Abstract: An improved endotracheal tube is provided which is adapted to optimally and safely accommodate the nasopharyngeal airway during nasopharyngeal intubation. The endotracheal tube includes a body having a nasopharyngeal section adapted to sealably enclose and contain a spirally-wound coil longitudinally therealong. The nasopharyngeal section integrally transposes into a rigid section which extends longitudinally from the nasopharyngeal section and terminates at a lower end of endotracheal tube. The nasopharyngeal section with incorporated spirally-wound coil allows for multiple positioning of nasopharyngeal section about a face of a patient, thereby minimizing pressure sores, abrasions, and ulcerations, and further allows for quick, easy, and efficient surgical access to the nasopharyngeal airway without requiring removal of the endotracheal tube.

Abstract: A kink resistant silicon endotracheal tube includes an inflatable cuff for positioning the endotracheal tube in a patient's trachea. The cuff is folded over onto itself to provide a cavity for accumulating bacteria and secretions that are then removed by suction. The cuff in the lower part of the endotracheal tube is also folded over onto itself for centering the endotracheal tube in the center of an airway. A suction catheter is also positioned in a portion of the tube under tension as opposed to a portion under compression to reduce the likelihood of kinking. A kink resistant endotracheal tube also includes a thickened and/or reinforced area of the curved portion of the endotracheal tube in an area under compression.

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: An oral airway for providing an air passage to a patient's trachea. The oral airway includes a curved section and a straight section with the curved section having spaced-apart curved upper and lower members and the straight section having spaced-apart planar upper and lower members with the same width. The curved upper member has the same width as the planar upper member with the curved lower member having a greater width than the width of the lower planar member. The width of the curved lower member is greater than the width of the planar lower member and the distance between the curved upper and lower members is greater than the distance between the planar upper and lower members. The curved lower member has a generally inverted V-shaped cross-section.

Abstract: There is provided a medical tube lumen plug, including: a plug, including: a body configured to be mechanically coupled to a lumen of a medical tube; and a protrusion configured to extend external to the medical tube, wherein the protrusion is configured to prevent occlusion of an aperture, wherein the aperture is configured to provide a pathway between the lumen and a region external to the medical tube.

Abstract: A medical device includes a conduit for a fluid. The conduit has a wall formed of a hydrophobic polymer with a hydrophilic polymer layer extruded over it, and an antimicrobial substantially dispersed within the hydrophilic polymer. The antimicrobial compound may be a predetermined amount of phosphorus-based glass having a predetermined quantity of a metal such as silver substantially dispersed therein. The medical device may be an endotracheal tube made by providing a hydrophobic polymer, a hydrophilic polymer and an antimicrobial compound, forming the hydrophobic polymer, the hydrophilic polymer and the antimicrobial compound into a conduit, and forming a cuff on an end of the conduit.

Abstract: There is provided a looped tether to prevent the over-withdrawal of a suction catheter from a connecting fitting in a closed suction catheter respiratory device. The looped tether is made from a single thread or strand that is looped or doubled in length with the two loose ends connected together to produce the loop. The looped tether provides better distribution of the forces at the ends of the device and is relatively simple to assemble. Also provided is a system for preventing the over-withdrawal of a suction catheter from a connecting fitting in a closed suction catheter respiratory device.

Abstract: An oropharyngeal device, for example, an endotracheal tube or a laryngeal mask airway, intended for insertion into a patient includes a tube portion defining a lumen which permits flow of a ventilating gas to the patient who may be under anesthesia for performance of surgery. The device includes a reinforcement member in a bite-resistant zone, which keeps the lumen open during patient biting to prevent occlusion of the lumen and/or interruption of the flow of ventilating gas. The reinforcement member can have a number of adjacent or closely-spaced wire turns or another suitable structure, and can cooperate with the tube portion to provide good bite-resistance. The tube portion optionally can be yieldable in the bite-resistant zone and provide cushioning during biting to inhibit dental or other damage.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a balloon catheter for the respiratory tract, which serves to widen the lumen of the respiratory tract when stricture or stenosis of the lumen occurs and is configured to enable a patient to breathe even during catheterization. The catheter includes a tube unit having a double structure consisting of an inner tube and an outer tube spaced apart from the inner tube to surround the inner tube, and a cylindrical balloon integrally connected to facing distal ends of the inner and outer tubes. The balloon is inflated to have a hollow cylindrical shape as inflation gas is supplied into the outer tube, thereby acting to widen the stenosed or narrowed lumen of the respiratory tract, and simultaneously, oxygen is supplied into the inner tube to pass through the cylindrical balloon, thereby enabling a patient to breathe and resulting in stability in catheterization.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for supporting and retaining a tracheal cannula or a similar appliance on a person's neck. The device comprises wings on the cannula projecting in opposite directions from the cannula. Fastening means connected with the wings comprises an element having an adhesive surface for attachment to the skin of the neck.

Abstract: A supraglottic airway of the type used to facilitate lung ventilation and the insertion of endo-tracheal tubes or related medical instruments through a patient's laryngeal opening including a guide structure for use in deploying an esophageal blocker into the patient's esophagus and additionally or alternatively including a bite block for inhibiting a patient from biting an internal passageway in the respiratory tube of the airway closed.

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: A lung-volume-reduction device for treating a lung to relieve symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and/or emphysema. The device includes a chest-mounted housing and a conduit which projects from the housing through an aperture in the chest of the patient into the lung. The other end of the conduit is connected to flow-control device which may include a valve such as a one-way valve, check valve or pressure-actuated valve. The flow-control device is positioned within the chest-mounted housing. The lung-volume-reduction device permits gasses to pass through the conduit and flow-control device and vent to atmosphere external of the patient.

Abstract: The disclosed laryngeal mask airway device includes a rigid airway tube, a mask portion, and a viewing system. The mask portion is inflatable and can be inserted, when deflated, through a patient's mouth to a location near the patient's glottic opening. The mask portion also includes an epiglottis elevator bar and a distal end of the bar defines an aperture. The viewing system has a proximal end located outside the patient. The viewing system also has a distal end positioned so that light rays can pass from a portion of the patient's anatomy, through the aperture in the elevator bar, and into the distal end of the viewing system.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed for the cleaning of an endotracheal tube while a patient is being supported by a ventilator connected to the endotracheal tube for the purpose of increasing the available space for airflow or to prevent the build up of materials that may constrict airflow or be a potential nidus for infection. In one embodiment, a mechanically-actuated endotracheal tube cleaning device is configured to removably receive a visualization member to provide cleaning of the endotracheal tube under direct visualization.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed for the cleaning of an endotracheal tube while a patient is being supported by a ventilator connected to the endotracheal tube for the purpose of increasing the available space for airflow or to prevent the build up of materials that may constrict airflow or be a potential nidus for infection. In one embodiment, a mechanically-actuated endotracheal tube cleaning device is configured to removably receive a visualization member to provide cleaning of the endotracheal tube under direct visualization.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a connector assembly are provided to removably couple a proximal end of a tracheal tube to components associated with a ventilator or an anesthesiology machine The disclosed embodiments include a compression fitting, which creates an airtight seal between walls of the tracheal tube and components of the compression fitting, thus allowing air to flow to and from a patient.

Abstract: A device for maintaining an airway in a patient comprises mask having a peripheral portion that forms a seal with the larynx when the mask is positioned in the laryngo pharynx to thereby prevent ingress of extraneous fluids into the larynx airway tube connected to or formed with the mask for passing gas to the larynx when the mask is properly inserted into the laryngo pharynx. The peripheral portion of the mask includes a soft, flexible portion that contacts tissues surrounding the laryngeal opening when the device is inserted into a patient, the soft, flexible portion being arranged whereby application of pressurised gas to the airway tube urges the soft, flexible portion into contact with the tissues surrounding the laryngeal opening or the pharyngeal wall.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed for the cleaning of an endotracheal tube while a patient is being supported by a ventilator connected to the endotracheal tube for the purpose of increasing the available space for airflow or to prevent the build up of materials that may constrict airflow or be a potential nidus for infection. In one embodiment, a mechanically-actuated endotracheal tube cleaning device is configured to removably receive a visualization member to provide cleaning of the endotracheal tube under direct visualization.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed for the cleaning of an endotracheal tube while a patient is being supported by a ventilator connected to the endotracheal tube for the purpose of increasing the available space for airflow or to prevent the build up of materials that may constrict airflow or be a potential nidus for infection. In one embodiment, a mechanically-actuated endotracheal tube cleaning device is configured to removably receive a visualization member to provide cleaning of the endotracheal tube under direct visualization.

Abstract: A subglottic suctioning system with a tracheal tube having a ventilation lumen, a cuff inflation lumen, and a suction lumen are disclosed which may help reduce the incidence of ventilator associated (or acquired) pneumonia. The suction lumen communicates with the space in the trachea above the cuff where secretions accumulate. The suction lumen has a valve on the proximal end for connection to a source of vacuum. The valve is adapted to interrupt the supply of vacuum to the suction lumen to allow for the introduction of a rinsing fluid in its place and to automatically re-establish the connection to the source of vacuum upon completion of rinsing. The rinsing fluid aids in maintaining an open suction lumen and may include medicaments and mucolytic agents to enhance or promote healing or to alter the properties of the mucus to make removal easier. The user may easily and repeatedly alternate suction and rinsing fluid through the suction lumen, i.e.

Abstract: A supraglottic airway device comprising a tube and a face plate assembly slidably installed on the tube, whereby upon insertion of the tube within the airway of a patient the face plate assembly is slid distally along the tube so as to substantially seal about the mouth of the patient. The supraglottic airway device further comprises an introduction tip assembly mounted on the tube substantially opposite the face plate assembly so as to guide the device into the patient airway and an expandable foam cuff located along the tube between the face plate assembly and the tip assembly so as to seat the device within the airway. The face plate assembly may further comprise tabs for substantially sealing within the nose of the patient.

Abstract: The invention provided medical apparatuses incorporating dyes to facilitate proper positioning in patients, and methods for their use. The apparatuses can be, for example, tubes, catheters, or needles. In some embodiments, the dye is a near infrared fluorescent dye.

Abstract: A closed specimen collection system includes a port tube that is rotatably attached to tubing of a urinary drainage system attached to an indwelling urinary catheter. The port tube has a one-way valve located adjacent one end formed to fit sealably with a shaped nozzle. A collection has a proximal end and a distal end with a shaped nozzle at the proximal end adapted to fit sealably into the port tube adjacent the one-way valve. A specimen container has a hollow body, a back end and a front end with a sealable aperture sized and shaped to attach to the distal end of the collection tube. A piston fits closely within the hollow body and is attached to an actuating rod. When the actuating rod is moved away from the front end of the container, urine will flow into the specimen container through the collection tube in a sterile condition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical device having a coating comprising at least one polyurethane urea, wherein the coating comprises at least one polyurethane urea terminated with a copolymer unit of polyethyloxide and polypropyloxide.

Abstract: A dual arch dental appliance including a body which contains a pair of impact absorbing members located in molar regions of the arches. The impact absorbing members are selected from plastic material that exhibits high impact absorption coupled with low resilience or rebound. The result is an appliance which transfers minimal shock to the wearer. The appliance preferably further includes a bumper for providing enhanced impact protection to all of the user's upper and lower teeth. An airway opening is preferably provided to facilitate breathing when the appliance is clenched between the teeth. A post may be provided for structural reinforcement of the airway opening and, optionally, for receiving a tether for fastening the device to a helmet.

Abstract: A nasal cannula and mouthpiece assembly for delivering oxygen to a person is provided having a nasal cannula, at least two mouthpieces, two pairs of oxygen supply tubes and two sets of adjustors. Each mouthpiece has a first outer end for receiving oxygen and a second outer end with a first and second opening. The first opening delivers oxygen across lips of a mouth of the person and the second opening delivers oxygen inside the mouth from the sides. A sleeve member encloses each of the mouthpieces and positions the mouthpieces in front of the sides of the mouth. The oxygen supply tubes of the first pair deliver oxygen to the nasal cannula and those of the second pair deliver oxygen to the first pair and to the mouthpieces. The two sets of adjustors adjust the lengths of the oxygen supply tubes of the first pair and the mouthpieces to provide a desired fit of the assembly on the person.

Abstract: An oral airway includes a first component having a first guiding surface and a second component having a second guiding surface. The first component and the second component are adapted to be removably coupled together such that the first guiding surface and the second guiding surface collectively define and encompass an interior passage through the oral airway that is dimensioned to direct, for example, a fiber-optic scope or an endotracheal tube extending through the interior passage for tracheal intubation. The first and second components are configured to be decoupled and independently removed from a patient's mouth without disrupting an endotracheal tube that has been extended through the conduit for tracheal intubation. The first and second components may be maintained in coupled disposition by an interlocking mechanical structure. The first and second components also may be maintained in coupled disposition by magnetism.

Abstract: An oral airway includes a first component having a first guiding surface and a second component having a second guiding surface. The first component and the second component are adapted to be removably coupled together such that the first guiding surface and the second guiding surface collectively define and encompass an interior passage through the oral airway that is dimensioned to direct, for example, a fiber-optic scope or an endotracheal tube extending through the interior passage for tracheal intubation. The first and second components are configured to be decoupled and independently removed from a patient's mouth without disrupting an endotracheal tube that has been extended through the conduit for tracheal intubation. The first and second components may be maintained in coupled disposition by an interlocking mechanical structure. The first and second components also may be maintained in coupled disposition by magnetism.

Abstract: An adjustable mask apparatus for use in a breathing assistance system may include a housing, an adjustment arm, and a locking member. The housing may support a cushion configured to provide a seal against a patient's face. The adjustment arm may include a first end configured for attachment to a head gear, and a second end rotatably coupled to the housing to allow rotation of the adjustment arm to adjust a distance between the first end of the adjustment arm and the patient's head. The locking member may be coupled to the housing and may be configured to secure the adjustment arm in one of a plurality of predetermined rotational positions, each predetermined rotational position comprising a rotational position of the adjustment arm with respect to the housing.

Abstract: A bite block 20 for use during transoral medical procedures has a main lumen 42 and a side mount 110 for receiving a separately inserted airway 160. The airway 110 may be a commercially available nasopharangeal airway which is inserted in mount 110 and extends into the oral cavity so as to effectively function as oral pharangeal airway.

Abstract: Apparatus for assisting phonation in a wearer of a tracheostomy tube having a first end lying outside the trachea of the wearer in the use orientation, a second end lying inside the trachea of the wearer in the use orientation, and a first lumen coupling the first and second ends of the tracheostomy tube. The tracheostomy tube may or may not include a fenestration through a sidewall of the tracheostomy tube coupling the first lumen to the outside of the tracheostomy tube. The apparatus includes a cannula for insertion into the first lumen from the first end of the tracheostomy tube. The cannula includes a first end lying outside the first end of the tracheostomy tube in the use orientation, a second, opposite end, and a second lumen coupling the first and second ends of the cannula.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a tracheal tube may include signal sources for providing information at various locations on the tube or in an inflated cuff The signals from the signal sources may be triangulated to determine the location of the tube in relation to a reference point on the body. The location information may provide an indication as to whether or not the tracheal tube is properly placed within the trachea.

Abstract: Methods and systems for lung volume reduction of a patient are described. The methods include implanting a flow control device in a bronchial passageway of the lung. The flow control device regulates fluid flow through the bronchial passageway and includes a valve protector that at least partially surrounds a valve member. The valve protector has sufficient rigidity to maintain the shape of the valve member against compression.

Abstract: The invention relates to a devices and methods for lung ventilation in a patient. In particular, there is provided a laryngeal mask airway device for facilitation of lung ventilation in a patient, comprising an airway tube opening at one end into the interior of a hollow mask portion, the mask portion including a backplate and a cuff, the mask portion shaped to conform to and to fit readily into the actual and potential space behind the larynx and to seal around the circumference of the laryngeal inlet without penetrating into the interior of the larynx, the airway tube extending from a proximal end to a distal end and having a tab disposed near said proximal end, a sealed airway passage extending from the proximal end of the tube to the glottic opening when the cuff is at the inserted location, characterized in that the tab is adapted to be biasable towards the philtrum of the patient in use.

Abstract: Tracheal ventilation device, particularly a tracheal tube, which seals the trachea in a substantially air-tight manner. The device includes a cuff that blocks the trachea below the glottis and is traversed by a ventilation cannula. The cuff is larger in its filled, freely displaceable, unrestricted state than in its filled state positioned in the trachea. The cuff is of a flexible soft film material and lies against the trachea by means of its folds. The device is adapted to the morphology of a child's larynx and is available in finely graded sizes.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a secretion collection and/or sample analysis device are provided for point-of-care collection and/or analysis of secretions collected from the airways of intubated patients. The disclosed embodiments include a variety of placements of the device with respect to a tracheal tube that include in a secretion reservoir, between an evacuation conduit and the secretion reservoir, and connected in series after the evacuation conduit and the secretion reservoir. Certain embodiments may include a lab-on-a-chip device that analyzes secretions via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based DNA sequencing.

Abstract: There is provided an improved tracheostomy tube having a distal section that over-molds a proximal section. The distal section is desirably made from a more flexible polymer than the proximal section to reduce trauma should the distal section contact the tracheal wall. The insertion of the tracheal tube in the trachea results in large forces being exerted on the tube. Forces acting on the tube after installation can also be rather large. Over-molding of the proximal section by the distal section results in a stronger bond than if the parts are butt-welded. The sections are desirably made from the same polymer and are desirably substantially transparent or clear to visible light so that cameras or other observation means may be used to inspect the tracheal walls through the tracheostomy tube without removing it from the patient.

Abstract: There is provided an improved tracheostomy tube having a proximal section over-molded by a distal section, where the sections have a differential in the degree of radio-opacity. The radio-opaque material allows a medical professional to determine the location of the tube in the trachea non-invasively, using an x-ray or similar device. In addition, aligning the top (proximal end) of the balloon with the transition between the distal and proximal sections of the tube allows a medical professional to know the exact location of the balloon. The length of the proximal section may be set so that the balloon is place in a pre-determined position so that the transition point between the distal and proximal sections may be used as a position indicator.

Abstract: A co-axial oral intubation device includes a generally J-shaped blade (flat or curved) with handle portion to deliver a flexible airway instrument, such as a fiber optic bronchoscope, when coupled to the blade into the trachea of a patient for subsequent co-axial intubation with the flexible airway instrument. The blade is long enough that the handle portion remains outside the patient for manipulation, after insertion into the patient's airway. An enclosed guide is coupled to the back side of the blade, conforming to the blade, for guiding and holding the flexible airway instrument. An oral intubation system includes the co-axial oral intubation device, together with a flexible airway instrument.

Abstract: A double-body therapeutics face and tracheostomy mask which functions as both a mask for the nose and mouth of a patient and a mask for the tracheostomy tube area of a patient is disclosed. The mask of the present invention serves as a means for delivering a gaseous medicament or a liquid, such as liquid medication, in the form of a fine spray or mist to the nose, mouth, and trachea of the patient simultaneously. The upper body (1) of the mask fits over the nose and mouth area of the patient and the lower body (5) of the mask fits a patient's tracheostomy tube area. The upper and lower mask bodies may be connected to one another and to a nebulizing apparatus (4) and adjustable-length delivery conduit (17). Therefore, the double-body therapeutics face and tracheostomy mask of the present invention may be adjusted to comfortably fit the face and trachea area of any sized patient.

Abstract: A breathing protector for use in a stoma of a laryngectomized or tracheotomised person is provided. This breathing protector is provided with an inlet and an outlet, such that an air flow in use will pass from the surroundings of said person through said inlet to said outlet, into trachea of said person. The breathing protector further comprises a heat-moisture exchanger (3) and a bacteriological filter (4), such that said air flow will pass through said heat-moisture exchanger and said bacteriological filter when said air flow in use passes through said inlet to said outlet. Also, the breathing protector is provided with a closing member (6) that may be activated to close the communication between said at least one inlet and said at least one outlet.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for adjusting a determination of the amount of breathing assistance a patient requires while on a ventilator. In general, in determining the amount of breathing assistance required, the ventilator takes into account an airflow resistance attributable to the tube used to deliver ventilation to the patient's lungs. A tube compensation factor is calculated using a tube compensation algorithm, or similar equation. In particular, the tube compensation factor represents the resistance to airflow attributable to the breathing tube itself based on, inter alia, frictional drag, turbulence, and an internal diameter of the tube. Changes in the tube during ventilation impact the calculation of the breathing assistance required by the patient and are accounted for when compensating for the breathing tube.

Abstract: An airway device for insertion into the trachea or bronchi of a human or animal, comprising an elongate flexible tube (10) having a distal end, a proximal end and a lumen therethrough, the device further comprising a cuff (11) located at or near the distal end of the flexible tube, wherein the cuff comprises an inner inflatable region (12) and an outer soft barrier region (13) adapted to prevent the walls of the airway coming into direct contact with the inner inflatable region when the cuff is in position and inflated.

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 insertion aid device includes a handle to hold the insertion aid device and a tongue depressor to depress the tongue of the patient. A curved wedge-shaped tongue depressor maintains the patient's mouth in an open position.

Abstract: A system for removal of pooled secretions is provided. The system includes one or more tubes, at least one reservoir coupled to the one or more tubes; a cap detachably coupled to the at least one reservoir; and a suction mechanism having a button and is coupled to the at least one reservoir.

Abstract: A medical apparatus for removing fluid accumulated along a respiratory tract of a patient, and particularly around an endotracheal tube, is disclosed. The disclosed apparatus may include a tube defining a lumen extending between a distal fluid port and a proximal fluid port, wherein the tube forms a self-supported, three-dimensional structure. The three-dimensional structure may include a distal coil adapted to be slidably and rotatably mounted on the exterior surface of the endotracheal tube. The three-dimensional structure may also include a proximal coil.

Abstract: Spontaneous respiration is detected by sensors. An additional amount of oxygen is administered to the lungs via a jet gas current at the end of an inhalation procedure. Breathing volume, absorption of oxygen during inhalation, and clearance of carbon dioxide during exhalation are improved. If required, the exhalation procedure of the patient can be arrested or slowed by a countercurrent to avoid a collapse of the respiration paths. An apparatus including an oxygen pump can be connected to an oxygen source and includes a tracheal prosthesis that can be connected via a catheter. The respiration detections sensors are connected to a control unit for activating the oxygen pump. The tracheal prosthesis includes a tubular support body with a connection for the catheter, and the sensors are associated with the support body. The tracheal prosthesis and jet catheter are dimensioned so the patient can freely breathe and speak without restriction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sizing device for sizing an inside diameter of a lung passageway. The device includes an elongate shaft configured for positioning in the lung passageway and a sizing element at the distal end of the shaft. The sizing element defines a range of transverse dimensions that correspond to a range of transverse dimensions suitable for use with a predetermined set of bronchial isolation devices. The device is used to determine the suitability of a bronchial isolation device for use in the lung passageway prior to using a separate delivery catheter to deliver the bronchial isolation device into the lung passageway.