with channels at its distal end. Clamps or the like hold the appliance against and to a saliva ejector such that the end of the injector is spaced a small distance rearward from the end of the scoop, and the scoop and the channels direct fluid into the injector and push tissue out of the way during a dental procedure. The elongate member has a rigid or semi-rigid construction and holds the saliva ejector at the desired position and angle as directed by a practitioner grasping the rear handle portion of the elongate member.

Abstract: A laryngeal mask airway (LMA) device is provided, which includes an inflatable annular cuff, a backplate attached to the cuff, and an airway tube. The cuff, when disposed in free space, is characterized by a pressure-volume curve that represents the pressure in the cuff when inflated to different volumes of the cuff that include a low-pressure volume corresponding to a low pressure of 10 cm H2O. The pressure-volume curve includes (a) a local maximum pressure at a medium volume of the cuff between 1.25 and 2.4 times the low-pressure volume, wherein the local maximum pressure is between 15 and 120 cm H2O, and (b) respective high-volume medium pressures corresponding to all high volumes of the cuff that are between 2.5 and 3 times the low-pressure volume. Each of the high-volume medium pressures is between 15 cm H2O and 99% of the local maximum pressure. Other embodiments are also described.

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.