Abstract: Various embodiments of a tracheal tube having a suction lumen are provided. For example, the suction lumen may be associated with two spaced apart pressure transducers, whereby a pressure drop between the transducers indicates that the suction lumen is free of blockages and a characteristic lack of pressure drop and/or particular pressure curve is indicative of a blockage. In addition, embodiments may include a tracheal tube with sensors configured to sense a buildup of secretions. The sensors may be located proximate to an opening in the suction lumen. In other embodiments, a blockage-clearing system for a suction lumen may be provided that blows air into the suction lumen to clear blockages. In particular, in certain embodiments, the blockage-clearing system may operate to create its own pressurized air source by utilizing the pressure change created in the suction line by a blockage.

Abstract: A collateral ventilation bypass trap system directly linked with a patient's lung or lungs may be utilized to increase the expiratory flow from the diseased lung or lungs, thereby treating one aspect of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The system includes a trap, a filter/one-way valve and an air carrying conduit. The system also includes a retention device for securing system elements in position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating sleep apnea and/or snoring is provided. The apparatus includes an appliance sized and structured to be placed in the pharyngeal region of a human or animal and being effective in treating sleep apnea and/or snoring, for example in maintaining openness of an oropharyngeal region of a human or animal during natural sleep, advantageously while not interfering with normal functioning of the epiglottis. The appliance may be made of a super elastic material, for example, Nitinol, and may be submucossally implanted in the pharyngeal walls.

Abstract: A tracheostomy assembly has an outer tube and an inner cannula, the outer tube having a lip at its patient end to limit insertion of the inner cannula. The lip is formed with a recess or gap on the outside of the curve of the tube. This enables a suction catheter or similar device to be slid along the tube, after removal of the inner cannula, without the risk of catching on the lip.

Abstract: A rapid orotracheal intubation guide device is disclosed that facilitates orotracheal intubation or direct orotracheal visualization without resting the device on the subject's tongue and that, during a bronchoscopic intubation, automatically ejects the endotracheal tube from the device as the endotracheal tube is advanced coaxially over a bronchoscope previous placed through the guide, thereby providing a mid-line entry of the bronchoscope and endotracheal tube, higher intubation success rate by lower skilled operators, and easy removal of the device from the patient's oral cavity.

Abstract: An endobronchial tube assembly for selective ventilation of the left or right lung has an endobronchial tube (1) with two passages opening into the left and right lungs. A selector (2) mounted at the machine end (20) of the tube (1) has a rotatable plate (70) with apertures (73, 74, 75) which can be positioned to allow gas to flow along a selected passage of the tube (1). A lock mechanism (90, 81, 82, 83) retains the plate (70) in the selected position until a button (61) is depressed to release the plate, which can then be moved to one side or the other by displacing a knob (77).

Abstract: An intubating stylet has a proximal end and a distal end. The intubating stylet includes a housing at the proximal end of the stylet and a tip portion at the distal end of the stylet. The tip portion has a distal gear at its proximal end. An outer shaft extends from the housing to the tip portion and contains an inner shaft defining a hollow lumen. A distal end of the inner shaft includes a proximal gear coupled with the distal gear of the tip portion such that rotation of the inner shaft causes articulation of the tip portion. The stylet further includes a drive member in the housing and a control member coupled with the drive member. The drive member is coupled to the inner shaft and configured to rotate the inner shaft, and the control member is configured to receive a user input and to translate the input into operation of the drive member.

Abstract: There is provided a tracheostomy tube loading catheter with a handle, mid-section, tip portion and guiding catheter portion, where the guiding catheter and tip portions are non-detachably attached to the mid-section, and where the loading catheter has a cannula therethrough.

Abstract: Device for ventilation with a double lumen endotracheal tube featuring a connecting piece at the end distal to the patient into which the two lumina of the endotracheal tube are extended, separated within the connecting piece by an axial partition wall, a connector with two nozzles leading to a joint connecting section and separated from each other by another partition wall, the connector being attachable to the connecting piece in a way that brings the partition wall and the other partition wall into a sealing contact, a ventilator and at least one tube connected to a nozzle of the connector at one end and to the ventilator at the other.

Abstract: A flexible connector couples the inlet end of a tracheotomy tube inner cannula to an outlet port of an in-line catheter. The catheter exit end of the connector is adapted to be serially coupled in pneumatic communication with the inlet end of the tracheotomy tube inner cannula and also to guide the downstream tip of the catheter into the inlet end of the inner cannula in response to pushing of the catheter upstream of the catheter outlet port. Thus, the in-line catheter can be inserted into the tracheotomy tube inner cannula with little likelihood of having to compress or “flip” the connector or disconnect the connector from the tracheotomy tube and the patient from the ventilator circuit.

Abstract: A medical device may include a tubular body configured to communicate gas and an inflatable cuff coupled to the tubular body at least by a collar. The tubular body may include an opening. The collar may include a notch positioned relative to the opening in the tubular body such that a passageway extends through at least a portion of the notch and at least a portion of the opening.

Abstract: A tube holder assembly is provided for securing a medical tube such as an endotracheal tube to a patient. In one illustrative embodiment, the holder assembly comprises a support strap for placement around the patient's head or neck region, a bracket for holding the endotracheal tube in position relative to the patient's mouth, and a face anchoring portion for securing the support strap to the patient's face region. The support strap includes a front surface and an opposed, back surface. The bracket may be attached to the front surface of the support strap. The bracket may include an upper bar and an arm extending from the upper bar. The face anchoring device may comprise a first surface configured to adhere to the patient's face region, and a second, opposed surface having a strap-engaging portion configured to mechanically engage the back surface of the support strap. The support strap may be configured to be repeatedly releasable and adjustable to the face anchoring device.

Abstract: A snorkel for users floating or skin diving on the sea is disclosed. The snorkel includes an inlet tube, a mouthpiece chamber and a mouthpiece. A comber impermeable cap with a first valve is arranged on a top end of the inlet tube while a bottom end of the inlet tube is sleeved with an inlet end of the mouthpiece chamber. A baffle is disposed inside the mouthpiece chamber so as to form an upper chamber and a lower chamber. A second valve is arranged on the inlet end of the mouthpiece chamber so as to make air flow into the mouthpiece chamber or the upper chamber. At least one third valve is arranged on a corresponding outlet end so that air or water is exhausted from the mouthpiece chamber. A mouthpiece is sleeved on top surface of the mouthpiece chamber. The exhaled waste air is unable to enter the inlet tube and is exhausted only through the third valve. Therefore, users can breathe in/out easily without water inhalation or hypoxia.

Abstract: The embodiments pertain to tracheostomy tubes with an outer cannula and a disposable inner cannula which is connected to a ventilator coupling and the other end of the ventilator coupling connected to the ventilator tubing. The existing connection between the disposable inner cannula and the ventilator coupling is made by simple insertion of the disposable inner cannula into the ventilator coupling and unintentional disconnections do occur. Embodiments consist of locking or securely fastening the connection between the disposable inner cannula and the ventilator coupling. One embodiment consists of level arms that are mounted on a ventilator coupling and a retaining collar mounted on a disposable inner cannula to securely fasten the ventilator coupling to the disposable inner cannula. This will prevent accidental or unintentional disconnection and thereby the patient's health will not be compromised nor will it deteriorate and death may be prevented.

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: Methods and devices are provided that are effective to remove an obstruction in a human airway related to snoring and/or OSA. In one embodiment, the device includes mouthpiece having a hollow body configured to be disposed in a user's mouth. The body includes superior and inferior outer surfaces as well as anterior and posterior surfaces, a channel configured to receive a user's teeth formed in at least one of the superior and inferior surfaces, an inner cavity formed between the superior, inferior, anterior, and posterior surfaces, and at least one aperture formed in the posterior surface that extends into the inner cavity. In one exemplary embodiment the at least one aperture is oriented to extend away from the user's teeth and toward a user's tongue when the mouthpiece is in use.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are described for temporarily or permanently evacuating stagnating air from a diseased lung area, typically for the purpose of treating COPD. Evacuation is accomplished by displacing the stagnant CO2-rich air with a readily diffusible gas using a transluminal indwelling catheter specially configured to remain anchored in the targeted area for long term treatment without supervision. Appropriate elevated positive gas pressure in the targeted area is then regulated via the catheter and a pneumatic control unit to force under positive pressure effusion of the diffusible gas out of the area into neighboring areas while inhibiting infusion of other gases thus effecting a gradual gas volume decrease and deflation of the targeted area.

Abstract: Current methods of drug administration to the lungs are inefficient. ‘Endotracheal Tube with Aerosol Delivery Apparatus III’ is specifically designed for uniform intrapulmonary delivery of aerosolized medication in patients on mechanical ventilation. As opposed to the current methods of drug delivery where aerosol particles are generated at the proximal end of the ETT, with majority of the particles adhering to the endotracheal tube during delivery, this invention bypasses the endotracheal tube by generating aerosol particles at its distal end. The invention consists of two coaxial hollow tubes fused to each other. The inner coaxial tube and/or one or more secondary cannulation(s) in the wall of the outer coaxial tube terminate at proximal and as MDI adapters and at the distal tip as a single or multiple micrometric orifices.

Abstract: A tube holder is provided for securing a medical tube to a patient. In one illustrative embodiment, the tube holder includes a band to secure a medical tube to a patient, and first and second tabs attached at first and second ends of the band to secure the medical tube. Each of the first and second tabs include a hook surface and a loop surface, the hook surface and loop surface to mate with one another to secure the medical tube. The first and second tabs include moisture resistant material located on a surface contacting the patient's skin.

Abstract: A pivotable endotracheal tube assembly includes an insertion tube defining a first ventilating lumen and adapted for insertion in the trachea of a patient, a connection tube defining a second ventilating lumen, and a pivotable fitting adapted to interconnect the tubes to thereby communicate the first and second ventilating lumens and provide free pivotal movement of one relative to the other. The pivotable fitting may include a a distal portion coupled to the insertion tube and having a female component, and may further include a proximal portion coupled to the connection tube and having a male component coaxially telescoped at least partially within the female component. A radial flange on the male component configured to be axially slidable within a corresponding groove in the female component may provide continuous and relative pivotable movement of the components.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a novel apparatus for providing an airway to a patient after having his or her jaw wired shut. The apparatus provides for an unobstructed airway that allows a patient with at least a partially blocked nasal passage to breathe effectively and easily during recovery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cannula (1) including a tubular body (2) with a first end (3) intended for being inserted in a surgical opening or natural orifice of a patient and a second end (4) intended for remaining on the outside and engaging with the opening by means of a flange, characterised in that the flange has at least one gripping tab (7).

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 a tapered upper end that fits between conforming tapered sections of the connector body inner surface and the insert. The insert may include features to prevent rotation of the cannula as well as rotation of the insert in the connector body. Features of the insert and connector body may also interface to mechanically retain the insert in the connector body. Different sizes of cannula may be accommodated by different inserts, while using the same or different connector bodies.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present tracheostomy valves include a flexible diaphragm abutting a rib shaped substantially as a flat plate. Opposite the rib, the diaphragm abuts a boss and forms an uninterrupted seal therewith. As the tracheostomized patient inhales, the diaphragm bends about the rib, interrupting the seal and allowing air to flow smoothly into the valve. The features of the various embodiments contribute to a positive seal at all times except during inhalation, and low resistance to airflow through the valve during inhalation.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a tracheal tube having spaced lumens and an associated ported adapter are provided. The lumens of the tracheal tube are spaced around the circumference of the tracheal tube to facilitate evacuation (e.g., suctioning and blowing) and other applications at various locations around the circumference of the tracheal tube. The ported adapter includes lumen extensions that may be inserted into the lumens of the tracheal tube, thereby forming a connection between the ported adapter and the tracheal tube. More specifically, hollow ports extending through the lumen extensions and the body of the ported adapter facilitate connection of the lumens of the tracheal tube with external equipment such as, for example, evacuation equipment for suctioning and blowing into and out of the lumens of the tracheal tube.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes systems and methods that utilize an extendable tracheal tube system. The extendable tracheal tube system includes an extendable tracheal tube having a distal end portion and a proximal end portion. The proximal end portion and the distal end portion of the extendable tracheal tube are capable of moving axially relative to each other. An obturator is also provided that is capable of aiding in the intubation and/or extubation of the extendable tracheal tube. The use of the extendable tracheal tube system and methods enables the secure attachment of the extendable tracheal tube to a patient airway while allowing for certain movements of the patient, such as neck and head movements.

Abstract: A bronchoscopy oxygenation system may be used to permit the introduction of oxygen (or other gaseous substance) through a bronchoscopy device while also permitting various procedures, for example, biopsy, lavage, and/or suction.

Abstract: A coupling for connecting a ventilator tube to a tracheotomy tube has a latching mechanism which prevents the coupling from axially displacing a tapered tubular extension of the tracheotomy tube after they have been mated in a pneumatically discrete path. For use with known adult tracheotomy tubes which have inner and outer cannulas, the latching mechanism engages the coupling with the leading end of the outer cannula collar with the inner cannula collar sandwiched therebetween. For use with known one piece children's tracheotomy tubes, the latching mechanism is a clamshell contoured to concentrically grip the tapered tubular extension of the tracheotomy tube. Interlocking the coupling and the tracheotomy tube prevents them from inadvertently axially displacing from each other. Non-axial force disengages the coupling from the tracheotomy tube so that the coupling can be axially displaced without exertion of excessive axial force on the system and the patient.

Abstract: Ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) may be prevented in a patient, or its occurrence reduced in a population of patients, by disposing in a patient airway an anti-VAP device or an anti-VAP material. By reducing the problem of bacterial-containing secretions that otherwise build up in the airway of 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.

Abstract: A device for facilitating fluid delivery to the trachea of a patient which comprises, a tubular housing adapted to be sealably mounted on an elongate element of an endoscope for examining the trachea of the patient and configured to mount an adapter for an endotracheal tube for intubating the patient over and around the elongate element, the housing having at least one inlet into a cavity inside the housing for supplying at least a first fluid and an outlet for delivering the first fluid between the elongate element and an inside wall of the endotracheal tube mounted on the adapter.

Abstract: A valve loading system is provided that uses a valve loader to transfer a valve or other medical device from a storage cartridge into a deployment catheter. The valve or other medical device can be implanted or positioned within a patient using the catheter after the valve or other medical device has been compressed and loaded into the catheter using the valve loader. The process then can be repeated by using the valve loading system to load or introduce another valve or other medical device into the catheter.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining proper endotreachal placement is disclosed. The apparatus includes an audio receiver having a body, a microphone mount in a center thereof the body and an audio cavity, an audio processing unit; and a signal cable connected at a first end to the microphone and at a second end, where the receiver is adapted to be positioned in a suprasternal notch of a patient and the acoustic signal detected after inflation of a balloon associated with an endotracheal tube. The method uses the apparatus to detect and analyze an audio signal. The audio signal is then used to confirm endotracheal tube placement.

Abstract: A device for holding a tracheostoma device over a tracheostoma of a patient including a passage having a distal and a proximal opening for receiving the tracheostoma device at the distal opening thereof. A flange may extend laterally, caudially, and cranially from the passage. The flange may have a proximal side facing the tracheostoma of the patient and a distal side facing outwardly from the patient. At least a part of said proximal side may include skin adhesive. The flange may have a higher moment of resistance in the caudal/cranial direction than in the lateral/medial direction for said device by having a higher moment of resistance in the caudal/cranial direction than in the lateral/medial direction for at least a part of said flange.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a medical device tube having scaffolding-supported inner and outer walls are provided. In particular, the medical device tube may include a plurality of struts extending from an inner wall to an outer wall of the medical device tube. In certain embodiments, each of the individual struts may connect to adjacent struts at the inner wall and the outer wall. As such, the plurality of struts may comprise a zigzag pattern circumferentially around the medical tube device. In other embodiments, the struts may extend radially from the inner wall to the outer wall of the medical tube device. Regardless, the area between the struts and the inner wall and/or the outer wall form a plurality of lumens, which may be used for suctioning, blowing, and various other applications of the medical device tube.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a tracheostomy tube having neck flanges with filleted ends are provided. In certain embodiments, the neck flange may include a fillet extending from a bottom surface of the neck flange to a tip of the neck flange. In addition, the filleted end may also be tapered from a top surface of the neck flange to the tip of the neck flange. The neck flange may also include several curved edges, such as curved edges from the tip of the neck flange to side surfaces of the neck flange, and a curved bottom surface from side surface to side surface of the neck flange.

Abstract: Device for ventilation with a double lumen endotracheal tube featuring a connecting piece at the end distal to the patient into which the two lumina of the endotracheal tube are extended, separated within the connecting piece by an axial partition wall, a connector with two nozzles leading to a joint connecting section and separated from each other by another partition wall, the connector being attachable to the connecting piece in a way that brings the partition wall and the other partition wall into a sealing contact, a ventilator and at least one tube connected to a nozzle of the connector at one end and to the ventilator at the other.

Abstract: A system for securing an endo-tracheal or other tube in position upon a patient includes a head pad and securing members which can be adjustably attached to the head pad. The head pad is configured to support the head of a patient in a supine position. The head pad includes a number of slits formed in each lateral side of the head pad, such that a securing member can be threaded through any one of the slits. The securing member is configured to be releasably and adjustably attachable to the lateral sides of the head pad by being secured to itself via hook and loop fastener portions disposed upon the member. The opposite end of the securement member can include an adhesive layer or other mechanism for attachment of the end of the member to the endo-tracheal tube or other medical article.

Abstract: The invention relates to a larynx mask comprising a dorsal cover plate with an inflatable cuff integrally formed thereon and a tube connecting connector to a plug region having an adjoining insertion section for connecting to an insertion tube. Two separate lumens are provided in the region of the insertion section, these being the esophageal lumen and a respiration lumen. Said two lumens are separated from each other by a separating or supporting wall. Said separating or supporting wall runs from the insertion section to the tip of the larynx mask. While the esophageal lumen opens into the esophageal outlet at the proximal end, the respiration lumen opens in the ventral direction, while the lumen is closed in the proximal direction close to the tip. Such a larynx mask can be produced in one piece by way of injection molding and at the same time is reinforced by the separating or supporting wall to prevent kinking.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an tracheal tube having a sensor coupled to a selectively permeable membrane are provided. In some embodiments, the membrane may be permeable to one or more blood gases and/or blood analytes. Certain embodiments of the endotracheal tube may be capable of deploying the sensor during intubation to sense one or more indicators of blood flow characteristics, such as a level of blood gases and/or blood analytes, in the respiratory tract. Embodiments of the present invention may include positioning of the sensor in a variety of suitable positions with respect to the permeable membrane, such as mounting the sensor to the underside of an inflatable permeable membrane.

Abstract: Respiratory apparatus comprising a ventilation mask (10) and means for supplying breathable gasses, under pressure, thereto and means for exhausting gases therefrom, is wherein the pressuring means is provided substantially at the inlet of the mask (10), thereby substantially reducing the length of the air supply hose to a ventilation mask (10), so that problems associated with high pressures and large volumes of dead space can be alleviated.

Abstract: An open system provides breath-synchronized, flow-targeted ventilation to augment respiration by a self-breathing patient. A sensor detects a physical property of a patient's respiratory cycle. A processor monitors the sensor and controls a gas source to deliver oxygen-containing gas through a tube extending into the patient's airway with the flow rate varying over each respiratory cycle in a predetermined non-constant waveform synchronized with the respiratory cycle to augment the patient's spontaneous respiration. Gas is delivered at a flow rate sufficient to significantly mitigate the airway pressure the patient must generate during spontaneous breathing and thereby reduce the patient's work of breathing.

Abstract: An assembly structured to inflate a retaining or pressure cuff associated with an artificial airway tube and concurrently monitor pressure therein. A pump assembly is structured to force fluid flow to the retaining cuff, for inflation, through a pressure chamber within a casing of the assemblies. An indicator member is observable through a casing window and is variably positionable dependent on and indicative of existing pressure within the retaining cuff. Existing pressure within the pressure chamber is substantially equivalent to that within the retaining cuff and is thereby indicative of pressure within the retaining cuff. A junction may be disposed in removable interconnecting relation between the casing and an inflation lumen and be structured to prevent reconnection there between.

Abstract: A larynx mask comprises a cover plate having a peripheral cuff adjoining thereon and is provided with a tube insertion connector at the distal end, while the tip has a special design at the proximal end. The cover plate ends in the region of the tip on the cuff, or even before that, and the esophageal passage runs as an open channel over a constricted region of the cuff. Said channel preferably comprises a widening and is delimited on both sides by reinforcement means, which are preferably formed by reinforcing walls or additionally as reinforcing ribs. Said design of the lead-through of the esophageal passage results in a considerable reinforcement of the proximal tip of the larynx mask and therefore counteracts possible kinking of the tip.

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 conventional respiratory nebulizer has an emergency medication dose storage system delivering the stored medication dose directly to the nebulizing chamber with a single impulse of manual force to a simple mechanical delivery system, thereby making the nebulizer useable in two steps: (a) opening the medication capsule with a simple opening action; and (b) inhaling the nebulized medication. The nebulizer can be operated without disassembling the nebulizer housing so as to expose the nebulizing chamber and without manually opening the liquid medication container and, without spillage and without manual pouring of the liquid medication directly into the nebulizing chamber, and without reassembling the nebulizer housing before positioning the inhaler mouthpiece in the mouth so as to inhale the nebulized medication. The delivery system includes a pressure burstable seal at one end of the capsule, which is burst by the application of force against the opposite end of the capsule.

Abstract: A method for increasing circulation and providing oxygen to a patient in cardiac arrest includes the step of coupling an interface to the patient's airway, the interface providing access to the patient's respiratory system. A valve system is operably attached to the interface. Oxygen is delivered through the interface a rate of between about 1.0 to about 10.0 L/min to provide a continuous supply of oxygen to the patient. While supplying the oxygen, a body structure of the patient is manipulated to increase the magnitude and duration of the patient's negative intrathoracic pressure.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a tracheal tube having a sensor disposed on a non-sealing portion of a cuff are provided. Certain embodiments of the tracheal tube may be capable of deploying the sensor during intubation to sense one or more indicators of blood flow characteristics, such as a level of blood gases and/or blood analytes, in the respiratory tract. The sensor on the cuff may be configured to deploy upon inflation of the cuff and to return to its predeployment position upon deflation of the cuff. The sensor may be further adapted to abut the tracheal mucosa of a patient or not contact the tracheal wall at all during deployment.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a tracheal tube having a mechanically deployable sensor are provided. Certain embodiments of the tracheal tube may be capable of mechanically deploying the sensor during intubation to sense one or more indicators of blood flow characteristics, such as a level of blood gases and/or blood analytes, in the respiratory tract. The mechanically deployable sensor may be configured to abut the tracheal mucosa of a patient or not contact the tracheal wall at all during deployment. The sensor may be further adapted to remain in a recess disposed in the tracheal tube prior to deployment and exit the recess when acquiring measurements.

Abstract: The invention concerns a respiratory tube (2) enclosed, at least over the major part of its length, in an inflatable flexible protective sheath (6) for isolating, from said flexible tube, the mucous membranes of the patient's airways. Further, the protective sheath (6) enables a patient to be ventilated with a breathing mixture.

Abstract: An endotracheal airway is established using an endotracheal tube having an exterior retention structure defined by a series of longitudinally spaced recesses separated by projections. A variably-sized orifice in a faceplate constricts within a recess and contacts the projections to create a barrier against movement of the endotracheal tube. The faceplate is retained on the mouth by connection to a stabilization collar which surrounds the neck of the patient to restrain against flexion and extension which could reposition the endotracheal tube from its desired position.