Abstract: A laryngeal implant for treating glottic insufficiency includes a displacement member positionable in a larynx such that at least a portion of the displacement member is disposed between thyroid cartilage and a vocal fold of the larynx. The displacement member is at least one of selectively adjustable in volume and selectively adjustable in compressibility when the displacement member is positioned in the larynx to selectively position the vocal fold in a medial displacement position.

Abstract: There is provided a balloon cuffed tracheostomy tube with a balloon designed so as to enhance the tube's anchorability without sealing the tracheal stoma. The tracheostomy tube device includes a conventional curved hollow tube. The distal end of the tube is adapted for insertion through a tracheal stoma and into the tracheal lumen of a patient's throat. The device further includes an inflatable balloon enveloping a portion of the tube. The balloon has a distal portion substantially centered about and attached to the distal end portion of the tube. The balloon also has a proximal portion attached to the bend region of the tube and positioned substantially off-center relative to the proximal portion of the tube and about the bend region below the proximal plane of the device.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a method to vent gas from a body cavity during an endoscopic procedure. A body cavity is in fluid communication with an exhaust gas inlet of a vacuum break device. The vacuum break device has a chamber in fluid communication with both the inlet and an outlet. The chamber may comprise one or more openings in fluid communication with the atmosphere. A conduit in fluid communication with the exhaust gas outlet may be connected directly or indirectly to a suction source. The suction source may be activated.

Abstract: A secure guard for an endotracheal tube includes a base ring, and a short gripper, a long gripper, and an upper lip bar each extending from the base ring. The short gripper and the long gripper each includes a flexible neck extending from the base ring and a gripping portion extending from the flexible neck. Each gripping portion includes a first gripping projection and a second gripping projection forming an opening separated by a gap to permit insertion of the endotracheal tube laterally into the opening. The gripping portions preferably include projections to contact the endotracheal tube and prevent sliding of the tube with respect to the guard. The upper lip bar includes an upper lip bar body and an upper lip adhesive strip coupled to the upper lip bar body. In some embodiments, the secure guard is sized to fit a neonate.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a tracheal tube having a tubular body with an open distal end and a tube wall with a variable thickness are provided. The tube wall may include a thickened section comprising a void. The tracheal tube may also include an offset ventilation lumen disposed in the tubular body and adapted to facilitate airflow to and from a patient. Embodiments of the tracheal tube may also include a suction lumen disposed in the thickened section of the tube wall and terminating in a port opening into the void for removal of secretions from the patient's trachea.

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 method for cleaning endotracheal tubes comprises inserting a cleaning device within an endotracheal tube while a cleaning member is in a compressed position, radially expanding the cleaning member to an expanded position within the endotracheal tube, and withdrawing the cleaning device from the endotracheal tube with the cleaning member in the expanded position.

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: According to various embodiments, a tracheal tube may include a pressure monitoring lumen configured to sample the gases in the tracheal space. The pressure monitoring lumen may be in fluid communication with a pressure transducer that provides pressure measurements. An opening of the lumen may be covered with a porous membrane that allow gas to diffuse freely in and out of the lumen, but that prevents secretions from clogging the lumen.

Abstract: A larynx mask (1) includes a cover plate (12) having a peripheral cull (13) adjoining thereon and is provided with a tube insertion connector (11) at the proximal end, while the tip (4) has a special design at the distal end. The cover plate 12 ends in the region of the tip on the cuff, or even before that, and the esophageal passage (18) runs as an open channel (20) over a constricted region (13?) of the cuff (13). Said channel preferably includes a widening (22) and is delimited on both sides by reinforcement means (21), which are preferably formed by reinforcing walls (21?) or additionally as reinforcing ribs (21?). 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 (4).

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for managing respiratory secretions and fluids in sections of artificial airways. In an embodiment of the invention, a respiratory secretion retention (RSR) device configured to fluidly connect to an artificial airway can be provided. The device can include a housing that defines a passageway for the flow of respiratory gases with at least two chambers coupled to the housing. The chambers are configured to retain exhaled respiratory particulate and liquid. The respiratory secretion retention device further includes a patient port coupled to the housing that is in fluid communication with the artificial airway and a repositionable barrier configured to isolate at least one of the two chambers from the passageway.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing more than one inflatable cuff per blow molding operation is provided. The method includes using two or more molds arranged in series and/or in parallel to simultaneously form two or more cuffs. The two or more cuffs may then be used in the manufacture of two or more respective endotracheal tubes. Apparatuses and systems for simultaneously forming the two or more cuffs are also provided.

Abstract: A single lumen endobronchial tube for selective mechanical ventilation of the lungs can include a medical tube having a single lumen with an opening at each of opposed distal and proximal ends of the tube, the opening at the proximal end of the tube being adapted for connection to an external mechanical ventilation device, and the opening at the distal end of the tube being adapted for delivery of a medical gas; a wall extending throughout the tube's entire length having an internal wall surface, an external wall surface and a thickness therebetween, a portion of the wall having an aperture and a shaft adapted to house a mechanism for sealing the aperture; a distal bronchial cuff positioned along the external wall surface and adapted to expand radially outward; and at least a first proximal tracheal cuff positioned along the external wall surface and adapted to expand radially outward.

Abstract: A device for removing bronchopulmonary secretions of a patient provides for a duct, an expansion chamber and means for accelerating the exhaled air.

Abstract: A tracheal tube (40) or laryngeal mask has a sealing cuff (41, 2) with a surface covered by a brush-like material (44, 24) provided by closely-packed fibers (25) between 1 mm and 5 mm in length. The brush-like surface (44, 24) may be provided by coating the surface with an adhesive and using an electrostatic charge to draw fibers (25) to adhere to the adhesive.

Abstract: A method of moisturizing while decolonizing mammalian tissue, comprising applying a multi-valent cationic antiseptic composition to the tissue, and applying a moisturizer composition to at least a portion of the same tissue is provided. An oral care kit comprising a composition comprising the multi-valent cationic antiseptic and the moisturizer composition, and a method of moisturizing oral tissue of a patient requiring intubation using the moisturizer composition and an endotracheal tube coated or impregnated with a cationic antiseptic are also provided.

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 submucosally implanted in the pharyngeal walls.

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: The volume of a hyperinflated lung compartment is reduced by sealing a distal end of the catheter in an airway feeding the lung compartment. Air passes out of the lung compartment through a passage in the catheter while the patient exhales. A one-way flow element associated with the catheter prevents air from re-entering the lung compartment as the patient inhales. Over time, the pressure of regions surrounding the lung compartment cause it to collapse as the volume of air diminishes. Residual volume reduction effectively results in functional lung volume expansion. Optionally, the lung compartment may be sealed in order to permanently prevent air from re-entering the lung compartment.

Abstract: A device (11) for facilitating tracheotomy. The device comprises a first branch (92), which is adapted to be introduced down the trachea of a patient, such that the end thereof is located below the larynx, and a second branch (114), adapted to be arranged on the outside of the neck with the end thereof located adjacent to the site intended for the tracheostoma. The end of the second branch comprises a guiding tube for a needle, and the end of the first branch comprises a protection plate. When the needle is moved towards the skin through the guiding tube and penetrates the skin and tracheal wall in order to provide said tracheostoma, the needle is directed towards the protection plate, and may engage it after passage through the tracheal wall. In such a manner the other side of the tracheal wall is protected. Furthermore, the tracheostoma will automatically be located at the best position.

Abstract: An improved tracheostomy tube providing a decreased tendency to produce rubbing, pressure necrosis, ulceration and scarring of the tracheal mucosa. The tube typically includes a rigid proximal section, a flexible intermediate section, a rigid distal section, and a beveled distal tip. The flexible intermediate section has a smooth surface and bends easily in response to pressure asserted by the tracheal walls, allowing the distal rigid section of the tube to remain in a parallel orientation relative to the tracheal lumen. The distal tip of the tube is beveled to provide a greater cross-sectional area at the tube's distal section. This beveled distal tip prevents the distal section of the tube from becoming obstructed by the back wall of the trachea or causing erosion of the tracheal mucosa. The distal tip also has a beaded or rounded edge, which further minimizes the risk of damage to the tracheal mucosa and provides a guide to the clinical care specialist during suctioning.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube system includes an endotracheal tube having a first conduit and a second conduit, the first conduit being fluidly separable from the second conduit and a connector in communication with both the first conduit and the second conduit.

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: 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: The present invention provides an arrangement (200) adapted for enhanced continuous flow of urine in a catheterized patient, the arrangement comprising a catheter tube (204) having an inner diameter of less than six millimeters, said tube having an inner surface which is hydrophobic at least along a first segment thereof and being adapted to provide a continuously negative fluid pressure therein.

Abstract: The present invention provides an intubation device including a nasal endotracheal tube having a proximal, relative to a person inserting the nasal endotracheal tube, end and a distal end; and an introducer including an elongated member having a proximal open end and a distal blunt end, the introducer proximal open end including a hollow mouth having sidewalls for receiving and holding the distal end of the endotracheal tube. The dilator/introducer is simply a tube, solid or hollow having a hollow proximal end that will hold a distal end of a nasal endotracheal tube in place. It will act as a dilator, and once the distal end of the endotracheal tube is past the nasopharynx and is visualized in the oropharynx, the “dilator” is removed and typically discarded. A method of use of the intubation device is also disclosed.

Abstract: An inflatable cuff may be adapted to seal a vessel of a patient, such as a trachea when associated with a medical device, such as an endotracheal tube. In one embodiment, an inflatable cuff made from multiple layers is provided where one or more layers are chosen to improve sealing of the tube in the vessel. In exemplary embodiments, the individual layers may improve sealing by swelling in the presence of moisture, being wettable by the tissues of the trachea, or both. In one implementation, the inflatable cuff may be made of any combination of layers that perform either or both of these functions.

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: An endoscopic bite block, with teeth position defining regions which guide the subject's teeth to grip the bite block in their natural position, with the teeth of the upper jaw positioned further out than the lower jaw teeth. These teeth position defining regions are also preferably curved to match the curved shape of the jaw. The upper and lower parts of the front plate of the bite block may also be positioned at different distances out, so that upper and lower lip regions both contact the front plate snuggly. The bite block may be used with separate oral/nasal cannulae, or may incorporate breath sampling or gas supply cannulae. A flexible flapped curtain at the outer end of the bite block may be provided to largely enclose the inner volume of the bite block to enable more accurate capnographic sampling under conditions of wide-open mouth breathing.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus including an elongate tubular member utilized by extending into an endotracheal tube. A cleaning assembly provided at a distal end of the elongate tubular member radially expands to engage the interior wall of the endotracheal tube, for cleaning thereof by an outer periphery, achieving an effective cleaning engagement. A fluid impervious bladder portion provides an effective seal preventing fluid seepage during cleaning withdrawal. Further, a ventilator coupling connects to the endotracheal tube, a first inlet port couples to a ventilator assembly to supply air to a patient, and a second inlet port receives the elongate tubular member there through into the endotracheal tube. Also, a bypass coupling assembly connects between the channel of the elongate tubular member and the ventilator assembly directing air into the channel of the elongate tubular member and out the distal end upon occlusion of airflow.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a tracheal tube having a flexible membrane disposed therein for separation of a ventilation lumen of the tracheal tube into multiple channels are provided. The flexible membrane is configured to divide a main ventilation lumen of the tracheal tube into an inspiration channel and an expiration channel. In some embodiments, a volume of the inspiration channel is substantially equal to a volume of the expiration channel.

Abstract: A tracheostomy tube with a tracheostomy cannula is provided at least in areas with helical reinforcement and with at least one phonation opening disposed in the tracheostomy cannula. The pitch of the helical reinforcement in the area of the at least one phonation opening is increased such that the at least one phonation opening is fitted between two turns of the helical reinforcement. An improved tracheostomy tube with high stability is provided.

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

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a sensor may be placed on a patient chest adjacent to a desired position of a distal end of a tracheal tube. The sensor may be configured to emit an electromagnetic field into the patient and detect perturbations to that field caused by the presence of the tracheal tube. As the tube is inserted within the trachea, the sensor may detect the tube when the distal end passes within range of the sensor, indicating that a proper insertion depth has been reached. In certain embodiments, multiple sensors may be placed along the chest adjacent to the trachea to determine a distance between the tube and an anatomical structure. The distance information may provide an indication as to whether the tracheal tube is properly placed within the trachea.

Abstract: The invention relates to an artificial airway device (1) to facilitate lung ventilation of a patient, comprising an airway tube (2) and a mask (3) carried at one end of the airway tube, the mask (3) having a distal end (4) and a proximal end (5) and a peripheral formation (6) capable of forming a seal around the circumference of the laryngeal inlet, the peripheral formation (6) surrounding a hollow interior space or lumen (7) of the (mask (3) and the bore of the airway tube (2) opening into the lumen (7) of the mask, the airway tube including support means (44) such that the cross sectional area of the bore is substantially maintained upon application of pressure by the patient's teeth, whilst allowing local deformation of the tube at the point of tooth contact.

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: A nasal cannula adapter. The nasal cannula adapter includes a chamber having cannula clips, and a connector having an opening and a connector lumen in communication with the chamber and the opening. Systems for administering a gas to a patient comprise the nasal cannula adapter, a nasal cannula, and an airway device. Methods for administering a gas to a patient comprise administering a gas through a nasal cannula operably connected to the nasal cannula adapter operably connected to an airway device inserted into the airway of the patient.

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: According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a bite block assembly adapted for capnography and oxygen delivery to a subject, the bite block assembly including a first capnography passageway adapted for passage therethrough of exhaled breath from the subject to a capnograph and a second oxygen delivery passageway, separate from the first passageway, adapted for passage therethrough of oxygen from an oxygen source to the mouth of the subject.

Abstract: An airway management apparatus for engagement with a catheter for oxygenation of a patient includes a main body having a major axis, a first port extending in a proximal direction along the major axis, a second port, and a third port extending in a distal direction along the major axis. The third port comprises a connector for engagement with a proximal end of the catheter. The connector may have a plurality of radially compressible members extending in a distal direction, and circumferentially aligned to receive the catheter proximal end. An axially movable member is positioned to selectively compress the compressible members around the catheter proximal end to form a locking engagement, and to release the compressible members. A wire guide is insertable into the trachea through the first and third ports, and the catheter.

Abstract: A control unit for a ventilator is arranged to receive, from each of a number of electrode pairs on an esophageal catheter a bioelectric signal having an ECG component. The control unit has a calculating unit that determines the ECG component of each of the bioelectric signals and a position unit that determines the position of the catheter in relation to the patient's diaphragm based on a comparison the amplitudes of ECG components of the bioelectric signals.

Abstract: A brain cooling apparatus includes a tube body 2 which can maintain an airway in the respiratory tract of a living body; a pharyngeal cuff 5 which is provided in the peripheral part of this tube body 2 and can store a cooled fluid; and an injection and discharge portion 6 which can inject and discharge a fluid into and from this pharyngeal cuff 5, in which the pharyngeal cuff 5 is flexible enough to inflate and deflate when a fluid is injected and discharged, and when a fluid is injected in a state where an airway in the respiratory tract of a living body is maintained by the tube body 2, the inflated pharyngeal cuff adheres closely to the pharyngeal part T of the living body.

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

Abstract: Anti-fouling treatments are applied to polymer substrates for preventing bacterial adhesion. The polymer substrate may comprise a medical device, such as a catheter. The treatment generally comprises a polymer layer graft polymerized to the surface of the polymer substrate. An anti-biofilm agent is contained in the polymer layer or applied to the surface. A polymer over-layer is then applied that encapsulates the anti-biofilm agent. The anti-biofilm agent prevents bacterial adhesion through the polymer over-layer.

Abstract: There is provided a neck patch to be adhered on a tracheostoma, which is very light and has a good respiratory activity and an excellent sealing behavior when adhered on top of a tracheostoma in the neck of a patient. The neck patch is made of a thin, planar, flexible foil having a thickness of between 5 and 30 ?m, which is adhesive on its proximal side only and has a centrically arranged hole on its distal side, and around which a hard, round plastic connector disk having a central recess is arranged, the neck patch further comprising a supporting frame that surrounds the outer edge of the film and is approximately five to ten times thicker than the film so that the neck patch can be positioned without being rolled together.

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: 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: Hand operated articulated intubation stylet including an articulated stylet member with a link at its distal end, a L-shaped lever with a downward depending handle for tautening a flexible wire for flexing the link into a flexed positioned to form a hook-like configuration in the stylet member's side view, and a stopper mechanism mounted on the stylet member for stopping insertion of the stylet member into an endotracheal tube at a suitable position depending on the endotracheal tube's length. The handle and the link are on opposite sides of the stylet member such that a user conveniently operates the stylet with his fingers stretched out to grip the stylet member and his palm depressing the handle towards the stylet member to flex the stylet member's link into its flexed position for manipulating an endotracheal tube's outboard end for insertion into a patient's trachea.

Abstract: Apparatus for oxygenating the airway of a patient may include a device for delivering an oxygen-carrying gas into the airway, a fire detection system configured to detect indications of an imminent or incipient fire in the airway, and a fire suppression system configured to suppress the imminent or incipient fire in the airway in response to detection of the fire in the airway by the fire detection system. A drape for use during surgery on a patient may include a sheet configured to cover an area of the patient during surgery, a fire detection system attached to the sheet and configured to detect indications of an imminent or incipient fire beneath the sheet, and a fire suppression system attached to the sheet and configured to suppress the imminent or incipient fire beneath the sheet in response to detection of the imminent or incipient fire by the fire detection system.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for inhibiting growth of bacteria and to nanometer scale surfaces having antibacterial properties.