Abstract: A tracheotomy shield includes a first sheet defining an opening extending therethrough. The opening in the tracheotomy shield is configured to receive a portion of a tracheotomy tube assembly and to establish a liquid-tight seal about the portion of the tracheotomy tube assembly. The first sheet is wholly supported by the tracheotomy tube assembly.

Abstract: Described herein is an apparatus that includes an endotracheal tube or airway device having a proximal end and a distal end and an occlusion cuff. The occlusion cuff includes a sensor for helping determine proper endotracheal or airway device placement.

Abstract: A tracheal tube assembly includes a cannula configured to be positioned in a patient airway, the assembly further comprising a reinforcing member and/or extension member. The tracheal tube assembly further includes a flange member secured about the cannula. The tracheal tube assembly additionally includes a connector coupled to a proximal end of the cannula, wherein the cannula and the connector form a contiguous passageway for exchanging fluid with the patient airway in operation.

Abstract: A pulsed breathing device has a base unit containing a motor and control circuit and a detachable head unit containing a valve, driven by the motor, which can interrupt the flow of air being breathed.

Abstract: An airway tube holder (10) has a face plate assembly to fix an airway tube (24). The assembly comprises a face plate (20) for placement over the mouth of a patient. The face plate (20) has a channel (22) including an open end (23) and a closed end (26) in which the tube (24) is fixedly positioned. A tube holding block (30) is integrally mounted to the face plate (20). The block (30) has a securing means (38, 40, 41) mounted in the tube holding block (30). A clamp (41) is secured to a screw (40) of the securing means by a loop (44) encircling the screw (40). A folded strip (106) is attached to the end of a headband (18) so secure the holder to a patient, and forms hooked portions facing in opposite directions. The block (30) is flexible enough to absorb an over-tightening of the screw (40).

Abstract: Airway devices and tube securing devices are disclosed. Methods of making and using airway devices and tube securing devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: A branching unit for delivering a respiratory gas of a subject is disclosed herein. The branching unit includes a first limb for delivering an expiratory gas during an expiratory phase and a second limb for delivering an inspiratory gas during an inspiratory phase. The branching unit also includes a third limb for delivering both the expiratory gas and the inspiratory gas and a common branching point for the first limb, the second limb and the third limb. The first limb, the second limb and the third limb include a volume for the respiratory gas and which volume includes both an active volume with the gas exchanging between the inspiratory phase and the expiratory phase and a dead volume for the respiratory gas with insufficient gas exchange from the inspiratory phase to the expiratory phase and the dead volume being less than 1 ml.

Abstract: A pneumostoma management system includes a pneumostoma management device for maintaining the patency of a pneumostoma while controlling the flow of material through the pneumostoma and a pneumostoma aspirator for pneumostoma care. The pneumostoma aspirator includes a bulb or syringe for applying positive or negative pressure, a tube for entering the pneumostoma and a limiting device for limiting the depth of insertion of the tube into a pneumostoma. The pneumostoma aspirator may also be used to introduce irrigation fluid into the pneumostoma and/or remove irrigation fluid and discharge from the pneumostoma.

Abstract: Lung conditions are diagnosed and optionally treated using a functional assessment catheter or a functional lung assessment and treatment catheter. A flow restrictive component is initially placed in a bronchus or lung passageway upstream from a diseased lung region. The isolated lung region is then functionally assessed through the catheter, while the flow restrictive component remains in place. If the patient is a good candidate for treatment by occlusive or restrictive treatment techniques, the flow resistive component may be left in place. If the patient is not suitable for such treatment, the flow resistive component may be removed.

Abstract: An endotracheal intubation device 10 is disclosed. The endotracheal intubation device 10 includes a stylet 100, an elongate rod 300 mounted within the stylet 100 and adapted to deform/curve the stylet 100 as well as an endotracheal tube 400 mounted thereto by contacting an inner wall of the endotracheal tube 400 via a slot 130 through which the rod 300 bows outwardly, and a handle 200 mounted to the stylet 100 and adapted to actuate the elongate rod 300 to deform/curve the stylet 100. The endotracheal intubation device 10 can be used on a patient by a medical professional to access the patient's trachea by inserting the endotracheal tube 400 into the patient. Upon insertion, the handle 200 is actuated to deform the stylet 100.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a respiratory device is disclosed. The respiratory device may include a nasal device. The respiratory device may also include a conveyor device coupled with the nasal device. The respiratory device may further include an oral device, wherein the oral device may include an adjustment nut sized to couple with the conveyor device.

Abstract: A hole stabilizer used together with a perforator for providing and maintaining an opening through a patient's skin surface provides short or long-term external access to the patient's trachea or bloodstream. A hole stabilizer constitutes a passageway for fluid having a part formed as a tube having a first end positioned at an outer available position during use and a second end positioned at an inner non-available position during use and comprising fixing elements at two separated positions placed with the distance M between them in a use position. Further, the hole stabilizer comprises an inner layer constituting a tube and an outer layer constituting the fixing elements, which fixing elements are brought to expand diametrically when the outer layer is reduced in length relative to the inner layer. Methods of creating and maintaining a passageway from outside an air-filled cavity to the air-filled cavity are disclosed.

Abstract: A breathing circuit is described for the supplying of low pressure oxygen to a patient that is at risk of hypoxia. The breathing circuit includes a patent airway maintaining device, a first tube that includes a substantially rigid elbow and connectors and a flexible tubular extension. An inflatable bag is coupled to the first tube and has a pressure relief valve that exhausts into the atmosphere. A second tube has a first end that terminates in proximity to the patent airway maintaining device and a second opposed end that terminates external to the first tube. A third tube connects an external source of oxygen to the second tube. A method for an oxygen breathing circuit is also described that further includes the use of a carbon dioxide monitor and the inflatable bag for assisted breathing. The breathing circuit uses only non-metallic polymer or composite type materials.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes systems and methods having a dual-lumen tube with an assembly end. The assembly end may be molded and coupled to an extruded portion of the tube to form a complete dual-lumen tube. The assembly end may form the distal portion of the dual-lumen tube, which may simplify the manufacturing process by eliminating cutting and shaping steps involved in forming the distal ends of the ventilation lumens. The assembly end may be molded or otherwise formed so that the distal portion is not cut to length. In addition, the assembly end may include addition functionality, such as a camera apparatus or one or more sensors.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube having more than six degrees of freedom. The tube includes a first element having a distal end portion which is capable of achieving a curved configuration and a second element having a distal end portion which is capable of achieving a curved configuration. The first and second elements are rotationally and translationally connected to each other. The structure may also be used as a stylet for an endotracheal tube.

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 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 multi-layer inflatable balloon cuff may be adapted to seal a patient's trachea when associated with an endotracheal tube. The outer layer and the inner layer of the balloon cuff may have different material properties that may enhance a cuff's mechanical pressure seal by reducing wrinkles or folds that may form against a patient's tracheal walls.

Abstract: There is provided a method for performing a tracheotomy. In this method a tracheostomy dilator has a body and a tip which are detachably attached. The tip has a proximal inner portion which is within the body while the tip is attached to the body. The dilator is inserted into the trachea and used to dilate an opening. After the trachea has been dilated, the body may be detached and removed from the tip, the tip remaining partially in the trachea. A dilator loading catheter installed within a tracheostomy tube may be mated with the tip and the tip, loading catheter and tracheostomy tube moved into the trachea. After the tracheostomy tube is installed, the tip and loading catheter may be withdrawn through the tracheostomy tube and the tracheostomy tube placed in service.

Abstract: A medical tube securing device for a patient is disclosed, comprising at least one bite block and a support frame integral with said bite block, said support frame comprising a protruding extension with at least one inwardly recessed portion so as to avoid contact with the patient's mouth, said protruding extension operable to receive an adjustable medical tube retaining device without contacting the face of the patient.

Abstract: Computer automated systems for suctioning tracheostomy patients, monitoring the physiological signs of a patient and administering a prescribed dose of medication to the tracheostomy patient.

Abstract: Some embodiments include adjustable oral airway devices. The devices may contain a bite block, a tongue deflector extending through the bite block, and at least one locking mechanism configured for releasably retaining the tongue deflector in one of two or more predetermined positions within the bite block. Some embodiments include adjustable oral airway kits. Such kits may contain a bite block, a tongue deflector configured to extend within an opening in the bite block, and at least one locking mechanism configured for releasably retaining the tongue deflector in one of two or more predetermined positions within the bite block.

Abstract: A system for transtracheal administration of supplemental oxygen to a patient in need of continuous long tem oxygen therapy comprising a cannula (1), a transtracheal catheter (3) and an absorbing preformed disk (30), placed under a fixing flange (11) in order to absorb possible secretions.

Abstract: A device for positioning a tracheostomy tube includes a tracheostomy tube and a tracheostomy tube protecting membrane. The tracheostomy tube protecting membrane includes a tearing line portion formed at two sides of the tracheostomy tube protecting membrane. The tracheostomy tube protecting membrane is used for mounting in a trachea of a patient to form a positioning path for the tracheostomy tube. The tearing line portion is used for being torn open and removed. The tracheostomy tube protecting membrane is mounted in a trachea of a patient first. The tracheostomy tube protecting membrane can effectively protect the trachea of the patient.

Abstract: A snorkel is provided on an upper end section of a conduit with an opening for breathing and a valve adapted to open and to close the opening. The valve is pivotally mounted on an upper end section of the conduit via arms integral with the valve. Below the valve, there are provided two or more floats. The respective floats are housed inside an annular housing defined outside the upper end section of the conduit in a manner that these floats may move up- and downward. When any one of these two or more floats is given buoyancy and moves upward, the arms are reliably actuated upward and thereby the valve reliably closes the opening.

Abstract: Provided is a side-by-side dual lumen ventilation tube and viewing tube combination. The ventilation tube can be sized similar to conventional endotracheal tubes and the viewing tube can be sized to receive a bronchoscope of a desired size. Also provided are methods of using the dual lumen medical device such as in tracheotomy procedures.

Abstract: A catheter system can include a first catheter having an elongated body that defines a lumen, and a second catheter slidably disposed within the lumen of the first catheter. The lumen of the first catheter can also include a key joint component that corresponds to a key joint component on the second catheter. The distal end portion of the second catheter can include a pre-formed bend that extends at a non-zero angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the first catheter. In some embodiments, the second catheter can be used to aspirate a substance from a body lumen.

Abstract: A catheter system can include a first catheter including a first proximal end portion and a lumen. The first proximal end portion has a first key joint component that extends along a partial length of the first proximal end portion. The catheter system can also include a second catheter including a second key joint component that corresponds with the first key joint component. The first key joint component and the second key joint component are configured to be coupled together when the second catheter is slidably disposed within the lumen of the first catheter such that a rotational orientation of the second catheter is fixed relative to a rotational orientation of the first catheter. The first proximal end portion can be a fitting, and the first key joint component can include an opening defined by the fitting.

Abstract: A cuffed silicone tracheostomy tube has two tapered recesses (17) and (18) on its outer surface in which opposite ends (7) and (8) of a resilient cuff 6 are bonded using an adhesive or solvent. Two shallow ribs (22) and (23) extend around the tube on the inner edge of each recess (17) and (18), projecting outwardly to prevent the adhesive or solvent spreading onto the inflatable portion (10) of the cuff (6). The cuff (6) has several shallow ribs (9) extending around the cuff and spaced along its inflatable portion (10) to promote even inflation.

Abstract: A snorkel and a mouthpiece assembly of the snorkel are disclosed, in which the mouthpiece assembly includes a main body, a mouthpiece and a whistle. The mouthpiece is connected to the main body; and the whistle has a pivoting portion and a blowing portion opposite to the pivoting portion, in which the pivoting portion is pivotally connected to the main body. The snorkel further includes a tube connected to the main body and communicating with the mouthpiece. In this way, the user can rotate the whistle against the main body for making the whistle face the mouth of the user, instead of greatly rotating the mouthpiece assembly against the tube.

Abstract: A tracheal tube assembly includes a connector body, a cannula extending from the connector body, and an insert that provides rigidity to the connector body and retains the cannula in the connector body. The cannula has an upper end that fits between conforming tapered sections of the connector body inner surface and the insert. The insert may include features to mitigate stress on and around any secondary lumens in the cannula wall. Because the wall is thinner at the site of a secondary lumen, the connector body insert may include a recess into which the cannula wall may expand. The recess may be aligned with the secondary lumen.

Abstract: Various embodiments of tracheostomy tube assemblies including a first subassembly and a flange subassembly are provided. The first subassembly includes a connector and a first spherical bearing element coupled to a first end of the connector. The first spherical bearing element includes at least two protrusions radially offset about a circumference of the first spherical bearing element. The flange subassembly includes an outer spherical bearing element having recesses for receiving the at least two protrusions and being adapted to encapsulate the first spherical bearing element.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a tracheal tube may employ optical sensing techniques for determining a distance between the inserted tube and an anatomical structure, such as a carina. The distance information may provide an indication as to whether or not the tracheal tube is properly placed within the trachea. The optical techniques may include backscattered intensity measurements.

Abstract: A cricothyrotomy syringe has a hollow body, a needle connector at an end of the body, an aperture at an opposite end of the body, a plunger in the aperture, the plunger having a seal that forms a liquid tight seal with an inner surface of the body and the plunger moveable within the body between an extended position and a compressed position and a ventilator adaptor extending from a side of the body, where an interior of the ventilator adaptor is in fluid communication with an interior of the body when the plunger is in the extended position.

Abstract: A therapeutic device for improving the respiration of a patient, with a curved or bent pipe section and a mouthpiece inserted in a first end of the mouthpiece and adapted to provide an easy-to-handle medicinal device by means of which diseases of the airway can be treated, or the pulmonary volume, as well as the pulmonary inhalation performance, of a patient can be improved. This is achieved in that a holding peg connected to the pipe section can be pushed into a second end of the pipe section, and a passage channel disposed in the holding peg which penetrates into the inside of the pipe section, completely or in part, and the holding peg has a flexible hose is attached to it which runs inside the pipe section, the free end of which can move freely in the area of the mouthpiece between inner walls of the pipe section.

Abstract: A respiratory therapy facemask configured to be positioned against a patient's face and adjacent the patient's mouth, includes a face plate configured for attachment to the patient and defining an opening, the face plate including a laterally extending track defining a slot. A tube rest assembly is configured for being slidably engaged in the slot and for securely accommodating an endotracheal tube. The tube rest assembly is configured for directly engaging the track for lateral movement in the opening.

Abstract: Various embodiments of tracheostomy tube assemblies including a cannula, a cap, and a flange are provided. The cannula includes a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end being adapted to be inserted into a patient's trachea. The annular cap includes an annular body having a first surface adapted to be received into the proximal end of the cannula to retain a portion of the cap in the annular body. The flange member includes a second surface that engages the proximal end of the cannula such that the proximal end of the cannula is retained between the second surface of the flange member and the first surface of the annular cap. The flange member also includes a third surface adapted to engage an inner surface of the annular body of the annular cap to retain the flange member between the annular cap and the proximal end of the cannula.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved means of treating tracheobronchitis, bronchiectasis and pneumonia in the nosocomial patient, preferably with aerosolized anti gram-positive and anti-gram negative antibiotics administered in combination or in seriatim in reliably sufficient amounts for therapeutic effect. In one aspect, the invention assures this result when aerosol is delivered into the ventilator circuit. In one embodiment the result is achieved mechanically. In another embodiment, the result is achieved by aerosol formulation. In another aspect, the invention assures the result when aerosol is delivered directly to the airways distal of the ventilator circuit. The treatment means eliminates the dosage variability that ventilator systems engender when aerosols are introduced via the ventilator circuit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for identifying an extreme epileptic state/event in a patient are provided. One method includes determining at least one of an autonomic index, a neurologic index, a metabolic index, an endocrine index, or a tissue stress index, where at least one determined index is based upon body data. The method also includes identifying a seizure event based upon the at least one determined index and determining at least one seizure severity index (SSI) value indicative of the severity of the seizure event. The method further includes comparing the determined at least one SSI value to at least one reference value and identifying an occurrence of an extreme seizure event, based upon the comparison of the determined SSI value to the at least one reference value. A non-transitory, computer readable program storage device is also provided.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube holder is provided. The endotracheal tube holder includes an adjustable securing clamp, an adjusting unit, a bite block, and a securing strap. The adjustable securing clamp includes a first clamping unit having a first clamping portion, and a second clamping unit having a second clamping portion. The first clamping portion and the second clamping portion are oppositely and correspondingly aligned for holding an endotracheal tube. The adjusting unit includes an elastic member, coupled between the first clamping unit and the second clamping unit. The bite block is configured at one side of the first clamping portion and includes an endotracheal tube accommodation portion. The endotracheal tube accommodation portion covers over the endotracheal tube for providing a protection to the endotracheal tube. The securing strap includes two ends respectively coupled to two lateral sides of the first clamping unit.

Abstract: A respiratory access assembly includes a distal plate having a port, which is adapted to be positioned in operable communication with an artificial airway of a patient. The assembly includes a distal plate having a port and a proximal plate which has a first port and a second port. The distal plate is positioned against the proximal plate in a stacked configuration, and each plate is configured to move relative to the other. The assembly has an actuator which is positioned adjacent to at least one plate. The actuator cooperates with both plates to substantially prevent movement of the plates when the port of the distal plate is positioned in an alignment with at least one port of the proximal plate and an object, such as a suction catheter, is positioned through the aligned ports of the plates. The actuator cooperates with at least one plate to permit movement of at least one plate when (a) no object is positioned through aligned ports, and (b) when no ports are aligned.

Abstract: An intra-bronchial device placed and anchored in an air passageway of a patient to collapse a lung portion associated with the air passageway. The device includes a support structure, an obstructing member carried by the support structure that reduces ventilation to the lung portion by preventing air from being inhaled into the lung portion, and at least one anchor carried by the support structure that anchors the obstruction device within the air passageway. The anchor may engage the air passageway wall by piercing or friction, include a stop dimensioned for limiting the piercing of the air passageway wall, and may be releasable from the air passageway for removal of the intra-bronchial device. The anchors may be carried by a peripheral portion of the support structure, or by a central portion of the support structure. The obstructing member may be a one-way valve.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flow control device for a bronchial passageway. The device can includes a valve member that regulates fluid flow through the flow control device, a frame coupled to the valve member, and a membrane attached to the frame. At least a portion of the flow control device forms a seal with the interior wall of the bronchial passageway when the flow control device is implanted in the bronchial passageway. The membrane forms a fluid pathway from the seal into the valve member to direct fluid flowing through the bronchial passageway into the valve member.

Abstract: A catheter apparatus (10) for transtracheal administration of supplemental oxygen to a patient in need of continuous long term oxygen therapy.

Abstract: Various embodiments of tracheostomy tube assemblies including a cannula and a flange are provided. One of the cannula and the flange includes a pair of slots and the other of the cannula and the flange includes a pair of protrusions adapted to be received by the pair of slots. The pair of slots and the pair of protrusions enable two or more degrees of freedom of movement of the flange with respect to the cannula.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a tracheal tube may employ sensing techniques for determining a distance between the inserted tube and an anatomical structure such as a carina. The distance information may provide an indication as to whether or not the tracheal tube is properly placed within the trachea. Because a tracheal tube may rotate within the trachea, the sensing information may be gathered from multiple locations on the tracheal tube for a rotation-independent measurement technique.

Abstract: A minimally invasive tracheal fluid removal device and corresponding method of use for removing accumulated subglottic secretions in an intubated patient's endotracheal tube. The device may be configured as a dual-track or single-tube suction guidance system. This device presents a significant improvement over the art as it eliminates the need to reintubate the patient each time the suction mechanism is removed to be cleaned.

Abstract: An over-tube of the present invention is an over-tube which guides a device having an insertion section to be inserted into a body of a patient, when inserting the insertion section into or retracting the insertion section from the body of the patient, wherein: a gas-supplying passage is defined between an inner face of the over-tube and the device to be inserted into the over-tube; the gas-supplying passage communicates with a gas-supplying port which is provided on a proximal end side of the over-tube, and a communicating port which is formed on an over-tube insertion section and supplies a gas into a trachea of the patient; and a first sealing member which secures an air passage for communicating the gas-supplying passage and the trachea of the patient via the communicating rod by sealing between a body wall of the patient and the communicating port, is provided on a periphery of an over-tube insertion section.

Abstract: A fenestrated tracheostomy tube has two rows of openings extending along the outside of the curve of the tube where they will be located in the trachea. The shaft of the tube is made of a soft material, such as silicone, and is reinforced along the fenestrated region by a frame of a stiffer material. The frame has a longitudinal spine extending between the two rows and has several ribs extending from the spine circumferentially on opposite sides of the openings.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting a respiratory device with a patient is provided, including a breathing tube for insertion into a patient's trachea, an inflatable cuff positioned around the breathing tube, a connection tube connected to the cuff for providing inflating air flow thereto, a pressurized air reservoir, and a valve connected to the pressurized air reservoir and to the proximal end of the connection line. The valve includes an entry port associated with an entry differential force chamber, a first exit port associated with a first differential force chamber and coupled with the connection line, a second exit port associated with a second differential force chamber and coupled with the pressurized air reservoir, and a flexible membrane selectively sealingly separating the differential force chambers. The flexible membrane is configured to selectively connect the first and second differential force chambers to maintain a substantially constant air pressure in the cuff.